Lucinda Mendez is a distinguished veteran in urban education with a career spanning over three decades in New York City’s public schools. A lifelong resident of New York City, Lucinda has dedicated her professional life to advancing the field of education, both as a practitioner and a mentor.
Lucinda’s journey in education began in the South Bronx with a deep commitment to fostering student success through relationship building, innovative teaching and continuous learning. After earning her Master’s degree in Bilingual Education, she has continually enhanced her skills through engaging in various professional learning opportunities. including school-based literacy intervention training through NYU, and instruction and coaching development at Columbia Teachers College. Her dedication to research and practice was further exemplified by her involvement in school-based action research projects with Hunter College, the NYCDOE Transfer School Institute, Eskolta and Jobs for the Future.
As a founding school leader, Lucinda established systems that promoted a culture of continuous learning and improvement. She empowered her staff to pursue professional development opportunities both within their daily practice and through external programs. Her leadership was marked by her commitment to continuous improvement with the collaborative exploration of critical topics such as student conferencing, equitable grading, and post-secondary pathways.
In her last role as the Director of School Support at New Visions for Public Schools, Lucinda continued to make a significant impact by coaching and developing school leaders and staff. Her expertise in using data to drive instruction, measure impact, and promote equitable decision-making was instrumental in supporting a network of principals and school teams.
Lucinda Mendez’s career is characterized by a collaborative and student-centered approach to leadership. Her extensive experience in urban education and her unwavering passion for professional growth and development position her as a dedicated mentor and a visionary leader. She remains committed to nurturing the next generation of educators and school leaders, driven by her belief in the transformative power of education.
Born and bred in the Bronx, Deliana Gomez has dedicated over 15 years to serving the community through educational programming and operational leadership. As a fearless advocate for community empowerment, she has risen from frontline staff to Senior Program Director, developing and managing programs that support students and families. Deliana Gomez is driven by a mission to create lasting, positive impacts in her community, ensuring every student and family has access to the resources they need to succeed. Giving back is at the heart of everything she does, and she will bring that passion to the role of DOO at Haven Charter High School.
With over 8 years of experience in educational and community-based organizations, Kevin Luc brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Director of Student Support Services. A New York City native, Kevin combines a deep understanding of urban educational needs with a passion for nurturing youth development. In addition to a robust background in student support, Kevin has also made significant contributions as a basketball coach, where they foster teamwork and leadership skills among young athletes. Committed to transforming students into responsible, well-rounded adults, Kevin has a strong interest in entrepreneurship and upholding family values. Their holistic approach ensures a supportive and empowering environment for every student.
Determined to change her life, Diandra enrolled in East Side House’s Alfred E. Smith YABC Program. It was there that she found mentors who saw her potential and helped her channel her energy toward personal and academic growth. After graduating, she was hired as a Program Assistant at East Side House, launching her career in youth development.
Diandra previously served as the Harvest to Haven Inventory & Distribution Director, where she oversaw large-scale food distribution operations and coordinated logistics with school and community partners to combat food insecurity. Prior to that, she was the Program Director for After-School & Teen Programs, where she designed and managed impactful youth initiatives focused on enhancing academic achievement and social development for at-risk students.
Diandra’s extensive background in program management, community engagement, and crisis response has equipped her with the skills to build collaborative networks, streamline operations, and support vulnerable populations. Her passion for service and proven leadership make her a driving force for positive change in her community.
At Haven Charter High School, students thrive through personalized advisory support, collaborative STEM learning, and real-world experiences. From project-based teamwork to field trips and community service, we empower students to think critically, solve problems, and grow as compassionate leaders.
© 2024 Haven Charter High School
