WJLAs Roz Plater to Emcee Program
The Diversity Institute at the College of Southern Maryland presents the 2015 Unity in Our Community Diversity Forum, focusing on Shaping a Stronger Charles County Together, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 25 at the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata.
Residents of the Charles County community are encouraged to attend the free forum to begin the process of crafting a community action plan that will be coordinated by the Diversity Institute at CSM.
The days emcee will be WJLA News Reporter Roz Plater. A native of Calvert County, Plater began her career in journalism in the San Francisco Bay Area as a reporter and anchor at KNTV and KPIX TV. She has covered her share of earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides and political campaigns, but she loves local news and covering the issues that matter to people in local communities.
Panelists during the opening session and the subsequent breakout sessions, led by community members, are designed to help create strategies to help build a stronger Charles County.
The panel discussion, moderated by CSM Professor Dr. Maria Bryant, will set the background, provide context about the changing demographics of Charles County and offer insight into opportunities that may be leveraged as a result of these changes.
Bryant is a professor in social sciences and public services division and 2007 recipient of CSMs Faculty Excellence Award. She is recognized for her commitment to providing her students with the tools they need to thoughtfully engage in conversations about societal issues that affect them, their families and their community.
The panel will include CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried, Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry, Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor Manager Dr. Landis Faulcon, South Potomac Church Pastor Dave Huffman and Charles County Board of Education Student Representative Georgia Benson.
Following the panel discussion, attendees will be involved in facilitated small-group breakout sessions so as to be part of shaping the goals and priorities associated with the future efforts of the Diversity Institute to promote inclusion, respect and unity in our community. The breakout sessions will be divided into six sector areas including social services, public safety, education, local businesses, non-profit and civic groups, and local government in an effort to address challenges faced by these sectors.
Planning partners with the Diversity Institute and CSM include the Charles County Commissioners, Charles County Public Library, Charles County Board of Education, Charles County Commission for Women and Lifestyles of Maryland, Inc. Support for the forum is being provided by Chick-fil-A of Charles County.
Pre-registration by April 22 is requested for this free event at www.csmd.edu/DiversityInstitute/ in order to secure the breakout session of choice.
Registration on the day begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m. For information, visit www.csmd.edu/DiversityInstitute/ or contact Robbie Morganfield, coordinator of the Diversity Institute at rmorganfield@csmd.edu.
Calendar
Forum "Unity in Our Community, Shaping A Stronger Charles County." 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 25. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry (BI) Building, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Hosted by the Diversity Institute at the College of Southern Maryland, this community-based event will include panelists, guest speakers and breakout sessions focusing on the areas of criminal justice, local business, public education, local government, nonprofit/civic groups and social groups. Free. For information, contact Robbie Morganfield, 301-539-4742. To register, visit http://www.csmd.edu/DiversityInstitute/unitycommunity.html