
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Wheeler
At Wheeler, we recognize that our school exists in a community, state, country, and world represented by a multitude of cultures and viewpoints. Therefore, diversity and multiculturalism imbue all that we do. From academic programs to athletic programs, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, Wheeler endeavors to create an environment that includes people and viewpoints from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and ways of life.
The Office of Unity & Diversity, led by Director Princess Sirleaf Bomba, supports the ongoing efforts at Wheeler to incorporate multicultural approaches to both existing and new practices. We provide resources to the Wheeler community in the areas of community education; consultation to faculty, staff and families; and developing inclusive practices. Wheeler’s diversity education program is about having respect for others, regardless of age, gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, economic status or religion. The curriculum utilizes texts and materials that give voice to those people and perspectives previously unheard and includes sensitivity on the part of our faculty, staff and administration to the circumstances that affect the lives of our students, families, and colleagues on a day-to-day basis. Adults at Wheeler engage in ongoing professional development opportunities in the area of multicultural teaching and learning, and in cultivating and maintaining a multicultural community.

The Student Support Program
Under the auspices of the Unity & Diversity Office and College Counseling Office, the Student Support Coordinator leads the initiatives of the SSP to encourage, assist and celebrate the achievements of underrepresented students throughout high school and into college.
The Wheeler Diversity Conference
Wheeler faculty and students attend local, regional and national conferences to further their work in these areas. Wheeler is the host of a regional conference each April as part of the Pollyanna network of DEI conferences. Learn about Wheeler’s annual Diversity Conference for students, alumni, parents, heads, trustees, faculty, and administrators of independent schools.
Fast Facts on DEI at Wheeler
+ Wheeler has 26% teachers of color among its faculty.
Diversity At Wheeler – Student Panel from Wheeler School PR Office on Vimeo.
Announcing our 2023 Community Spirit Award


The Wheeler School is pleased to announce that Patricia Martinez, a dynamic community leader with a distinguished record of public service that has spanned both government and the nonprofit sector, will be this year’s recipient of the Wheeler Community Spirit Award.
Throughout her career, Martinez, who is currently the Chief of Equity & Empowerment Officer for the Central Falls School District, has been a practitioner and advocate for social justice. In a range of roles, her work has focused on community organizing, promoting positive youth development, family engagement, and building partnerships with community and faith-based organizations and educational systems to ensure the delivery of services to low-income families.
Each year since 2004, the Wheeler Community Spirit Award has recognized a person in the Providence community who advocates for those with fewer opportunities. They are selected based on their efforts in four key areas: passion for equity and social justice, both locally and globally; appreciation for and promotion of the benefits of education; commitment to creating opportunities in the community for those who otherwise might not have a voice or an advocate; and resilience in the face of challenge and adversity.
Martinez will receive the Wheeler Community Spirit Award during a Feb. 17 ceremony on Wheeler’s Providence campus. The event is sponsored by the Upper School’s Students Involved in Cultural Awareness club, the Office of Unity & Diversity, and the Wheeler School Parents Association.
Wheeler's Unity & Diversity Team


John Goncalves ’09
Lower School Gr. 4 Teacher; LS Unity & Diversity Coordinator for Gr. 4-5

Philip Hall
Middle School Gr. 6 Teacher, MS Unity & Diversity Coordinator, Unity & Diversity Teacher

Rose Phildor
Unity & Diversity Student Support Coordinator

Charlene Williams
Lower School Assistant Librarian, LS Unity & Diversity Coordinator for Gr. N-3

Our Voices

Blog, Student Work
Learning About Land Acknowledgment Spurs Student Ideas

Blog, Speech
What Does Diversity Mean to You?

Faculty Profile
The Promise We Made: To Put Justice Into Action

Head of School Blog
Repair The World

Head of School Blog, Speech
Walk with Us

Student Work
Student Voice: Beyanca Guilme ’23
