Workshop Testimony from Eastern Connecticut State University

"David's diversity workshop with my Resident Director staff was empowering, informative, engaging and will be paramount for my Resident Director staff as we begin a new academic year. David has the ability to allow participants to think about their personal experiences and how these experiences can impact our students. He was able to make the participants feel comfortable as he created a safe space for them to express their ideas and experiences. David was able to facilitate the workshop extremely well and make sure learning occurred for each participant. The Resident Directors were empowered throughout the workshop and were able to think differently about their role in residence life and student affairs. I was thoroughly impressed with David's facilitation skills and ability to influence and impact his participants. I highly recommend David for future diversity workshops. We hope to bring David back to campus to continue working with our Resident Director staff and our student staff."

Walter Diaz, Ed.D., Dean of Students, Eastern Connecticut State University

Diversity Workshop at Eastern Connecticut State University

On August, 9, 2010, I facilitated a diversity workshop for 12 Resident Directors and 1 Assistant Director of Housing and Residential Life at Eastern Connecticut State University. This workshop was part of their professional staff training as they prepare for the arrival of their Resident Assistants and opening their residence halls at the end of the month. In short, the workshop was very successful. Participants were engaged, empowered and informed!

As the facilitator, I met my participants where they were in their learning and development to help facilitate a meaningful and purposeful workshop. The personal and professional experiences shared by participants were extremely empowering and insightful. Each one of the participants valued the activities and discussions that I led. Some participants quoted my facilitator role as:

"informative"
"ability to create a trusting & safe environment with a difficult topic"
"ability to facilitate the discussion and allow learning to occur"
"non-judgmental atmosphere"
"offered teachable moments"

Overall, the workshop was well-received and participants recommended this workshop again.