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<p><strong>From staff reports&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>The President of the Technical College of the Lowcountry, Richard Gough, joins distinguished leaders from across South Carolina to participate in the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), an award-winning Furman University’s Riley Institute program.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Now in its 18th year, the program equips participants with tools and perspectives to leverage diversity to improve organizational outcomes and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina. Gough is one of 42 individuals to be a part of the 15th Lowcountry cohort.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>“Society faces enormous challenges on multiple fronts in 2021. Now more than ever, leaders must come together to identify ways to unite communities in the pursuit of better outcomes for all,” Executive Director of the Riley Institute Donald Gordon said in a release. “The participants in this class will gain unique frameworks and tools as they lead in these unprecedented times.”&nbsp;</p>
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<p>DLI class members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process after being nominated by existing program graduates, known as Riley Fellows. Participants are accepted based on their capacity to create an impact within their organizations and communities. Each class is crafted to reflect the diverse demographics in South Carolina.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Gough will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. Working alongside classmates, Gough will also develop a capstone project that raises awareness of community need.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>DLI classes are facilitated by expert Juan Johnson, an independent consultant who was The Coca-Cola Company’s first vice president for diversity strategy.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>“DLI is unique among South Carolina’s leadership programs,” Johnson said. “In addition to developing new relationships and affecting positive change in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead diverse workers, clients, and constituents.”&nbsp;</p>
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