Daily Pioneer News

Elaine Penn shared her message concerning diversity awareness at UW-Platteville Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in the University Room located in the Pioneer Student Center.

Penn has been working in higher education for more than a decade. Her years on a college campus have given her the chance to work with and learn from students.

"No two people have the same life experiences. My goal is to help students reach a level of understanding and respect for each others' differences while at the same time finding that common thread that connects us all," said Penn.

Penn began presenting on college campuses in 1996.

"I had spent a great deal of my lifetime coaching teaching and working with students. I knew they were ready. If given the concepts and tool, students could take diversity awareness to a new level," said Penn.

Whether speaking about community building, leadership or diversity, Penn's high energy and interactive style have made her a success with students.

All of Penn's programs are packed with audience participation, discussion and activities.

"People do not just sit and listen at my programs, we all contribute our thoughts and ideas," Penn said. A recent participant claimed that Penn had a special talent for allowing students to learn from each other, without really needing to provoke them; people opened up during the program.

To round out her programs, Penn calls upon her own special talent of singing. Coming from a musical family, she has been performing publicly since she was a child. Penn is an experienced guitarist, vocalist, and published songwriter, and uses her music in her programs to add a different dimension. Her CD "Same Sky," is a compilation of her original music focusing on issues of diversity.

"Through these different approaches, I am able to draw the students in and ultimately get them to really think about their world and how they can change it for the better," said Penn.