Intercultural Competence: What is it and why does it matter for Maine

As Maine’s population ages, the incoming workforce—whether from other states or other countries—is becoming increasingly culturally diverse. Having the skillset and the mindset to work effectively with diverse groups will become increasingly important for Mainers. And intercultural competency will become a defining characteristic of the organizations that will find success in this changing landscape.

 

This talk will:

1.       Provide a snapshot of Maine’s changing demographics

2.       Explore “What is culture?”

3.       Present the 4 Steps of Intercultural Competence

4.       Facilitate an interactive activity that crystallizes one important aspect of intercultural competence

Our Presenters from Maine Intercultural Communication Consultants:

Liz Greason, Owner and Principal Consultant

A native Mainer, Liz is co-founder of Maine Intercultural Communication Consultants. She lived in the Middle East for many years, where she taught students from around the world at the American University in Dubai, with a focus on effective cross-cultural communication. Since returning to Maine, Liz has applied her knowledge of the Middle East, cultural competency, and intercultural communication to help Maine businesses, non-profits, and schools effectively recruit and retain a diverse workforce and serve diverse populations. Liz has also served on the faculty of the University of Southern Maine (USM) and Portland Adult Education. In addition to being trained at the Intercultural Communication Institute in Portland, Oregon, Liz holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College and Reed College, and a Certificate in Mediation from USM.

Deb Breiting, Owner and Principal Intercultural Trainer

Deb is co-founder of Maine Intercultural Communication Consultants and hails from Vancouver, Canada.  Her parents being originally from Germany and Japan, Deb grew up in a diverse, multilingual home.  She has a degree in Linguistics and German and a Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Studies from the University of British Columbia.  Now, with almost 20 years of teaching and training experience in a variety of business settings, Deb divides her time between Maine Intercultural Communication Consultants and the New Mainers Resource Center at Portland Adult Education as an Instructor and Program Associate, where she provides cultural and job skills training to foreign-trained professionals.  Deb has lived and worked in Vancouver, Toronto, Munich and Tokyo and now lives in Portland, Maine.

 

 

Roundtable Details

Takes place from 9:45-10:30 following the regular meeting and is optional.

Graphic Recording: The Secret Behind a More Productive and Memorable Event

During the morning's keynote presentation Joe Rosshirt will be present to graphically record our presenters so that we can see  Graphic Recording. Then during the time normally reserved for our Roundtable Joe has agreed to walk through what Graphic Recording is, the theories behind it, and why it is perfect for your next presentation, conference, meeting, or webinar. You will also learn other practical applications Graphic Recording has for social media, follow up material, trainings, and videos while also having the opportunity to ask any burning questions you may have.

About the Facilitator:

Joe Rosshirt graduated from the Maine College of Art with a BFA in Illustration and is the founder of FortHouse Studios located in Portland, Maine, focusing in children’s media. As an illustrator, Rosshirt pursues contagious fun, laughter, and smiles while passionately shaping the young at heart.

 

Rosshirt began his Illustration career in 2009, while attending MECA, moonlighting to develop his first iOS game Super Dust Bunny. Upon graduating, Rosshirt freelanced for many local businesses in Maine including: Woodard & Curran, MEMIC Insurance, Maine Magazine, and Stonewall Kitchen to name a few. Joe also pursues live graphic recording for consultants, conferences, presentations, and workshops. 

 

After completing his first children’s book in 2015, Burgles by Matt Steuer, Joe is excited to continue his focus in children’s publishing and pursue multimedia storytelling techniques.

The Facts...

 

The ACE regular meeting has networking, a buffet breakfast and a speaker. Guests are welcome.

Registrations are required by March 15, 2016. If you want to be included on the registration list at the meeting then you need to register by the due date.

 

You can pay online by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover NOT AMERICAN EXPRESS!) or mail a check to:
ACE
110 Marginal Way #142
Portland ME 04101

If you are mailing a check, please register here so the system can track the registrants for us. Thanks!

Members: the $22 fee only works if you pay in advance. At the door, it is $28.

Cancellation - the meeting will be cancelled if Portland Schools are cancelled.