Guided by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, its mission, and its vision, The Windward School is pleased to announce the appointment of Romina Pacheco, Ph.D., as the first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), effective August 18, 2021. In this new senior leadership position, Dr. Pacheco will report to the head of school and lead Windward’s Office of DEIB, supporting all Windward community members—current students and families, prospective students and families, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni and their families.                                                     

With extensive experience supporting K-12 and postsecondary education institutions in their equity journeys, Dr. Pacheco is guided by a sense of community and interdependence. Her approach centers on relationships, empathy, and understanding. 

Dr. Pacheco joins Windward at a pivotal moment as the School strengthens its commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone in the community feels a powerful sense of belonging. Additionally, this role furthers Windward’s mission and vision of a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success. 

Originally from the Caribbean city of Maracay, Venezuela, Dr. Pacheco took a gap year after high school graduation to be an exchange student and learn English in Maine. Dr. Pacheco returned to Venezuela for her undergraduate education, where she taught English as a foreign language and developed a passion for teaching. After completing her degree, she returned to Maine to work as a teaching assistant in the Spanish department at Bates College. 

“It was during my time as a teaching assistant that I became aware of the importance for educators to be active in transforming our society to be more equitable and inclusive,” said Dr. Pacheco. “It is the powerful sense of belonging that allows all individuals to thrive and be their authentic selves, and I look forward to joining Windward on its DEIB journey.” 

After completing her master’s in education, Dr. Pacheco ventured to New Mexico to complete a doctorate in philosophy from New Mexico State University, where she studied curriculum and instruction and gender and sexuality studies. 

“I am very pleased to have Dr. Pacheco join the Windward community and bring her extensive background and expertise to help chart the course in Windward’s ongoing commitment to DEIB to inform our daily work, shape our community, and guide our vision for the future,” said Jamie Williamson, Head of School. 

When Dr. Pacheco is not envisioning schools as joyful spaces for everyone, you can find her learning about the latest trends from Asha, her 12-year-old daughter, or running after Pierre Aristides, her 3-year-old son. 

Windward community members will have opportunities to meet Dr. Pacheco at events to be announced. 

About The Windward School 

As an internationally recognized co-ed, independent day school with three campuses in White Plains, NY, and New York City, NY, for students in grades 1-9 with language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia, Windward is dedicated to its objective to remediate and return students to a mainstream educational environment. www.thewindwardschool.org