Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

The hallways of Kennedy Catholic High School are filled with different stories, cultures, and experiences. Every student brings their own gifts, ideas, and ways of seeing the world. Our goal is to cultivate this type of community into what we fondly call the Lancer Family.

The foundation of a strong school community are micro-communities, and that’s what we are. The Equity & Belonging Team is comprised of staff and faculty with different lived experiences and professional backgrounds, but with a common mission: to cultivate a Lancer Family where people want to be here because they are anchored by a powerful sense of belonging. It’s creating classrooms, teams, ensembles, clubs, and affinity groups where everyone feels seen, respected, and loved.

Julian Franco joined Kennedy Catholic after overseeing diversity recruitment efforts and student programming and two, local universities. He also served for four years on the Diversity Commission for the City of Federal Way, serving as Chair the last two years of his term. At Kennedy Catholic, he also serves as the Filipino American Student Union Advisor.

Odalis Gonzalez Reyes joined Kennedy Catholic after teaching at St. Therese Catholic Academy in Seattle with the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education and a robust undergraduate career pioneering advocacy, cultural exploration, and student engagement at the University of Notre Dame. At Kennedy Catholic, she also serves as the Latinx Student Union Advisor.

Michael Brooks joined Kennedy Catholic after overseeing equity and belonging efforts at a Jesuit, Catholic High School in Nebraska and developing athletes through coaching women’s basketball at the collegiate level. At Kennedy Catholic, he also serves as the Multiracial Student Union Advisor.

Here are some key areas where we will concentrate our efforts:

· Student Programming: We will expand and strengthen our support programs to increase student retention and success. This includes (but are not limited to): Cultivate Reception to welcome and connect families from diverse backgrounds, cultural week in the spring, affinity group development and support, and Cultivate:Graduate ceremony for senior from diverse backgrounds.

· Global Understanding: We will integrate a global perspective into the curriculum, fostering a broader life understanding for all students.

· Student Equity Team: We will establish a dedicated Student Equity Team with clear goals and directives to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. This team will be comprised of affinity group leaders who will shape the vision and mission of our objectives.

· Expanding Student Body Diversity: We will continue to admit students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring Kennedy Catholic reflects the rich tapestry of our greater community and continues to be one of the most diverse Catholic high schools in the Pacific Northwest.

· Faculty Diversity: We will recruit and retain highly qualified faculty members who bring their unique experiences and backgrounds to the classroom. The Equity & Belonging Team will also facilitate and share professional development opportunities with the understanding that we are lifelong learners and can always serve our school community more effectively.

In the spirit of our patron, Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, let us be rooted in the principles of the Beatitudes. Jesus taught the Beatitudes to describe his hope and calling for true discipleship. He explained that the proper path to happiness is centered on faith, humility, mercy, and compassion.

We invite you to partner with us. Whether you’re an alumni, employee, family member, community member, current student, or prospective family – we want to work with you, because are in community with you. We will continue to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the Kennedy Catholic community. We look forward to meeting you, hearing your stories, and collaborating to cultivate an exceptional learning environment that celebrates diversity and empowers all students to flourish.

In solidarity,
Kennedy Catholic High School’s Equity & Belonging Team