Director's
Message
As we settle into the new year, it seems like an appropriate time to reflect back on 2014. Multicultural Affairs
saw incredible growth in our initiatives starting with this magazine. Multicultural Voices launched in June as a
platform to share heartening stories from the community that are often times left unheard. The stories of highly
motivated students and inspiring refugees speak to the importance of cultural identities and spaces.
MCA administers two commission that sought changes to bring communities together. The Multicultural Commission traveled to cities outside of the Wasatch Front to engage in continuing and necessary dialogue.The
Martin Luther King Human Rights Commission welcomed six new members to uphold the spirit and vision of
Dr. King for the people of Utah.
Pursuing higher education served as the theme and focus of our youth initiatives. The Multicultural Youth
Leadership Day at the Capitol brought in 600 students during the 2014 legislative session to learn about the
importance of being civically engaged citizens. Students and educators, 1,700 individuals attended the Multicultural Youth Leadership Summit filling the Salt Palace with high energy and enthusiasm.
This quarter’s special edition magazine highlights three of the 1,700 students and educators who attended
the Summit held in October. These individuals share their thoughts on diversity and the Summit with respect
to Utah’s changing demographics. The artwork of Chris Owens is featured. Chris is a member of the Bboy
Federation whose group continuously serves the youth in promoting community relationships and education.
In the new year we will continue o inspire, strengthen and empower Utah’s multicultural community by providing support and access to resources and services.
Claudia H. Nakano
Director
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