Kirtland hosts first diversity heritage day experience

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ireland Summers
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The first-ever Diversity Heritage Day event took place at the Chapel Annex on Kirtland Air Force Base, Nov. 6, 2019, for members of Team Kirtland.

 

The unique event gave attendees the opportunity to speak about ethnic barriers in the workplace and included food sampling, a personality workshop and panel discussion.

 

Cynthia Dominguez-Trujillo, Special Assistant to the commander on Diversity and Affirmative Employment, and her team created Diversity Heritage Day because of the ongoing Resilience Tactical Pause practiced here at Kirtland.

 

“I’m hoping that this is going to be a kick-off to the rest of the year where we are able to educate both our workforce and our leadership about the value of diversity and inclusion,” said ­­­­ Dominguez-Trujillo.

 

The diversity panel included people from various professional backgrounds who discussed their own experiences and answered audience questions about diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

 

“The more we can talk about issues that are uncomfortable, like race, racism and discrimination, the more we will get used to breaking down those barriers,” said Rosa Isela Cervantes, Special Advisor to the University of New Mexico president on Latino Affairs director and panel participant. “I think it’s amazing to have these events and keep the conversation going.”

 

For further information regarding future resilience events or to share your ideas, contact Cynthia Dominguez-Trujillo at 505-846-1041.