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Gerry Altamirano
Inclusion Strategist at Tangible Development
Professional Background
Gerry Altamirano is a distinguished leader in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), carving a niche for himself as a visionary thought-leader. With an extensive background that blends academic rigor with practical application, Gerry has a profound understanding of how to implement effective strategies that foster inclusivity in educational and professional environments. Currently serving as an Inclusion Strategist at Tangible Development, LLC, he leverages his wealth of experience to design and execute DEI initiatives that resonate with various stakeholders.
In his previous role as Assistant Dean and Director at the Disability Resource Center at the University of Florida, Gerry was instrumental in transforming policies and practices to enhance accessibility for all students. His leadership skills, combined with a strategic mindset, allowed him to effectively advocate for the needs of marginalized groups, ensuring that their voices were heard in institutional decision-making processes.
Gerry also has an extensive history in academia and research, having worked as the Coordinator for Accessibility Services at Texas State University, where he oversaw programs that supported students with disabilities. His early career included valuable research roles at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he contributed to chronic pain management and HIV/AIDS studies, strengthening his understanding of healthcare disparities. Additionally, Gerry served as a first-grade dual-language teacher for Fort Worth ISD, equipping him with unique insights into educational equity from the ground level.
Education and Achievements
Gerry's educational journey is marked by his pursuit of excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida, where he deepened his understanding of educational systems and the importance of inclusive curricula. His foundation in clinical rehabilitation counseling comes from a Master of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC) earned at UT Southwestern Medical Center. This advanced training has positioned Gerry to better understand the intersection of mental health, rehabilitation, and education.
Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from UT Arlington’s College of Liberal Arts, where he developed a solid understanding of psychological principles that inform DEI work. His academic background equips him with the analytical skills necessary to assess, develop, and implement programs that address both individual and systemic challenges faced by underrepresented groups.
Notable Achievements
Gerry's professional strengths are reflected in his top five StrengthsQuest results: Activator, Woo, Futuristic, Strategic, and Achiever. As an Activator, Gerry is known for his ability to turn thoughts into action, driving projects forward and inspiring others to contribute. His inherent charisma, represented by the Woo strength, allows him to build relationships effortlessly, earning the trust and loyalty of those around him.
With a Futuristic perspective, Gerry is able to envision a world where diversity is embraced and every individual is supported to achieve their full potential. His strategic thinking equips him to craft detailed plans that guide organizations toward their DEI goals, ensuring a systematic approach to change. Finally, as an Achiever, Gerry sets and accomplishes ambitious goals, continuously seeking improvement in both his personal and professional life. Each of these strengths contributes to his overall effectiveness as a leader in DEI initiatives.
Through his dedication and drive, Gerry Altamirano has established himself as a remarkable advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, positively impacting the lives of many across multiple sectors.
tags=[
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Higher Education
Curriculum Development
Disability Advocacy
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Leadership
Research
Strategic Planning
Educational Equity
Accessibility Services
Community Engagement
Psychology
