On February 11, Middlesex Community College alumna and current Tufts University Master of Art student Tara Barlett returned to the college to host the Food Stories and Black HerStory event, sponsored by MCC’s Office of Student Engagement. Part of MCC’s Black History Month series, Barlett shared how food intersects with her career, culture and legacy.
“My passion for diversity and inclusion actually started [at MCC],” Barlett said. “I was very open about my passion and what I wanted to do and what I wanted to try, and there were so many great opportunities that the faculty here asked, ‘Would you consider this? Have you tried this?’ That’s how my career really started to build.”
Researching diversity, equity, inclusion and justice leadership at Tufts inspired Barlett’s presentation at MCC. Titled “How Implicit Bias Shows Up in the Workplace,” the Food Stories and Black HerStory event offered guidelines for being an inclusive leader and encouraging belonging in the workplace.
“I want to lead with an open mind,” Barlett said. “We all have bias. Learning why you have bias and overcoming it is cultural humility. I want to create a place where I feel that I can show up as authentically me.”
After the presentation, Barlett invited participants to sample food central to her culture, personality, and memories with loved ones. She included a Pu Pu platter, macaroni and cheese, buffalo chicken wings, and charcuterie boards.
“We all have layers and complexities as individuals, just as food does,” Barlett said. “We are all multifaceted. Exploring culture through food is a great way to learn about others.”
Barlett came to MCC after losing her job due to circumstances brought on by COVID-19. A United States veteran and first-generation adult learner, she took advantage of the college’s Veterans Resource Center and worked with faculty and staff advisors. In 2021, Barlett attended MCC’s Diversity Summit, leading her to pursue a career in belonging and leadership.
After graduating from MCC with an associate degree in business administration, she transferred to Salem State University to study human resources management with a minor in sociology. Now in her final semester at Tufts, she believes all the skills she gained at Middlesex – such as critical thinking, attention to details, and stepping outside of her comfort zone – have benefitted her future academic and career goals.
At MCC’s event, she was able to share her journey with current students.
“I was very intentional about what my path looked like and where I wanted to go,” Barlett said. “With every intersecting identity I’ve ever had, I am finally able to talk about my experience. It is so impactful for me as a Black female, a veteran, a mother, a wife, etc. A lot of people in my community don’t get that chance.”