Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action

Harvard-Westlake’s Middle School South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) recently hosted a mango lassi smoothie tasting to celebrate the start of the school year. Students learned some fun facts about lassi, ate some popular Indian snacks, and chatted about exciting events the affinity group has planned for the year. It was a delicious event!

Harvard-Westlake’s Middle School Asian American Culture Club (AACC) recently hosted a fun gathering to kick off the 2025-26 school year: a matcha latte bar! Students learned some fun facts about matcha, from traditional ways it’s prepped to how the tea leaves are harvested.

Ahead of the new school year, student leaders from each affinity group came together for a Sunday leadership training session focused on strengthening their roles and impact on campus. Through workshops, team-building activities, and reflection exercises, students developed tools to lead with clarity, confidence, and care. The training emphasized inclusive leadership, group facilitation, and building community within and across affinity spaces to set the tone for a strong, collaborative year.

The Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) hosted its annual retreat at the Harvard-Westlake Middle School, bringing students together for a fun and energizing day. The event featured a sound bath, raffles, a photo booth, and food, creating space for connection, leadership growth, and community building. It was a joyful way to kick off the school year and welcome both returning and new members.

On Thursday, May 22, the Special Olympics Unified Club hosted a high-energy Unified Basketball Game in Taper Gym in partnership with The Help Group. HW students and visiting athletes played side-by-side, cheered on by a packed crowd, the Spirit Team, and Dr. Jon Carroll on the mic with play-by-play and player intros. The gym was full of joy, support, and connection—reminding everyone of the power of sport to bring people together. It was a heartwarming moment of inclusion and school spirit that won’t soon be forgotten.

For the final Brown Bag Lunch and Learn of the year, the Women of Color Club (WOC) shared their reflections on their year. Students spoke candidly about their growth over the school year, challenges, and moments of joy, offering faculty and staff a powerful glimpse into their experiences. From Roe v. Bro, video content meant to test their male peer’s knowledge of the female experience to studies of Roxane Gay, the event highlighted the brilliance, compassion, and leadership of young women of color within the Harvard-Westlake community.

On Friday, May 16, Asian Students in Action (ASiA) & Asian Amerincan Culture Club (AACC) community gathered in Ahmanson for a special screening of DiDi, followed by a panel with the film’s star, Izaak Wang. The coming-of-age story follows a Taiwanese-American eighth grader as he navigates identity, culture, and growing up in the early days of YouTube and social media. Izaak, a Critics’ Choice nominee, shared insights on the film’s impact and the importance of authentic Asian American representation. DiDi has been recognized at Sundance, SXSW, and film festivals around the world for its honest and heartfelt storytelling.

On May 13, the Middle School’s SASA and AACC came together to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with their first-ever beverage tasting event. Student leaders kicked things off with a brief intro to the month’s significance and fun facts about each drink. Attendees sampled a variety of iconic Asian beverages, from chai and mango lassi to Sac Sac, Milkis, Ramune, and Calpico. It was a fun, flavorful way to celebrate culture, community, and collaboration.