There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we operate and live our lives. As the world is starting to open up and restrictions are being eased, many believe that we are at the “endemic” stage of this pandemic. While the threat of COVID-19 will always be around, organizations are making plans to move past this crisis and are also preparing for other risks that may occur.
Having knowledge on how to assess, plan, and prepare for any crisis is beneficial to organizations in creating resilience plans. However, if these plans are not inclusive and sustainable, then they will not be feasible in the long run. Professor Marqueza Reyes, EngD, in her master class on May 18, 2022, touched on the topic of risk and gave the participants a feel of how it is to be leaders at the forefront of disaster resilience. Participants were able to convey their thoughts and feelings about the topic and to further enhance their experience, Professor Marqueza simulated a virtual international conference and conducted a high-level discussion on disaster risk reduction.
As an expert in disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction management, Professor Marqueza often attends these types of conferences and high-level discussions. She instructed the participants to group themselves, and each group was assigned a priority issue. After the priority issues were given, the members of each group were then tasked to represent a certain sector of society. This activity challenged the participants to think as leaders who have their community’s best interest in mind and to make sure that their concerns are met.
After giving the participants time to brainstorm, each group presented their case to the “higher level”. The simulation helped the participants immerse themselves in their characters and develop their skills by coming up with a case under time pressure. The participants were able to effectively carry out the task and the simulation was very successful, informative, and productive.
While this master class is just a preview to the upcoming Leadership for Disaster Resilience course in the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management program, the high turnout of the event opens the door to more master classes in the future. To know more about upcoming master classes and the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management program, you may visit our website devatwork.aim.edu or you may send an email to emdrcm@aim.edu.
