Multicultural Leadership Program Continues Growth

At the beginning of her freshman year, Mikayla Meyers received an email about the Multicultural Leadership Program (MLP).

“The name caught my attention,” she says. “I was looking for opportunities to be involved on campus with a wide variety of people, and this group seemed like a great way to do that.”

Once she joined, she found that she “learned a lot about other people’s stories and perspectives, all while we developed our leadership skills together.”

Bitaniya Wolde signed up for MLP because it presented a valuable opportunity to become a culturally competent and Christ-centered leader, both on campus and elsewhere. “I was excited to see Dordt make an intentional effort to create space for students like me, who come from different backgrounds, to build meaningful relationships with other minorities on campus.”

MLP invites students into a two-year cohort experience to gain leadership skills, spark spiritual formation, and build community. Students are split into cohort groups that are led by instructors. They meet once a week to pray together, engage in discussion, and get to know one another better.

Evin Dickerson ('20), director of MLP, says one of the most memorable activities for students is creating a personal mission statement. “We talk about what values they hold, where they see themselves in the next few years, what goals they want to put in place, and how they want to grow in their faith in Christ."

Meyers appreciates the focus on leadership styles. “Working through mission statements, spiritual gifts, and more help members discover their own personal leadership style. Plus, discussing these things with friends from various cultural backgrounds brings different perspectives to light and has helped me learn more about myself.”

MLP students also engage in different events throughout the year, such as Christmas around the World. “Before exam week in the fall semester, we provide a space for students to take a step away from studying and enjoy good food. Last year, we had Jamaican beef and chicken patties, fried plantains, and collard greens; we had Swedish cookies and Dutch letters. One student brought Christmas bingo that his family plays every year," says Dickerson.

The Eckardt Lounge was packed with students eager to spend time together and try different cultural foods.

MLP is also more than events and activities.

“I remember when I was a student at Dordt, I didn’t have a car, so something as simple as getting a haircut was tough for me,” says Dickerson. “We came up with this idea to take students to Sioux City one Saturday a month to get a haircut and help them build community on the drive. It feels good to get hair taken care of. Whether that’s braids, twists, a fade, you feel more confident. It seems small, but it can have a big impact on the student experience.”

Wolde says that, through discussions with her peers and support from faculty, she knows her voice matters. “I feel like I truly belong,” she says. “The structure of the program has helped me reflect deeply on who I am, what I am called to do, and who I am called to serve. This has allowed me to better understand and embrace my true mission in the kingdom of God.”