Marie D. Peña
Bethel
Summary
Accomplished DEI leader with a proven track record at Rippowam Cisqua School, enhancing organizational culture through strategic diversity initiatives and policy development. Spearheaded comprehensive DEI programs that showcased strong team leadership and stakeholder engagement. Expertise in project management and cultural competency has significantly fostered community inclusivity and engagement, driving impactful change within the organization.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Rippowam Cisqua School
Bedford
01.2024 - Current
- Lead the strategic development and implementation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives to develop a more inclusive and equitable environment across the organization
- Manage and mentor a cross-functional team of DEIB professionals, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to ensure high performance and effective program delivery
- Developed inclusive policies and initiatives that positively shaped school culture
- Delivered DEI training, workshops, and professional development sessions
- Spearheaded the creation of a Student Ambassador Program, recruiting and training a diverse group of student leaders to serve as DEIB champions, promoting awareness, and driving engagement within the community
- Collaborated with key stakeholders to design, launch, and evaluate comprehensive DEIB programs and policies, including workshops, training sessions, and community-building events
- Developed metrics and benchmarks to assess the effectiveness of DEI strategies, reporting on progress to senior leadership and recommending adjustments as needed to achieve organizational goals
- Partnered with HR and other departments to implement inclusive recruitment, retention, and professional development practices, enhancing diversity at all levels of the organization
- Acted as a subject matter expert and advisor on DEIB issues, facilitating discussions, workshops, and training sessions to promote understanding and allyship among employees and students
- Successfully fostered a culture of belonging by building strong relationships with community partners, employee resource groups, and external organizations to support DEI efforts
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Collaborate with Senior Leadership Team and work with Director to communicate DEI initiatives to the Board of Directors
- Assess both the internal and external DEI factors
- Collaborate with the Head of School on best hiring practices
- Responsible for providing structure and development of DEIB Faculty Facilitators for grades Pre-k through 9th
- Designed and Implemented DEIB initiatives school-wide
- Collaborated with Academic Subject-Area Facilitators to guarantee that our students' academic journey encompasses a variety of diverse experiences and perspectives
- Developed and implemented professional development training for faculty on diversity practices
- Coach faculty on best practices and understanding of how implicit bias affects students of color and retention
- Oversee C.A.F.E student group (Cultural Awareness for Everyone)
- Create and coordinate school-wide activities, celebrations, and assemblies (Hispanic Heritage Month, Dr
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Black History Month, Women's History Month, and Asian Pacific Islanders' Month)
- Provide comprehensive monthly emails with heritage/observances information and resources to faculty
- Collaborate with deans to integrate and strengthen Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles within behavior practices for students
Upper School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Facilitator
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Member of strategic DEI team working to better the position of the school in its goal toward more diverse practices
- Worked with Lower School DEI Facilitator to create vertical alignment
- Helped in developing and implementing new programs based on leading inclusion and diversity practices using project management principles
- Actively engaged with subject area facilitators and teachers to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into the curriculum
8th Grade Class Dean
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with a team of grade level Deans on strategic initiatives to enhance the overall academic environment
- Fostered a collaborative and supportive partnership with parents
- Successfully planned and executed the 8th-grade campout, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for both students and staff
- Co-Creator and facilitator of C.A.F.E, Cultural Awareness for Everyone
ELA Curriculum Facilitator
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Working collaboratively with educators, aimed to enhance instructional strategies, integrate innovative teaching methodologies, and align curriculum content
- Provided support, resources, and professional development opportunities to empower teachers
- Actively involved in the meticulous process of curriculum mapping and analysis
- Facilitated the development of curriculum maps that served as strategic guides for instructional planning
Middle School Lead Math and Science Educator
Robert Treat Academy
Newark
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Collaborated closely with educators to enhance instructional practices, develop curriculum frameworks, and implement effective teaching strategies
- Fostered a dynamic and engaging learning environment
Curriculum Coordinator and Lead English Language Instructor
Bilingual Buds Immersion School
Summit
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Facilitated professional development opportunities on differentiated instruction
- Created a robust and dynamic academic framework
Assistant Camp Director
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Took on the responsibility of meticulously planning and overseeing field trips for age groups, 6 through 14
- Conducted staff training sessions and coordinated their participation
Adult ESL Instructor
Essex County College
Newark
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Developed and taught a curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities
Education
Master of Science - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership
Glasgow Caledonian NYC University
Bachelor of Arts - English
Caldwell College
Associate Degree - Early Childhood Education
Essex County College
Skills
- Diversity strategies
- Policy development
- DEI training
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team leadership
- Cultural competency
- Community engagement
Affiliations
- NADOHE
- Human Rights Campaign
- National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition
Certification
- New Jersey Teaching Certification K-5 Elementary
- New Jersey Teaching Certification 6-8 English
References
Furnished Upon Request
Experiences And Accomplishments
- Experienced educator in all grades, K-9
- Student Advisor, Grades 6-9
- Co-Founder, Creator, and Facilitator of C.A.F.E.
- Co-Chair for Middle States Accreditation in 2001
- Head coach of soccer in various schools
- Former Foster Caregiver
Timeline
Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2024 - Current
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2023 - 01.2024
Upper School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Facilitator
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2020 - 01.2023
8th Grade Class Dean
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2018 - 01.2020
ELA Curriculum Facilitator
Rippowam Cisqua School
01.2013 - 01.2017
Middle School Lead Math and Science Educator
Robert Treat Academy
01.2012 - 01.2014
Curriculum Coordinator and Lead English Language Instructor
Bilingual Buds Immersion School
01.2011 - 01.2012
Assistant Camp Director
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01.2010 - 01.2012
Adult ESL Instructor
Essex County College
01.2010 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership
Glasgow Caledonian NYC University
Bachelor of Arts - English
Caldwell College
Associate Degree - Early Childhood Education
Essex County College
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