As the 2010 Diversity and Cultural Arts Series prepares to kick off on Friday, series’ director Linda Cunningham talks about her passion for diversity and her vision of a truly diverse workplace.
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Linda Cunningham |
I’m inspired by my mother who always took the time to see the person inside and not just his or her circumstance. I learned early that people are different, but there’s so much we can do to learn about and from each other. As a military spouse, I had the opportunity to travel and live around people from different cultural backgrounds — where language, customs, beliefs and values weren’t barriers to separate us, but rather bridges we used to connect us. I think my life’s journey has prepared me perfectly for what I do today.
Describe your vision of a truly diverse workplace.
People would be treated fairly and with respect and it would reflect the community it serves. The importance of diversity management and ongoing training and education also would be emphasized.
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I want people to leave the series having considered a perspective other than their own and with a broader basis for critical thought as it relates to cultural understanding.
What are the biggest hurdles we face at UNMC in regards to truly embracing our diversity?
One of the hurdles we face at UNMC is that diversity has somehow become a bad word. Diversity means differences — but it’s important to understand that it’s not about differences among groups, but rather differences among individuals. Diversity management challenges us to go deeper than just recognizing differences in people. Truly embracing diversity requires that we value differences in individuals, eliminate discrimination and create an inclusive environment that utilizes the unique talents of all our employees.
Keep up the good work, Linda. Valuing differences in people and working toward a more inclusive environment is so important in achieving and maintaining a vital, productive workforce.