Now in its 21st year, the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) program is expanding its offerings to include a new certificate.
The Equity-Minded Leadership certificate, developed in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services and the Office of Diversity and Equity, is designed to provide a foundation in the concepts of identity, power, intersectionality, and action.
“Participation will empower students to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in their communities,” says Nick Palumbo, assistant dean of students for leadership and service. “Change, even on a small scale, is impactful in a large way. Students can apply the knowledge and skills developed through this certificate to their cultural clubs, Greek organizations, residence halls, campus employment, athletic teams, academic departments, and more.”
The Equity-Minded Leadership certificate encompasses four main areas—social identity, intersectionality and power, allyship and action, and a capstone focused on applying all the concepts to leadership. Participants take four required workshops and choose four more electives to complete the certificate.
“This certificate has the potential to increase equity in student leadership on campus as well as in post-graduate arenas,” says robbie routenberg ’05, chief diversity officer. “I look forward to the transformative learning opportunities provided through this certificate and the rippling effects they have across our community.”
The Equity-Minded Leadership certificate is one of eleven certificate programs offered through the GOLD program, which provides more than 300 workshops annually to students and staff. The GOLD program, free and open to all students, helps participants develop the skills and knowledge necessary for future success in their careers and their lives. The extensive series of personal development programs, institutes, leadership certificates, service-learning, volunteer work, and active engagement in college and community life is designed to complement students’ academic work. In addition, GOLD Leader Mentors help connect participants to the various campus opportunities available to them.