USA Swimming’s Diversity Summit brought together 60 LSC representatives in an open and inclusive atmosphere to discuss creative ways to foster practical programs and solutions to impact diversity efforts at the LSC level.

 Through various presentations and breakout sessions, attendees develop creative ideas to bring back to their LSCs, while establishing valuable connections with other participants. Some of the topics this year included:

• Successful Programs & Initiatives 

• Challenges of Establishing a Diversity Committee 

• Marketing Diversity 

• Establishing Relationships with Outside Organizations

This year’s keynote speaker was Regina A. Lewis Ph.D. Dr. Lewis is described by her peers and those who have heard her speak as an authentic and transformational leader. As the CEO of Regina Speaking, Dr. Lewis is known throughout the nation for keynoting and training on current issues such as cultural inclusiveness, leadership, coaching and communication competency. 

Attendees also heard from key USA Swimming staff and LSC representatives about grassroots projects that can be emulated in their LSCs. Forty LSCs were represented at this year’s summit.

The summit was not only informational, but motivational,we hit on key subjects such as budget creations, camps, clinics, make-a-splash, crisis management, outreach programs, creating community partnerships and much more. Just as inspirational were the other representatives, I met and had a chance to interact with. Everyone is dealing with different issues in their LSC but everyone there has drive to make an impact and make a difference in advance the inclusion efforts in their area. 

We also created goals for our each individual LSC. The ones I created for the Middle Atlantic include:

*Making the Diversity Chair a voting member of the Board of Directors

*Increasing the budget of the Diversity Committee

* Increase Community outreach partnerships and create community partnerships