From the Editor

Welcome to the Winter 2009 Expressions newsletter. We are living in a time of great change, uncertainty and opportunity.

Dr. Maria Hesse focuses on the change, asking us to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation and the work yet to be done. Our Spotlight articles ask us to be thoughtful and attentive to our service men and women who are returning to us today, as well as those who have served in the past.

We also continue to explore programs within Maricopa for students and employees that support diversity and inclusiveness efforts. Our Honors Forums are an outstanding demonstration of the interrelatedness of diversity, scholarship and leadership. If you have not attended a forum, they are often revisited on MCTV. Check them out! It is important to affirm our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in our Talent Management initiatives. I have the good fortune of working close to Josh Mackey and Dorothy Sisneros, and be assured that our conversations often attend to ensuring an inclusive program.

We also have highlighted the new efforts by our Diversity Coordinators to reach out at their colleges and sites. The brochure and PowerPoint have been very well received and help to define our organizational values and actions around diversity and inclusiveness in a clear and concrete way.

Additionally, I want to encourage everyone to consider individuals, programs or initiatives that should be recognized for weaving diversity and inclusiveness into the fabric of Maricopa. There are so many efforts that are moving us forward. Please take time to recognize your colleagues!

We want to thank our constituency groups who each year create culture-specific celebrations for our graduating students and their families. These celebrations are helping to build a sense of belonging for people who have not always felt that they were welcomed and valued in the college community. It connects past generations to future generations as little sisters and brothers, sons and daughters participate in bridging education and culture.

And finally, I hope you take the time to read Why Diversity Work Matters... now more than ever. We are in a new era where our capacity to effectively use the different perspectives that exist within our organization will directly impact the quality of our work and our future.

Thank you for taking the time to read Expressions…and if you’ve gotten this far, you’ve really read it!

Let us know your thoughts, suggestions and vision as we continue to build an inclusive Maricopa.

Rory Gilbert

Manager for Diversity Initiatives
480-731-8211
rory.gilbert@domail.maricopa.edu