Superintendent Rene Sanchez shared, “Dr. Abunaib’s knowledge and experience will enable the district to not only continue our DEI journey but also further it at a more rapid pace. With our other directors, she will help us increase inclusivity and equity within our schools.”
Dr. Abunaib brings a wealth of experience to CVSD. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Gezira University, Sudan, and a higher diploma concentrating in Peace and Development Studies from Juba University, Khartoum, South Sudan. After that, she earned a Master of Arts from the Intercultural Service Leadership and Management School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Vermont.
Asma’s most recent professional experience includes that of project manager for the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity and a senior advisor for Three Stones International, a Rwandan-based non-profit.
Upon accepting the position, Dr. Abunaib said, "I am delighted to join Champlain Valley School District and look forward to starting my new career chapter as the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in June. I am looking forward to learning from and sharing my knowledge and experience with each one of you."
The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will collaborate with the directors of Learning and Innovation and Student Support Services to coordinate and oversee the DEI work in CVSD. Dr. Abunaib will provide leadership and coaching support to schools and central departments in the implementation of district equity and diversity initiatives aligned with CVSD Equity Policy and strategic focus areas. Additionally, the Director is responsible for planning, developing, and delivering equity and diversity-focused professional learning experiences for district employees, providing personalized leadership support to administrators to advance equity and diversity initiatives. The leader will also assess, interrupt, and remediate opportunity gaps and the predictability of student achievement outcomes based on social and cultural factors while engaging the broader community in furthering the District’s equity policy.
Community member Meredith Kinsel-Ziter, who was on the interview committee shared, “As a CVSD parent, I feel honored that a woman with the education and experience Dr. Abunaib has built over her life will be filling this role. From her academic achievements to her work with global refugee populations to her contributions here in our own community, she embodies the spirit and values of the school district.”
Hinesburg Community School world language teacher and DEI coach, Ainaka Luna, also on the interview committee, had this to say, “I was impressed by her knowledge about restorative practices integrated with Intersectional Justice, Cultural Diversity, and Ecological Background. She brings a wider view of the world and new ways of analyzing and processing information into our systems to change stereotypes and including the historically silenced voices.“
We are very excited to welcome Asma and begin our work together on June 1.
Congratulations my dear, what a great achievement, you deserve it , we are so proud of you.
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