Being part of the Brotherhood Initiative class was helpful in shaping me into the leader I am today. As a male of color, navigating leadership roles in the corporate world can be challenging due to prevalent stereotypes. However, this class provided me with valuable skills and perspectives on leading within a community, redefining those stereotypes along the way. Through skill-building assignments and discussions on identity, I learned to leverage my unique experiences and perspectives. Moreover, the networking events organized by the program allowed me to improve my professional skills as well. Overall, this experience has not only strengthened my character but also equipped me with the tools to lead within any community.

• Attended a weekly 2-hour credit class and participated in discussions on personal identities and explored the impact of historical figures of color on global history. 

• Engaged in topics surrounding identity, toxic masculinity, societal pressures, and current events, reflecting the depth of our classroom conversations. 

• Completed a series of assignments, essays focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership, and our academic/personal goals in college. 

• Fostered connections with fellow cohort members, deepening our understanding of each other’s backgrounds and experiences over the two-year class commitment. 

• Participated in a final group presentation on a topic of our choosing. 

Diversity:  

My experience in the Brotherhood Initiative class has overall improved my understanding and appreciation of diversity. Through discussions on personal identities and exploring historical figures of color, I learned to value diverse perspectives and experiences. For instance, studying the achievements of influential figures like Malcolm X and Cesar Chavez broadened my awareness of the diverse contributions of people of color to global history. Engaging with peers from various backgrounds within the cohort further enriched my understanding of diversity. Moving forward, I aim to continue embracing diversity by actively seeking out opportunities to learn from individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives. 

Initiative:  

Participating in the Brotherhood Initiative class required me to take initiative in my learning and personal development. I took the initiative to actively engage in zoom sessions (back during the pandemic), class discussions, contribute ideas during group projects, and seek out additional resources to deepen my understanding of the topics covered. For example, I initiated discussions on topics such as toxic masculinity and current events, fostering a collaborative learning environment within the cohort. I also volunteered to lead our group presentation, demonstrating initiative in taking on leadership roles. While I have developed a sense of initiative, I recognize the importance of continuing to seek out additional opportunities for growth and learning. 

Research:  

Throughout the Brotherhood Initiative class, I sharpened my research skills by conducting in-depth research into various topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I conducted research on historical figures of color, analyzing their contributions and impact on global history. Additionally, I researched current events and scholarly articles to inform our discussions on topics such as societal pressures and identity. This experience strengthened my ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources, enhancing my research skills. Moving forward, I intend to further develop my research skills by engaging in more holistic research and using a wider range of research approaches. 

Writing:  

The Brotherhood Initiative class provided many opportunities for me to refine my writing skills through working on assignments and essays. I crafted several essays discussing the importance of diversity in leadership and explored strategies for promoting inclusivity in academic and professional settings. Additionally, I collaborated with my fellow peers to draft our group presentation, ensuring clarity and coherence in our central message. This experience improved my ability to articulate my thoughts effectively in writing and communicate complex ideas concisely. Looking ahead, I aim to continue developing my writing skills by seeking feedback from peers and mentors and engaging in diverse writing projects. 

Personal values:  

Engaging in the Brotherhood Initiative class enabled me to reflect on and clarify my personal values, particularly in relation to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through discussions and assignments focused on these topics, I recognized my commitment to promoting social justice and equality. For example, reflecting on the experiences of historical figures of color inspired me to further advocate for marginalized communities by joining other UW programs such as YEOC. This experience reinforced the importance of integrity, empathy, and compassion in my personal and professional endeavors. Moving forward, I aspire to align my actions with my values by actively advocating for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of my life. 

Self-understanding:  

The Brotherhood Initiative class facilitated significant growth in my self-understanding by encouraging self-examination and reflection. Engaging in discussions about identity prompted me to examine my own beliefs, biases, and privileges. For instance, reflecting on my experiences as a male of color in a predominantly white institution deepened my awareness of the challenges and opportunities I encounter. Additionally, receiving feedback from peers and instructors helped me gain insights into my strengths and areas for growth. This experience enhanced my self-awareness and helped me develop a clearer sense of my identity and purpose. Moving forward, I will continue to prioritize self-reflection as a tool for personal and professional development. 

Reflection & Application:  

The Brotherhood Initiative class fostered a culture of reflection and application, encouraging me to integrate my learning into real-world contexts. After each class session, I reflected on key insights and takeaways using the discussion board on Canvas, and asked myself how this could inform my actions and decisions. For example, following discussions on leadership and diversity, I applied these concepts to my involvement in multiple student organizations, striving to promote inclusivity and equity in leadership roles. Additionally, I applied the lessons learned from working on group projects and presentations to enhance my collaboration and communication skills in other contexts. This experience reinforced the importance of continuous learning and reflection in personal and professional growth. Moving forward, I will continue to reflect on my experiences and apply my learning to create positive change in my communities.