By Luis Montes
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The Multicultural and International Student Services Office recently welcomed Daniel Hernandez to present during the "Voices of Colour" speaker series.

Hernandez, an internationally known cross-cultural presenter, has devised many concepts regarding cultural and global mobility that can aid individuals and organizations when trying to manage cultures and data at the speed of change.

Hernandez's presentation, which was held Nov.14, was titled "Cultural Mobility in Today's Society." It focused on integrating strategies to assist individuals in becoming culturally mobile individuals in today's global society.

Hernandez pointed out that everyone is multicultural in today's rapidly changing global society. He said we rely on our many cultures in every encounter that we experience, not solely on our race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, but every aspect of ourselves makes us who we are.

"Mr. Hernandez's presentation was very thought provoking and interesting," said Denise Shipley, coordinator of multicultural and international services. "His concept of developing 'culturally mobile individuals' is something that we all need to think about today. He interwove multiple disciplines in his discussion, yet the basic premise of becoming culturally mobile is something anyone can grasp."

Becoming a culturally mobile individual relies on basic concepts, such as understanding information about various cultures and individuals, and trying to become culturally literate. Culturally mobile individuals avoid making assumptions by asking questions to clarify information when in doubt.

"I think that the presentation was very informative and insightful," said Cindy Coronado, an education major. "I've never had information presented with such detail. The analogies he used to describe his ideas were very interesting and thoughtful."

"We all encounter individuals different from ourselves constantly," Shipley said. "In the classroom, the workplace and the community; therefore, learning how to have positive interactions with others is crucial. We want to be respected for who we are and at the same time we have to show respect to others."

Individuals can become cultural listeners, critical thinkers, facilitators, mediators and negotiators, Hernandez said.

The "Voices of Colour" speaker series is an on-going series organized by the MISS office every semester.

"We want to showcase the voices of those who are traditionally underrepresented," Shipley said. "The topics of discussion vary, but they are always interesting and informative."

"His presentation was the first one I've actually attended, but I plan to attend other presentations in the future," Coronado said.

For more information on future speakers, stop by the MISS Office in Bayou Building Room 1604, call (281) 283-2575 or visit www.cl.uh.edu/multicult.com.

Top of Page | Front Page