LeadDIVERSITY
LeadDIVERSITY links emerging leaders with experienced civic leaders who have been positive forces of change, embracing not only a diversity of people and culture, but also the diversity of ideas. Class sessions help participants explore the concept of diversity leadership and to analyze its personal, corporate, and community impact.
LeadDIVERSITY Class of 2007-2008
The Diversity Center appreciates the generous underwriting of
&
The Robert D. Gries Family Foundation.
LeadDIVERSITY
Each LeadDIVERSITY class studies corporate and non-profit institutional approaches to civic and diversity issues. Emphasis is placed squarely on WHY diversity issues are critical to community progress and WHAT participants can do to facilitate positive change --both as individuals and as part of groups. The process begins with personal experiences and expands to incorporate leadership styles, opportunities, and strategies. Participants hear from and interact with top civic and corporate leaders who hold diversity leadership as a high value.
LeadDIVERSITY Program Details Brochure 2009-2010
PROGRAM GOALS
The Diversity Center's LeadDIVERSITY program draws leaders from every professional sector and expands their knowledge of:
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Their own cultural, racial, and social identity and the divergent perspectives of their classmates.
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Theories of how to reduce prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping and the impact of those practices.
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The ways top corporate and civic leaders have improved their organizations by attending to diversity as a critical success factor.
Participants gain:
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Improved skills in leadership and communication.
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Regional best practices from the Northeast Ohio community.
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Opportunities to gain practical experience through the Legacy Project.
Organizations gain:
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An increased pool of involved and educated diversity leaders.
- Employees with an increased understanding of the connection between inclusion and organizational success.
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Employees with enhanced organizational leadership skills and vision for the future.
APPLICATION AND SELECTIVITY
Each year's class of 30-35 women and men is selected through a competitive application process. The selection committee seeks applicants with proven leadership skills who have exhibited a strong community commitment.
LeadDIVERSITY Application Form 2009-2010
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Participants meet approximately once per month from September to June. Program days will consist of site visits, seminars, personal reflection, discussions with Northern Ohio's prominent leaders and policy makers and in-depth facilitated group discussion. Program days are essential to the LeadDIVERSITY program. Recognizing that illness and changes in business schedules can occur, participants may miss no more than 1 session. Attendance at LeadDIVERSITY sessions entails participation for the entire day. Missing more than one session will jeopardize participants eligibility for graduation.
I went into the LeadDIVERSITY program thinking I would learn better ways to encourage others to acknowledge the value of a diverse community. And while I do believe I found that I got so much more out of it, I got the opportunity to meet a very diverse cross-section of our community - and that alone was worth the price of admission. I came away wanting to make a bigger statement, wanting to do more for the community and wanting to keep in touch with my new friends.
-Peggy Mikes, Huntington Bank
LeadDIVERSITY provided a foundation of leadership and an understanding of diversity that created positive change in my approach and style in the organization where I work and on the boards where I serve. I gained valuable tools to effectively implement, drive, and manage organizational change.
- Adam Roth, West Side Ecumenical Ministry
LeadDIVERSITY provided me the opportunity to look inside myself and ask the question, "What does diversity mean to me?". Through this program, I realized that I can make a difference in the workplace, educate others on the true meaning of diversity, and help others accept the differences in each of us.
- Sara Lehrke,
Through a program aimed at discussing, reflecting upon and challenging notions of diversity, LeadDIVERSITY helps individuals of all academic, cultural, and economic backgrounds expand their own understandings of diversity and in turn improve their methods of leading others to make similar breakthroughs.
- Jeff Malbasa, Spero-Smith Investment Advisors
The LeadDIVERSITY program was inspirational and eye-opening. Not only was it a great networking experience with other young
- Tania Younkin, Energizer
LeadDIVERSITY provided me the opportunity to explore many facets of diversity through differing perspectives. The composition of our class was ideal to discuss and share our personal and professional experiences. What an enjoyable journey that I will cherish for many years to come!!
- Tracey Jenkins, Eaton Corporation
LeadDIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
LeadDIVERSITY is a program of The Diversity Center and reflects The Diversity Center's emphasis on building communities and improving intergroup relations. Upon completion of the program, graduates are encouraged to become active members of the LeadDIVERSITY Alumni Association and to assist in the future creation and implementation of LeadDIVERSITY. The Alumni Association provides ongoing leadership development opportunities and community educational forums benefiting class members and the Northeast Ohio community.
Send order to:
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
3645 Warrensville Center Rd.
Suite #320
Cleveland, OH 44122
(Cash, Check, Money Order preferred)
Contact Jessica Daigler or Liz Roccoforte with any questions at
216-752-3000 or jdaigler@diversitycenterneo.org or eroccoforte@diversitycenterneo.org
