It’s Not All Work… | December 2019
What a spread!
Beef on weck, empanadas and Jamaican cabbage and plantains. Flan, brownies and banana pudding. (Just writing the words makes my mouth water.)
Those are just some of the dishes shared by team members in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion at a recent luncheon.
The “Cultural Potluck” was organized by the division’s professional development team.
Taj Smith, director of Diversity Education and an admitted “foodie” helped pull it all together.
“It is a chance for our division to continue to bond and build relationships with one another, to increase our trust and workplace productivity. One way to do this is to be in fellowship and ask questions about who people are,” he said.
Did I mention the meatballs? Rice and beans? Fried chicken? Sweet potato pie?
Close to 30 people accepted the invitation and brought some of their favorite dishes to pass.
They said how nice it was to step away from the daily grind- and -how nice it was to get to know one another a little better.
“We all need a little help or push to step outside our comfort zone. Around food, everyone has a story behind a cultural dish to share, added Smith.
The goal is similar to programs and workshops Smith puts on for RIT faculty and staff. “Breaking Bread” pairs people with “someone who holds at least one identity different from their own.” Over a course of six meetings, the hope is that they will each walk away with a deeper appreciation of their common experiences.
A new Breaking Bread cohort begins January 6, 2020. You can sign up today by going to:
https://rit.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GZYPhj9SCJZ3M1
Fun Food Facts
Banana pudding-considered a southern dessert consisting of bananas, vanilla wafers, meringue or whipped cream on top. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth!
Beef on weck- thinly sliced roast beef on a salty kummelweck roll. Try some horseradish with it. Just like the famous wings, it was born in Buffalo, NY.
Sweet potato pie – a sweet potato custard, with vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, baked in a pie shell. Similar ingredients used in pumpkin pie. Hint: If you are specifically asked to bring a sweet potato pie to an event, do not, I repeat, do not try to substitute a pumpkin pie instead. There is a difference and your hosts will politely let you know it!