Patricia Gil, a former assistant principal and current assistant field director at the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1 in New York City, has built her career on embracing diversity and lifelong learning. Inspired by Mark Twain’s belief that “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness,” Gil has carried this philosophy throughout her life.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Gil moved to the United States with her family at age three. She grew up in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood among neighbors from various backgrounds. Her mother, Thelma, ran a daycare business, while her grandmother worked in a hat factory. Their example instilled in Gil an appreciation for hard work and commitment to children.
Gil initially earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Pace University before joining the U.S. Army Reserve through a work-study program. At 19, she was attracted to military service for its educational benefits and opportunities to travel. Her experiences took her across the United States as well as to Italy and Turkey.
Recalling her time abroad, Gil described participating in Pisa’s Festival of the Candles: “The year I participated, at dusk, I saw people just walk up to each other and give a candle. The whole town lit up—it was festive and spiritual all at once.” About Istanbul, she said: “I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The people are incredibly friendly and hospitable.”
During Operation Desert Storm, Gil supported overseas platoons from stateside through her supply unit role. She noted her relief when hostilities ended before she was deployed: “I was elated that it was over and that we were able to bring the soldiers back.”
After leaving advertising roles at Grey Direct and Condé Nast Traveler, Gil pursued teaching by earning a master’s degree in special education from City College. She taught ESL and special education students at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School while continuing military service.
“Teaching isn’t a job—it’s really a vocation,” she said. Later promoted to assistant principal at the same school, she explained: “I wanted to be an AP to have more impact on families,” adding that she missed classroom teaching whenever covering for teachers.
As assistant principal, Gil oversaw mathematics, special education and ESL programs. She credits military training for developing leadership skills: “In the military, you become self-sufficient,” she said. “I was a stronger school leader because of it.”
After retiring from school administration in 2023, Gil became an assistant field director for CSA’s Manhattan team where she supports colleagues and emphasizes self-care among school leaders: “As school leaders, we take care of everyone else, but we often ignore ourselves.”
Outside work, Gil enjoys walking her dog Lucky; spending time with her daughter Briana; visiting relatives; reading mysteries; traveling—most recently to Portugal, Puerto Rico and Spain—and returning frequently to the Dominican Republic: “The DR is a given. Going there is like going home.”
