Black leaders from across CUFO shared their experience on a range of topics including mentorship, career growth, leading through challenging and uncertain times, and building a sense of belonging at Columbia at “Leading from Where You Sit,” a panel discussion in honor of Black History Month.
Here’s some of their reflections:
1. Inclusive leaders engage the whole team.
“As a leader, you need to build relationships with people you may not normally build relationships with. Everyone has something to give.”
-Sgt. Dez Phillips, Public Safety
2. Climbing the ladder of success takes grit and determination.
“I always tell people: ‘Know everything about your role. You have to be an expert in the job you have before you get the next job... And take advantage of educational opportunities.’ I went to school at night to get my masters. It was hard, but it was also necessary to get to that next level."
-Brian McPherson, Deputy Vice President, Public Safety
3. Strong and thoughtful leaders listen and get creative with their engagement.
“Someone who has found a creative way to be available to students is Keith Goggin (Columbia Board of Trustees Member). He’ll come into Columbia Housing once a month where we have a pool table, order some food, and talk with students in the lounge. Students will ask: ‘What’s this about?’ Nothing – playing pool, hanging out, and answering questions from students.”
-Menlee Mansue, Executive Director, Columbia Housing
4. Supporting young professionals can have a big impact.
“Every summer for the past five years my team has welcomed a high school intern (in partnership with New York City Career and Technical Education). At times, our office is the intern's first introduction to an office setting, and that engagement may change the trajectory of a young person’s life and the career they want to pursue.”
-Scharlene de la Cruz, Assistant Director, Construction Business Initiatives
5. Building a sense of belonging at Columbia starts with intentional kindness.
“Plain old kindness: Hi. Hello. Good morning. How are you? You have to keep that going. Even when it’s cold outside, I’m out in front of the building greeting residents.”
-Ronald Pelissier, Resident Manager
Staff who wish to get involved in future events or join an ERG can visit our page on CUFOnet.
Please note: All CUFO employees, regardless of identity, are encouraged to join an ERG that resonates with them and attend ERG-sponsored events—whether as a community member, ally, colleague, or because they are interested in learning more about another culture. Staff may also want to follow ABC Co-chair Tammie Steward’s lead: “I signed up for every ERG... Inclusion means a lot to me, so I was very excited about all the different ERG groups.”
