The room was alive with chatter as several of GOAL’s facilitators filed into the main office. The crowd far exceeded the number who had RSVP’d to attend and by the time the evening session was underway, well over twenty women filled the room-- women of varying age, ethnicity and social background.  This group, that may never have crossed paths in their daily lives, shared a connection to GOAL and a passion for empowering girls.   

The topic for the evening was “Cultural Knowledge and Sensitivity.” Organized by Zola Shannon-Mullen, GOAL’s Director of Operations, the workshop addressed the cultural barriers that often divide GOAL participants and the facilitators themselves. The discussions were facilitated by Tiffany Brown, MAOM, an HR Generalist and national facilitator skilled in cultural sensitivity training for youth workers.

Throughout the evening, GOAL facilitators were eager to share their personal stories and experiences as they related to the commonly taboo topics of race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. The open and candid conversations led to breakthroughs in relating to others who are “not like ourselves.” The session was over much too quickly and individual discussions carried on well after the session had adjourned.

The workshop was extremely well received by the facilitators who attended. “I am so happy that GOAL not only supports the girls it works with, but strives to do the same work within the organization,” affirmed Amanda Dean, a facilitator at the Atlanta Girl’s School. “The diversity and cultural sensitivity workshop was an amazing experience that helped me get to know the women I work with and also become more aware of all our cultural differences and similarities.”

GOAL is proud of its organizational commitment to promote the personal and professional growth of team members, organizational partners, girls and all stakeholders.

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