Thirty-six leaders from the Upstate and surrounding area have completed the Riley Institute at Furman\u2019s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI).<\/p>\n
DLI class members are identified through a rigorous process including a nomination, application and interview. Individuals are selected to join the class based on their capacity to impact their organizations and communities.<\/p>\n
Over the past five months, participants have examined sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion, explored \u201cblind spots,\u201d and discussed how to suspend assumptions. Each class is expertly facilitated by Juan Johnson, an independent consultant and former Coca-Cola vice president.<\/p>\n
As part of the program, participants have worked in small, cross-sector groups to respond to real issues and opportunities in their communities through service projects.<\/p>\n
The projects from this class focus on topics such as fostering interaction between individuals with disabilities and employees of local companies; increasing access to food for students when school meals are not available; enhancing services at a local youth soccer center to encompass the family unit as a whole; assisting female Upstate veterans with connections and resources as they transition from the military to the private sector; and providing program support to a new day center for homeless youth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are extremely proud of this class, their work to improve their organizations and communities, and the relationships they have formed from their honest conversations this semester,\u201d said Don Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute.<\/p>\n
DLI graduates become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful, cross-sector, statewide leadership network that includes CEOs of corporations, mayors, city and county council members, legislators, school superintendents, pastors and rabbis, nonprofit heads, chamber of commerce directors, and community leaders.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Upstate, DLI classes are selected annually in the Midlands and Lowcountry.<\/p>\n
Each class is crafted to reflect the diverse demographics in South Carolina.<\/p>\n