For Diversity Dialogue Day in October, Upper School students had the opportunity to hear from strategist, community organizer, and executive operations expert Deesha Dyer. Former Social Secretary for the White House from 2015-2017 and 2019 Resident Fellow for the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, Deesha’s career and personal mission reflects her passion for civic engagement and social justice.

Deesha spoke about her journey to college, securing a White House internship and eventual staff position, and finding her way as an “accidental” activist. “Never pretend to be someone else,” she said. “You are as gifted as you are. I know how to be a community leader, and the gift of being who I am got me where I wanted to be.”

The theme for Diversity Dialogue Day: Social Justice in Action, encouraged students, faculty, and staff to consider “being the change.” During the day, Upper School leaders held dialogues that examined how our community might become actively engaged in the work to change unjust behaviors, systems, or experiences. The day also included student-led workshops and visits from community partners including Down North Pizza, Philabundance, We are the Seeds, The Defenders Association of Philadelphia, and the Germantown Community Fridge.