May 13th, 2026
Every school in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has at least one Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Liaison—referred to as a DEIL—who serves the staff and students in their buildings by supporting the school culture and climate. DEILs also support school leadership in increasing belonging among students, staff and community.
DEILs are designated by their school principal and serve as an extension of the Office of Leadership, Organizational and Cultural Development. DEILs take on this role in addition to their day-to-day role as school staff. They lead and engage in high-quality professional development throughout the year, which is crucial to the success of equitable outcomes.
“DEILs play a vital leadership role within both the school community and the broader school system,” says Scott Ruehl, HCPSS director of Leadership, Organizational, and Cultural Development. “They work in close collaboration with school administration to support the school’s equity vision and goals, ensuring alignment with the School Improvement Plan and the HCPSS Equity Framework.”
Here are just a few ways DEILs at three HCPSS schools are working to foster a positive school climate and culture in their building.
Samantha (Sam) Pickett, Cradlerock Elementary School (CRES)
Sam Pickett is in her seventh year of teaching third grade at CRES and fourth year of serving as a DEIL. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has been a focus of Pickett’s since college.
Working with CRES Principal Dan Notari, Pickett helped establish Bulldog Buddies, a program that pairs older students with younger students throughout the school. By pairing every student with another, it fosters a sense of belonging and excitement to be in school.
Buddies meet regularly, sometimes collaborating on organized activities like writing kindness cards for school staff, working together on a craft, playing games or even sharing recess. The program is a great learning experience for all students, offering older students leadership and mentoring opportunities while instilling confidence in younger students.
“Being a DEIL is one of the most amazing opportunities that I never knew could be a possibility,” says Pickett. “I just think it’s so great that [HCPSS] really prioritizes DEI efforts. It’s something that if we keep saying and keep committing to, it shows that prioritizing it helps make the school system the best so that everybody can succeed.”
Tahesha Todd and Amanda (Mandy) Gilliece, Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS)
Tahesha Todd is in her eighth year as a Black Student Achievement Liaison and Mandy Gilliece is in her seventh year of teaching English Language Arts at LEMS. The two serve as co-DEILs and have been supporting their school in that role since its creation.
For several years, Todd and Gilliece have planned a Black History Month celebration at LEMS, which involves students and staff across the entire school, generating a sense of community and student pride through inclusive activities that uplift student voices. Staff are also involved in the celebration, learning about the month’s theme themselves and leading activities and lessons that engage students and highlight diverse voices, fostering inclusion and participation.
The school transforms to display the year’s Black History Month theme through decorating doors and bulletin boards, and families and community members are invited to a finale showcase to end the month-long celebration that involves the band, chorus, dance, orchestra and individual student contributions of poems and speeches. Students demonstrate their learning through live presentations and performances, bringing history to life and expressing their perspectives.
“What makes Black History Month at LEMS special is that every student across the school has an opportunity to participate,” says Todd. “It’s such a joyous time in our building because everyone is working on their contribution to the finale. And when all the performances happen and the students see not only their families but community and school system leaders in the audience, too, they know what they’re doing is important.”
Gilliece adds, “The finale is a really nice experience for our staff to see our students of all abilities showcase their talents, because one, they’re learning, but they’re also showcasing their skills that they don’t get to showcase in the classroom.”
Patricia Zillmer, Howard High School (HoHS)
Patricia Zillmer is in her third year of teaching Spanish at HoHS after previously teaching the subject at Phelps Luck Elementary School and Hammond Middle and High School. This is her second year serving as DEIL.
“Before I became a DEIL, I was inspired by previous trainings around cultural responsiveness and seeing how an equity lens was applied to decision making in schools,” says Zillmer. “I saw becoming a DEIL as an opportunity to make connections both inside my school and across the county. I’ve been able to work with others who are working to create equity in their buildings as well.”
Last year, a student approached Zillmer looking for support for himself and other Hispanic students across the school. Zillmer seized the opportunity to restart Los Leones, a club for Hispanic students. The club provides a welcoming and inclusive space for Hispanic students and celebrates their culture. The club offers students leadership opportunities and has created connections and friendships and provides students a safe space for them to be together, speaking Spanish outside of an academic setting.
Through working with students in the club, Zillmer’s classroom has become a destination for students to stop by before school. In addition, students feel comfortable approaching Zillmer when they need help solving a problem or getting advice on how to advocate for themselves to resolve an issue.
“DEILs are passionate about meeting people where they are and ensuring everyone feels seen, heard and valued—because equity is everyone’s responsibility, not just the liaisons’,” shares DeNeatra Barkley, coordinator in the HCPSS Office of Leadership, Organizational and Cultural Development. “They are moving beyond just identifying barriers to acting transformatively—it’s how DEILs show up every day. They are true leaders within their buildings, and I am so proud of their work within HCPSS.”
Information about the HCPSS Equity Framework is available online. School Improvement Plans are posted to each school’s website.
