Build an inclusive and equitable community

In thinking about the opportunities ahead me for the new year, I'm excited, that as a Louisiana native, I can proactively express my passion for public service as a Midwestern transplant. Knowing the opportunities afforded to me in 2015, causes me to reflect back on when my husband and I first transition to Iowa in 2007. We were fresh out of graduate school, he had accepted an engineering position with a local employer, and we decided to give Iowa a try. Despite not having any family or friends in Cedar Rapids or Iowa, we are relatively close to my husband's hometown of Chicago, which reassured us that family was only a drive away.

I must admit that the first year in Cedar Rapids was pretty tough. We were newlyweds, in an unfamiliar city, without a social support system in place. After the couple years of experiencing the trials and tribulations that many young professionals encounter when seeking to establish roots a community, we made deliberate decision make Cedar Rapids our home. Our decision to stay was made easy after many years of 'dating our community.” Through the courting of Cedar Rapids, I've learned how to best share my talents, skills, and value through my work in the public service sector.

In reflecting back over my time in Cedar Rapids, I can confidently say that 2015 was a great year for me professionally. The highlight of my year was when I took on a new role with the City of Cedar Rapids in serving as its Chief Diversity Officer. This expanded role compliments my role as the Executive Director for the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission. In 2016, I plan to bridge networks that have a common goal of building a community inclusivity and equity through my natural curiosity of getting to know people in the community. Specially, I look forward to working with City in establishing a cross-departmental Employee Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This group will be uniquely positioned to establish goals and measurements for expanding on currently inclusion efforts.

I also look forward keeping my core skills fresh, as well as learning to improve and expand upon my professional assets. In additional, I also want to be creative in how I can apply my professional experiences in other areas that are of best service to our community. More importantly, hope that 2016 brings more opportunities for community engagement, as well as improving my work-life balance. What good is it to serve your community when you are not available to share memories with the ones that need you the most, your family and loved ones. Finally, I hope that the new year brings our global community restorative peace and the healing power of love.

' LaSheila Yates is executive director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission. More information: www.cedar-rapids.org/civilrights