2008 Woodie Awards
Campus Spotlight: Cross Cultural Leadership Center
Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Features
Discussing diversity and culture can be intimidating to students, unless you're Erica Flores, program coordinator at the Cross Cultural Leadership Center in Meriam Library Room 172.
The center is responsible for programs such as the Diversity Summit and the President's Leadership Retreat and houses several student cultural organizations.
At the CCLC, students can develop life-changing relationships across cultures, create social change, build community and engage in planning and implementing programs, conferences and workshops that tackle challenges in diversity and leadership, Flores said.
While the center has many responsibilities and functions, Flores describes its most important function as a home, where students can come and relax and hang out on campus.
Students are usually found lounging on the couches and surfing the Internet in search for funny videos and music on YouTube.
"We welcome people into our home with open arms and make sure everyone is respected, connected and affirmed," Flores said.
Flores operates like an older sister to students who find themselves miles away from home, she said. Students occasionally wander in and out of her office, seeking her opinion and guidance.
As a program coordinator, it is easy to hide behind office tasks, e-mails and important business, but Flores chooses a more hands-on approach when working at the center, she said. Students are her highest priority.
"My door is always open and there is always a comfortable chair to sit on and an ear to listen," Flores said. "I thrive off mentoring students - I end up learning more from them than they think or realize."
The interns of the center occasionally set dates with Flores and talk about a range of issues from personal to business.
"She always pushes you to think deeper and to use new ideas to answer old questions," said Malcolm McLemore, CCLC intern.
Flores' compassion is undeniable, and she loves her job.
"I love the energy and vibrancy of our students and the change they want to create," she said. "I love that the CCLC is a place where our differences are embraced, and being creative, innovative and unconventional is celebrated."
Related links
Cross Cultural Leadership Center Web site
The center is responsible for programs such as the Diversity Summit and the President's Leadership Retreat and houses several student cultural organizations.
At the CCLC, students can develop life-changing relationships across cultures, create social change, build community and engage in planning and implementing programs, conferences and workshops that tackle challenges in diversity and leadership, Flores said.
While the center has many responsibilities and functions, Flores describes its most important function as a home, where students can come and relax and hang out on campus.
Students are usually found lounging on the couches and surfing the Internet in search for funny videos and music on YouTube.
"We welcome people into our home with open arms and make sure everyone is respected, connected and affirmed," Flores said.
Flores operates like an older sister to students who find themselves miles away from home, she said. Students occasionally wander in and out of her office, seeking her opinion and guidance.
As a program coordinator, it is easy to hide behind office tasks, e-mails and important business, but Flores chooses a more hands-on approach when working at the center, she said. Students are her highest priority.
"My door is always open and there is always a comfortable chair to sit on and an ear to listen," Flores said. "I thrive off mentoring students - I end up learning more from them than they think or realize."
The interns of the center occasionally set dates with Flores and talk about a range of issues from personal to business.
"She always pushes you to think deeper and to use new ideas to answer old questions," said Malcolm McLemore, CCLC intern.
Flores' compassion is undeniable, and she loves her job.
"I love the energy and vibrancy of our students and the change they want to create," she said. "I love that the CCLC is a place where our differences are embraced, and being creative, innovative and unconventional is celebrated."
Related links
Cross Cultural Leadership Center Web site
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