There were 32 graduates, in all.
The graduates participated in one of three sites active across the state: Atlanta (English), North Gwinnett (English) & Refugee Family Services (English).
Judge Dax Lopez, State Court Judge in DeKalb County, was keynote speaker for teh graduation.
He encouraged the graduates to continue to work together within their own communities and to engage further with GALEO's efforts, particularly with registering eligible Latino voters for the 2012 elections. He challenged the graduates to focus on the possible.
"If you set your minds to something and you work hard, there is nothing you will not be able to accomplish," said Judge Dax Lopez. He challenged the graduates to ask "why not?" when naysayers question what is possible, encouraging them to focus on being effective leaders by focusing upon the "possible" and work together to continue to "change the world."
The GALEO Latino Community Development Fund has implemented the GALEO Institute for Leadership to focus upon the leadership development of the Latino community across our state. As part of the GALEO Institute for Leadership, GALEO formed a strategic partnership with the University of Georgia's Fanning Institute to expand and develop our joint efforts for the Community Leadership Program.
The graduates dedicated more than 30 hours during the last several months to complete eight modules and a group project. The class represented various countries:
United States
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Puerto Rico
Mexico
Bhutan
Burma
Eriterea
United Kingdom
The graduates represent the following areas in Georgia:
Cobb County
Clayton County
DeKalb County
Forsyth County
Gwinnett County
Hall County
Henry County
Richmond County
This is the eleventh group of graduates of GALEO's leadership development efforts. The total number of GALEO Institute for Leadership alumni now stands at 403 from all across the state.
The program was made possible in part by the Sapelo Foundation, New World Foundation, University of Georgia-Fanning Institute, Georgia Power, GALEO, and individual donors.
The GALEO Institute for Leadership plans to continue the leadership sessions for 2012. Target locations will be within the Metro Atlanta area, Gainesville and Dalton.
For more information about the GALEO Institute for Leadership and future GALEO leadership development programs, contact Jerry Gonzalez at 404.745.2580 or [email protected]. Pictures of the graduation are available upon request and are posted on www.facebook.com/GALEO.org . Click here for album link.
Some of the graduates of this year's GALEO Institute of Leadership. (Photo courtesy GALEO)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/12/244068