2024 Global Respectful Disruption Summit
APRIL 17, 2024
APRIL 19, 2024
JEDI LABS (Pre-Summit) | April 17, 2024
APRIL 17, 2024 | 9:00AM - 10:30AM ET
JEDI LAB
Global Leadership Unveiled: Navigating Global Inclusion, Diversity, Belonging, Equity, and Access Through Innovation & Collaboration
This proposed session seeks to delve into the intricate fabric of global workplace innovation and leadership, elucidating the multifaceted intersections of Inclusion, Diversity, Belonging, Equity, and Access (GIDBEA). Specifically curated for mid-high level education and cross-industry executives operating within the public and private spheres, this discourse endeavors to offer comprehensive insights into steering the trajectory of inclusive leadership amid the whirlwind of rapidly evolving global trends.
Fatiah Touray, Esq.’s unique blend of legal expertise, education, and inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and access/accessibility (IDBEA) leadership make her an invaluable asset to NYU Abu Dhabi and the wider higher education community. As the Executive Director for Inclusion and Equity at NYU Abu Dhabi, she leads the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that promote a more inclusive and diverse campus environment. Fatiah collaborates closely with the Office of the Provost, Spiritual Life and Intercultural Education, and Conflict Transformation (SLICE-CT), and students, faculty, and staff.
She brings extensive leadership experience in higher education, complemented by her non-profit work and training as a lawyer and classroom teacher. Fatiah comes to NYUAD from Sarah Lawrence College where she was the inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Special Assistant to the President. Previously, she was the Assistant Dean of Diversity and International Advising and the Director of the Academic Achievement Program at the College of Arts and Science at NYU.
Fatiah’s area of research is the impact of colorism across global lines. Fatiah’s academic achievements include a B.A. with Honors in Journalism and Africana Studies from NYU, a Master of Science in Education from The City University of New York – Brooklyn College, and a JD from the Howard University School of Law. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, consistently advocating for marginalized communities and fostering a culture of inclusion.
Dr. Lisa Coleman is NYU’s inaugural Senior VP for Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation, and Chief Diversity Officer. Reporting to the President, Dr. Coleman works with the Office of the Provost, Deans, other senior leaders, internal stakeholders, external partners and constituents to advance, promote, and build capacity for strategic global inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging and innovation initiatives across NYU globally. Prior to NYU she served as the first CDO and Special Assistant to the President at Harvard University. During her tenure, she developed some of the first initiatives focused on the intersections of technology and disability. Prior to NYU and Harvard she directed the Africana program and served as the first senior global diversity, inclusion, and equity executive at Tufts University.
Dr. Lisa Coleman is a global inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and access (GIDBEA) interdisciplinary expert scholar with an emphasis on research, sustainability, innovation, and cross-sector intersections, design thinking and disruption theory. She partnered with presidents, provosts and executives to advance organizational objectives that leverage global DEI as an asset; enhanced and expanded higher education executive leadership programs and driven strategic innovation across global organizations.
For 25+ years Dr. Lisa Coleman has committed herself to the advancement of GIDBEA in higher education and beyond. She has been advancing GIDBEA across disciplines and orgs; served as the CDO at Tufts; CDO to Harvard’s President, and now the Senior VP for Global Inclusion at NYU. She works with students, faculty, and researchers to advance DEI in scholarship and leadership. As an interdisciplinary scholar she focuses on cross-sector leadership and partnership innovation in health, tech, arts, and humanities.
Dr. Lisa Coleman has an extensive record of speaking engagements within her role at NYU and beyond. She established NYU’s Global Scholars and Innovators Series, serving as the primary host and discussion moderator for the series. She has presented for Culture Shift Labs, National Diversity Women’s Business Leadership Conference, World Economic Forum, and has been a featured expert speaker at the Economic Club of NY, UN, Times Higher Education, Fast Company, among many others including SXSW 2022.
APRIL 17, 2024 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM ET
JEDI LAB
Disrupting the Status Quo: An Exploration of Equity in Global Education
Globalization has “flattened” the world in many ways, yet a limited approach to social justice still dominates international education practice. Understanding inequities at the local and national levels—and between the Global North and South—is critical. This session explores synergies between practices in JEDI and international education—and examines transformative strategies that work toward global equity in the field.
Jennifer Ellis Fritz is the Associate Director of Bucknell University’s Office of Global Education and leads office initiatives, including strategic planning for policy and program development. For the past 18 years, Fritz has been an active member of NAFSA and across the field of international education. Fritz currently was a past member of the NAFSA Leadership Development Committee (LDC) and Nominations Committee Chair for IFSA’s National Advisory Council (NAC), Executive Committee. In addition, Fritz was the prior NAFSA Academy Region VIII Coach for the Class of 15 and past Chair of NAFSA Region VIII.
Fritz has served in a mentorship capacity within NAFSA, the Global Leadership League, Bucknell University, and other organizations. Fritz cares deeply about professional leadership and the development of others. As a first-generation college student, Fritz was the first person in her family to study abroad. This identity is woven inherently into her identity and how she sees the world. Fritz holds her MPA from Pennsylvania State University and a BA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Ebony Majeed returned to Hampton University to serve as the Director of International Students, Scholars and Programs. As Hampton U is her alma mater, she is proud to provide support to university administration in welcoming international students from around the world and preparing domestic students for profound international experiences. Previously she served as the Coordinator for Financial Operations and Advising at Christopher Newport University. She assists students and faculty in developing plans for finance related to international programs and experiences. Prior to joining the Captains at CNU, she served as the Special Programs Advisor on the Global Education team at The College of William & Mary. There, she supported the Director of Global Education in developing and executing international programs with the Mason School of Business and the School of Education. As the Director of the Hampton University International Office for several years, she supported the vision of the University by increasing study abroad participation by more than 100% and increased the variety of services offered to international students from more than 20 countries around the world. Majeed has a variety of experiences with the proposed topic. Her experiences at primarily White institutions as well as historically Black colleges and universities gives her a unique perspective to global learning and JEDIAB. A lifelong advocate for JEDIAB, her professional experience as a representative for this work with major professional associations in IE affords her the ability to speak to the ways in which strategies need to shift based on institution type as well as goals.
David Reiersgord is the Center Director and Academic Manager at IES Abroad Cape Town. He holds a Master of Arts in English Literature from Stellenbosch University. He has taught in the English and Linguistics Departments at the University of Stellenbosch, as part of the Extended Degree Programme, and worked as the Assistant Director of AIFS – Stellenbosch. He writes political commentary in South Africa’s online publication Daily Maverick, and reviews books in South Africa’s print newspaper Business Day.
APRIL 17, 2024 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM ET
JEDI LAB
Global Experience as a Form of Resistance
In this JEDI Lab, the facilitator will delve into the topics of economic mobility and the career advantages associated with global experiences. A recent article by the National Association of Colleges and Employers highlights that the level of economic mobility one can attain over their lifetime is largely determined during their 20s. Unfortunately, for individuals belonging to various historically excluded populations, their economic prospects can be constrained from the outset. Engaging in international experiences not only enhances employability but also significantly distinguishes those who have studied abroad from their peers who have not, as evidenced by quicker post-graduation job placements, higher initial salaries, and more frequent promotions.
Dr. Raquel Dailey is an international education professional with over a decade of diverse experience working in the United States and abroad. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in international education and career development, Dr. Dailey has devoted her professional journey to empowering students and guiding fellow higher education practitioners to leverage their talents to support international and historically marginalized populations. As an expert at the intersection of international education and career development, she collaborates with colleges and universities to maximize their networks and knowledge to craft distinctive global, educational, and career opportunities for students.
APRIL 17, 2024 | 2:30PM - 3:15PM ET
Pre-Summit Reflection (Optional)
Global Respectful Disruption Summit | April 19, 2024
April 19, 2024 | 9:00AM - 9:20AM ET
WELCOME + SUMMIT OPENING
Christina “Chris” Thompson (she/her/hers) is an award-winning international educator and justice-centered advocate. She serves as Founder and Managing Director of COMPEAR Global Education Network and an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Consultant with Be Equitable Inc. Chris consults with partners around the globe to implement strategic diversity and intercultural interventions. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education, she has led international education, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public and private institutions. Her expertise includes instructing courses on intercultural preparation for education abroad and reflection courses in London, Spain, China, Cyprus, the Gambia, and New Orleans. As an EAKC NAFSA leader and chair of the EAKC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee, Christina is also a member of FORUM and CAINE’s Climate Justice Working groups, a NAFSA mentor, and a frequently invited speaker for WISE, NAFSA, Diversity Abroad, and FORUM on Education Abroad. Christina holds a MA in Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a concentration and research in Global Literary Studies at Mannheim University in Germany. She is currently a Doctoral student studying Disruptive Leadership Practices in Global Spaces for Positive Change, also known as ‘Respectful Disruption.’
Kory M. Saunders (she,her,hers) is a lifelong learner of culture and has a keen interest in the connection we as people share between each other and the cultures in which we live. Kory is a proud graduate of Hampton University, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), where she earned a B.S. in Marketing and a B.A. in Spanish and also earned an M.B.A from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and an M.A in International Business with an International Marketing concentration from la Universitat de Valencia, Spain. Kory specializes in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, culture and belonging as well as programming. Kory has worked in both corporate and university settings. Kory is a sought after skilled presenter and workshop facilitator. She has presented at both in person and virtual conferences. Kory was the 2020 finalist for the Diversity Abroad, Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education Rising Star Award. Kory was the recipient of the NAFSA Region VII 2020 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in International Education Award. She was also the recipient of the NC State African American Culture Center’s Ebony Harlem 2021 Nkonsonkonson Staff “Sticks in a Bundle Award“. Kory is the creator of Kultural Kurators, a platform to amplify and uplift BIPOC folxs who have had global experiences. She is currently the Director of Inclusion Initiatives at AIFS Abroad.
APRIL 19, 2024 | 9:30AM - 10:20AM ET
SESSION
Exploring the Synergy: Intersections of Trauma-Informed Care, Culturally Responsive Training, and Social-Emotional Learning for BIPOC Students
Educational equity and inclusivity are not achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach. For BIPOC students, the intersection of trauma, cultural identity, and emotional well-being is a critical area that requires specific attention. Welcome to a dynamic event that bridges the realms of trauma-informed care, culturally responsive training, and social-emotional learning (SEL) to empower educators and support staff in better serving the unique needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students.
“Mental well-being serves as the cornerstone of DEI efforts. Without it, there can be no individual growth, organizational change, or true systemic evolution.”
Ymani Hawkins (she/her) currently serves as the Director of Culture and Employee Belonging at Dartmouth College. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to nurture an inclusive and supportive work environment, implementing strategies that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the Campus Services division.
After hours, Ymani leverages her expertise as a trained diversity and mental wellness coach, seamlessly integrating mental health techniques, psychological principles, and evidence-based modalities with DEI best practices. As the founder of DEEP-ish, Hawkins addresses crucial topics such as racial trauma, inclusive leadership, Trauma-Informed Care, and psychological safety through self-care awareness, emotional intelligence strategies, and mindfulness techniques.
Ymani delivers impactful talks, training sessions, workshops, and coaching to a diverse range of sectors, including business, arts, media, religious institutions, nonprofits, educational systems, and environmental agencies. Prior to her current role, she worked as a mental health practitioner specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy. In this capacity, she provided services to clients of all ages dealing with anxiety disorders, depression, and various cognitive and behavioral diagnoses. Additionally, Hawkins offered outpatient treatment to adults facing severe mental illnesses such as dissociative disorders, psychosis, schizoaffective disorders, and schizophrenia.
Holding a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University (NYU) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interpersonal Communication Studies from Kean University, Ymani has conducted ethnographic research in Siargao, Philippines, and studied Communications in Athens, Greece. She holds certifications in cultural awareness, suicide prevention, crisis response, applied suicide intervention, mental health first aid, and PsychoHairapy.
APRIL 19, 2024 | 10:30AM - 11:20AM ET
SESSION
Rupture: A Visual Journey into the Brazilian Indigenous and Small Communities Lives
The title of latest photographic series is ‘Rupture’ and it is the sum of several projects that I have been developing along the years, as the two trips to the Amazonian Xavante and Huni Kuin indigenous people, a technical commercial photography for engineering, a trip to the Queimada Nova and Lagoa do Barro communities, in the interior of Piauí, in Brazil, and an academic master’s research in Anthropology.
Joseane Daher holds a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology from the Federal University of Paraná. Her master’s dissertation, ‘Cinema de Indío (Indigenous Cinema): an accomplishment of Forest Peoples,’ has been included in the Theses and Dissertations Bank on Photography – IMS, Instituto Moreira Sales, São Paulo, Brazil, since 2020.
She is the creator and coordinator of the Postgraduate courses in Photography and Moving Image (2009 – 2019), Cinema: Processes, Projects and Reflections (2016-2017), and Economy, Business, and Creative Products (2018-2019), as well as several Extension courses, all at Universidade Positivo in Curitiba.
She has given lectures at institutions abroad such as Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania, USA, Universidade Mackenzie and Centro Acadêmico Belas Artes in São Paulo, and B&H Photo Video Event Space in New York, USA, among others.
Her photographs are part of collections including Joaquim Paiva; MAM- Museum of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro; Mediterraneum Collection, Catania, Italy; UNICEF, UN, American Museum of Natural History in New York, and Museum of Natural History in Helsinki, Finland, among others.
She has received several awards and has been invited to participate in numerous exhibitions, including ‘On the Horizon Line’ (2019) at Goldsmiths University, London, United Kingdom; PHOTOVISA 2021 – International Biennial of Photography, Krasnodar, Russia; MED PHOTO FEST 2022 (October to December) – XIV International Edition – Exhibition ‘Brazilian Contemporary Photography,’ Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Invited to Individual Exhibitions such as ‘Parallel Encounters of the Americas,’ from May 18th to July 2023, at the Photo Gallery – Art Museum of the Americas in Washington DC, USA, and MED PHOTO FEST 2023 – XV Edizione Internazionale – ‘Authorial Photography,’ from October 6th to December 2023, in Catania, Sicily, Italy.
She takes photos for engineering firms, providing photographic technical expertise for precautionary reports.
Worked as a photojournalist for the Associated Press in New York and A Gazeta do Povo newspaper in Curitiba, Brazil. Photographed the Kaxinawa Amazon indigenous peoples in the state of Acre for the human rights group ‘The Forefront Leaders’ in Washington DC, USA. Additionally, organized the trip and documented the Xavante indigenous people in images for the American Museum of Natural History in New York, USA.
APRIL 19, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM ET
VIRTUAL LOUNGE REFLECTION/NETWORKING
Who Feels It Knows It!: Mindfulness at Work, presented by Keshia Abraham
APRIL 19, 2024 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM ET
DISRUPTIVE MASTER CLASS
The Impact of Censorship: Preserving Diversity and Dissent in a Connected Global World
The disruptive master class will explore the complex landscape of censorship and its implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our current times. Our diverse panel consists of practitioners from various global spaces, each bringing unique personal and professional narratives about navigating the delicate balance between censorship, diversity, and dissent.
Co-Moderating: Christina ‘Chris’ Thompson, Compear Global Education Network and Kory Saunders, AIFS Abroad
Hannah Sorila (she/they) is a radical visionary, committed to learning and living through the praxis of abolition feminism, decoloniality, queer expansiveness, anti-capitalism, and anti-oppression. Utilizing her background in global studies and systems thinking, Hannah has worked with GoAbroad, SIT Study Abroad, and Diversity Abroad, and is now working locally in Brattleboro VT at the Women’s Freedom Center and Everyone’s Books. Hannah continues to engage in global education through advocating for paradigm shifts arced towards decolonial futures.
Sumie Song, Ph.D. (she/her/hers), is Director of Strategic Partnerships at The GREEN Program, an award-winning experiential education abroad organization focused on the world’s most pressing sustainable development issues. At TGP she oversees university, corporate, and intergovernmental engagement, and DEI efforts that promote the development of a diverse sustainability workforce. She co-chairs the NAFSA Sustainability SIG, is a member of the UN SDSN North American EcoInnovation Youth Leadership Steering Committee, and helped organize the 2023 SDSN USA Summit on Transformative Education. Previously, Sumie served as Director of Global Education and Associate Professor in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (teaching faculty) at North Park University in Chicago, IL. She is an alumna of the Council of Independent Colleges Senior Leadership Academy and a recipient of the Fulbright International Education Administrators grant. Sumie’s interest in climate justice issues is informed by more than 15+ years of experience as a grassroots organizer who continues to fight with those in her community for health, housing, education, and economic equity, and comprehensive immigration reform. Sumie holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Williams College, a Ph.D. from Duke University in German Studies, and an M.Div. from The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Neal McKinney, M.Ed. (he/him/his) is a multifaceted educator, scholar, and practitioner with a desire to disrupt systems of power, privilege, and oppression globally. Neal has over 10 years of higher education experience and expertise across various functional areas including education abroad, career development, and college-level equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Over the past six years, Neal has become a thought leader in the education abroad arena through his study of critical theories on race (e.g., critical race theory, intersectionality, critical whiteness studies) to disrupt structures and systems of whiteness and white supremacy in international education that disproportionately impact U.S. domestic students of color and international students. He has successfully facilitated learning and engagement with higher education professionals at numerous workshops and presentations on topics of equity and inclusion in higher education at national conferences (ACPA, NAFSA, The Forum on Education Abroad). In 2020, Neal received Diversity Abroad’s Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education (EDIIE) Rising Star Award. Neal is currently a Doctoral Candidate and Dissertation Fellow at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.
APRIL 19, 2024 | 1:10PM - 2:00PM ET
SESSION
Black Women's Experiences with International Opportunities in Higher Education in the Late 19th and Early 20th Century
This session will present a critical examination of higher education in regard to contemporary issues of Black women’s experiences with International/study abroad opportunities afforded for educational advancement within higher education in the late 19th and early 20th century. I continue to ground this discussion in the history of women in education by analyzing the history from the past to the present—the contemporary complexities of intersecting with Black women’s international experiences. The historical roots are to holistically explore the historical development of my topic to influence significant changes that take place for women of color to rights to activism. The second part of my discussion will include a detailed examination of a notable woman, Mary Church Terell. I plan to discuss her life, which started in education, and her contributions to higher education and society in the 1900s.
The intersection between race and gender inspires cultural identity, which impacts the interest in Black women’s scholarship. My interest in Mary Church Terrell resulted in an opportunity to where she was able to merge both identities of her scholarly identity and activism identity into one, which led to a new start of the deconstruction of contemporary academics for Black women in higher education. This paper demonstrates my research interest in seeing where the foundation of international travel has impacted higher education in America from the 19th century to the 21st century. In the current context, the history of globalization of Black women should be at the center of international perspectives as an emerging body of literature.
Gabrielle Haggins is a 2nd year Doctoral student in the Higher Education program at Florida State University. She currently serves as the Graduate Teaching Assistant for CARE’s Bridge to Graduate School and as a Research Assistant with Dr. Tamara Bertrand Jones.
Gabrielle is a proud McKnight Doctoral Fellow from the 2022-2023 cohort of the Florida Education Fund. Through her experience studying abroad as an undergraduate student in Cadiz, Spain, her research interest aligns with increasing global education and cultural and communicative barriers to educational equity. Her second strain of research is the focus on Black Doctoral women, in reference to the influence of intersections and socialization of Black women in academia in their graduate education and early professional career.
APRIL 19, 2024 | 2:00PM - 2:20PM ET
VIRTUAL LOUNGE REFLECTION/NETWORKING
Musical Interlude: Songs Inspired by Getting Your Learn On, presented by Angela Schaffer
A few years back, GRDS featured a playlist inspired by songs that reminded us of our travels abroad. We’re back at it this year with another musical interlude, this time inspired by songs we learned from or learned to—music that reminds us of times we got our learn on. Take a music break with us as we listen to 7th-grade dance routine inspirations, songs you listened to on repeat while you cranked out that dissertation or term papers, or tunes that inspired your yearbook inscriptions. Share your submission here by April 4th!
APRIL 19, 2024 | 2:30PM - 3:20PM ET
SESSION
Unmasking Implicit Bias: Confronting Ableism for Inclusive Education
It is time to unravel the pervasive issue of implicit bias against students with disabilities, divergences, and differences within educational environments. Despite the majority of individuals considering themselves unbiased, research reveals that up to 80% of the general population exhibits a preference for individuals without disabilities. This session will explore the implications of such biases on students with diverse abilities and the urgent need for proactive initiatives to confront ableism.
Kelly Cray has worked with English Language Learners in Korea, Arizona, and Vermont. She has a TESOL certification and M.Ed degree in Advanced Teaching (primary, middle and secondary). She is responsible for the English Language Development program at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, VT, serving domestic families and international boarding students. She also is the founder of The Autist Educator, a small advocacy group devoted to furthering the rights of neurodivergent students as well as neurodivergent educators like herself. Her two greatest passions are helping people of all ages learn the English Language and championing the Neurodiversity movement. She specializes in Universal Design for Learning and strives to help create a future where all classrooms foster belonging and inclusion while meeting the academic needs of all students. Her current interests involve trauma-informed education, neuro-inclusive practice, culturally responsive pedagogical practices, autistic language learners, disability rights, and the neurobiology of language disorders. Cray enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, hiking, aquascaping, writing, and reading.
APRIL 19, 2024 | 3:30PM - 4:20PM ET
SESSION
The Rules Are Fake: Disrupting $cholarship Rubrics for Equitable Awarding
Is your scholarship program doing the most good it can do? Are your processes allowing you to support the students you intend to? We’ll explore approaches to disrupting scholarship program practices via “audits” that balance practice, theory, and limitations. Panelists will describe the evolution of their scholarship programs; share best practices for designing for equity and inclusion; and address risk management in light of the recent SCOTUS rulings regarding student debt and affirmative action. Panelists will share past and present rubric examples from their programs used to score scholarship applications. These past and present examples will provide attendees with an understanding of changes that were made for these programs to become more inclusive and equitable, and make scholarship awards more aligned with the scholarship program’s specific mission. Finally, session attendees and panelists will have a collective discussion so participants can walk away with tangible take-aways to consider their own scholarship program practices through a JEDI lens. The takeaways will be widely applicable, not only to scholarship programs but also potentially to the design of program applications.
A southern California native, Kate has worked in international education for almost 15 years, in roles ranging from PDSO to Finance Manager. After receiving a Masters in Education from the University of San Francisco, Kate moved to Chiba, Japan to teach English as part of the JET Programme. In her role as Manager of Finance & Scholarships at CET Academic Programs, she has become passionate about student scholarships.
A native of South Carolina, Collin received their BA in Communication Studies from Clemson University and their M.Ed. in Higher Education Student Affairs from Western Carolina University. They found their passion for international education while completing an internship abroad in Oviedo, Spain. In their free time, Collin enjoys hiking with their dog, planning future travel itineraries, and trying new coffee shops.
Angie Schaffer is the Executive Director of the Fund for Education Abroad. An international educator, grants professional, and entrepreneur, Angie holds a Master of Arts degree in International Education Policy. Throughout her studies and career, Angela has focused on creating opportunities for historically-excluded students and connecting international educators with U.S. classrooms. She has written several articles about the value of experiential learning and exchange, and has led education abroad programs and workshops in Japan, India, South Africa, Rwanda and Mauritius. Angie is based in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.
April 19, 2024 | 4:30PM - 4:45PM ET
THANK YOU + SUMMIT CLOSING
Christina “Chris” Thompson (she/her/hers) is an award-winning international educator and justice-centered advocate. She serves as Founder and Managing Director of COMPEAR Global Education Network and an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Consultant with Be Equitable Inc. Chris consults with partners around the globe to implement strategic diversity and intercultural interventions. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education, she has led international education, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public and private institutions. Her expertise includes instructing courses on intercultural preparation for education abroad and reflection courses in London, Spain, China, Cyprus, the Gambia, and New Orleans. As an EAKC NAFSA leader and chair of the EAKC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee, Christina is also a member of FORUM and CAINE’s Climate Justice Working groups, a NAFSA mentor, and a frequently invited speaker for WISE, NAFSA, Diversity Abroad, and FORUM on Education Abroad. Christina holds a MA in Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a concentration and research in Global Literary Studies at Mannheim University in Germany. She is currently a Doctoral student studying Disruptive Leadership Practices in Global Spaces for Positive Change, also known as ‘Respectful Disruption.’
Kory M. Saunders (she,her,hers) is a lifelong learner of culture and has a keen interest in the connection we as people share between each other and the cultures in which we live. Kory is a proud graduate of Hampton University, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), where she earned a B.S. in Marketing and a B.A. in Spanish and also earned an M.B.A from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and an M.A in International Business with an International Marketing concentration from la Universitat de Valencia, Spain. Kory specializes in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, culture and belonging as well as programming. Kory has worked in both corporate and university settings. Kory is a sought after skilled presenter and workshop facilitator. She has presented at both in person and virtual conferences. Kory was the 2020 finalist for the Diversity Abroad, Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education Rising Star Award. Kory was the recipient of the NAFSA Region VII 2020 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in International Education Award. She was also the recipient of the NC State African American Culture Center’s Ebony Harlem 2021 Nkonsonkonson Staff “Sticks in a Bundle Award“. Kory is the creator of Kultural Kurators, a platform to amplify and uplift BIPOC folxs who have had global experiences. She is currently the Director of Inclusion Initiatives at AIFS Abroad.
April 19, 2024 | 5:00PM - 6:00PM ET
POST SUMMIT REFLECTION & NETWORKING
ANNOUNCE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT WINNERS
This year at the summit there will be TWO opportunities to win $1,000 for the Compear Personal Development Fund Grant. That’s right. We’re giving away two, $1,000 Compear Personal Development Fund Grants.
Grant winners will be announced during this time. Winners must be present to be awarded the grant.
What is the COMPEAR Personal Development Fund? This fund provides grants to professionals in the field of international education and related global careers to pursue personal development opportunities.