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Lycée Français de New York
I am honored to continue my eight-year collaboration with the Lycée Français de New York supporting its commitment to belonging, dignity, and respect. I enjoyed meeting and engaging with the new faculty and staff during our onboarding session exploring belonging through an intercultural lens in a French school situated in the United States.
I am always inspired by the dedication of this community as they prepare for another year of learning and growth.
Many thanks to Jérémie Bourdon, and Drs. Arthur Plaza and Angela Gittens for their collaboration. I look forward to our ongoing partnership.
What an inspiring start to the 2025–26 academic year!
“Dr. Gay’s sessions provided practical tools and guidance for mindset shifts that support our ongoing efforts to foster a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging across every role at AISV.
With decades of experience in international education, he brought rich insight into how schools can move beyond awareness to action and create environments where all members of the community feel seen, valued, and empowered.”
I am excited to continue collaborating with the thoughtful American International School of Vienna community as we build on their longstanding efforts of deepening belonging and fostering an inclusive environment grounded in dignity and respect.
EduLead 2025 at Taipei American School
It has been a profound and rewarding experience collaborating with the Taipei American School community over the past two years.
At EduLead 2025, we engaged in deep inquiry into the meaning of belonging, examining how personal background, culture, and institutional practices shape the everyday experiences of students, faculty, and families.
Through dialogue, reflection, and evidence-informed strategies, we explored how schools can foster cultures grounded in dignity and respect. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important work and to support a community committed to sustainable and meaningful change.
Belonging and Intercultural Competency at RIS in Bangkok
Many thanks to the Ruamrudee International School community for an incredible two days of learning and connection. During my time on campus, I worked with faculty and staff, middle and upper school students, administrators, and parents—all united in the effort to deepen inclusion and foster a community rooted in dignity and respect.
I look forward to returning to Bangkok in the winter to continue this important work.
Special thanks to Dr. James O'Malley for his partnership and commitment to this journey.
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
“College students from international schools report feeling unprepared to engage socially or build friendships in university settings—impacting mental health and academic success.”
I was delighted to teach a module on Intercultural Competency for international college counselors through University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. The goal: equip counselors with tools to help students develop the skills needed to navigate cultural transitions and thrive socially in universities abroad.
Thank you to the dedicated counselors who have enrolled in this course. Your commitment to supporting international students' holistic success is inspiring.
Lincoln School - San José, Costa Rica
Thank you, Alfredo Fonseca Pauly, for such a thoughtful reflection and for your commitment—alongside the many parents present—to fostering an inclusive school culture for all, grounded in dignity and respect.
Our parent conversation at Lincoln School, Costa Rica highlighted the essential role of school–parent partnership in cultivating student wellbeing, empathy, and belonging.
I am deeply grateful for this shared commitment to co-creating environments where all students feel seen, supported, and valued. Together, we model the respect we hope to nurture in our children.
Two-Day Workshop for Mediterranean Educators
I appreciated engaging in strategic capacity building over the past two days to foster inclusive international schools grounded in dignity and respect. Pictured are faculty from Benjamin Franklin International in Barcelona. The entire group included delegates from international schools from Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Milano!
American School of Barcelona
I am honored to continue partnering with Dr. Johanna Cena, Mark Pingitore and The American School of Barcelona on its journey to deepen belonging.
A special highlight was singing Ave Maria with members of the ASB music department—a beautiful and unexpected moment of connection. Looking forward to returning to spend days 9, 10, and 11 on campus!
Music Education for All
As a proud alumnus and current Board member of Merit School of Music, I am deeply committed to our mission: transforming the lives of Chicago-area youth by removing barriers to music education.
Equity Arc extends this mission nationally, grounded in the belief that while talent and dedication are universal, opportunity is not.
I am grateful to Charles Grode for his unwavering leadership in ensuring that all students have access to the life-changing power of music.
CEESA 2025
I loved opening this incredible conference and sharing the stage with Myron Dueck, Maymouna S., Kathleen Naglee, and Tricia Friedman! With all the discord in the world, I love that the primary insight from my keynote was to choose joy.