Thursday, February 20, 2025
Lead The Way, in partnership with Our Helpers, hosted the highly anticipated 2025 Cultural Connection Celebration: Cultural Intelligence with Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter at the Community Impact Center in Columbus, Ohio. The event was an extraordinary gathering of over 100 youth, professionals, and community leaders, all coming together to celebrate diversity, resilience, and the transformative power of cultural intelligence.
An Inspiring Keynote Address
Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter offered an electrifying keynote address, the thought-provoking speech set the tone for a day of deep discussion, learning, and community-building. Mayor Jeter emphasized the importance of cultural intelligence in today’s interconnected world, stating, “Cultural intelligence is not just a skill; it is a necessity for leadership, collaboration, and success in an evolving society.” Her powerful words left a lasting impression on attendees, particularly the youth, who engaged eagerly with her insights.
Dynamic Panel Discussion
Following the keynote, Dorothy Hassan expertly moderated a compelling panel discussion featuring distinguished leaders who shared their personal experiences and professional insights on overcoming cultural barriers, fostering resilience, and achieving success. The panelists included:
Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter
Ibrahima Sow
State Rep. Munira Abdullahi
Kdusan Araya
Ahmed Abukar
Mayor Michael Bivens
Each panelist provided invaluable perspectives on topics such as identity, education, discrimination, and leadership within immigrant and marginalized communities. The discussion resonated deeply with the audience, particularly students, who were inspired by the panelists' journeys and resilience.
Interactive Breakout Sessions: Empowering the Next Generation
The event’s breakout sessions offered attendees the opportunity to engage in specialized discussions on Technology, entrepreneurship, arts, trucking and logistics, and career development. Led by industry experts and community leaders, these sessions provided practical knowledge and resources for youth seeking to navigate their professional and personal journeys.
The dedicated facilitators included:
Stephanie Matthews
Jenn Fowler
Aaron Whitfield
Nadia Rasul
Ahmed Omar
Josh Compton
Mac McVey
Karen McVey
Each session was designed to inspire and equip attendees with the tools necessary to build successful futures, reinforcing the event’s mission to empower and educate.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
Beyond the discussions and workshops, the event was a true celebration of cultural heritage. Attendees were treated to a delicious African-inspired lunch, interactive cultural activities, and networking opportunities that fostered deeper connections between professionals and youth. The atmosphere was filled with engagement, inspiration, and a shared commitment to growth and understanding.
Impact and Takeaways
The 2025 Cultural Connection Celebration was not just an event; it was a movement that reinforced the importance of cultural intelligence, representation, and leadership within diverse communities. The key takeaways from the event included:
The Power of Representation: Seeing leaders who share their backgrounds and struggles inspired many young attendees.
Practical Guidance for Success: From college applications to overcoming bias, the insights shared provided actionable strategies.
Building Stronger Connections: The event created opportunities for networking and mentorship that will extend beyond the day itself.
Looking Ahead
Lead The Way remains committed to empowering youth and fostering cultural intelligence through impactful events and programming. The success of this event is a testament to the strength of community collaboration and leadership in creating meaningful change.
A special thank you to all panelists, moderators, breakout session leaders, and vendors who generously gave their time and knowledge to make this event a success.
Comments