What Now for the RIC?
From Diane Linton, Interim Executive Director of the Riverview International Center
I want to follow up Kirsta’s letter to let you know that I am taking the position of Interim Executive Director of the Riverview International Center. While I am happy to be able to fill this role for as long as needed, it is not without some sadness, great sentimentality and a little fear.
To honor our founder, Kirsta Benedetti, as she transitions from Executive Director to her new role at the RIC, I would like to invite you to stop by to the RIC on April 11 to talk with Kirsta, the staff, neighbors and friends:
Celebrate Kirsta’s 5 ½ years of service at the RIC!
Sunday, April 11, 3pm - 6pm
Open house with snacks
RIC parking lot
552 Riverview Drive, Columbus, OH 43202
(park in the street & please wear a mask)
I am pleased to let you know that I’ve been talking extensively with Kirsta, Emelia and Emily, our current staff members, since the announcement and we have worked together to rearrange job roles. I envision my interim role as a time to accomplish these goals:
Serve as an instrument of peace, kindness and clear communication in this time of transition
Continue to strengthen the mission originally established by Kirsta and the founding board members to focus on developing real relationships with our New American neighbors. And in so doing, empowering our neighbors by supporting individuals, strengthening families, and nurturing community
Work with Kirsta on a variety of projects so that we can mutually benefit from her creative strengths to continue the RIC’s mission
Strengthen relationships with you, our valued volunteers and donors, so that you are included in the process of furthering the RIC’s mission
Put in processes to streamline the RIC’s current work to ensure that our infrastructure is in compliance in all the areas
Prepare the RIC to be in a good place structurally and financially, so we’re able to meet the salary requirements for a new executive director
The RIC will continue to be a welcome drop-in center and a place where our neighbors can feel a sense of belonging as they figure out their new lives in Columbus, Ohio.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to any of the staff.
Sincerely,
Diane Linton
Diane with her friends Afsana (left) and Lotifa (right)
I want to “continue to strengthen the mission originally established by Kirsta and the founding board members to focus on developing real relationships with our New American neighbors”
Kirsta kept this message in the forefront of all that we do at the RIC. One result has been the 650 people who interacted with the RIC in 2020, even through COVID closures!