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Cultivating Student Leadership Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A highlight of the Sankofa Conference was a panel discussion with Sterling Wilson ‘92, VP of IT Services and Data Management at National Cooperative Bank; Dr. Thelma Thomas Daley, a humanitarian, organization leader, and counseling professional, and Jamyla Bennu, an entrepreneur, creative strategist, and advocate for cooperative economics. Student moderators Kali Rahman '26 and Kyle Rollins '26 led the discussion.
“At McDonogh School, leadership is more than taking charge— it’s about listening, learning, and fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued,” says Director of Equity and Inclusion Enaye Englenton. “Students are empowered to engage in meaningful discussions and initiatives centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a result, their understanding of the world is enhanced and they are equipped with the skills necessary to lead in our rapidly changing world.”
Student leadership goes hand-in-hand with LifeReady—McDonogh’s vision for preparing students for a lifetime of purpose and by cultivating leaders who act with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to doing “the greatest possible amount of good.”
Throughout the year, Englenton works with students to connect them with leadership opportunities that shape them as individuals and strengthen the School community, ensuring that McDonogh remains a place where everyone belongs.
She says, “Students develop empathy by engaging with diverse perspectives—a critical skill that allows them to navigate an increasingly complex world with thoughtfulness and respect.”
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication to this work and look forward to seeing how they continue to lead, advocate, and inspire,” Englenton adds. “Their voices and actions make McDonogh a stronger, more inclusive community.”
Following are some examples of the leadership roles recently undertaken by Upper and Middle School students:
The Upper School student-led Student Diversity Leadership Council (SDLC) is dedicated to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where all students feel seen and valued. Their mission is to promote cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and foster a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
Under the guidance of Dr. Carlye Schock, Upper School Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, the SDLC cultivates an inclusive and equitable campus culture through education, advocacy, and dialogue by amplifying student voices and lived experiences. In recent months, they have played a pivotal role in shaping campus conversations—planning advisory lessons, leading student-driven dialogues, and creating spaces for peers to engage in meaningful discussions on identity, privilege, and equity. These efforts strengthen our school culture and empower students to shape its future as an inclusive and understanding community.
On Friday, February 28, student leaders of Sankofa, McDonogh’s Black student alliance club, hosted the Annual Sankofa Conference for Black student groups from 9 area independent schools. They selected themes, curated breakout discussions, and invited guest speakers to inspire and empower their peers from within the McDonogh community and beyond. Their leadership ensures that the conference is an intentional space for education, dialogue, and celebration of Black identity and culture.
Student Leadership at Local and National Conferences
Beyond our campus, McDonogh students are deepening their commitment to equity and inclusion leadership by engaging with peers nationwide.
Students attended the NAIS Student Leadership Conference in February.
In February, four upper school students attended the NAIS Student Civic Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where they explored solutions to pressing social issues. They chose to address poverty in Baltimore County and, in collaboration with Greatest Good McDonogh, are now working to develop and implement their project. This hands-on experience equipped them with critical insights into social justice issues while providing them with the tools to enact meaningful change.
Middle schoolers at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference at Calvert School.
Ten Middle School students joined more than 100 students from 14 regional independent schools at the Middle School Student Diversity Leadership Conference on February 14 at Calvert School. They engaged in dynamic learning sessions on topics ranging from disability awareness to educational equity—an experience that broadened their perspectives, deepened their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and inspired them to become changemakers within McDonogh’s school community.
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