Head of School - DEI Director Partnership Series

Fostering Partnership for Inclusive Leadership

As schools strive to build inclusive and equitable communities, it is essential for Heads of School and DEI Directors to collaborate closely in shaping and driving the institutional vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. This 4-part series is thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding between these two pivotal roles.

Session Objectives

1. Enhancing Communication and Collaboration
   Create a space where Heads of School and DEIJ Directors can openly share concerns, celebrate successes, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics of each other’s roles.

2. Navigating External Influences
   Explore the external factors that shape the DEIJ-HOS partnership, offering insights into the pressures, priorities, and perspectives each leader brings to the table.

3. Defining the DEIJ Role in Independent Schools
   Build a collective understanding of the scope and impact of a DEIJ Director’s role within the context of ADVIS schools, aligning efforts for maximum institutional impact.

This series is an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between Heads of School and DEIJ Directors, empowering them to lead their schools toward greater inclusivity and equity.

About the Facilitator

Martha Haakmat is an accomplished educator with over 30 years of experience teaching and leading in independent schools. Her career spans roles as a teacher, Diversity Director, Middle School Head, and Head of School, where she focused on enrollment, marketing, finance, and strategic planning, including systemic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Now as the Executive Director of Haakmat Consulting, LLC, Martha offers leadership coaching and DEI strategic planning support to schools and organizations.

A dedicated advocate for equity and education, Martha has served as an independent school trustee and contributed to committees for NAIS, NYSAIS, ISAAGNY, and the NYC Guild of Independent School Heads. She founded Educators for Growth and Empowerment (EDGE), a nationally recognized diversity consulting team, and continues her leadership in the field as a faculty member for the NAIS Institute for New Heads and as a credentialed Montessori administrator.

Martha currently serves on the Board of Trustees for NYSAIS and Early Steps, leveraging her extensive expertise to advance equity and inclusion in education.