A Voice for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Naomi Fernandez-Rodriguez, Case Manager & Chair of Vail’s Diversity Council Naomi moved to Minnesota from Puerto Rico in 2015 and immediately enrolled in the social work school at the University of Minnesota. She came to Vail Place as an intern in that same year and was then hired as a case manager in 2016. In a recent conversation with Development Director, Stefano LoVerso, she shared aspects of her background and experiences that influence her work and her views on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion and her leadership position in the Diversity Council at Vail Place. Stefano: Would you talk a little bit about your work at Vail Place? What it's been like adapting during this time – in working with your clients? Naomi: I think it’s been harder because one of the main benefits of case management is establishing that relationship, that trust relationship and reciprocal relationship, and that gets obviously affected when you cannot see people face to face. The interaction is not the same. The needs are the same and you have to do the same job, with some barriers in the way…. I have actually been providing more than I would do on a regular basis just because I understand that many people don't have other supports and many people are in more distress just because they have less access to social interactions and other services. So I have been calling and checking a little bit more with people. Stefano: Tell me about the diversity council. Where it's been, where it is now, where it's going? Your feelings about the work?
09 July, 2020
