One World, One People, One IBM - Diversity Gala 2007

When my father mentioned casually over dinner that Stephen Lewis was the keynote speaker at the 2007 IBM Diversity Gala, he probably didn't anticipate that I'd respond with such fervor. As I explained to many people tonight, Stephen Lewis is my rock star... and I've certainly established myself as a devoted groupie (if politico-humanitarians can have groupies).

The gala's theme "One World, One People, One IBM" was touched on by the senior IBMers who spoke to kick off the evening's festivities, celebrating the pervasive diversity exhibited by the company and the open-door policy of our nation. Throughout the evening, the 800 guests were entertained by Arabesque, African, and Brazilian dance troupes, a performance by Sofonda (a drag queen with an entourage of backup dancers), and various musicians.

The African Dance Ensemble (ADE).

"Sofonda" and her backup dancers on screen.

The Rio Samba Divas.

Early in the evening my dad and I decided to be aggressive and go shmooze with the speakers (most of whom are close colleagues of his) at the head table... "coincidentally" we ended up talking to Mr. Lewis and his companion for the evening, Aissatou Diajhate, who works with the Stephen Lewis Foundation and promises to provide me with a number of NGO contacts in Tanzania. I have already met Mr. Lewis in person once before, but during my first meeting I was determined to be "classy" and not ask for a picture to be taken. Now that I had been given a second opportunity to speak with him, I decided to throw class out the window and asked him for a photo - he informed me that he had come out to the event specifically to "take a picture with Meaghan".... obviously, I should have known (just kidding)! ... we spoke at length about the project and my plans for my time in Africa, and he informed my dad that as a father, he should be reassured that Tanzania is one of the safest and most stable African countries to live in. Thank goodness for Stephen Lewis, always knowing exactly what to say! He further explained that Julius Nyerere (who was the country's prime minister from 1961 to 1985) celebrated the unification of citizens as "Tanzanians", creating an environment where different ethnicities were brought together as a collective group working towards the bettering of their nation. I find it interesting and encouraging that this policy parallels Canada's views on immigration and diversity so closely. I appreciated the opportunity to let Mr. Lewis know (again, and again) what an inspiration he has been to me. His speech, as usual, was fantastic - by far the most eloquent man I have ever met - and I was glad that my family and Adam were able to hear him speak & get a little perspective on what is motivating me to travel to Africa!

SL speaking... I decided not to pull a paparazzi move and settled for a pic of the screen.

Overall a great evening - so good to catch up with some of my favourite IBMers & spend some quality time with some of my favourite men (& my mom)!

The Horgan siblings

Adam & I.