Howard Center is expanding its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Team and is pleased to welcome Patrick Brown and Cael Barkman. The team expansion reflects the commitment of Howard Center to advance its practice within the organization and in the community.
Patrick Brown has joined Howard Center as the new Community Engagement Liaison. Patrick has previously served on Howard Center’s Board of Trustees and as a community partner to the organization for many years. As a change maker and community influencer, he has demonstrated leadership in developing inclusive communities and his connections span across and beyond Vermont. Patrick’s contributions will help to enhance the organization’s impact in working with under-served and culturally diverse populations, and build stronger community partnerships. Most recently Patrick has worked for the Vermont Department of Labor and the University of Vermont. Patrick will remain involved with the Burlington Multicultural Center and continue to produce the Center’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event and its annual Diversity Conference. Patrick will also continue as an adjunct professor at the University of Vermont.
Cael Barkman moves into a new role as the Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Cael has contributed to the agency’s mission for over eleven years as a passionate leader, advocate, and trainer, and has served as Chair of Howard Center’s LGBTQIA+ employee affinity network since its inception. Cael trains staff in Unconscious Bias workshops, and led the initiative to design and deliver a Gender, Pronouns, and Inclusive Language training for staff. Cael’s work will include staff engagement and education to foster a culture that encourages and supports diversity, equity and inclusion.
In 2015, Howard Center engaged Abundant Sun an international training and cultural transformation agency to provide consultation on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and corporate responsibility. Co-founder and CEO, Dr. Jude Smith Rachele has worked with Howard Center’s board, leadership, and staff to build strategy, capacity, and engagement.
Howard Center’s CEO, Bob Bick says, “A diverse, welcoming, and inclusive culture at Howard Center and throughout our community is essential and we are pleased to build on our work with Abundant Sun to welcome Patrick and Cael to our expanded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.”