
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.
A special radio program by Wheeler Students for Black Lives Matter.
In order of appearance, Elizabeth Poku ’20, Hannah Singer ’20, Iris Cephas ’20, Jayden Poku ’26, Leenah Gibbs ’23, Mayte Segura ’24, Middle School Jazz Band, and Nayda YaAnaya ’20.
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 required 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
+ For the 2020-21 school year, Wheeler has 24% teachers of color among its faculty.
Diversity At Wheeler – Student Panel from Wheeler School PR Office on Vimeo.
Announcing our 2021 Community Spirit Award

Wheeler’s Students Involved in Cultural Awareness (SICA) Club honor Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), with the 2021 Wheeler Community Spirit Award.
Dr. Alexander-Scott is recognized for her work in leading Rhode Island’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and her dedication to Health Equity, ensuring all Rhode Islanders have an equal opportunity to be healthy.
This year, Dr. Alexander-Scott, MD will accept the award virtually with a video message to be released featuring the honoree, Dr. Alexander-Scott, MD, Head of School Allison Gaines Pell, Director of Unity and Diversity Princess Sirleaf Bomba, and SICA Co-Heads Isabella Santana and Ali Mirza. We will post the video soon!
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

Marc Harrison
Upper School Science Faculty, Upper School Unity & Diversity Coordinator

Rose Phildor
Unity & Diversity Student Support Coordinator

Ange Strom-Weber ’99
Upper School Unity & Diversity Coordinator, Director of Community Action Program, Debate Coach, Registrar

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
