Annual Cultural Conference Promotes Diversity

Designed to increase cultural competence of attendees and to promote continuing education in diversity, the 8^th Annual Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) Cultural Conference entitled, “Developing Multicultural Competence across Settings” brought together undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, alumni and local professionals. The Cultural Conference featured speaker presentations, panels and discussion groups involving work with ethnic minorities and other diverse groups in clinical, school, and organizational settings. Morning and afternoon breakout sessions covered topics such as Athletes and LGBT Issues, Children of Incarcerated Parents, Cultural Diversity Training, Working with Immigrant Populations, and Working with Gangs. Attendees also enjoyed a special presentation: Undoing Racism, as well as a new lunchtime panel, “Anti-Bullying with Diverse Groups.” Keynote speaker Carmen Vazquez, Ph.D. presented Considering Culture and Loss in Clinical Intervention: Grief Therapy with Latinos.

Held on Friday, October 14^th, the conference was hosted by the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology and co-sponsored by the School of Social Work Institute for Families and the Graduate School of Education.

The Committee on Diversity at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology with co-chairs Dr. Shalonda Kelly and Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin, develop annual programs dedicated to promoting diversity awareness tailored to those of different backgrounds and career levels. The committee has been awarded the Rutgers Human Dignity Award for their efforts in developing events such as the Cultural Conference and other cultural initiatives.