Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council
Our mission at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide education that is rigorous, relevant, and meaningful to each student in a safe and supportive environment, resulting in academic, career and technical excellence. This experience encourages lifelong learning, fosters mutual respect, and instills social responsibility, respect for diversity, and responsible citizenship.
The role of the DEI Advisory Council is to seek and provide leadership for ongoing learning, discussion, dialogue and understanding about diversity, equity and inclusion by all members of the district including students, faculty and staff. The Council welcomes, unites, values and appreciates all people inclusive of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, socio-economic classes, religions, abilities and ages.
The DEI Advisory Council is to examine institutional structures and processes to facilitate progress toward diversity, equity and inclusion within the district and surrounding communities. The DEI Advisory Council advocates for policies, practices, and programs that foster a diverse and inclusive community. The Council will encourage innovative programs and initiatives that will:
- Celebrate different cultures and traditions
- Foster an awareness of diverse perspectives and experiences
- Engage GNBVT school community in dialogue
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council will engage faculty, staff and students to support and promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the District and to collaborate and make recommendations to the Superintendent on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in a proactive and constructive manner. The DEI Advisory Council will:
- Support, coordinate, or implement programs, seminars and workshops district-wide that explore diversity concerns for faculty, staff and students
- Promote the development and communication of existing policies and promote diversity, equity and inclusion
- Identify and promote the development of new initiatives and strategies designed to enhance the student and employee experience at GNBVT, including increasing diversity and retention among faculty and staff
- Promote awareness of and sensitivity to district-wide issues of equity and diversity
- Promote the communication of issues of equity-mindedness and diversity throughout the District
- Serve as the district forum to address issues of equity and diversity in a proactive and constructive manner
- Create awareness of current equity and diversity issues within the District
- Provide a forum for awareness of, and sensitivity to issues of equity and diversity within the District
For DEI definitions, click the following link: https://www.gnbvt.edu/parents-students/dei-title-ix/dei-glossary/
Members
Name | Position |
---|---|
Yolanda Dennis, She/Her/Hers | Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Family Engagement |
Michelle Alexander, She/Her/Hers | Teacher, Media Technology |
Henry Bousquet, He/Him/His | Teacher, Culinary Arts |
Maria deMelo, She/Her/Hers | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Specialist |
Yasmin Flehfleh-Vincent, She/Her/Hers | Teacher, Early Childhood Education |
Nikie Iwanczuk, She/Her/Hers | Guidance Counselor |
Evangeline Leblanc, She/Her/Hers | Teacher, Social Studies |
Michael Perry, He/Him/His | Teaching Assistant, ELL |
Cathie Rebelo, She/Her/Hers | Director of Career & Technical Programs |
Joy Southworth, She/Her/Hers | Teacher, Science |
Lisa Tiexiera, She/Her/Hers | School Adjustment Counselor |