“Inaction is Acceptance”: Sauk County Institute of Leadership Participants Learn Cultural Competency

Sauk County WI, November 13, 2025 – On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) met at the Frank Fischer Senior Center in Lake Delton to expand participants’ understanding of culture and its relevance to leadership. 

The group started the day by sharing an artifact that reflects their personal culture. Many of the items shared were founded in food and family. It was a unique experience for all to practice sharing a piece of their identity with others and offering an opportunity for connection with people in the group. This connectedness is a valuable piece of the SCIL process and is an important building block of any leader.

Human relations consultant Santo Carfora of Janesville, promoted an honest reflection and willingness to consider alternate views of culture. It is not enough to be culturally competent; he emphasized the need to build relationships with others that are inclusive and respectful. Carfora led the group in an exercise that demonstrated how our unique experiences lead to different outcomes. This helped to raise awareness and foster empathy among the group.  

Serge Koenig, Conservation Analyst of Sauk County Land, Resources & Environment, reinforced Carfora’s perspective. Koenig was a moving speaker who highlighted the importance of respectful communication and speaking up when encountering culturally insensitive remarks. One of his takeaway phrases was: “Inaction is acceptance.” 

Lance Tallmadge, a tribally-enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, gave a brief history of the Indigenous people of Sauk County. The Nation is comprised of twelve clans, each with responsibility in judicial, health, safety and civic governance.  Ho-Chunk or “People of the Big Voice” are focused on language renewal and revitalization. He stressed the idea that leadership is listening to and serving the people. 

“My favorite part of the day was learning about each member of the SCIL class. We all shared our family heritage, traditions and stories that make us who we are. I know I was uncomfortable going into the session, knowing my ideas and previous knowledge were going to be challenged, but when I left the class, I had a better understanding of other cultures in our area. Everyone has a story to tell; all we need to do is ask questions. This was truly an incredible day for me, and I am a better person and leader because of it,” said SCIL member Martina Reuter. 

Thursday’s event was sponsored by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital Baraboo. SCIL participants thank this organization for their investment in these new leaders.

Written by: Michelle Bauer & Karen Zimmerman