Diversity conference features unique menu

By Amy Staples

Participants of the Metropolitain Diversity Institute will not only learn about diversity, but taste it as well.

The conference, which runs today and Saturday, offers thirty workshops and dialogues on diversity. There will also be multi-cultural music, from jazz to Native American drumming.

Along with the workshops, diversity institute participants will get to partake in a wide array of foods.

The menu at the diversity conference will truly have something for everyone.
As speech instructor Larry Dawkins says about food, “We need to be internationalists.”
Jeremy Wilebski, kitchen manager for Chartwells at the Vista Dining Center, said,“I believe that our staff’s involvement is the missing ingredient to bridge the gap between lack of cultural awareness and community outreach. I mean, what better way to bring people together than through food!”

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to try food from different ethnicities and regions, including Russian, Filipino, Greek, Mexican and Soul food. Wilebski said, “Our entire staff had a role in the menu that we have presented and they are all excited about being a part of this event. We all have everything to gain and nothing to lose when celebrating diversity. I know our kitchen embraces it everyday and we enjoy each other and learn new things about each other everyday.”

Wilebski knows the spirit of diversity lies in celebrating individuals’ differences, and when he was asked what sort of ethnic foods the kitchen had experience with, he tapped into the diversity of the kitchen’s staff. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to not only be a part of such an important event but play an incremental role in its success.”
Dishes will include Russian borscht, chicken adobo, souvlaki, pork ham hocks, and pollo in a mole verde sauce.

“I admire each and every person that I work with and we respect each other. That is what makes us a family,” said Wilebski.

For those who would like to register for the event, late registration cost for students is $30 today, $40 Saturday or $60 for both days. Late registration for others is $45 today, $70 Saturday or $90 both days. For more information, contact Pam Polito at (503)-491-7254 or at [email protected].