Gratitude can be a powerful motivator for support of nonprofits. Christine P. French of Phoenix has directed her business and her charitable activities to support the understanding and appreciating diversity. As she explains, “Diversity Leadership Alliance was chartered as my way of giving back to the community.” The United States has been very good to my family! In 1975 twelve people in my family came from Vietnam with only the clothes on their backs. Freedom gave them the opportunity to succeed, and they have been successful! We have all been blessed to have opportunities to achieve our dreams.”
Christine is the founder and Executive Director of Diversity Leadership Alliance (DLA,) inspired by the events of 9/11/01, and incorporated the following year. “The 9/11 event taught us everyone needs to be successful and included to have peace in this world. At the same time I noticed that there was an increase of violence in schools. I felt that as a community, we have failed our children by not teaching them to accept the people who are not like them. We don’t have to LOVE everyone, just respect their rights as established in the Declaration of Independence - their right to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. DLA goal is to provide education about diversity to all who are willing to learn.”
She continues, “ The strongest aspect of DLA is the VISION to be a community where every individual is respected and empowered. Education is the vehicle to realize this vision. DLA sponsors a monthly four-hour workshop where we really teach the tools and competency for people to practice at the workplace and home. We also have a yearly conference. This conference has been strategically expanded to the school districts because one of DLA’s strategies is to help our students transition from school to work. This has been very exciting. We have a youth council, whose members represent the high schools in the Phoenix Union District. The Youth council meets once a month to learn about diversity, and plan activities for the conference that would be meaningful for their peers. DLA sponsored “Path4Teens”, a workshop to help teenagers focus on what their mission/vision for life will be, what they want to do with the future. It gives them confidence, and is an exciting and empowering program!”
Diversity Leadership Alliance has posted some impressive results: twenty-five people attended the first monthly meetings in 2004. Today 150 people come each month, and some have to be turned away for lack of space. “The monthly meetings have been a phenomenal success!” relates Christine with satisfaction. “Our yearly conference, started with the Roundtable in 2002 with 97 people, and has increased steadily every year. This year we expect 2,000 attendees! This tells us that what we are providing is filling an absolute need in the community. There is no charge for the conference because we have many companies who believe in DLA’s vision, wanted to sponsor the event. This year’s confrence will be held Thursday, September 20 at the Phoenix Convention Center.”
Global Diversity Consulting is Christine’s business. “ Our clients come from all walks of life: major corporations, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. We provide education, coaching, and strategic planning, and help our clients build a diverse community in the workplace. We teach employees how to achieve their business and personal goals by working effectively together.”
A native of Vietnam, Christine came to the US in 1967. She lives in Phoenix with her husband of 40 years. They have two beautiful daughters, and four lively grandsons: ages 11, 9, and the 5-year-old twins. “I feel the best part of Phoenix is the wonderful people we have here - they make all the difference in the world!” By channeling her gratitude into tangible actions, Christine P. French is helping Phoenix to be a better place to live. As we learn from, and about each other, we can appreciate and enjoy the richness that our diverse community can offer. What are your volunteer activities? Playing with 4 rambunctious grandsons
Which social event is your favorite? DLA Annual conference
Favorite Restaurant? Christopher's
Who is your hero and why? The late mother Teresa, because she lived her life mission, without fanfare, and affected millions of people
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Billy Graham
What gives a woman/man style? Their confidence
Do you have any Pets? Yes, my 4 grandsons!
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? We lived a very busy and full life
What words describe you best? Passionate and tenacious
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Authentic
What was your first job? Working for the US in Vietnam
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Lack of patience
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Indecisiveness
hat is your greatest indulgence? Watching AVATAR with my grandsons.
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? Believe in self
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband of 40 years
What is your current state of mind? Excited
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? To be alive and healthy with a clear purpose in life
What is your most treasured possession? My family
What is the quality you most like in people? Loyalty
Favorite books / Writers? 4 Elements of Success by Laurie Beth Jones
What is the best advice you have ever received? Don’t give up because what you are looking for may be around the corner.