It is out pleasure to announce that Dr. Jessica Marie Gilway has been hired as the incoming Director of Colegio Bolivar in Cali, Colombia, with a start date of July 2026. The Board of Directors and the entire Colegio Bolivar community are excited to have successfully completed the Director Search and to welcome Jessica and her family to the school.
Jessica is bilingual in English and Spanish with extensive experience in Latin America. She is currently serving as the Executive Director of InterAmerican Academy in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she has made significant contributions, including redesigning of the school’s inquiry-based and experiential learning programs, and the development of an Innovation Lab, a week without walls program, and a Senior Project Expo.
Prior to her time in Ecuador, Jessica served as the General Director of Santa Cruz Cooperative School in Santa Cruz (SCCS), Bolivia, where she oversaw the reaccreditation of the school, the development of a strategic plan, and the construction of a new performing arts center.
In addition to having previously taught at SCCS, Jessica served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Urban Community School in Cleveland, was the Founding Principal (K-8) of the Global Ambassadors Language Academy in Cleveland and served for three years as the School Director of Two Rivers Community School in Boone, NC.
Jessica earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2015 from Appalachian State University subsequent to earning her Master of Arts in Elementary Education degree from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University with dual majors in International Studies and Environmental Studies.
Jessica will be accompanied by her husband Michael Gelbart, a teacher, and their two children: Lillian (Grade 6) and Esteban (Pre-K). She is looking forward to joining Colegio Bolivar as its next Director, bringing her expertise and vision to help the school grow and thrive. Her entire family is excited to become part of the Colegio Bolivar community.
The Board of Directors at Colegio Bolivar takes this opportunity to extend its deepest gratitude to Joe Nagy for over two decades of extraordinary leadership. His vision and dedication have been pivotal to the school’s success, and his legacy will remain a guiding force for years to come.
Best Regards,
Diana Martelly Paul Poore
Senior Consultant Senior Consultant
