2024 demonstrated PLC’s on-going commitment to all things DEIB. The year was filled with meaningful events, spotlights, and celebrations that embraced DEIB principles across different cultures, backgrounds, and communities. DEIB is not just to be tolerated, but celebrated because DEIB allows us the space to gain understanding, breakdown barriers, build empathy and acceptance of one another. The opposite of that, simply won’t do!
Diversity is about celebrating differences and using them to build strength.
Equity ensures everyone has the resources they need to reach their potential.
Inclusion involves creating welcoming, safe spaces for all individuals.
Belonging means everyone feels accepted for who they are.
January brought us a new year and a beautiful spotlight on Daisy De Jesus where she spoke of her favorite cultural tradition, El Dia De Los Reyes (The Three Kings Day).
February celebrated Black History Month with spotlights from Kishi Gonzalez, Sean Alred and Karina Wynn as well as Kishi Gonzalez’s Louisiana Crawfish Etouffee, Fanta Ritchie’s Broccoli Casserole, LaTanya Douglas’ Fried Chicken and Cathy Blair’s Jambalaya and Ronetta Gandy’s Egg Pie recipes.
March focused on Women’s History Month, a spotlight by Anthony Melgar who shared his Mexican Guatemalan heritage and dancing to Corridos and cumbias, as well as a visit to Knollwood Elementary School for an Erase Hate assembly.
April featured a wonderful mother daughter spotlight featuring Rose and Kyla Leynes as they taught us about the 3 major islands of the Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the folk songs Bahay Kubo” and “Leron, Leron Sinta as well as the rich foods, traditions of the Filipino culture.
May was joyful as friends, colleagues and even a few queens celebrated LGBTQIA+ at the Garden Party, while Graciela Canela’s spotlight highlighted her mouthwatering recipe for Carne en su Jugo.
June was all about celebrating PRIDE, as we discussed the importance of pronouns and held our 14th annual EDGY conference, “We Say Gay”, where hundreds of participants learned about allyship, acceptance and how best to support our LGBTQIA community.
July was marked by fireworks as we gathered to serve our communities with the Day of Service, followed by celebrating ourselves and our families with a family fun filled Day in the Park.
August was inclusive of our pet population as we focused on the Day of the Dog.
September ushered in the last big push of the Coaching From the Heart roll out, which emphasizes the individual and the unique gifts they possess.
October shone brightly when we celebrated 55 years of transforming lives, heard from Ali Fryer and her rich and vibrant Puerto Rican culture, celebrated Dia De Los Muertos and hosted the 3rd Annual Rise Up conference, where we asked, “What’s Your Story?”
November brought us the Joint Commission, which showcased the diversity, commitment and excellence of our staff as we work to support our clients.
December celebrated all holidays with potlucks, gift giving and holiday treats as Vickie Reti spotlight shone upon her family’s history, traditions, quilting and Easter Egg hunts in her grandmother’s backyard.
While these are just some of the highlights of 2024, please know that DEIB work is continuous and embedded in daily practices throughout PLC. Regardless of the specific program or role, PLC is committed to making sure every individual feel valued, represented, and included. 2024 highlights exemplify the diversity and inclusivity that make DEIB a core part of our mission.
Together we can make 2025 an even better year of DEIB for ourselves, our communities and our clients.
Happy New Year!
-Judy Grant, Penny Lane Centers
