Darnell Thigpen Williams portrait

About Darnell Thigpen Williams

Darnell Thigpen Williams is a transformative leader in education, bringing over 25 years of diverse experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum writer, professional development director, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor. As the Founder and CEO of DTW Equity Consulting, LLC, he passionately champions the creation of inclusive and aspirational learning environments, empowering schools, districts, and organizations to embrace equity and social justice.

In his role as Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being at Belmont Public Schools, Williams spearheads social-emotional, mental health, and academic initiatives that foster a culture of belonging and inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. His previous leadership as Director of Professional Growth and School Culture at Brockton Public Schools solidified his commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and belonging across classrooms and schools.

Williams's extensive background includes serving as Associate Director of Professional Development for the DYS Education Initiative at the Collaborative for Educational Services and as Senior Project Manager at Commonwealth Corporation, where he pioneered a statewide education quality assurance review process for DYS schools.

An educator at heart, Williams teaches in the early childhood education department at Cambridge College/Bay Path University. He holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Boston University and a master’s in education in Teaching and Learning from Harvard University. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Lesley University, he is dedicated to reshaping educational landscapes for future generations.

A Letter from Darnell

March 14, 2025

Dear Belmont Public Schools Community,

I am genuinely honored to introduce myself as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW) at Belmont Public Schools. Joining this vibrant community is a privilege, and I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student, staff member, family, and community member feels valued, empowered, and included.

As I join you on this important journey, I recognize the transformative power of education. It shapes not only individual lives but entire communities. My passion lies in creating high-quality learning experiences for all students. With a diverse background in K -12 and higher education, I have gained invaluable insights into addressing students' social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs at every stage of their educational experience. By nurturing social-emotional skills alongside evidence-based practices, we empower every student to thrive, ensuring that all voices are heard and each individual feels a genuine sense of belonging and success.

I am eager to build upon the strong foundation established within our Belmont Public Schools community. Together, we will advance our initiatives in social-emotional learning, well-being, and belonging, fostering a culture that celebrates our rich diversity and strengthens our community.

In the months ahead, I look forward to engaging with each of you—listening to your stories, sharing valuable resources, and collaborating on practical strategies that promote equity and inclusion across our schools. Your insights are invaluable, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our collaborative efforts reflect the needs and aspirations of our entire community. I will strive to align our initiatives with the vision, mission, strategic goals, and core values embraced by Belmont Public Schools.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Belmont Public Schools community. I am excited to be part of this dedicated team. I look forward to building partnerships that strengthen a positive, affirming, and aspirational school culture within every classroom and school. Together, we will develop the capacity for this vital work, ensuring lasting change that benefits our students and families.

Warm regards,

Darnell Williams' signature

Darnell Thigpen Williams, Ph.D. Candidate
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being
Belmont Public Schools

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