The Impact of Learning Lab Immersions

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) recognized the imperative of fostering racial and gender equity within their organization

In collaboration with World Trust Educational Services, they embarked on an inspiring journey, giving birth to the Transformational Equity Leadership Cohort (TELC) program. This visionary learning lab was designed to empower staff with the essential tools and knowledge needed to tackle equity issues in their roles.

Under the guidance of World Trust, the TELC program unfolded as a series of transformative workshops and learning sessions. Participants delved into topics such as the roots of social justice, strategies for interrupting inequities, understanding the brain’s role, navigating emotions, and fostering empathy. Encouraged to embark on a profound journey of self-reflection, participants applied their newfound insights to their roles at SDOT. World Trust’s dedicated evaluation of the TELC program illuminated its profound impact.

The results were nothing short of remarkable. The evaluation report revealed that nearly all participants experienced substantial growth in their understanding through the TELC program. The response to the program was overwhelmingly positive, with an astounding 88% of respondents expressing their strong likelihood of recommending this transformative experience to a friend or colleague. The report also charted a course for continued equity work at SDOT, emphasizing the long-term engagement of TELC members, the integration of equity into SDOT’s culture, and the continuous collection of data to inform decision-making.

World Trust’s TELC program has left an indelible mark, significantly advancing SDOT’s equity efforts and equipping staff with the tools and knowledge to champion equity in their work.