UPA Employee Development

It shouldn't be this way, but the subjects of racial equality, social justice, and gender equity aren't easy ones for Americans to talk about. That's the place where UPA does its best work. UPA creates environments where every person can feel respected and heard, safe and secure. The conversations and educational events the UPA team convenes can be life changing. I've seen that happen with my own eyes. UPA has been instrumental in my evolution as an employer and a citizen.

Over the course of my career I’ve found few individuals more capable of bridging differences and empowering diversity to its fullest and richest potential than the folks at Unlimited Potential for Achievement. The mentoring and guidance their staff provided enabled me to take a small idea I had developed in isolation and successfully connect with the community I wanted to impact.  They helped us forge the path and partnerships we needed to realize a truly successful collaboration!  The staff of Unlimited Potential for Achievement are a remarkable resource.

UPA programming was provided to Mansfield and moved the bar of diversity programming to an entirely new level. UPA staff was able to cultivate growth and connection by bringing together law enforcement, minority leadership, elected officials, students, and community members. Staff facilitated a discussion that was so much more than a square to be filled on a survey; UPA orchestrated a conversation that promoted a greater understanding for our community. The pragmatic UPA coaching and mentoring approach to diversity initiatives left room for everyone to feel accepted and benefited.

The Area Agency on Aging has a culture of inclusion and appreciates diversity in all areas. So, when it came time for our annual diversity training, I wanted to find a company that shared our culture and would speak to diversity in all areas. I did not have to look far! Renee Thompson of UPA was a perfect fit. Renee did not take a traditional approach to training. She spent time getting to know our organization and the demographics of our team. This insight allowed Renee to speak directly to our teams and to highlight areas in which diversity was limited; giving us best practices for overcoming those areas. In addition, Renee spoke with passion and experience to our teams on the prominent areas of diversity within our organization; giving our staff awareness of how diversity can be managed and embraced!

Self-discovery isn’t always an individual journey. Often there are family, friends and individuals who help along the way. The staff of UPA was that group of people for me. UPA staff always encouraged me to think, and to continue to think. They recognized me as a thinker, and helped me to embrace my own unique way of thinking; they encouraged me to believe that, with a mind like mine, I could expand my horizons beyond my wildest dreams.

I am now a senior in college, and plan to go to law school. Had it not been for the UPA staff and their coaching services, I do not know whether I would have even had enough confidence in myself to pursue a law degree. Their genuine caring and authentic approach to diversity, people and potential is absolutely refreshing in a time where people can often feel marginalized and forgotten. Thank you, UPA, for helping me to realize my own unique capacities for achievement!