MCB’s Assistant Director of Human Resources and Community Task Force (CTF) administrator, Julia Fannon, invites all members of the MCB community to take part in the upcoming “Community Building with Intercultural Communication” workshop on Friday, November 14, from 12:00–1:30 PM in BioLabs 1065. This interactive lunchtime session is designed to deepen understanding and strengthen connections across MCB’s vibrant and diverse community. Lunch will be provided.
“As MCB’s HR representative, I often hear about small misunderstandings that arise from cultural differences,” says Fannon. “This workshop is an opportunity to understand those differences and strengthen our community through empathy and awareness.”
Featured Speakers
- Camille Curtis Martinez, Lecturer, Department of Communication, University of Massachusetts Boston
- Sarah Emory, Assistant Director for International Teachers & Scholars, Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University
MCB is home to individuals from around the world, each bringing unique cultural backgrounds, values, and communication styles. This workshop will explore how culture shapes the way we express ourselves, interpret others’ behavior, and navigate shared spaces at work.
Participants will:
- Build awareness of cultural and communication differences.
- Explore real-world scenarios to practice navigating these differences.
- Develop strategies to clarify expectations and foster mutual understanding.
The session will also address everyday questions such as:
- Why do some people speak loudly and use expressive gestures while others are more soft-spoken?
- Why can it be difficult to read the body language of someone from a different cultural background?
- Why do some people prefer more personal space when communicating while others stand closer?
This event is open to all members of the MCB community, but advance registration is required due to limited space.
