City of Sierra Vista Cultural Diversity

CommissionAnnual Report

2016-2017

Staff Liaison: Laura Killberg Secretary: Teresa Penny Council Member: Craig Mount

The Commission’s purpose is promote and improve relations and understanding among the many diverse ethnic and cultural segments of

the City of Sierra Vista.

• Heighten cultural awareness• Promote knowledge and appreciation of others' differences• Examine our own individual cultural identity and how it affects our

relations with others• Become more aware of our attitudes, perceptions, and feelings about

various ethnic differences• Create an environment of respect and harmony among the citizens of

the community and Fort Huachuca

Current Commission Members

Shaundra Sanders, Chair Chrysti Lassiter, Vice Chair

Gail HoustonSigrid Limtiaco

Frances MicheauLauri Owen

Rosa Villafane

Accomplishments• Organized and spearheaded the first Commissioners’ Meet and Greet

• Held 23 Jan 16 at the Mona Bishop Room• Ongoing quarterly effort rotated amongst the Commissions to plan

• Opportunity to meet and partner with one another• Learn about and support other Commissions’ events and efforts

• Supported monthly cultural awareness activities that were held at Buena High School; organized by Jacqui Clay

• High Schoolers and their families had an opportunity to showcase their ethnic heritage

• Provide support and participation to the annual Oktoberfest Hosted by Foreign Liaison Commander at Ft. Huachuca

• Provide giveaways from local businesses

Accomplishments (continued)

• Annual Heritage Fair; held April of every year

• 13th Annual Event• Even initially started at Oscar Yrun; moved to

Thunder Mountain Activity Center and currently held at Buena High School

• More than 27 countries represented and average of 1100 citizens attend for the past 3 years

• Partnership with MI Students, Foreign Soldier Liaisons and Foreign Exchange Students

Accomplishments (continued)

Accomplishments (continued)• First Christmas/Holiday Celebration at

Landmark Plaza• Showcasing the ethnicity of our

community beyond the Annual Heritage Fair to include the diverse local businesses

• 18 Countries and Vendors participated• Citizens that attended stated we “out

shined” a similar event that was taking place same day

• We have extended invitations to participants of Heritage Fair

Accomplishments (continued)

• Active participants in City Council Review of the Commissions • Discussed suggestions of City Council Representatives and working to

implement• Add youth representatives to Commission

• Currently have a recent graduate of Buena High School that is attending Cochise College• Reviewed our Commission’s mission/purpose and how we impact the community

Goals2017-2018

• Coordinate events that encourage cross cultural understanding, appreciation, and harmony

• In line with specific months recognizing a ethnic group or men and women that impacted our culture

• Develop, coordinate, sponsor partner, and foster programs that provide educational opportunities about the historical and cultural context of our community

• Partner with other organizations to schedule briefs, workshops, forums

Goals2017-2018

• Increase community participation in the government process and feedback to the City from the minority groups and youth

• Encourage members to hear the voice of the community• Receive input in line with City Council’s recommendation to task and know

the concerns/issues/recommendations of the community• Work to reinforce our relationship with Mayor and City Council

Members• Provide Talking Papers to city reps in an effort to convey the voice of the

community