Diversity continues to be at the forefront of many organizations’ platform in the United States and throughout the globe. As a multicultural and multilingual speech/language pathologist, diversity is something that I have always valued and appreciated. Therefore, I am continuing my interview discussion series on topics related to Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity so that speech/language pathologists and educators can have access to meaningful information on this topic. It is important to acknowledge the varied and valid perspectives on these topics that influence our valuable work as therapists, educators, and leaders. Many professionals in these allied fields work with students, clients, and families from various backgrounds while some may live and work in communities where the people that they serve are of the same racial and ethnic backgrounds as them. It is important that those individuals especially continue on their journey of being more culturally responsive. The first step on that path is to be more culturally aware of various individuals, their communication styles, and individuals’ cultural heritage as some may require speech/language therapy, educational, or services in the allied health sector. It will also enhance your ability to interact effectively with colleagues.
I am purposefully highlighting unique voices on the topic of Culture. It is critical to emphasize the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation. Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of various individuals within society. It may include books, works of art, monuments, oral traditions, performing arts, or cultural festivals.
Cultural Heritage affirms people’s identity and it is important that it is preserved from one generation to the next regardless of where you live in the world. Within the diaspora, it is critical that the culture of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are respected, appreciated, and integrated into the large society.
Today, I have an excellent feature to share with you. I interviewed Stefanie Thomas Gilbert-Roberts, the Director of Strategy and Projects at CUMEDIAE, a Brussels based non-profit consultancy specialized in project management and advice in the creative & media sector in Europe and beyond. She is also the Founder and Creative Editor of Cultural Voice eZine, a global magazine focused on Business and Culture founded in 2011, and Non- executive Director of Artistic Expressions Ltd. She has over 10 years project development/management experience across Europe and the Caribbean, with extensive knowledge in the cultural and creative industries sector. Stefanie has represented Jamaica, the Caribbean and the Americas in an official capacity at the highest levels internationally on behalf of Caribbean youth and entrepreneurs including on the Culture Advisory and Youth Committees of Jamaica’s National Commission for UNESCO. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency that promotes collaboration in education, the sciences, and culture.
During the interview, we discussed cultural heritage, ways that the arts and creative industries strengthen cultural values, beneficial tips for working with colleagues and clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the benefits of greater collaboration in the global society across sectors and so much more! You will certainly be enriched by listening to this dialogue! I welcome your relevant comments on this blog. Listen to the interview here. After listening to the interview, it will deepen your understanding of cultural diversity in the U.S. and the diaspora so that it can positively inform your professional work and broaden your personal experiences. It is imperative that we as a society connect across cultures.
All the best,
Tamara Anderson, M.S., Ed.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Education Specialist/Consultant
Diversity & Equity Advocate
