gic26 north america menu call for proposals
EventsBecome a Member
DA global logo

Understanding & Addressing the Backlash Against DEI in IE

Navigating the Storm: Understanding and Addressing the Backlash Against DEI in International Education

Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM EST (Closed captioning available)

Session Description: 

Diversity Abroad convened a panel for a timely discussion as we address the critical issues surrounding the recent backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the broader context of society, media, and higher education with a focus on its implications for international education. Our expert panelists will discuss the root of the current backlash, its impact on hard won progress in making international education more inclusive, and why DEI remains vital for our field’s relevance in the higher education landscape.

This webinar is part of Diversity Abroad’s commitment to advance inclusive and equitable good practice and policies within international education. Our dual mandate continues to be advancing inclusive student success through equitable access to international education and championing practices to diversify the profession.

Presenters:

  • Andrew Gordon, Founder and CEO, Includifi | Founder and Senior Advisor, Diversity Abroad

    Strategic Support Structures for Diverse Student Experiences: Navigating DEI Legislation and Accommodation Standards in Study Abroad

    Strategic Support Structures for Diverse Student Experiences: Navigating DEI Legislation and Accommodation Standards in Study Abroad

    Thursday, March 7, 2024 2:00PM ET (Closed captioning available)

    Session Description: 

    The DEI Professionals in International Education Community of Practice hosted an interactive discussion featuring our expert panelists as they navigate the complexities of supporting students in today’s dynamic educational landscape! Our discussion will focus on methods of effectively navigating the impact of DEI legislation on explicit and implicit student support systems abroad. We will explore how institutions can collaborate with faculty, program personnel, and advisors to develop effective strategies to create, implement, and communicate student accommodation standards abroad within restrictive DEI policies. Finally, we will close with tips on how to constructively set program expectations such that participating students are informed and well-prepared to make the most of their education abroad.

    Moderator:

    • Karen Olivas, CET Academic Programs

    Presenters:

    • Daniella Lubey, Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University
    • Chris Thompson, COMPEAR Global Education Network
    • Tony Nelson, CET Academic Programs

    Cultivating Community: Bridging Gaps and Building Belonging for International Students on Campus

    Cultivating Community: Bridging Gaps and Building Belonging for International Students on Campus

    From Live Session on December 4, 2023 (Closed captioning available)

     

    In the presentation titled “Cultivating Community: Bridging Gaps and Building Belonging for International Students on Campus,” we embark on a discussion towards fostering belonging of international students within our respective educational institutions. This session is an exploration of the importance of belonging, and the strategies used to bridge divides and create a nurturing environment for international students.

     Our discussion delves into the importance of creating belonging while navigating the unique challenges faced by international students in a new academic and social landscape, providing insights into collaboration across our campuses and the importance of building a supportive community. Drawing from real-life experiences and success stories, we hope to engage in a discussion of creating belonging.

     As we collectively strive to break down barriers and celebrate diversity, this presentation serves as a way to discuss how we strive to create an environment at our respective institutions where every student feels not only welcomed but truly at home. Join us in this discourse as we lay the foundation for a more connected, understanding, and supportive educational community.

     

    Presenters:

    • Maria del Mar Aponte Rodriguez | Director of International Education, Wittenberg University
    • Rayna Tagalicod, Assistant Faculty Specialist & Director of National Student Exchange, University of Hawaii at Manoa
    • Henry Carey, Global Education Advisor & Inbound Exchange Coordinator

    Mentee-Mentor Relationships as a Career Booster & Networking

    Mentee-Mentor Relationships as a Career Booster & Networking

    From Live Session on November 30, 2023 (Closed captioning available)

    Session Description: 

    In any field, being part of a mentee-mentor relationship can provide support, community, and a space to explore your future goals and career. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of mentee-mentor relationships in the field of international education. Each of our panelists have experience as a mentee or mentor and are eager to share more about their experience as well as tips on how to navigate this type of relationship, explain what a mentorship relationship is, and how to take advantage of being part of a mentorship as you navigate your career
     

    Presenters:

    • Sherene Awong, Customized Program Manager, IES Abroad
    • Emma Freese, Internship Program Advisor, AIFS Abroad
    • Libby O’Brien, Customized Program Manager, IES Abroad
    • Rebecca Lubitz-Marchena, Content Designer, HubSpot
    • Grace Skarzynski, Asst. Director of International Student Engagement, Xavier University
    • Gabrielle Cascio, Senior Associate for External Affairs, Alliance for International Exchange

    Moderators:

    • Hanni Geist – German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Diversity Abroad Task Force Member
    • Claudio Castaneda, Diversity Abroad CoP Liaison

    Paths for DEI professionals in the field of International Education and Education Abroad

    Paths for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professionals in the Field of International Education and Education Abroad

    Tuesday, May 9, 2023

    Session Description: 

    As educational institutions and program providers in the Education Abroad space have worked to increase the participation of historically underrepresented and underserved students in international education, so has the number of DEI professionals in the field increased. During this community discussion, we will hear from various professionals in the field to learn more about the path they took to their current role, how the DEI work they do has evolved throughout their career, and what they see as the next steps/future for making IE more equitable, just and inclusive of all students and professionals.

    Moderator:

    • Rachel Mantiñán | Global Equity and Inclusion Officer, Academic Solutions

    Guest Speaker:

    • Brittani Smit, PhD | Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Antiracism, IES Abroad
    • Shawn Dillard | Assistant Director Office of International Education and Study Abroad, University of South Alabama
    • Amaris Vázquez Vargas | Program Coordinator, Texas A&M University