Research & Publications
- Association of American Colleges and Universities, (2008). More Reasons for Hope: Diversity Matters in Higher Education. (The Catalyst Trip is listed as one of 30 exemplary programs).
- Bazata, B., Crawford Cressy, E., Evans, J., Fritzler, S., Lopez, A., Stanikzai, R., & Warren, K. (2007). The Catalyst Trip: A Journey of Transformation (2007), Diversity & Democracy, v. 10(3). Article available at www.diversityweb.org/DiversityDemocracy/vol10no3/bazata.cfm
-
Bazata, B., Cressy, E. C., Evans, J.,
& Warren, K. (2009). Leadership for Social Change: The Women's
Intercultural Leadership Model , Journal
of Women's Intercultural Leadership.
- Cressy, E. C., Bazata, B., Evans, J., Warren, K., & Campos, J. (2009). The Catalyst Trip: Assessing an Anti-racism Intervention Program, Social Justice in Context. Article available as a pdf file here: The Catalyst Trip
- 5 Reasons Diversity Matters in Business Dec. 2010 blog post for 'Women Business Owners of Michiana'
Testimonials
The
following is in reference to workshops conducted in Mirrabooka, Western
Australia at the Ishar Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health:
"The evaluations of the workshops revealed that it has been a spring of
inspiration for the women to bring clarity and focus to their goals and
it made them aware that they have the potential to become positive
change agents and are capable to make worthwhile contributions to their
organisations and to the society. The community leaders mentioned that
they attained greater confidence in themselves and immensely benefitted
by participating in the group processes where every person was engaged
in a fruitful way. One of the highlights of learning from the workshop
has been the shift in the attitude of staff and other professionals –
‘organisational development through not just acceptance of differences
but through celebration of differences’. "
Shobhana Chakrabarti, Executive Director, Ishar
Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health
The following is In regard to the workshop
"Multicultural Synergy: Building an Inclusive Community" conducted at
St. Mary's College:
"...Rosemarie, Bonnie, and all of the presenters did an excellent job.
They have the ability to take what can be a very threatening topic and
make it non-threatening. I would highly recommend their services for
any diversity programming!""
Debby Kelly, Director, Human Resources, St. Mary’s College
The CatalystEncounter was
assessed by Marilyn A. Sadler of Sadler Consulting Services. This is
what she had to say about the program:
"For me personally, the training will be an experience that I will
always treasure. The willingness of the leaders and participants to
take risks, to take off their masks, to be honest, and to be willing to
share from their head, hearts, and hands was awesome. As a trainer and
consultant I have heard numerous "horror" stories from people who have
had bad experiences trying to discuss issues of race and white
privilege in ways that were helpful and not hurtful, educational, but
not destructive. The approach used during the trip provided everyone
with an opportunity to discuss these issues in a caring, respectful,
and safe environment. I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation
of the significance and impact of race and white privilege on our
society and the need to provide forums for people to discuss these
critical issues in a safe and meaningful way."
About the Trainers:
Bonnie Bazata has a unique ability to design
innovative programs and
gather together talented, diverse people to work together
collaboratively. I have had the great pleasure of working with her, and
watching her in action. Bonnie is able to bring out the best
work in each team member, and no one who has taken part in any of her
workshops or events has left untouched . She is able to provide a safe
space for participants where honest self-reflection and a commitment to
action can take place authentically.
Dorothy Friesen, Training Consultant/Facilitator, Fort
Frances,
Ontario, Canada
As a certified diversity trainer I am always examining how other
trainers facilitate. Rosemarie has the wonderful
ability to be able to
appeal to men, women, and youth. Her work as a law
enforcement officer makes her an excellent facilitator to work with
police officers, firefighting professionals, and in other fields that
are male-dominated. These groups often fail to gain the most
out of training efforts unless the facilitator can prove that she/he
has “walked in their shoes.” Rosemarie makes diversity and
race relation discussions thought-provoking and challenging.
She is willing and able to share her life experiences in a way that is
passionate, compassionate, but direct.
Marilyn A. Sadler, JD, Manager, Diversity &
Employment,
Vectren Corporation, Evansville, IN 47708
Erin Crawford Cressy brings a socio-psychological
perspective to
diversity and intercultural leadership training, presentations, and
conversations. Among the various theories, constructs, and perspectives
on gender inequities, racism, and white privilege she specifically adds
to the discourse a keen understanding and well-articulated presentation
of the role that schemas and cognitive dissonance play in relationships
between dominant and inferior groups. From this perspective, Erin helps
us to better understand why we think the way that we think and act the
way we act in our social actions and interactions.
Kimberlie J. Warren, M.P.A., Consultant/Trainer, South Bend,
IN