Kathy Lopes is a social worker and educator with extensive administrative and clinical experience in education, mental health, government and nonprofit sectors with a primary focus on race and gender equity, social welfare policy and advocacy.
She currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Newton Public Schools in Massachusetts and holds a longstanding adjunct faculty role at her alma mater, Simmons University School of Social Work.
Prior to this role, Lopes was appointed as the Assistant Commissioner at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and co-author of her first published book, Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist School Culture in Your School. She is a sought-after guest lecturer and public speaker on topics of cultural humility, racial identity and social justice.
Education
- Master of Social Work, Simmons University
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Licenses/Certifications
- MSW
- LICSW
Courses
- SW409 Dynamics of Racism & Oppression
Select Publications
Lopes, K. and Turner, H. J. (2022). Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist Culture in Your School. San Diego, CA. Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc..
Lopes, K. (2019). Social Work Insights: Kathy Lopes on Social Work Policy [Streaming video]. Retrieved from SAGE Video: https://sk.sagepub.com/video/social-work-insights-kathy-lopes-on-social-work-policy
Lopes, K. (2012). Care Coordination for the Well-Being of Children. In E. Clark & E. Hoffer (Eds.), Social Work Matters: The Power of Linking Policy & Practice (pp. 69-73). Washington, DC: NASW Press.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- National Association of Black Social Workers – National Vice President
- Association of Massachusetts School Equity Leaders – 1st Vice President
- National Association of Social Workers
Awards
- Educator Partner of the Year, Lasell University (2025)
- Beverly Ross Fliegel Social Policy & Change Award, NASW-MA (2024)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award, 53rd Annual MLK Memorial Breakfast (2023)
- Justice for Victims of Crime Award, US Department of Justice (2010)
- Simmons College School of Social Work Recent Alumni Award (2008)