Andres Mejia '14, '16G identifies as black, latinx, bisexual, cisman and has been living in the New Hampshire Seacoast area for the past thirteen years. He comes from a family of ten siblings, a Dominican father, and powerful Puerto Rican mother out of Boston, Massachusetts. Andres currently serves as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice for the New Hampshire School Administrative Unit 16, which consists of seven school districts.
Andres has spent his past thirteen years spearheading equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives across the state of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He spends his time advocating for people of color, LGBTQAI+ communities, and folks from other various historically marginalized identity groups. He leads efforts aimed at building cultural competence, anti-racist practices, and allyship across organizations, schools, and communities.
Andres is the first person in his family to receive his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He received both his BS in Social Work as well as his Master’s Degree in Community Development and Policy from the University of New Hampshire.
While at UNH, Andres held the position of Program Manager for NH Listens, Carsey School of Public Policy, facilitating courageous and difficult conversations across the state of New Hampshire between community members, police, politicians, farmers, students, teachers, and many other constituents. Prior to that, Andres served as the Connect Program Coordinator, an Admissions Counselor, as a member of the President’s Commission on the Status of People of Color, and the University Commission on Community, Equity & Diversity. He was also a founder and staff advisor for MOS:DEF (Men of Strength, Education and Family), a support group for men of color.
Andres’ commitment to equity has earned him several achievement awards. In 2023, he received the UNH Sustainability Award, presented to individuals who are leaders in and champions of sustainability and who demonstrate commitment to racial justice. In 2019, he received the UNH Diversity Hall of Fame Award, presented to individuals who are committed to social justice, equity, and who demonstrate a dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus, work to foster progress toward respectful attitudes and encourage difference at UNH and beyond. And in 2014, he received the Pink Triangle Award, presented by the University Of New Hampshire for the support and advocacy of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community; he also received the Movers and Shakers Award, presented to individuals who are recognized as a collaborative leader, who understand the importance of relationship building and inclusiveness. In 2022, Andres presented at national conferences on the topics of “Introducing, Implementing, and Sustaining Equity in Predominantly White School Districts” and in 2023 on “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice in Predominantly White School Communities.”
Outside of his work schedule, you can catch Andres spending time with his partner and two children, traveling to enjoy the spas, exploring delicious restaurants, cooking hearty meals, and going out dancing.
