Day 12 in Havana

Thursday, January 27, 2023

by Julee Muro de Gerome

The morning sky over Havana was cloudy for the first time since our arrival, as if she knew that our time was coming to a close. Our new-found friend, Havana, still had much to share and I tried to take mental pictures as I looked out of the window of the bus that was bringing us to our borrowed classroom for the last time. The task at hand was to present a 5-minute presentation on our self-directed learning projects, which required us to not only reflect on our academic learning, but also over transformational experiences in Cuba.

       Topics included healthcare access and structure, women in leadership and business, access to arts and education, and mental health and disability services among others, but each concluded with a statement of impact on our learning on the cultural context of leadership. The transformational results were apparent as we shared smiles, tears, and deep breaths together. This was an afternoon that will surely be revisited not only in our roles as leaders, but with fond memories of the bonds that we formed with each other.  Though each of us brought differing opinions and experiences to our group, this served us in not only learning more about each other, but of ourselves as well as we learned to look within ourselves for what is “different than” versus placing this dissonance outward.

       Havana mirrored our emotion as cooler temps accompanied us to our final meal as a group. During this special evening shared with our beloved guide, Amalia, one of the coordinators, Dalila, and our driver, Billy, who endearingly called us his “niñas”, we shared many hugs and the Havana sky shed a rouge raindrop on my cheek.  We ate in a restaurant, El Cocinero where the Obamas dined in 2018, followed by a visit to the adjacent Fábrica de Arte. These experiences were a segue from learning about the harsh realities of Cuba as they reminded me of stories about exclusive clubs only accessible to the rich and famous.  What was different here is that there was a feeling of unity and shared appreciation of the amazing Cuban artwork all around. Old and young, Cuban and foreigner alike engaging in conversation about life and love for immense talent displayed.

       As I ended my day reflecting on my growth as a leader, I was reminded of the power of communication. Often a warm smile, or simply holding a door can be an act of leadership as we display our shared characteristics of humanity. Havana answered my reflection with the strong ocean waves crashing against the stone walls of the malecón, as she showed me that there is beauty and strength in the restlessness that we feel in challenging situations. I can hear her as I sit in silence.