At Destination Imagination (DI), our journey has been a transformative path toward fostering an environment where every participant feels valued and included. Belonging is central at DI, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds contribute to the creative problem-solving experience. This journey is ongoing, with continuous efforts to break down barriers and create a welcoming space for all. It wouldn’t be possible without the many incredible champions within the DI community. We launched our Champion of Belonging Award at Global Finals 2024, with 12 individuals recognized for their efforts to create welcoming, supportive environments by removing barriers and expanding access. Each award recipient also received the Champion of Belonging pin, which recognizes individuals in the DI community who exemplify outstanding advocacy and allyship.
This year’s recipients are Kate Donelan, Amber Escobar, Fabiola González, Sherry Gordon-Shulik, Ted Grossnickle, Rocío Guzmán, Tonya Hernández, Chiara Kirkland, Kathy O’Holleran, Tracy Ortiz, Amber Richmond, and Dyan Wardwell.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients of the Champion of Belonging Award. Thank you for your incredible efforts and for being such exemplary advocates and allies within the Destination Imagination community.
Meet four of our 12 Champions of Belonging: Rocío Guzmán, Kate Donelan, Ted Grossnickle, and Tracy Ortiz.
Rocío Guzmán, Affiliate Director, Guatemala: Transforming Futures through STEAM
Rocío Guzmán has focused her efforts on bringing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education to students who are blind and deaf and their teachers through the Benemérito Comité Pro Ciegos y Sordos de Guatemala y Retalhuleu. In this rural community where job opportunities are often limited to non-skilled roles such as cashiers, Rocío’s work is about empowering these students and teachers to see that they can become scientists, engineers, and innovators who can create solutions tailored to their own accessibility needs, becoming active co-creators of their environments.
Rocío advocates for more accessible spaces and resources, such as videos with sign language interpretation, to ensure that neurodiverse students feel a part of the Destination Imagination community. Rocío shares, “It is rewarding to see how much this community of learners, parents, and teachers appreciate and follow through on these opportunities.”
Kate Donelan, Affiliate Director, Colorado: Data-Driven Inclusion Strategies
In Colorado, Kate Donelan and her Board, including Kayla Steffens, are pioneering efforts to make Destination Imagination more accessible and welcoming. Since 2020, they have made concerted efforts to collect robust participation data, which drives strategies to guide their goals and recruitment efforts. Their approach to removing financial barriers to participation includes financial incentives such as Home Depot gift cards, free DI Challenge Experience Team Numbers, and tool tubs for teams to borrow. During the 2023-24 DI season, 17% of Colorado teams were supported through scholarships, demonstrating the Board’s commitment to expanding access.
The Colorado Board also focuses on bridging demographic gaps. They organized an all-Spanish Instant Challenge day in Boulder, which significantly increased Spanish-speaking parent involvement and was then adopted by the Thompson School District as it addressed an important need in the community.
By educating Regional Directors and Challenge Masters to prioritize fun over scores and providing training about creating supportive team environments, they create a more welcoming tournament experience where every child has the opportunity to dream, create, and grow.
Ted Grossnickle, Affiliate Director, Michigan: Expanding Horizons and Building Partnerships
Ted Grossnickle’s journey in Michigan has been about expanding Destination Imagination to reach disadvantaged, under-resourced, rural, and neurodiverse students who are beyond traditional schools’ reach in terms of access to resources. By fostering partnerships with local changemakers, the Board aims to create a long-term, accessible program. Ted believes in co-creating intentional programming that activates each community based on their own diverse needs. His approach involves listening to the community’s needs first and then tailoring the program to fit, ensuring that even the most under-resourced areas can participate fully.
As learners from more diverse backgrounds participate, an emphasis on empathy and appreciation of different cultural references has been central for DI Michigan Appraisers.
Ted’s core belief: listening is key to understanding community needs and offering relevant solutions. Similar skills and benefits are gleaned regardless of how a DI experience is delivered, so adapting the process to fit different contexts is crucial. This leads to an experience that is universally accessible, replicable, and culturally appropriate.
Tracy Ortiz, Team Manager, Detroit, Michigan: Student-Led Innovation and Resilience
Tracy Ortiz’s passionate advocacy for Destination Imagination has been instrumental in bridging socio-economic barriers and providing a well-rounded, student-led experience. Despite initial setbacks, such as props not working out, students have returned year after year, with some reaching prestigious institutions like Columbia University. Tracy shares, “DI nurtures essential skills such as public speaking and acting while providing a safe environment for diverse teams, including those with ADHD, to thrive and focus on common goals.” By integrating DI into STEM labs and running multiple challenges, socio-economic backgrounds fade away, fostering teamwork and creativity among all participants.
Through fundraising and school support, Tracy helps to ensure DI is within reach for more students. At Global Finals, students proudly showcase their handmade props and connect with teams from around the world, like Ukraine. Tracy emphasizes the fun and engaging nature of DI, highlighting how it fosters skills like creative thinking and collaboration that benefit students in all aspects of life, including academics.
Conclusion: A Collective Effort for a Brighter Future
The efforts led by Rocio, Kate, Ted, and Tracy highlight the diverse and impactful ways the Destination Imagination community is working toward a stronger sense of belonging. From rural Guatemala to urban Detroit, these community members are ensuring that every child has the opportunity to dream, create, and grow. Their stories remind us that inclusion is not just about access but about creating environments where every student can thrive and feel valued. Together, they are shaping a future where creativity and innovation know no bounds.
If you know someone who is a champion for creating welcoming and supportive environments in your DI community and would like to nominate them, please reach out to your Affiliate Director.
