"Strength Through Diversity" Young Professionals Leadership Program (NYCLP)

History

The city of New York is fortunate to have its wide breadth of culture and communities, making it a "world capital." Yet, there too often exists a divide between different ethnicities and cultures. In 2006, the America-Israel Friendship League joined with Bronx Borough President, Adolfo Carrion, Jr. in launching the Hispanic-Israel Young Professionals Program [HIYPP]. This highly successful program brought together young professionals from the Hispanic, American and Israeli communities. During a six-month training period, this group became more aware of issues related to diversity, leadership and community development. In doing so, HIYPP became the basis for a new leadership that successfully embraces diversity.

The overwhelming positive feedback from HIYPP prompted an idea for expansion of the program, both in the scope of resources provided to participants and in the range of cultural experiences represented in the class.

Thus, "Strength Through Diversity" Young Professional Leadership Program was developed in cooperation with Cornell University Cooperative Extension-New York City. Unique in its design and mission, the program seeks to extend the understanding and built relationships of the HIYPP program, including a wider spectrum of participants and experiences.