Leadership Southern Maryland hosted its inaugural Diversity Dinner on February 8, 2014 with a successful event reminiscent of a family reunion. With the goal of sustaining newly formed relationships among LSM alumni and new classes as well as integrating the Board and Council members, the casual soiree at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center was full of good food and discussion about both differences and common ground.
Class of 2013 decided to begin an annual affair which celebrates a new tradition of respecting, honoring and sharing our individual heritages. Last year’s graduates provided a plethora of cultural comfort dishes, in addition to a catered offering, as well as a cook book with recipes representing the very diverse upbringings of LSM participants.
John Felicitas, LSM ’13, is a retired educator and diversity consultant that shared some food for thought through discussion-sparking materials and anecdotes, as well as some traditional Filipino chicken adobo.
“The more involved you become in a new culture the more apparent it becomes that there are hidden perspectives you are unaware of which complicate interaction,” one print out read. The Class of 2013 and the LSM program, feels strongly that openly exploring those differences and accepting the breadth and depth of strengths diversity can provide is an essential aspect of leadership.
From ’13 alumni Tim Renz’s sauerkraut burgers to Board Member Denise McDowell’s shrimp and grits, the dishes exemplified the unique story of each individual as well as the beauty, and deliciousness, of diversity. Click HERE to view more photos.
These and more photos have been recently added to the LSM Photo Gallery. Check it out HERE.
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