VT Leadership turns out for “Cultural Competence and Effective Leadership” luncheon
by
Rebecca Reyes
July 28, 2009
As Burlington, VT, becomes an increasingly diverse place, efforts are underway to help make the city’s leadership reflect this new diversity. On June 23, 2009, the Social Equity Investment Project (SEIP), a program of the City of Burlington Vermont’s Legacy Project,hosted a luncheon titled "Cultural Competence and Effective Leadership." The luncheon provided city leaders the time and space to brainstorm ideas such as:
- regionalizing on an ongoing basis;
- analyzing the cultural competency of institutions within the city of Burlington, University of Vermont, and Champlain College as well as the financial and housing sectors; and
- creating mentoring opportunities for young leaders of color.
Daniello Balón,Ph.D, director of the Burlington School District Diversity & Equity Office, served as the luncheon’s keynote speaker. During his keynote speech, he addressed the topic of cultural co
mpetence and Vermont leadership, offering words of encouragement: “Leaders like you can level the playing field, being conscious of the dynamics of power and acting towards equity and empowerment.”
In her closing remarks, Wanda Hines,SEIP director, said, “We are within a cultural crossroad which beckons us not to sit idly on the sideline. This is why the VLI/SESF is so symbolic of ownership and direction about how real social change must be acknowledged and embraced.”
Click here to download Wanda Hines' closing remarks
Check out these other DemocracySpace posts to learn more about the Social Equity Investment Project’s work:
Vermont gathers leaders for important dialogues
'Doing nothing' isn't an option
Our youth: a NOBLE cause
Friday digest-open thread 6/27/08