Developing the Next Generation of Ethical & Compassionate Leaders: Why the Sidwell Summer Equity & Justice Institute is a Passion Project

When I think about the future, I imagine a world led by ethical, compassionate changemakers—leaders who think critically, act with purpose, and strive for justice. That vision help drive my passion for the Summer Equity and Justice Institute (SEJI) at Sidwell Friends School . As someone who has spent decades leading auxiliary programs and summer initiatives, I can confidently say that SEJI is one of the most impactful programs I’ve had the privilege to help shape. It embodies everything I believe about education: that it should inspire, challenge, and empower young people to become ethical, compassionate leaders who drive meaningful change in the world.

Why SEJI Matters

At its core, SEJI aligns perfectly with Sidwell Friends' commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility. The program is designed to help students in grades 6-12 explore critical topics such as bioethics, ethical business practices, environmental and educational justice, and the intersection of technology and equity. These are not just abstract academic discussions; they are real-world challenges that shape the future. Through SEJI, we give students the tools to think critically, act intentionally, and lead with empathy.

Every week of SEJI is an opportunity for students to:

• Engage in thought-provoking discussions and hands-on group projects.
• Collaborate with peers on simulations and hear from inspiring guest speakers.
• Tackle real-world social justice issues and discover the interconnected nature of global challenges.

Highlights of the 2025 Programming

This year’s SEJI programming is more dynamic than ever, offering a wide range of topics that allow students to dive deep into pressing issues:

• Bioethics and Social Justice: Navigating 21st Century Challenges Students critically examine topics like health care inequity, genetic engineering, and environmental ethics. Through interactive projects, they learn to translate abstract ethical debates into practical, community-focused solutions.
• Food Justice in the DMV Combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences, students explore the root causes of food insecurity and volunteer with local organizations to make a tangible impact.
• The New Jim Code: How Biased AI Increases Inequality Participants delve into how systemic bias impacts technology and develop strategies for creating equitable solutions in an increasingly tech-driven world.
• GenHERation? Summer Intensive Empowering young women to explore leadership, innovation, and professional development through mentorship and skill-building simulations, we are excited for Founder and CEO, Katlyn Grasso to bring this program back to our campus for the 6th summer!
• Environmental and Educational Justice Two separate workshops that will guide middle school students in understanding how systemic inequities impact communities and inspire them to take actionable steps toward sustainability and fairness.

Each workshop is thoughtfully designed to blend critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on learning, ensuring that students leave not only with knowledge but also with the confidence to apply it.

Celebrating Our Inspiring Faculty

One of the most exciting aspects of SEJI is the diverse and talented faculty who lead our workshops. These incredible individuals bring their passion, expertise, and unique perspectives to each session, serving as both educators and role models. From historians and social workers to community organizers and business leaders, our faculty members embody the values of ethical leadership and social responsibility that SEJI seeks to instill in its participants.

Let me introduce you to just a few of these inspiring leaders:

• Alex McCoy : A Sidwell Friends alumnus and the Center for Ethical Leadership Coordinator, Alex brings her expertise in community engagement to the Food Justice in the DMV workshop, where students explore and address local food insecurity issues through hands-on projects.
• Nate Green : As the Middle School Academic Technology Coordinator at Sidwell Friends, he has been discussing this important topic for the last two summers.? Through The New Jim Code workshop, Nate is helping students critically examine how systemic bias shapes artificial intelligence and technology.
• Chuchi Arevalo, CFA, CFE : Founder and CEO of SPARK business academy , Chuchi empowers students in the Teen Consultants program by teaching real-world consulting skills and financial literacy through dynamic, project-based learning.
• Stephen Armandt : A dedicated 7th/8th grade history faculty member at Sidwell Friends, Stephen leads the Bioethics and Social Justice workshop, encouraging students to grapple with pressing ethical challenges in today’s world.
• Stephanie Gamble , PhD: The Upper School Librarian with a passion for history and social justice, Stephanie facilitates This is Native Land, where students explore Indigenous history and develop thoughtful land acknowledgments.

Their dedication to fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation creates a rich learning environment where students feel empowered to tackle complex challenges. These leaders don’t just teach—they inspire students to see themselves as agents of change, capable of making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Expanding Our Impact Through Community Partnerships

One of the most exciting developments for SEJI 2025 is the expansion of our community partnerships to deepen the impact of our programming. This year, we are thrilled to collaborate with OAAARS’s “The Kids Are Ready” Program and the National Summer Learning Association to bring new perspectives and opportunities to our students.

Through OAAARS (Organizer, Activist, Artist, Advocate Referral System), we are introducing two transformative middle school workshops:

• Environmental Justice (July 28 - August 1, Grades 6-9): Students will explore how environmental issues disproportionately impact marginalized communities and develop youth-led solutions for advocacy and sustainability.
• Educational Justice (August 4-8, Grades 6-9): This workshop helps students examine inequities in education through interactive discussions, advocacy campaigns, and real-world problem-solving.

OAAARS is led by a phenomenal team of changemakers:

• Simone Gamble (they/them): A community organizer and educator specializing in youth programs that center equity and inclusion.
• Shola Jones (he/him): A teaching artist and educator focused on racial and gender justice, with experience facilitating movement-based and lecture-style learning.
• Adela Effendy (she/her): A licensed social worker and education administrator, dedicated to decolonizing education and building social-emotional learning frameworks.

Additionally, we are excited to work with the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) to broaden our reach and bring national expertise into our discussions on equity, leadership, and the future of education.

These partnerships help us expand SEJI’s reach, offering our students the chance to learn from diverse voices, innovative educators, and national leaders who are working every day to create a more just and equitable society.

Why This Work Fuels Me

Working on SEJI is more than just a professional endeavor—it is deeply personal. It represents my belief that education has the power to transform lives and communities. Through SEJI, I’ve witnessed students discover their voices, connect with peers who share their values, and develop ideas that have the potential to create ripple effects far beyond the classroom.

I’ve also loved leading the Fox Tank - Ethical Business Practices class over the past five summers. Watching students develop mission statements, design new products, and pitch their own companies with a double bottom line has been incredibly rewarding. This workshop gives participants the opportunity to explore corporate social responsibility through real-world applications, whether it’s learning about Bitty & Beau's Coffee ’s inclusive hiring practices or designing marketing campaigns for businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability. Seeing their creativity and passion for ethical business practices reinforces my belief in the next generation’s ability to lead with integrity and innovation.

Let’s Shape the Future Together

I invite you to learn more about the Sidwell Summer Equity & Justice Institute (SEJI) and consider how programs like this can spark change in our schools and communities. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Share the Opportunity: If you know students who would benefit from these workshops, please encourage them to register.
• Partner with Us: We’re always looking for guest speakers, mentors, and collaborators to enrich the SEJI experience.
• Spread the Word: Help us reach a broader audience by sharing this blog and information about SEJI on your social media or with your networks.
• Support Accessibility: Consider contributing to our Summer Sponsorship program to help ensure SEJI remains accessible to all students.

Contact our team at [email protected].? To learn more, visit Sidwell Summer SEJI. Together, we can cultivate the next generation of ethical, compassionate leaders. Let’s keep inspiring and leading—one student at a time.