By: Jasmine West
More than 400 Detroit Public Schools Community District high school students gathered May 8 at Wayne County Community College District’s Northwest Campus for the district’s 5th annual Student Empowerment Experience Conference, a student-led event focused on leadership, wellness, networking and personal growth.
Known as SEE, the conference began in 2021 after students across the district asked for an event that moved beyond a traditional conference format. They wanted something built around experience, exposure and connection. This year’s gathering continued that model with student performances, giveaways, networking opportunities and interactive activities designed for high school students from across Detroit.
The conference was planned by students through DPSCD’s District Executive Youth Council, a student leadership group made up of representatives from each district high school. The council works to elevate student voice across DPSCD and gives students a role in shaping conversations and events connected to their school experience.
SEE also served as the culminating event for DPSCD’s Student Leadership Development Program, which offers students access to more than 200 leadership and enrichment workshops throughout the school year.
Anthony Peete and Alan Carlise, two of DPSCD’s Student Representatives to the Board of Education, hosted the conference. Both attend board meetings and serve as non-voting student members, bringing student perspective into district-level conversations.
Throughout the day, students moved through breakout sessions held inside the Lewis Education Center. The sessions focused on college preparation, career exposure, networking, social media branding and mental health.
“During this year’s SEE conference, my role was being an active participant and leader among my peers,” said senior Naveah Hamilton, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School. “As a senior, this program meant a lot to me because it created a safe space for students to express themselves, build confidence, and learn important life skills through different activities and discussions.”
The Career Exploration Panel, introduced students to different career paths through direct conversations with professionals from multiple fields, including entrepreneurship and law. The session gave students a chance to hear how different industries work and what preparation can look like beyond high school.
College Readiness, led by BluCar, focused on tools and resources students can use as they plan for college, prepare applications and think through the next steps in their education.
The Art of Networking, led by Tarence Wheeler, centered on helping students learn how to build professional relationships with confidence and authenticity. The session focused on networking as a skill students can use to create future opportunities.
Influencer University, led by DPSCD Marketing and Student Influencers, introduced students to social media branding and content creation. Students learned about building a positive online presence, social media monetization and ways to remain safe and authentic online.
Music & Mental Health, led by Sam Donald, helped students examine the connection between music and emotional wellness. The workshop allowed students to explore the music they listen to and connect it to healthy coping strategies and mental wellness.
Students also heard from district leaders, gave feedback on district community and marketing campaigns, and watched a special performance from members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. centered on college life and leadership.
Organizers said the goal was to celebrate student voice, expand students’ networks and experiences, and invest in the talent, creativity and leadership already present within DPSCD. The event brought together students from schools across the city, giving them a chance to meet peers outside their own buildings and build connections across the district.
Destinee Williams, program supervisor, said the conference reflected months of planning from students and staff.
“I am truly honored to lead the student leadership development work for DPSCD and to help create spaces where our students feel empowered and inspired. Seeing the SEE Conference come together was such a proud moment because it represented months of hard work from students and staff, but most importantly, it showed what is possible when young people are trusted to lead. Watching over 400 students connect, learn, laugh, network, and pour into one another reminded me exactly why this work matters so much,” Williams said.
The District Executive Youth Council members helped shape the conference as part of the district’s broader student leadership work. This year’s council included Adre’Anna Dover, Adrianna Harris, Alan Carlisle, Ali Anderson, Anthony Peete, Ashely Williamson, Carter Whitesides, Caylen Neal, Ciana Carter, Corry Summer, Cortez Triplett, Kady Robinson, Kimora Lewis, Laila Peterkin, Leonna King, Mariah Ramirez, Muneer Taher, Myaina Dorsey, Nevaeh Hamilton, Ortez Matthews, Paola Hernandez, Shawn Wilson, Shayla Westbrook, Tanilah McGee, William Perkins, ZaKaila Starks and Zaria Dillon.
“One of my biggest takeaways was learning the importance of mental health, self-expression, and using your voice to inspire others,” said Hamilton. “The conference also showed me the value of community, leadership, and supporting one another as students prepare for life after high school. I truly will miss it as I go on to college.”
The student-led structure shaped the day from planning to programming. Students were not only attending the event. They helped design it, host it and contribute to the conversations taking place inside it.
For DPSCD, the conference reflects the district’s continued effort to create leadership opportunities that center student voice. Through DEYC, the Student Leadership Development Program and the SEE Conference, students are being given structured opportunities to speak, organize, represent their peers and build confidence in public settings.
The May 8 conference also placed students in a college environment, giving them exposure to a campus setting while connecting them with professionals, district leaders, student representatives and peers from across Detroit.
Since its launch in 2021, SEE has grown from a student idea into an annual districtwide experience. This year’s conference continued that work by giving more than 400 students a full day dedicated to leadership, wellness, collaboration and future planning.
The 5th annual SEE Conference closed with students having participated in workshops, shared feedback, connected with new peers and engaged in conversations built around their own growth. For a district serving students across Detroit, the event showed what can happen when students are involved in the planning and not only invited to participate.
