Building community through stories

We have more in common with one another than the perceived labels that sometimes divide us.
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What can you learn from hearing another person's story?
We hope to share the beautiful diversity of our Provo community through Portraits of Provo. These short videos highlight the experiences of our neighbors, community leaders, and friends. We hope their stories will inspire you to find ways to more deeply understand the experiences of others and to help create a more connected and inclusive Provo community.

Spotlight

Leonard Bagalwa

Leonard is a husband, father, refugee, and graduate student. He is the Executive Director of Utah Valley Refugees, which he founded to help families and individuals relocate to Utah County and become self-reliant in their new community.

Leonard is passionate about the importance of community. What does his story teach you about building community in your own life?
​Thanks to Channel 17 for making these videos possible!

Looking at some of our past spotlights...

Nadia Cates
Nadia is a wife and mother of six children. The daughter of immigrant parents, she grew up in California but has lived in Provo for about 15 years.

Nadia has recently enjoyed connecting with her Mexican heritage. She is the founder of the non-profit Ella Rises, which helps Latina young women relate to their roots through art.

How can Nadia's story help you in your efforts to improve kindness?

Camlyn Giddins
Camlyn Giddins teaches theater and art at a local school, loves to entertain, and enjoys connecting with people. After doing an internship in Washington, D.C., Camlyn was drawn back to Provo and is currently the Community Engagement Coordinator at Encircle.

What do you learn from Camlyn's ideas about creating welcoming spaces, belonging, and celebrating diversity?

Brian Yazzie
Brian Yazzie is a husband, father, sports fan, and Provo resident. He currently works as the Diversity and Equity Coordinator for Provo City School District and previously worked for the Boys and Girls Club at a national level.

Get to know Brian, what he thinks makes Provo special, and his ideas on seeing one another as brothers and sisters.