Leadership message: Celebrating the Principles of Community
(SACRAMENTO)
Dear Colleagues,
For 36 years, the Principles of Community have grounded who we are and how we show up for one another. They remind us that our strength does not come from any single role, title, or department—but from our shared commitment to belonging, respect, and connection for all.
The 36th Annual Principles of Community Showcase is an invitation to be together. This year, we continue the tradition of virtual remarks at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 3, followed by the in-person showcase at 11 a.m. located in Betty Irene Moore Hall.
For our ambulatory areas, we are excited to have four pop-up events on March 11 at Elk Grove, midtown, Folsom, and HAS (Rancho Cordova), and a special treat being delivered to all other ambulatory locations on that day as well, in case you’re unable to make it. Our planning committee in the Office for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence is working diligently for a unique, empowering, and immersive experience.
It is a moment to step away from our routines, to gather as one community, to break bread, to celebrate culture, and to reconnect with the values that unite us across our differences. We encourage you to attend—not just for yourself, but for one another. Bring a friend. Bring a colleague. For those who are unable to participate with the food and tasting experience – whether cultural, spiritual, health, or preferences we encourage you to nourish the soul, and sense of community by engaging with the performers, many vendors, and the hundreds of colleagues who will be present at the event too.
This year’s showcase is designed to be vibrant, joyful, and full of life:
Four food stations featuring offerings from Chef Santana Diaz and our culinary team, creating space to literally and figuratively break bread together.
Nearly 70 vendors of local businesses, departments, councils, committees, and services.
Cultural performances, showcasing the richness of our communities – Dragon Dancers, Native American and Aztec performances, and Japanese Dance just to name a few.
Performances by local artists and the Inderkum High School Cheer Team, bringing energy, pride, and celebration into the workspace.
Whether you stay for five minutes or an hour, whether you come for the food, the performances, or the conversations, know that you belong here.
The Principles of Community are not just words we display; they are values we live through moments like this. We hope you’ll join us, share a meal, take in a performance, and experience the power of community in action.
Please work with your supervisor to coordinate coverage. The event is designed to take place across multiple hours, with repeating performances to ensure units can coordinate coverage for the experience.
I look forward to seeing you there.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Hendry Ton M.D. ,M.S. Associate Vice Chancellor, Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence
Ceasor Dennis Senior Director, Institutional Culture, Climate and Community Engagement
