Ideas with potential can emerge from anyone, regardless of location.
In a powerful keynote speech at this year's MIT Diversity Summit, Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch shared her journey from growing up in a barrio in Laredo, Tex, to becoming a trailblazer in the U.S. Army and an advocate for diversity and meritocracy.
Edmund Bertschinger, physics professor at MIT and the Institute's first Community and Equity Officer, introduced Kickbusch. Bertschinger and Kickbusch share a vision of a diverse and inclusive society where good ideas come from anyone, anywhere.
Kickbusch, who was the first female commissioned officer in Texas, commanded three units of soldiers during her 20-year military career. However, she grew up with a sense of not being valued, as her own mother treated her differently from her seven brothers.
A professor from South Boston, known as "Mr. Cooper", played a significant role in Kickbusch's life. He mentored her and helped her overcome obstacles, including giving her standardized tests, teaching her to read, and declaring that she could attend any university in the United States.
After leaving the Army, Kickbusch found herself in a California school district where the superintendent wanted to hire more minority teachers but struggled to find talented applicants. During a conversation with Kickbusch, it was discovered that 18 people on the superintendent's own staff wanted to complete their degrees. Kickbusch helped them finish their degrees, and now all 18 are employed as teachers in the district.
Bertschinger urged the attendees of the Diversity Summit to share the vision of change with others and be the engine that drives change, both at MIT and the nation. The answer, according to MIT's aims and the Diversity Summit, is yes, but there is a need to ensure talented youngsters are aware of the possibilities and encouraged to pursue them.
The Diversity Summit continues with workshops on Tuesday and a documentary screening about civil rights leader Bayard Rustin on Wednesday. Kickbusch's inspiring story serves as a reminder that everyone has the potential to make a difference and that diversity and meritocracy go hand in hand.
- Kickbusch, an advocate for diversity and meritocracy, shared her journey from growing up in a barrio in Laredo, Tex, to becoming a trailblazer in the U.S. Army.
- Edmund Bertschinger, MIT's first Community and Equity Officer and physics professor, introduced Kickbusch, sharing a vision of a diverse and inclusive society.
- Kickbusch, who was the first female commissioned officer in Texas, faced obstacles growing up, as her own mother treated her differently from her seven brothers.
- A professor from South Boston, known as "Mr. Cooper", mentored Kickbusch, helping her overcome obstacles and pursue education.
- After leaving the Army, Kickbusch found herself in a California school district, helping 18 staff members finish their degrees and pursue careers in education.
- Bertschinger encouraged the attendees of the Diversity Summit to share the vision of change with others and be the engine that drives change in education and self-development.
- The Diversity Summit continues with workshops and a documentary screening about civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, reminding everyone that diversity and meritocracy go hand in hand and everyone has the potential to make a difference.
- In the realm of science, engineering, business, and personal growth, diversity-and-inclusion is essential for fostering innovation and career-development, promoting good ideas from anyone, anywhere.
