Stella Heyliger-Mulatu

Stella Heyliger-Mulatu is a seasoned educator, contemplative leader, and DEI practitioner who currently serves as Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Chair of the Arts at the Stephen Gaynor School. With 16 years of experience in private schools, primarily as a first-grade teacher, Stella brings deep empathy, reflective practice, and a strong commitment to building inclusive learning communities where every child feels seen and valued. Her approach to DEI is grounded in compassion, spirituality, and a lifelong dedication to equity.

Stella’s unique lens as a Black woman leading in predominantly white institutions is informed by her own educational journey and her spiritual practice. She is a practitioner of yoga, meditation, and somatic reflection, and believes in the transformative power of inner work for social change. Whether supporting students of color in private school settings or organizing healing vigils in Harlem, she carries a clear vision of equity that centers authenticity and belonging.

Through the Acosta Institute Fellowship, Stella is exploring the relationship between spirituality and DEI—seeking to deepen her leadership and create spaces where individuals of all ages can reflect, heal, and grow. Her dream is to help others connect with their inner selves in ways that bring light, vulnerability, and truth to equity work. She believes that healing-centered education isn’t just a strategy—it’s a path to collective liberation.