May 12, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akwi Nji at 319-433-1803
WATERLOO SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES GINA WEEKLEY AS NEW DIRECTOR OF EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING
WATERLOO, IA— Waterloo Schools announces Gina Weekley as the new director of equity, inclusion, and belonging, pending approval by the Waterloo Schools Board of Directors. She begins in this role effective July 1, 2023.
The new position was created to enhance the Waterloo Schools’ initiatives to support and enhance equity and inclusion for students and staff.
“I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of DEIB in the community and district where I grew up,” said Weekley. “My unwavering commitment is to serve in a way that creates a welcoming space for all, fosters equity, enhances inclusion and enables everyone to thrive as students, staff, and community members.”
Weekley was named to the Courier’s 20 Under 40 list in 2017 for her work as the senior director of youth services at the Family YMCA of Black Hawk County. She holds a master’s degree in philanthropy and nonprofit development and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, both from the University of Northern Iowa.
“We are thrilled to add Gina to our district leadership team as the director of equity, inclusion, and belonging,” said Dr. Jared Smith, Waterloo Schools superintendent. “As a Waterloo Schools graduate and longtime citizen, Gina has a deep understanding of our community and has the skills needed to ensure equity is at the forefront of everything we do as an organization.”
In her current position, Weekley works as the coordinator of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Central Rivers Area Education Agency.
“As we embark on this journey together, I am confident that by embracing and celebrating our unique differences, we can build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued,” said Weekley. “When we do this work intentionally and strategically, our community will not only flourish, but it will also leave a lasting legacy of inclusion and belonging for generations to come.”
Waterloo Schools Mission
The Waterloo Schools community commits to a comprehensive system of education and support to assure that each and every student will graduate prepared for college, career, and citizenship as evidenced by continuing education, pursuing a career path, and contributing to a community.
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