Seton Hill students Michael Brako, Dipeeka Bastola and Luigi Scognamiglio collaborated with Keisha Jimmerson, director of multicultural and international services, on the presentation “Breaking Down Barriers Through Multicultural Dialogue,” which they delivered at the 18th Annual Conference of the Pa. Chapter – National Association for Multicultural Education April 2.

“Once people breakdown preconceived notions, relationships can form. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing our students become so confident and passionate about an important issue that they are able to present at conferences.”

- Keisha Jimmerson, Director of Multicultural and International Services

“We presented to an audience of 25 (student, faculty and staff members) from different universities in Pennsylvania,” said Dipeeka, a Seton Hill accounting and international organization major. “We talked about the history of multicultural dialogue, skills needed to make difficult dialogues, shared personal stories as international students, and led an activity that helped the audience look deeper into their identities and stereotypes.”

 The group also attended sessions facilitated by other universities and affiliated organizations during the two-day conference at West Chester University.

“The ones I really enjoyed talked about the power of circles and how media shapes our sense of reality,” Dipeeka said. “It was an amazing experience.”

“Facilitating essential dialogue is key in this day and age,” Keisha said. “Once people breakdown preconceived notions, relationships can form. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing our students become so confident and passionate about an important issue that they are able to present at conferences.”