Unity Star
Distribution: All Without OPS and F
Fall 2013
Newsletter
Looking Forward
That is exactly what we are doing this 2013-2014 academic year. We start with 15 scheduled training workshops, featured on pages three and four, including a few returning ones, a couple of new ones, and a few with guest presenters. We are especially looking forward to this year’s 21st annual Diversity Week. We invite our UCF Family to add to the Diversity Week calendar by organizing events, presentations, or workshops from Monday, October 21 through Friday, October 25. Get in touch with us, and be a part of the 21st annual Diversity Week as we celebrate and embrace a new beginning.
A Diversity Week Welcome walk away with the abilOver the years, our ities to office has built relation• recognize corporate ships with exceptional Diversity & Inclusion individuals within the strategies that UCF community, and take into account across Central Florida. Workforce, Workplace One of these individuand Marketplace, als is passionate about • identify the topics the diversity around or themes prevalent us, and considers it her as key drivers in job to learn as much as Workforce Diversity & she can about different Inclusion, people. She is constant• understand the imly eager to learn more portance of multiculturabout the human expeal purchasing power and rience and an avid fan of Photo courtesy of Angela Gomez de Lagos the ways in which this learning from others. influences mainstream media and Angela Gomez de Lagos, Senior workforce initiatives, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Universal Parks & Resorts, continues a relationship • appreciate “best in class” models of companies that are focused on with ODI that started in 2006. She changing demographics, and has participated, collaborated, and facilitated several presentations over • acknowlege Diversity Best Practices that focus on the 4Cs: Career, the years. Most recently, she was part Community, Commerce & Culture. of a panel presentation on Cultural We would like to thank Ms. Gomez Competencies during the Summer Faculty Development Conference, de Lagos for taking time from her alongside Zoraida Velasco, of Mayor busy schedule at Universal Parks and Jacobs’ office, and Dr. Lisa Barkley, of Resorts, and invite you to join us on Thursday, October 24, from 1-4PM. For the UCF College of Medicine. This fall we welcome Ms. Gomez de more information about the workshop, Lagos back as a facilitator for a Diver- please visit the Training section on our sity Week workshop, “Affinity Groups: website. Cultural Voices in Corporate America.” This workshop will allow participants to
Director’s Corner Educational Proficiency goes beyond the traditional three Rs. Rapidly changing demographics dictate understanding diversity and practicing the principles of inclusion as critical to the process of becoming educated. Our strategic goal of becoming more inclusive and diverse highlights the value UCF places on providing opportunities for members of our community to expand their diversity knowledge and skills. The Office of Diversity Initiatives is dedicated to providing information and strategies via our comprehensive training program, DiversiTea projects, and consultations for individuals and groups to enrich themselves while assisting the university in achieving this important educational goal. With one of the most outstanding diversity education and training programs in higher education, ODI encourages members of the UCF community to assume personal responsibility for generating and maintaining the ideals and behaviors that contribute MORE ON PAGE 2
ODI Spotlight UCF Undergrad Explores Diversity Training Skills By Dayanara E. Hudson
This semester, we will be introducing a new workshop that discusses Autism Spectrum Disorder, featuring the work of Dr. Temple Grandin1. The workshop titled, Temple Grandin – “Different not Less,” is the compiled work of our very own Ms. Barbara Thompson, and ODI intern, and current UCF student, Mr. Dane Fishburn. Now in his third year as an undergraduate Biology and Psychology major, Dane has worked diligently, since January, alongside Barbara, on the development of this workshop. Dane became familiar with ODI when he first attended a workshop facilitated by Barbara in the 2012 Fall Semester. Prior to this, Dane was only familiar with some of the workshops presented by ODI and how participants received certificates upon completion of some programs. After listening to her discuss all the work she does regarding diversity training and education, he found it interesting and wanted to learn more. Having grown up with an autistic brother, Dane felt that working in a diversity education driven environment would be a perfect fit. In January, he started brainstorming about a project based on autism education. In May, when he start-
ed working regularly, the development of a class based on Autism Spectrum Disorder, featuring the work of Dr. Grandin, started to take shape. Once the class, designed by Dane, was completed, he was invited to serve as a co-facilitator. The development process has gone so well that a piggyback class also is on the horizon, geared exclusively for the ColPhoto courtesy of lege of Education. Dane Fishburn Dane feels his first-hand experience in designing and developing this workshop has greatly added to his presentation skills. While this will not be Dane’s first time presenting a workshop (previous experiences include leadership and citizenship presentations in his native Putnam County), it is his first time where the audience is over the age of 12. He believes it is going to be a little different, but he is “ecstatic for this opportunity.” In addition, he finds that he now has a better understanding of diversity and hopes to apply what he has learned
Director’s Corner CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
to a welcoming and accepting environment for everyone. As my role as Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives comes to an end, I challenge you to become fully educated by examining your beliefs and scrutinizing your motives and behaviors to avoid discrimination, inequities, and unfair treatment within our community. At UCF, establishing an ongoing educational relationship with the Office of Diversity Initiatives is one of the best ways to become culturally competent and proficient in successfully crossing diverse borders and boundaries in our ever changing 21st century society. I hope you accept this diversity challenge, and I wish you the very best on this important and stimulating journey.
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from this process to future projects. In regards to his time working alongside Barbara, Dane said; “I love the time that I spent working with Ms. Thompson; she is a very knowledgeable person and she really has allowed me that opportunity to make this workshop in my vision. She has provided me with assistance when needed, but really she gave me the chance to do something completely new for the ODI and for me to make it my own.” Make sure to register for Dane’s workshop Temple Grandin – “Different not Less,” scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2013 from 2-5PM.
Dr. Grandin is a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because “I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and yes, professionals too, who believe that ‘once autistic, always autistic.’ “ -Emergence: Labeled Autistic (From: http:// templegrandin.com/) 1
Fall DiversiTea Call Me Roma, Not Gypsy
Dispelling Myths and Revealing the Truth
Romani Gypsy Flag Art by Jimmy Caleb Galindo Robles tatchodrom.net
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 12:00 Noon - 1:30 PM Library Room 223 RSVP to diverse@ucf.edu by September 16, 2013.
Fall 2013 Workshop and Training Schedule TO REGISTER: • Faculty and Staff ONLY use online registration at https://my.ucf.edu. • Students or OPS, please e-mail your name, phone number, and PID/employee I.D. number to diverse@ucf.edu. • For the Safe Zone LGBTQ+ 101 workshops, use: http://safezone.sdes.ucf.edu/training. Due to the limited space in the rooms provided, anyone who fails to preregister may be turned away. For detailed descriptions of the diversity workshops provided, visit www.diversity.ucf.edu. Other opportunities for diversity workshops may be scheduled by calling the Office of Diversity Initiatives at (407) 823-6479, or by e-mailing diverse@ucf.edu. All workshops are FREE unless otherwise noted. ABCs OF DIVERSITY (DIV008)
Thursday, September 19, 2013 1:30 – 4:30 PM Monday, October 28, 2013 1:30 – 4:30 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
BARNGA (DIV077)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 2:30 – 4:30 PM Location: OD&T Training Room on Progress Drive Facilitator: Patty Farris
DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE SERIES (Attend all four to receive completion certificate): MODULES 1 & 2 (DIV210) Wednesday, September 25, 2013 Monday, December 2, 2013
1:00 – 5:00 PM 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 Monday, December 9, 2013 Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
1:00 – 5:00 PM 1:00 – 5:00 PM
MODULES 3 & 4 (DIV211)
2:30 – 4:30 PM
INCLUSIVE COMMUNICATION (DIV053) Friday, October 11, 2013 Monday, November 18, 2013 Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
1:30 – 4:30 PM 1:30 – 4:30 PM
INTERSECTIONALITY 101 (DIV137) Thursday, October 31, 2013 Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Dr. Olga Molina
Thursday, November 7, 2013 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: UCF Cocoa, Bldg. 3, Room 325 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
PEACE FILM SERIES - RED TALES (DIV125) Thursday, December 5, 2013 Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
3:30 – 4:30 PM
MULTICULTURAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION (DIV030) Thursday, September 12, 2013 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: UCF Cocoa, Bldg. 3, Room 325 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
1:30 – 4:30 PM
PEACE FILM SERIES - TEMPLE GRANDIN “DIFFERENT NOT LESS” (DIV139) Monday, November 4, 2013 2:00 – 5:00 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson & Dane Fishburn
RACE-THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION (Attend all three to receive completion certificate): PART 1 (DIV130) Tuesday, October 29, 2013
2:30 – 4:30 PM
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
2:30 – 4:30 PM
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
2:30 – 4:30 PM
PART 2 (DIV131)
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COMMUNICATION (DIV071) Monday, October 14, 2013 Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
PEACE FILM SERIES - FRIDA (DIV138)
PART 3 (DIV132)
SAFE ZONE LGBTQ+ 101 (DIV033) FORMERLY ALLIES ADVANCE
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:00 – 4:00 PM Wednesday, October 9, 2013 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Thursday, October 10, 2013 2:00 – 5:00 PM* Monday, November 4, 2013 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, December 6, 2013 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Please Check the Website for Location http://safezone.sdes.ucf.edu/training Facilitator: CAPS Certified Staff Member
* Daytona Campus
UNDERSTANDING POWER & PRIVILEGE (DIV016) Wednesday, October 16, 2013 1:30 – 4:30 PM Tuesday, November 19, 2013 1:30 – 4:30 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Facilitator: Barbara Thompson
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12424 Research Parkway, Suite 169, Orlando, FL 32826 Ph: (407) 823-6479 F: 407-823-6480 E: diverse@ucf.edu www.diversity.ucf.edu
Diversity Includes All of Us - All the Time
Fall 2013 Workshop and Training Schedule Continued Diversity Week Guest Presenters AFFINITY GROUPS: CULTURAL VOICES IN CORPORATE AMERICA (DIV140)
Thursday, October 24, 2013 1:00 – 4:00 PM Location: Student Union, Garden Key Room 221 Facilitator: Angela Lagos, Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Universal Parks & Resorts
LIFE SUPPORT... SURVIVING AND THRIVING AS WORKPLACE ALLIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AGENTS (DIV141) Tuesday, October 22, 2013 1:00 – 3:00 PM Location: Research Pavilion, Suite 169 Presenter: Dr. Yolanda Williams, Director Diversity & Inclusion, Seminole State College of Florida
LEGACY Keeps Growing By Zakiya McGhie
This past fall semester had a great impact upon the scholars within the LEGACY program. The numerous leadership development opportunities, inspiring mentor-scholar relationships, and genuine fellowship created an excellent community. We can only expect further growth and tighter bonds in the new school year as we endeavor to volunteer within the Orlando community through our annual LEGACY Connect project, recruit new scholars and mentors by numerous campus promotions, and finally close the year by honoring our graduating scholars. These events serve as
Services Consultations: An individual or group meeting to assist in planning diversity related programs, events, and activities. Consultations may occur face-to-face, by e-mail, or by telephone. Presentations: We make presentations to classes, departments, organizations, student groups, and external organizations. Our presentations cover a variety of topics to meet specific needs. Training: Selected topics in English and Spanish 4
visible representation of the essence of LEGACY: a program intended to establish legacy-leaving individuals from diverse origins. If you want to get involved with LEGACY, here’s how: become a mentor, become a scholar, or join us in volunteering!
Legacy student and her mentor, Cyndia Morales Photo courtesy of Zakiya McGhie
Check out our website at www. diversity.ucf.edu. LEGACY is where you want to be or may know someone who should be!
Legacy students and volunteers during the 2012-2013 End of Year event. Photo courtesy of Zakiya McGhie
Diversity Initiatives Staff Valarie Greene King, Ph.D. Director
Barbara Thompson Assistant Director
Katie Pomp Administrative Assistant
Carmen I. Afonso Executive Secretary
Dayanara Hudson Program Assistant
Zakiya McGhie LEGACY Coordinator
Robert Glenn Student Assistant
Judith Geneus Student Assistant