Developing Across Differences
… I truly couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the last week of my 33rd rotation around the ☀️. It is no exaggeration to say this week was transformational, inspiring and reassuring too. Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) - you’ve outdone yourself again!
The first class I took was with the fantastic Maja Nenadovic, PhD on (De)polarising Dialogue . Not only did I gain a wealth of knowledge about diffusing polarising conversations - but Maja and my fellow participants helped me to really question my own assumptions. For that I am eternally grateful!
I then had the pleasure of being taught by the amazing Nene Molefi in her course on Advanced inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination approaches within a global context. For me, as a woman of colour, it was so reassuring to witness that you can truly be yourself as a trainer, facilitator and entrepreneur - and we don’t always need to adapt and code switch. My future clients will definitely benefit from the Global DEI Benchmark.
The week ended with a beautiful full circle, when Jana Hollá invited me to join her Intersections course as a guest. Just one year ago in her class I was inspired to pursue my position as ‘working at the intersection of the DEI and Intercultural field.’ I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the discussion on decolonisation, power and what individual actions we can all take.
It is not often that you find a community who are all working towards bridging differences - with similar motivations. I take my hat off to Nadine Binder, PhD and Melissa Liles for creating this space for all of us and Michaela Carriere and University of Groningen for hosting.
It was a privilege to be part of the volunteer dream team - Maryam Afnan Ahmad Mareike Sander Gabriela Méndez - and my boat mates Thorunn Bjarnadottir and Koray Unur. You made this exhausting week almost easy - and so enriching thanks to all the work Annette Gisevius put in.
To all my fellow participants - it was so great to meet you all and I look forward to continuing the conversations. Every single person I spoke to taught me something - and I can’t wait for the next one already. 🌍
