Mr. João (John) Gomes Named Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Congratulations to Mr. João (John) Gomes, who has been appointed Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Agnes Irwin! 

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, John moved to New Jersey at a young age. He is the first in his immediate family to finish high school and attend college, earning a BS in Math and Computer Science with a Minor in English from Fairfield University and an MSEd in Education, Culture, & Society from the University of Pennsylvania. 

John started at Agnes Irwin in the 2017-18 school year as an Upper School math teacher. He has steadily accumulated leadership responsibilities at AIS, serving as Upper School Faculty DEI Coordinator and then the Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. John will continue to teach in addition to assuming his newest responsibilities.

John says, “I am thrilled and thankful that Mrs. Keidel and Mrs. Seals have invited me to continue this important work. Our many projects this year have allowed AIS to gain a better understanding of where we are as a community and the ways in which we must continue to grow. As a community, we understand that “academics and inclusive excellence” does not describe a tension but rather interconnectedness – academic excellence is and must be inclusive. 

Our goal is to create an environment in which every individual feels seen and valued, where dignity is the starting point for every relationship, and where all students develop the tools to understand and engage with the world in which they live. 

This is everyone’s work. My job is to listen, facilitate learning, provide support, and lead by example.”