The American Leadership Forum, a renowned program who chooses participants based on nominations, held a weeklong expedition at Mount Adams. Victoria, CEO of Lara Media Services, is proud to have participated with the 29th class of this forum. Victoria shares her insights:
“This trip was a learning experience, and it pushed me to my limits physically, mentally, and emotionally. There was no Wi-Fi or cell service, so to be disconnected with the world and to be with such a large group of people was difficult. As a group we had to let down our barriers and allow ourselves to be vulnerable with one another, which is exhausting emotionally. But by doing so, you really learn about yourself, as well as others beliefs, values, perspectives, etc.
As a leader, you become used to trying to control everything, but this trip helped me to learn to adapt and accept what is unpredictable. By working with one another you gain other insights that can help you to better understand others and other situations.
I strongly believe in community, and this further instilled for me that there is strength in numbers and that we need to work together in order to solidify communities and create strong bonds. We have to be able to communicate and let down barriers in order to move forward.”
This weekend Victoria along Oscar Arana, Director of NAYA Family Center, will talk in front of their ALF class about the local issues we face in Multnomah County. They will be discussing topics like racism and the lack of equity within the economic development and education among the communities of color. This will be a great opportunity to start a dialogue about uncomfortable truths that need to be addressed and an invitation to work for a better and more inclusive community.
Edited by Tatiana Garcia