The American School of Barcelona was honored to welcome Dr. Derrick Gay, an Intercultural Strategist, back for his fourth visit, continuing our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of care, dignity, and belonging across the ASB community.
Over two days, Dr. Gay engaged students, staff, and parents in meaningful conversations about respect, inclusion, and the everyday practices that ensure every member of our community feels seen, valued, and heard. He emphasized that simply being an international community does not automatically create inclusivity; true belonging requires intentional action and reflection.
As part of this work, ASB launched division-specific task forces and a parent committee to guide initiatives with focus and purpose. Dr. Gay encouraged students to reflect on the impact of their words and actions, including how seemingly harmless jokes can affect belonging, particularly when humor targets someone’s background or experiences.
With staff and parents, he led thoughtful reflections to strengthen intercultural competency, an essential skill for nurturing inclusive behaviors across cultures and diverse backgrounds.
ASB is deeply grateful for Dr. Gay’s ongoing partnership and guidance as we continue building a community grounded in dignity, empathy, and respect.