Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Hill School

We acknowledge and celebrate diversity, and we work diligently to make everyone feel truly included and welcome. Every member of our school — including students, faculty, and staff — should feel respected and loved for their unique identities that make our community strong. We believe that all community members should feel safe and welcome, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, or ability.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Leadership Council

The DEI Student Leadership Council is comprised of of eight affinity groups: East Asian, South Asian, Black Students, Hispanic Students, Women, Body Positivity, LGBTQ+, and Disability Inclusion.

The Leadership Council is led by Dean of Equity and Inclusion Eric Khong and Student Co-Chairs Alyssa Diwale '25 and Nicole Leonardo '25.

Mr. Khong and Nicole gave Chapel Talks during the 2024 fall term. Take a listen.

Learn More About Co-Chairs Alyssa and Nicole

Learn More About Co-Chairs Alyssa and Nicole

Alyssa Diwale '25

Hello, I am Alyssa Diwale! I am four-year student from Collegeville, Pa. I first joined the DEI Student Leadership Council during my sophomore year as a Young Woman Affinity leader and it is also where I discovered my passion for building an empowering space. The Hill School is such a special school with students from diverse regions, and it is so important to value our differences and build a space where everyone feels respected and that they belong. I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of DEI for two consecutive years, and my love and passion for this work grows every day. Through my position I prioritize the power of connection and inclusivity to enhance the foundation of an equitable community and society. In addition to my crucial role in DEI, I serve as a Hill Alumni Ambassador, co-president of the South Asian Student Alliance, and co-founder of Young Women on The Hill. Through each and every one of my roles, I strive to build spaces where we can celebrate our differences and value relationships for a stronger community and better tomorrow.

Nicole Leonardo '25

Hi! My name is Nicole Leonardo and I am a four-year boarding student from Brooklyn, N.Y. In addition to my role as co-chair of the DEI Student Leadership Council, I serve as the president of the Women of Color Association (WOCA) and tour guide with the Admission Office. I also am closely involved with the Black Student Union and Hispanic Affinity Group. This is my second year serving as a dormitory prefect and I also represent USE dorm on the Prefect Council. I first became involved with DEI during my fourth form year after going through a hard time adjusting to Hill during my third form year. Being Afro-Latina in a PWI makes you feel unseen and unwanted at times. I knew I wasn't alone in feeling this way and wanted to help foster an environment where everyone feels included and loved here at The Hill. During my fifth form year, I stepped into the role of chair of affinity spaces, where I oversaw all affinity groups, before transitioning to the co-chair role with Alyssa for our sixth form year.

The Hill School Inclusion Statement

The Hill School fosters an open, diverse and inclusive community. We stand together, committed to helping our students, faculty, and staff members feel respected and valued for who they are. We recognize and support the Hill community and affiliates regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

We provide a safe environment committed to civility and mutual respect in which individuals are accepted, empowered, and supported. We seek to develop students who are prepared to interact within a diverse and globally minded society. We believe inclusion encourages an informed, global perspective, an essential trait we seek to cultivate in every student, faculty member, and staff member. It is our mission to ensure every member of our family feels welcomed, included, and safe.

The Warner Center for Spiritual Life and Equity

We are a community that values all of our religious backgrounds, cultures, identities, beliefs, and perspectives. The Warner Center is a space that cultivates an inclusive community through programming and initiatives which support spiritual life, diversity, equity, and inclusion at The Hill School.

The Warner Center was dedicated on September 26, 2021. Student and faculty leaders and members of Hill’s DEI Leadership Council led the programming for the special event, which also included remarks by Michael Tennant ’00, founder and CEO of Curiosity Lab and empathy expert. Learn more about this special event.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Hill School

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Leadership Council

The Leadership Council is led by Dean of Equity and Inclusion Eric Khong and Student Co-Chairs Alyssa Diwale '25 and Nicole Leonardo '25.

Learn More About Co-Chairs Alyssa and Nicole

Alyssa Diwale '25

Nicole Leonardo '25

The Hill School Inclusion Statement

The Warner Center for Spiritual Life and Equity

Photo Gallery of DEI Events and Speakers

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