When Leadership Nevada County Class of 2023 explored cultural diversity, they learned that Harley Davidson motorcycles are an essential part of PPD Sergeant Casey Autry's personal culture.

(left to right back row) Shanta Wiley, Jennifer Robbins, Beronica Parrish, Caitlin Hunt, April Lovette, Tessa Oliver, Megan Horton. (center) Casey Autry

The members of Leadership Nevada County's Class of 2023 met at Macedonia Baptist Church in Prescott last week to attend their Cultural Diversity session. The class spent the day participating in a numerous multicultural/equity education activities and discussions, as well as a workshop where they shared stories from their own personal cultures. Each of the day's lessons highlighted for participants how essential it is to understand, accept, and celebrate the culture of others.

The class also heard from a panel of guest speakers which held some familiar faces from Prescott and Nevada County. City Council members Howard Austin and Pastor Ivory Curry were joined by retired school board member Pat Blake and Nevada County JP Willie Wilson, who is also the Dean of Students at Prescott High School. The panel shared with the class their own experiences with diversity and the role it has played in shaping the community.

Leadership class member PPD Sergeant Casey Autry said he thought this session was very beneficial. "Learning about other cultures is something that not only makes one a better leader, but also a better person, too." When asked if he would recommend Leadership Nevada County to others, Autry quickly replied, "Absolutely! This program allows us to meet others in our community and make connections with people from various backgrounds and different jobs. Plus, we are learning leadership skills and ways to better ourselves."

Class member Caitlin Hunt, who is a process engineer for Holcim, also said she felt the days session was helpful, as well as the program itself. "Today's class has been really good for us since we got to know each other more on a personal level by learning about each others' backgrounds," Hunt said. "The program as a whole has been a great learning experience because it is getting us involved in the community with our service project; plus, we are making connections with others in the community and learning about new resources we can reach out to, if needed."

This journey of learning will continue into next month when the Leadership Nevada County Class of 2023 attends their Quality of Life session.