Join us as we share KIPP DC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion journey that has compelled us to reflect on our mindsets, practices, and policies. You’ll hear about our challenges, successes, tools we have used, and the impact we’ve seen across our community. Participants will gain an understanding of what practices and tools they can take back to their classroom and school community.
Event Hosts
Jami Dunham, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer
Jami joined KIPP DC in April 2018 and serves as the organization’s chief equity and inclusion officer. Prior to assuming this role, she served as the deputy chief academic officer for high schools and spent a decade leading at Paul Public Charter School. Jami leads KIPP DC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and guides our anti-racism efforts. Jami is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and obtained her bachelor’s in English and in French from Howard University. She also obtained her master’s degree in education administration from Trinity University. When Jami isn’t working, she can be found spending time with her husband and two children at any number of their sporting events and games including soccer, basketball, track, and cross-country.
Monique Hardin-Simmons, Principal, Promise Academy
Monique joined KIPP DC in February 2013 as a capital teaching resident and is currently the principal of KIPP DC Promise Academy. In this role, Monique supports staff with providing quality and culturally relevant education to all students. Monique is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and obtained a degree in public policy and economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining KIPP DC, she worked in the education field, supporting North Carolina and DC public school districts. When she isn’t working, she can be found exploring new places with her son, writing, or watching detective-based TV shows.
Andre Samuels, Director of School Equity Initiatives
Andre joined KIPP DC in 2021 as a school leader coach. Now he continues to coach rising leaders and also leads major equity initiatives across KIPP DC. He has spearheaded our Black Male Educator work and bridges work between our knowledge & learning and equity & inclusion teams. Prior to joining KIPP DC, Andre has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and principal coach. Andre holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Communication Studies and two master’s degrees in educational administration and policy and special education from Howard University. In 2014 he earned a master’s in business administration in leadership from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Andre completed coursework in diversity and inclusion at Cornell University and is a certified executive leadership coach with the International Coaching Federation. Currently, Andre is a doctoral student at The University of Pennsylvania, pursuing his Ed.D in education leadership and organizational development. In his spare time, Andre serves as a mentor to middle and high school students with the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC and spends quality time with his two children.
Marisa Tersy, Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion
Marisa joined KIPP DC in 2015 as a capital teaching resident and currently serves as the associate director of equity & inclusion. Prior to this role, she taught at KIPP DC Connect Academy. As part of her work, she manages and facilitates KIPP DC’s Equity Fellowship, the Culturally & Linguistically Relevant Teaching Program, and supports schools and teams with their equity priorities. Marisa, a New Jersey native, earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is currently working towards an EdD in Diversity & Equity in Education. In her spare time, Marisa can be found traveling or spending time with family and friends.