November Session Recap

November 17,  2021 

2021/2022 Sauk County Institute of Leadership Explores Seeing Diversity in a Different Light

BARABOO, WI – The 2021/2022 Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) members gathered together at Camp Gray in Reedsburg for their November meeting held on Veterans Day. They explored the topic of diversity under the guiding statement of “Diversity is the one true thing we have in common…Celebrate it every day.” SSM Health St. Clare Hospital- Baraboo sponsored the day’s events. 

The opening session allowed the members to learn more about one another through sharing artifacts of their personal diversity. SCIL participants brought an item that represented their culture, ethnicity and/or family history and its significance to them. 

Up next was keynote speaker Santo Carfora from S & J Consulting, LLC who discussed cultural competency in today’s world using videos, worksheets, and group exercises centered around the theme “The Best Way to See Color is to Not See in Black & White.” Cultural competency topics covered included definitions, unconscious bias, microaggressions, inclusion, respectful communication, privilege, and becoming an ally. The group had the opportunity to not only learn from Santo, but from other SCIL members who courageously shared their personal stories and experiences with microaggressions, privilege, and inclusion which created a rich tapestry of discussion. 

The afternoon brought two more speakers, Pedro Dominguez and Lance Tallmadge, who each brought a personal story to share as part of the day’s diversity and inclusion theme. 

Pedro is a 2019 SCIL graduate, father, and a Business Analyst at Quartz Insurance. His experience as a “DREAMer” (an immigrant youth who qualifies for the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act) was eye-opening and thought provoking. Members learned about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and its enormous impact on Pedro and his family’s lives. His story created an engaged and passionate dialogue around the immigration puzzle. 

At the end of the day, Ho-Chunk member Lance Tallmadge shared a thoughtful dialogue and history of the “People of the Big Voice- The Quiet History of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Sauk County”. The SCIL class learned about the deep lineage, customs, and history of the Ho-Chunk Nation. 

As the session ended for the day, members left with new perspectives and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the SCIL program. 

Heather Sloan & Marissa Miller