Brooke’s DEIB Journey with Marisa Taylor
Marisa stands before her students in second-period class, where focus and engagement fills the room, underscored by a hum of enthusiasm. The Black History Month Classroom plays in the background, setting the tone.
“Just wanted to remind y’all it’s Black History Month. We didn’t forget, right?” she calls out. The students chuckle, nodding along.
They discuss Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. As directed, students are talking in small groups. Marisa sighs loudly and says, “I am feeling bored and left out!” The students laugh, appreciating her eagerness to engage and discuss the work with them.
This is the classroom Marisa wished for growing up – a space where students feel seen, heard, and valued, while being challenged with utmost rigor. Where learning is about finding one’s voice and developing critical thinking.
From Student to Teacher
Marisa comes from a lineage of trailblazing women in Norwood, MA. Moments from her childhood—like being placed in the back of the classroom with other students of color—shaped her awareness of race and identity. To avoid being labeled, she carefully curated how she spoke, dressed, and acted. Growing up in predominantly white spaces, she didn’t fully grasp her own internalized oppression until college. Over time, she recognized the weight of these experiences and committed herself to becoming the adult she once needed. Education became her tool for breaking systemic cycles and creating space for authenticity.
Marisa joined Brooke in 2018 as a founding ELA teacher at Eighth Grade Academy. She knew Brooke valued diversity but saw opportunities to further deepen the knowledge and practice of it. The initial sessions on race and culture reassured her that she was in the right place, yet she often felt like a lone voice pushing for deeper conversations and meaningful action.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are a pillar of Brooke. And so if you want a place that walks the walk and talks the talk, Brooke is it.
From Teacher to Leader
That changed when Brooke made a strategic investment by hiring a Chief People Officer, who, among other initiatives, brought a cohesive vision to the organization’s diversity goals. With this shift, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) evolved from a conversation to a concrete priority. By then, Marisa had found her rhythm as a strong teacher, was eager to deepen her impact, and jumped at the opportunity to lead the DEIB Campus Ambassadors.
As Brooke shifted from diversity and anti-racism to DEIB, Marisa, who had once felt like a provocateur, found a sense of belonging in leading parts of the DEIB initiative. In this role, she was able to witness other teachers, who had felt like her, experiencing a meaningful shift.
A Vision for the Future
Marisa sees the most important part of DEIB work as centering the students .
Her vision for Brooke is clear: a place where students’ stories, achievements, and identities are celebrated.
And just like in her classroom, where she leads thoughtfully and encourages students to own their learning, Marisa trusts Brooke’s DEIB work will take full shape. She knows the impact is real. And she knows the community—is ready to rise to the challenge.