1. Quality of Life – Embracing Diversity
By Miranda Gilbert
City of Guymon Community Development Specialist &
Arts & Humanities, Tourism Liaison

2.  Pioneers
 Farmers & Ranchers
 Top Ag Producers in the State and Nation
How residents defined Guymon

3.  They cultivated the land no one wanted
 They braved the dust bowl
 They ran off the outlaws
 They were a tough breed
 They wrestle stock for fun
Historically – No Man’s Land

4. As the Global Need for Ag Grew
so Did Guymon’s Economy…
 The Cattle Ranches Grew
 The Farming Grew
 The Pork Industry Grew
AND THUS:
 So Grew the Jobs
 So Grew the Industries
 So Grew the Population
Diversity
Community &
Economic
Development are one and
the same –
You can’t have one
without the other.

5. Let’s focus on what “We HAVE”
-A great this, a good that
A.K.A. Asset Based Inventory
This focuses on:
 Strengths
 Opportunities or
 Celebration of our
Diversity

6. We find that in contrast…
The focus on “We Have” leads people to:
 FEEL positively about their community
 Inspires innovation and creativity

7. Who did we want to be?

8. Bridge the Divide, Be One Community
We want all residents to feel welcome.
We want them all to feel included.
-Gain Understanding
-Feel Compassion
-Give Purpose, Pride
-Communicate
Goal:

9. The easiest way to break the language barrier:
The Arts -
 Food
 Dance
 Music
“With a huge language barrier and
different cultures how can we
communicate best?”

10. Featuring:
 Hispanic Dance Troupe Alma de Folklorica
So a cultural exchange was
born known as Guymon Fiesta

11. Featuring:
 Mariachis
 Frescas/Juice Water
So a cultural exchange was
born known as Guymon Fiesta

12. Featuring:
 Authentic Food
 Hispanic Snacks
So a cultural exchange was
born known as Guymon Fiesta

13. Featuring:
 Piñatas & Games
 Entertainment
So a cultural exchange was
born known as Guymon Fiesta

14. Evolving Over Time to Cross Culture Groups:
 YMCA Zumba
 School Dance Team
So a cultural exchange was
born known as Guymon Fiesta

15. Evolving Over Time to Award OPSU Scholarships:
 First Partial
 Now Full Ride
 & Multiple
So a cultural exchange was
born known as Guymon Fiesta

16. Evolving Over Time to Cross Culture Vending:
 Wild West Soda
 Funnel Cakes
So a cultural exchange was
born known as Guymon Fiesta

17. Guymon Fiesta was a success in
joining the community & more
Evolving Over Time:
 Hispanic Advisory Board
 Leadership Trainings
 Alma Dancers Perform on
State and National Levels

18. The economy continued to grow,
and so has the diversity. We found
ourselves in another scenario of
residents unsure of the unknown.
So a new cultural exchange was
born:
Azuma –
An African
Celebration

19. It again uses food, dance,
and music to
communicate and share
an experience to create a
sense of one community,
embracing us as a melting
pot.
It also adds storytelling of
the Lost Boys of Sudan.
Azuma - An
African
Celebration

20. Azuma – An African Celebration
 Traditional Costume
 Music, Drumming
 Food

21. Azuma – An African Celebration
 They Show a Great
Respect to also
Celebrate Western Culture

22.  The immigrants share the positivity with others
 The employers support the events and community
programs that relate to their employees quality of life
 The community, local government, and visitors
embrace the melting pot of culture and events
 The brand for hospitality instills pride and
compassion
 Pride and compassion in a community deters crime
and makes us more healthy over all
As a result of cultural exchanges
we have seen our community and
economic development continue
to expand in a positive way:

23. Other Quality of Life Growth:
 New Public Library
 Arts Center/Gallery
 Main Street Revitalization
 Retail and Housing
Developments
 Industry Diversification

24. Who we are now:

25. Thank you!
Miranda.gilbert@Guymonok.org
Questions and Answers