During the St. Cloud State of the City address on April 2, Mayor Kleis provided a list of accomplishments in 2023 as well as what to look forward to in 2024; as part of the address, he awarded the Mayor’s Legacy Award.
Debra Leigh, Vice President of Cultural Fluency, Equity, and Inclusion, was this year’s recipient of the award as an “Unwavering Community Champion.”
The Legacy Award states:
Debra has dedicated her career to performing and visual arts, antiracism training, women’s leadership development, international education, and prioritizing the success of underrepresented students. Debra is an ATHENA Award recipient and the current Vice President of Cultural Fluency, Equity, and Inclusion at St. Cloud Technical & Community Colege. Prior to her role at SCTCC, she spent much of her professional career at St. Cloud State University as the Director of Dance. In the community, Debra has been a member of several boards and organization, including being the former Chare of Create CommUNITY and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. Debra is the co-founder of the Community Anti-Racism Education (CARE) Initiative at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. With a mission to build a lasting antiracism institution, she coordinated the CARE Anti-Racism Leadership Team. Debra Leigh’s unwavering commitment to the community serves as an inspiring beacon.
“The Mayor’s Legacy Award is such a well-deserved recognition for Debra, her outstanding work, and the relationships she fosters in our community,” said President Lori Kloos. “Her passionate commitment to building inclusive communities where all can equitably participate and thrive is evident in her community activism and her dedication to serving as an eloquent community leader who addresses social injustice and inequities and promotes systemic change.”
Congratulations, Debra!