I have always had a desire to learn about different cultures. After studying abroad in college, I realized that learning about other cultures helped me gain new perspectives on my own culture and our connection to the wider world. I started my career in language and culture education as a way to teach others about the richness of world cultures and the benefits of developing skills to broaden one’s perspective and create connections across global boundaries. 

 

In my personal life, as a white woman, I hadn’t experienced racism personally. However, when my son was called a racial slur after helping out his Black teammate during a high school basketball game, I realized the scope of my ignorance. I wanted to push back on these attitudes, but didn’t know how. I sought out opportunities to learn about anti-racism and allyship, and elevate the work of experienced anti-racist practitioners. 

 

Over time, I came to realize that these same skills – cultivating curiosity, mutual respect, communication, and anti-racism – could be solutions to many of the inequitable systems that exist today, in education and beyond. The harm that comes from racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, etc. limits our capacity to thrive and address the most pressing issues of our time. I want to be part of the efforts to build solutions and create more compassionate, connected communities where all members thrive.

 

 

My early inspirations were greatly influenced by Edouard Glissant, a philosopher and poet from Martinique, who explored identity as a complex relationship with others, not something that is created in isolation. We are all connected, and learning to bridge across differences is the foundation of human compassion and support. More recently, the work of john a. powell and the Othering and Belonging Institute has been very inspiring. Locally, I’m inspired by Stitch Buffalo, a nonprofit textile workshop that supports refugee women. Their efforts to build a community based on mutual respect and cultural understanding, as well as providing economic opportunity for refugee women led me to serve as a volunteer.

 

 

It’s hard to pick one conversation, but I think the most meaningful IDEA conversations often come when debriefing individuals on their Intercultural Development Inventory results. Often, the ‘aha’ moments occur when an individual reflects on their cultural experiences and mindset in a safe space. Connecting the dots between how they engage with cultural differences and similarities and their goals and aspirations creates an energy that I know will take the individual in a new direction. It is very gratifying to help someone see how they can navigate our culturally complex world with more intentionality to effect positive change, one individual at a time.

 

 

I read a lot, and I am always learning! I try to model curious conversations whenever I can so I can continue to expand my own perspectives. There is a lot of great work being done in our community, so supporting those efforts by volunteering and advocating for nonprofits like Stitch Buffalo is important to me. I also volunteer as a mentor for emerging entrepreneurs to help build cultural awareness at the early stages of business development.