Two years ago, I walked into the NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta as a Diversity Scholarship recipient, and walked out with a clearer sense of purpose, confidence and belonging in the park and recreation field.
I applied for the NRPA Diversity Scholarship because I was passionate about creating bilingual and culturally inclusive programs in my community. I believed in the work I was doing, but like many professionals early in their careers, I wasn’t always sure my voice or ideas truly mattered at a national level. That scholarship changed that.
The Diversity Scholarship helped make attending the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference possible, but what I gained went far beyond financial support. Being recognized by NRPA affirmed that creating environments where everyone can participate and feel they belong is central to our work in parks and recreation. It reinforced that language access, cultural representation and inclusive programming are not optional, they are essential.
For the first time, I was surrounded by professionals from across the country asking the same questions I was: How do we reach families who don’t see themselves reflected in our programs? How do we remove language barriers without overcomplicating solutions? How do we design programs with communities, not just for them? That shared sense of purpose was powerful.
As a scholarship recipient, I didn’t just attend sessions, I participated fully. I asked questions, shared ideas and connected with professionals doing meaningful work in their agencies. Those conversations reshaped how I approached my work back home. Since receiving the scholarship, I’ve felt more confident advocating for bilingual marketing materials, programs offered in both English and Spanish, staff training focused on cultural competency, community outreach that prioritizes trust and accessibility. The scholarship helped me recognize that my lived experience, language skills and perspective are assets to this field.
Photo courtesy of Caught in the Moment Photography.
One unexpected outcome of receiving the NRPA Diversity Scholarship was the opportunity to become more deeply involved with NRPA. Following the conference, I was invited to join the Conference Program Committee (CPC), where I now assist in reviewing and shaping educational sessions for future conferences. Serving on the CPC has given me a new perspective, not just as a participant, but as someone helping elevate voices and topics that matter. It has been especially meaningful to advocate for sessions centered on belonging, community engagement and inclusive programming.
The biggest impact of the Diversity Scholarship didn’t happen in Atlanta, it happened afterward. The ideas and confidence I brought back influenced how programs were communicated, who they reached and who felt welcome participating. Families who previously felt excluded began showing up. Parents felt seen when they could engage in their first language. Kids saw themselves reflected in programs designed with intention.
That ripple effect is why this scholarship matters. When NRPA invests in diverse professionals, the impact doesn’t stop with one individual, it extends to entire communities.
If you’re considering applying for an NRPA award or scholarship, especially the Diversity Scholarship, my advice is simple: do it, even if you’re unsure. You don’t need a perfect program or a flashy title. What matters is your commitment to making parks and recreation more inclusive, accessible and reflective of the people you serve.
I’d love to hear from you:
- How are you advancing inclusion or belonging in your agency?
- What support would help you take the next step?
Comment below or email me your answers at gbridges@laytoncity.org.
Gaby Bridges is the recreation and special events supervisor for City of Layton, Utah. She is a park and recreation professional passionate about bilingual programming, community engagement and equity-centered recreation. She is a former NRPA Diversity Scholarship recipient and currently serves on NRPA’s Conference Program Committee.