b'Session HighlightsMulti-culturalism and DiversityCapital RegionCollege Park Marriot Hotel and Conference Center, Hyattsville | October 12-13, 2023To begin the morning, the class heard personal stories from Special Olympics athletes David Godoy and Michael Huep along with James C. Jim Schmutz 21, Special Olympics Maryland Executive Director. They then participated in The Blue Linethe always eye-opening exercise that examines how privilege impacts our lives. For the rest of the day, the class broke into working sessions to address issues of their choice surrounding multi-culturalism, leadership, and diversity. That evening, the bus carried the group to Bethesda for a tour of the Music Center at Strathmore with Monica Jeffries Hazangeles 11, followed by a reception at Strathmore Mansion, featuring music performed by Strathmores Artists in Residence. Following that performance, they heard the moving and impactful story of musician Daryl Daviss fight againstTHANK YOU TO OUR REGIONAL racism. The next morning began with a visit and tour of the Thurgood Marshall Hall of PublicSPONSORS:Policy, a state-of-the-art facility that was designed for the critical exploration of pressing publicAdventist Healthcare Fort issues. Later, the group visited the Discovery District, a dynamic research park that bringsWashington Medical Center together a vibrant and inclusive community of university stakeholders and corporate partners.Assedo ConsultingLast, Tim Delehanty welcomed the class to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of theHoward HughesUniversity of Maryland, the states training and education system for all-hazard responses, andPrescott HRprovided demonstrations of training exercises. StrathmoreClosing RetreatCrowne Plaza, Annapolis | November 10, 2023The Class of 23 finished their journey at the Closing Retreat where they reflected on their Leadership Maryland experience. Responding to staff prompts, they reviewed best practices that they learned along their journey as well as the exceptional leaders they encountered. In addition, they took time to review the amazing resources, assets, and wisdom learned from each other as classmates. Finally, they reflected on the Kodak (or Instagram) moments from throughout the year and closed by expressing their deep appreciation for each other.34 Leadership Maryland 2023'