El Futuro - Campus Cuentos Sessions
Presentation Descriptions, Campus Cuentos Sessions, Wednesday, August 4
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Session A (2:15 - 3:00 p.m.)
Helping Students Find Their Voice
Presenters: Creighton Chandler, Director of University Ministry, Sister Christina Chavez, CDP Assistant Director of University Ministry, Gloria Urrabazo, Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Our Lady of the Lake University
Abstract: In this workshop, we present some programs that helped our students discover their inner strengths and their abilities to realize their hopes and dreams. These goals include personal ambition and their desire to help their families. The names of the programs are “Encuentro”, “Social media and discernment”, and “Pastoral Presence.”
Stitching Stories of Memories and Miracles that Inspire
Presenter: Dr. Rebecca Berrú Davis, Assistant Professor of Theology, St Catherine University
Abstract: What kind of visual stories inspire you? We’ll look at and share examples of these visual stories created by our abuelos y abuelas, moms and tias, and particularly a group of Peruvian artists whose memories are stitched in cloth, embroidered by hand that offer inspiration for our journey.
Creating a More Inclusive Campus through the Center for Cultural Liberation and the Brennan School of Business Financial Literacy Program
Name of Presenters: Jacky Neri-Arias, Director, Center for Cultural Liberation; Ramiro J. Atristain, Executive in Residence, Brennan School of Business; Yaritza Medina, Alumna; Verónica Gutiérrez, Graduate Student; Marcela Reales Visbal, Activity Director, Title V, Part B, Dominican University
Description: Jacky Neri-Arias, Director of the Center for Cultural Liberation, will offer a history of the center and discuss components of a theoretically and practically inclusive space. Ramiro J, Atristain, lead of the Brennan School of Business Financial Literacy Program, Verónica Gutiérrez, graduate student, and Yaritza Medina, Dominican alumni, will share their financial stories and discuss talking about money. Verónica and Yaritza will share what they have uncovered about personal finance in the Financial Literacy Program as they chart their future.
Session B (3:15 - 4:00 p.m.)
Unity and Diversity of Advocacy Panel
Names of Presenters: Isabella Acevedo Nuncira, UC Riverside; Lourdes Alonso, CRS; Natalie Cabrera, University of St. Thomas; Giselle Campos, Benedictine University, Iskali; Brayan Hernandez, Catholic University of America
Abstract: We all have a specific role to play, what do you believe is yours? What is God calling you to do? Today, we will be discussing the different paths that led us to the work of advocacy and social justice, including our internships with Catholic Relief Service. We are all advocates in our own ways and we hope our stories will inspire you to share yours.
Cultura y Comida Cohort: The Power of Creating a Space to Convivir
Presenters: Elizabeth Amaya, Student; Azucena De La Torre, Staff Mentor, DePaul University
Abstract: Cultura y Comida Cohort is a program rooted in discovering the ways culture and cuisine draw us together in authentic comunidad. Through partnering with local Latinx restaurants, a cohort of 12 students sampled a variety of meals celebrating a diversity of dishes and the rich history that made them possible. Guest chefs, restaurants owners, and culinary artists joined us on Zoom for interviews and dialogue centered on learning more about their personal and professional journeys, their philosophy on preserving culture through cuisine and what it means to convivir as people of Color in ways that celebrate our differences and support our similarities. We also engaged Elizabeth Acevedo’s With the Fire on High as guided reading for group discussion throughout weekly meetings. This program gave us a taste of how good meals and real conversations can help us create community, a true space to convivir.
Abuelita Theology: A Celebration of Faith & Traditions
Presenter: Liza Manjarrez, Associate Director, Campus Ministry, St. Edward’s University
Abstract: For many in the Latinx community, our faith and traditions are passed down through the generations. Sometimes we've done something for so long, that we're not even 100% sure why we do it. Abuelita Theology seeks to celebrate and unpack the meaning behind these customs and create spaces to share them together and keep them alive in our own lives. I'll share about the process of its creation (a spark lit during the last conference), the discernment of topics and presenters and the ripple effects across campus. Then, we'll brainstorm how you can create something that fits your community's needs.