Postscripts 2022

Introducing Amber Gravely

Meet Mayfield’s new Director for Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

During a recent Zoom chat, Amber Gravely sat below a bright red sign that read “JOY” in all caps. “My sister got it for me years ago,” she laughs, explaining, “Joy is my middle name!” Over the course of our conversation, it became clear that joy is not just part of Amber’s name, but part of her approach to her work, too. She delights in helping people connect with themselves and others by celebrating their differences—and their shared humanity.

What brought you to this work in justice, diversity, equity and inclusion (JDEI)?

I’ve always been interested in understanding my own experience. My father was Catholic, my mother Baptist. My preschool was in a temple. I went to summer camps at Westminster and St. Elizabeth Churches, and Sunday school at Altadena Baptist Church. I feel like I was very lucky in my formative years to grow up in Altadena and have very diverse experiences and be welcomed into homes and different communities and different churches. I’m very interested and curious, and really appreciate being able to help people embrace their own culture and values. I think there’s a beauty in that, just seeing the difference, and being able to bridge that— sharing your commonality as well as honoring the beauty.

Is there something you wish people knew about JDEI work?

It’s really important [people] understand it from a place of our shared humanity, and being of service. It is about connecting values and humanity. You can communicate around this work without blame or shame. We know how to honor the Golden Rule: to do unto others as we would have them do unto ourselves. There is also a Platinum Rule: do unto others as they would have you do unto them—just seeing outside yourself a bit.

You have so much expertise at a local and national level. Why did you decide to seek a position at Mayfield?

I am a product of Pasadena schools [Noyes Elementary, Westridge School and Polytechnic School] and specifically know that attending an all-girl school from sixth to eighth grade was formative in my positive identity development and self-confidence. I respect the level of education and commitment at Mayfield. In the job description, I was happy to see that I would be able to connect with the whole community in this position. Through my JDEI work both locally and nationally, I understand the growth challenges and opportunities… and I am eager to share my education, experience and expertise with the Mayfield Senior School community.

You mentioned being exposed to several religious communities at a young age. Do you think religion can help inform JDEI work?

Absolutely! You look at the forefront of a lot of change that has happened in the world in the forefront of justice, like the civil rights movement—it has been driven by various religious movements. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brought people from different religious backgrounds to come together to support the cause. It’s inherent in being able to have a higher belief in both understanding your spirituality as well as your humanity, and how you connect those.

There is a particular chapter in [UC Berkeley professor] John Powell’s book “Racing to Justice” which connects suffering and spirituality, and the concept that this “pursuit of justice” has always been a thread through all of spirituality. Religious communities really can highlight the suffering in the world and also bring people together.

How do you think this connection between spirituality and justice plays out at Mayfield?

Mayfield has a program called Loaves and Fishes…that service component is wanting to ensure you’re considering all humanity and everyone has their basic needs met. I’d say there are many ways in which JDEI can thread through experiences like that. The beauty of Mayfield is that JDEI is a part of the core foundation upon which the school is built. I appreciate the articulation of, understanding of and definition of social justice in the Holy Child Schools’ motto, “Actions Not Words.”

What do you hope to accomplish in your time at Mayfield?

I want to acknowledge the JDEI work that people have already done at the school, and build on that. I’m really excited to have those connections with the faculty and, at the strategic planning level, looking forward to seeing the vision and how to match with everything that has already taken place. I love teaching and facilitating…being in the space of helping everyone connect with where they’re at. For me, that is my big joy!

ABOUT AMBER GRAVELY After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology—and captaining the Division One basketball team—at Loyola Marymount University, Amber earned a Master of Arts in journalism at USC. She worked in television broadcasting and production for several years before returning to USC to pursue her Doctor of Educational Leadership degree in educational psychology. Amber’s extensive leadership experience in diversity, equity and inclusion includes consulting roles at Pasadena Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District and Western Christian School in Claremont. She has also served as an instructor and DEI leader at schools including Barnhart School in Arcadia and The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, and as a trainer at the Positive Coaching Alliance program for youth sports.