Residents of Bellevue are invited to celebrate community engagement at the upcoming Bellevue Essentials graduation ceremony on March 27, 2024. The event will take place from 19:00 to 21:00 at Bellevue City Hall and will feature a keynote address by Kevin P. Henry, the former leader of the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Henry, who dedicated two decades to the City of Bellevue, will speak to the 36 graduates about “The True Leader in All of Us.” His tenure is marked by significant contributions, including the promotion of diverse voices through initiatives such as Voices of Diversity, which have enhanced public engagement and supported Bellevue’s ongoing efforts towards inclusivity.
In addition to Henry’s address, the ceremony will include remarks from Cosmos Darwin, a Bellevue resident and Microsoft product manager. Darwin will share his personal experiences with the Bellevue Essentials program, which has successfully educated over 400 participants since its inception.
After leaving his position with the city in 2015, Henry continued to advocate for equity and community engagement, collaborating with various organizations across the United States. His ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive environments has garnered recognition and respect within the Bellevue community.
The graduation ceremony will also feature a dessert reception, providing an opportunity for attendees to mingle and celebrate the achievements of the graduates. Residents wishing to attend can register for the event online through the City of Bellevue’s website.
Looking ahead, the next session of Bellevue Essentials is set to begin in September 2026, with further details to be announced in the spring. This program has played a vital role in empowering residents and fostering a sense of community through education and engagement.