Bridging Chicago's black and brown experience with the Multicultural Leadership Academy

By Angelica Rivera

Guest Blog Commentary

I value the opportunity of being able to have participated in the Multicultural Leadership Academy because it gave me the time to reflect on the people in my life who shaped my leadership style.  I was also able to meet other leaders in both the African American and Latino communities who are making a positive impact in their communities. 

I was able to reflect on our shared histories of oppression and our shared desire to transform the world into a better place from a place of respect and solidarity. 

I feel a strong bond with the people that I met and interacted with because we all agreed to be honest and vulnerable in order to become stronger and help our respective as well as joined communities move forward.  I look forward to continuing to work together on different issues. 

This was a very special opportunity that will stay with me throughout the rest of my life as I reflected on self-care when doing the heavy lifting. I also learned more about myself as a leader and how others perceive my leadership ability and style of leading.  I am especially grateful for the investment in time, resources and financial investment by Sylvia Puente as well as the funders that supported us.

Editors Note: The application deadline for the next Multicultural Leadership Academy cohort has been extended to Oct. 5, 2017. Apply Today!

The Forum thanks the academy's sponsors:

Robert R. McCormick Foundation

The Reva & David Logan Foundation

The Chicago Community Trust

JP Morgan Chase & Co

The Joyce Foundation

Allstate Foundation

American Express

The Field Foundation of Illinois