UCEDD Diversity Fellowship at the Westchester Institute for Human Development

This project provides the framework for which the USD Center for Disabilities (SD UCEDD/LEND) and Sinte Gleska University (SGU), a Tribal College on the Rosebud Indian Reservation collaborated to establish a diversity fellowship. A description of the processes of recruiting fellows from tribal communities, establishing collaborative learning experiences and activities, and initial outcomes and impact of the fellowship will be provided.

UCEDD Diversity Fellowship at the Westchester Institute for Human Development [download]

UCEDD Diversity Fellowship Handout [download]

meet Asad Ahmed >

Project Narrative

1. Please describe your activities during your fellowship experience. Describe your final capstone project(s).
During the fellowship, I co-managed a community project for Westchester Department of Social Services with the goal of creating a poster to inform 1,100 employees to address issues pertaining to diversity/inclusion, cultural/linguistic competence and self-awareness within their organization. I assisted in creating a poster detailing the fellowship competencies, expectations and project goals to be presented to the New York State Department of Health. My goal was to increase knowledge, skills and values related to individual and institutional cultural and linguistic competency, fellow/workforce diversity, and community collaborations. The final project will be continued in the future by the Westchester County Department of Social Services and will be a poster that outlines key Westchester County demographic stats and variables.

2. Who did your project inform, help, influence or impact? (UCEDD, individual, community, state) How?
The project helped the Westchester County Department of Social Services (community organization) to better understand and become aware of social and behavioral issues and trends within different racial, ethnic and age demographics.

3. Why did you choose to work on that project(s)?
I chose this particular project because it enabled me to better understand how organizations implement diversity in the workforce and apply what they’ve learned to best practices when working with customers.

4. What did you gain from being a Diversity Fellow?
I feel as though I have gained a better sense of my own culture and how it shapes my beliefs and values. I also am more sensitive to the religious, cultural and individual beliefs of others.

5. How will this experience impact your education or career decisions?
I plan on using my diversity training when working in the public health workforce to better understand different segments of the underserved population. Also, if I gain a policy-oriented position, I will make sure diversity/inclusion serves as the basis behind my decision making.

6. What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself as a public health professional working with adolescents who are vulnerable to diseases because a lack of awareness or concern.

7. What recommendations do you have for other fellows?
Get the most out of your fellowship experience by asking questions from your supervisor. Don’t’ be afraid to ask or you’ll always be wrong and never learn anything new!!