How diversity propels Montgomery County growth

Montgomery County (Map, News) - This month marks the fifth anniversary of the opening of Montgomery County’s Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity. Located in Wheaton, the center was named in memory of the former county executive who left a career in public service for the Episcopal priesthood. During his term as county executive, Gilchrist appointed the county’s first African-American and Hispanic staff advisers, created the county’s Minority Business Procurement Program and established the Commission on Ethnic Affairs. Gilchrist died in 1999. Now, Elizabeth Ortega is the Gilchrist Center’s director.

Why was the Gilchrist Center started in the first place?

County Executive Doug Duncan realized in the late 1990s that the county was not prepared for handling the rapid influx of immigrants, a majority of which do not speak English. From 2001-05, the county’s minority population grew by 60,734, a 112 percent increase, second in the state to Prince George’s County.

How has its mission and components change the last five years?

The mission is the same, the components — if you refer to the number of people that come to the center — has changed dramatically. There are more people visiting the center than any other time ever. We count more than 3,000 people per month visiting the center asking for assistance.

What are the biggest challenges new immigrants face in Montgomery County?

The most difficult one is the English language. Immigrants need to learn more than the basics of English in order to survive in the U.S. and achieve the American dream.

What are some programs you’re hoping to develop in the future?

More cultural programs, like art exhibits from the immigrant population, more Spanish classes. The interaction among cultures is very important, so we are always looking for programs where all cultures can work together.

What about Montgomery County attracts such a diverse, multicultural population?

The jobs are here.