Tag: Diversity

Hispanic Dental Association Student Chapter Kicks Off

On Friday February 17, 2023, members of the newly established Hispanic Dental Association Florida Chapter met with the leadership of the Hispanic Dental Association at NSU College of Dental Medicine to inaugurate the Hispanic Dental Association Florida Chapter and Student Chapter.
In attendance were:

  • Dean Steven Kaltman
  • Mercedes Mota-Martinez, HDA Past-President
  • Martha MutisElected President & National Chair of Research, Grants and Professional Development

Dr. Alexander Bendayan D.D.S.

Members of the newly established Hispanic Dental Association Florida Chapter from NSU College of Dental Medicine:

  • Dr. Alexander Bendayan D.D.S., C.A.G.S., M.B.A., President (currently serving as Professor and Chair of Prosthodontics at College of Dental Medicine)

Other Board members from NSU College of Dental Medicine:

  • Dr. Liliana Mosquera, Vice-President & Faculty Adviser
  • Dr. Elias Moron, Treasurer
  • Dr. Mauro Mesko, Secretary
  • Dr. Eva Chiang, Social Media Chair & Faculty Advisor
  • Dr. Josefina Vazquez, Outreach
  • Dr. Norberto Coerezza, Liaison Missions
  • Evelyn Casas, Student Liaison

 

Our own NSU Hispanic Student Dental Organization was welcomed as NSU Hispanic Student Dental Association Florida Chapter, represented by:

  • Francesca Fech, President
  • Kyra Jiménez, Vice-President
  • Elizabeth Horta, Secretary  
  • Argenis Ferrebus, Treasurer
  • Selena Sánchez, Social Media Chair
  • Michel Valladares, Community Service Chair
  • Karla Garcia and Evelyn Casas, Events Coordinators
  • Michelle Pinon, D4 representative
  • Sabrina Montiel, D3 representative
  • Brittany Urena, D2 representative
  • Priscila Sevil, D1 Representative

Students will work side by side with the faculty advisers and student liaison to continue to promote oral health and service to the community and to also represent the school in Hispanic Dental Association National Meeting.

Bendayan as President of the HDA Florida Chapter will expand the network to other schools in Florida, increase membership and participation and inspire future leaders. He welcomes any member of the faculty to become a member as he will be bringing programs and value to its members.

HDA trusts that we at NSU will be able to expand in the State of Florida and recognizes the amazing contributions of our students during these past years.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Week Features Several Events

NSU College of Dental Medicine; the University Advisory Council Member for Belonging, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; and Humanism and Diversity Committee, honored Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday during their Third Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness Week January 17-20. The week emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing humanism, diversity, equity, and inclusion and a sense of belonging and providing informative and educational information and opportunity for students, faculty, and staff.

Below were the highlights of the event:

CDM BEDI Speakers Series Presentations

  • Topic: “Building Belonging: How Do We Do It, and Why is It Important”
    • Speaker: Robin Cooper, Ph.D. Cooper is the assistant dean/ professor of Conflict Resolution and Ethnic Studies with NSU’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
  • Topic: “The Impact of Implicit Bias and Cultural Humility in Patient-Centered Care”
    • Speakers: Archana Vatwani PT, DPT, Ed.D., MBA & Diana Cherkiss, MMS, MPH, PA-C. Vatwani is an associate professor with NSU’s Physical Therapy Department at Nova Southeastern University. Diana Cherkiss is an associate professor and the Academic Director of the Physician Assistant program at Nova Southeastern University

The Student “Diversity” Essay Competition was intended to increase awareness, promote understanding, and engage students in a discussion to help foster diversity and inclusion within our Dental Community. Danny Minh Nguyen, a D4 Dental Student, received the 2023 Diversity Essay competition First Place. He received the Dean’s Coin Award and a check for $500 presented by Dr. Steven Kaltman, dean of College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Hal Lippman, Executive Associate Dean of Operations, Dr. Aryia Amini, Director of CDM BEDI

CDM BEDI, SGA and Student Clubs presented Sock Drive to Benefit Local Homeless Shelters in our community

Posted 02/19/23

Featured Speakers at Upcoming Diversity Summit, March 15-16

NSU’s Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Council is hosting its inaugural diversity summit at all NSU locations from March 15-16. The summit’s theme is “The Power Of Belonging: Connect, Collaborate, and Thrive.” Here’s a sneak peek at some of the featured speakers and topics.

“The Science to Supporting Underrepresented Minority (URM) and English Language Learners, ELL, students in STEM Courses” with Melinda Contreras, Ph.D.

Contreras

Melinda L. Contreras, Ph.D., has 20 years of experience in education and has managed hundreds of educational programs within medical education. She is an assistant professor in the NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Contreras also serves as a sensitivity and bias evaluator for COGNIA, where she has reviewed and revised assessments for the Common Core Standards for 39 U.S. states, and is currently assisting in the revamping of Boston Public Schools assessments to make them more racially and culturally sensitive.

“I Bet You Didn’t Know” with Elaine Lenon, M.A., NAD, NIC

Elaine Lenon, M.A., NAD, NIC, is a leading advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and has dedicated over 20 years of service to the South Florida community.

Lenon

A public servant by nature, her passion for the Deaf community was cultivated during her time as a Denver resident. Diving into the fabric of the Deaf community, she witnessed the acts of discrimination and maltreatment imposed upon the Deaf. Lenon is dedicated to decreasing the multiple barriers and lack of resources for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. She also founded Community Outreach for the Deaf, Inc., a nonprofit organization.

For more information on the BEDI Advisory Council and the summit, visit www.nova.edu/bedi.

Posted 02/14/23

NSU Counseling Professor Quoted in Counseling Today

Ashlei Petion, Ph.D. / Photo by David I. Muir

In the January 25, 2023, edition of Counseling Today, NSU Counseling faculty Ashlei Petion, Ph.D., was quoted in an online article called, “Generational trauma: Uncovering and interrupting the cycle” written by Bethany Bray. The article explained the term “generational trauma” and its impact on clients.

Per Petion, generational trauma is “a collection of traumas that have been experienced by their ancestors, passed down, and it’s affecting them to this day.” She continued by stating that, “Clients often report that it feels like [a weight] sitting on their shoulders”.

Petion’s interest in generational trauma started when she was a master’s intern. Later it became the topic of her dissertation and her specialty as a counselor.

Counseling Today is a website and monthly magazine published by the American Counseling Association.  It was first published in 1958.

Posted 02/19/23

Get Ready for Salsa Nights with NSU-KPCOM’s HOMSA

Dear Salsa Lovers,

Our FIRST Salsa Class of the Winter semester was Thursday, February 16, and on March 16 and April 20, we are holding dance classes as well! Stay updated by following us on IG: @nsuhomsa.

This is a class therefore we will teach you everything you need to know. So, NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED and NO PARTNER REQUIRED. However, feel free to bring anyone you want (family, friends, neighbors, abuelas, and abuelos) if you want to come with a partner!

We will have two lessons: Beginner Hour starting at 6:00 PM and Intermediate hour starting at 7:00 PM. Meet us in the OMM Lab (room 3201) for a good time! Please let us know you will be attending by completing our Registration Form before each class: https://forms.gle/7uUwRE8JcPbZPq5G8

Looking forward to dancing with you! 😊 If you have any questions, please reach out to Alysia Treacy at1242@mynsu.nova.edu.

Posted 02/09/23

BEDI Advisory Council to Host Diversity Summit, March 15-16

NSU’s Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Council is hosting its inaugural diversity summit at all NSU locations from March 15-16. The summit’s theme is “The Power Of Belonging: Connect, Collaborate, and Thrive.” The request for proposals is open through Feb. 10, but here’s a sneak peek at some of the featured speakers and topics.

Zaryckyj

“Inclusive Language: Words Have Power” with Bohdan J. Zaryckyj, Ed.D., and Summer Book, J.D. Candidate 2023

Bohdan “Bo” Zaryckyj (Za-Rtiz-Ski), Ed.D., currently serves as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Senior Investigator at NSU. Bo is responsible for implementing a robust prevention education program around Title IX. Additionally, he teaches the “21st Century College Student” course at the NSU Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. He has worked in higher education for 15 years, with experience in residential life, student conduct, behavioral intervention, and Title IX.

Book

Summer Book is a law student at the NSU Shepard Broad College of Law and serves as the Graduate Assistant for Title IX, focusing on prevention initiatives and advising NSU’s Title IX Peer Educator program. Summer is also a Legal Intern with NSU’s Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Legal Clinic, a Teaching Assistant for Mental Health Law, and volunteers her time with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

“Symbolic Violence in the Classroom: How a Eurocentric curriculum excludes and marginalizes minority students” with Nahum Jean-Louis, Ed.D., and Mary Clisbee, Ed.D.

Jean-Louis

Nahum Jean-Louis, Ed.D. graduated in 2022 from the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. He has been teaching American Government and Comparative Politics for nearly 15 years at several Universities and Colleges around South Florida. He currently works as an education consultant for The Small World Solutions Group. He is also an adjunct professor and success coach at Florida International University.

Mary A. Clisbee, Ed.D., is the Chief Research Officer for The Small World Solutions Group, a consulting group focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). She has over 35 years of experience as an international leader in research; education; and DEIA.

Clisbee

Clisbee has held leadership positions in US and internationally based DEIA, healthcare, higher education, and K-12 education organizations. As a DEIA consultant, she has designed DEIA landscape assessments, monitoring systems, interventions, training program curriculum, and policies and procedures for federal government agencies.

To submit a proposal by Feb. 10, visit tinyurl.com/bedinsu. For more information on the BEDI Advisory Council, visit www.nova.edu/bedi.

Posted 02/07/23

Fellows Selected for Conrad & Scherer Pathways Program

Front row (left to right): Averi Krickmeyer, Jordyn Minnis, Kayla Ferguson, Kennedy Newsome, Aleiah Luster, and Simone Martinez; back row (left to right): Alibek Normamatov, Victoria Newell, Jade Williams, Theodor Pintille, Eric Bonilla, and Alex Rosenblum

The Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law – a collaboration between the Fort Lauderdale law firm, Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law (NSU Law) and Fort Lauderdale High School’s Pre-Law Magnet program – recently announced its selection of the 2023 Fellows.

These 12 junior and senior law magnet program students will participate in several activities designed to give them a clear understanding of the pathway toward a career in law. The fellows enjoyed a trip to the NSU College of Law and a reception Thursday, Jan. 26, where they were given a tour and had a chance to meet with NSU faculty members and NSU Law alumni who are Broward County judges. The Fellows also will visit the Broward County Courthouse and spend time at the Conrad & Scherer offices.

The fellows were selected from applications that included teacher recommendations, a resume and essay about why they want to pursue a career in law.

The 2023 Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law Fellows* are:

  • Eric Bonilla (12th grade), hometown
  • Kayla Ferguson (11th grade)
  • Averi Krickmeyer (11th grade)
  • Aleiah Luster (11th grade)
  • Simone Martinez (11th grade)
  • Jordyn Minnia (11th grade)
  • Victoria Newell (11th grade )
  • Kennedy Newsome (11th grade)
  • Alibek Normamatov (11th grade)
  • Theordor Pintillie (12th grade)
  • Alex Rosenblum (12th grade)
  • Jade Williams (11th grade)

*all are students in the Fort Lauderdale High School Law Magnet program

According to Janine McGuire, a Conrad & Scherer partner managing this program, the Conrad & Scherer Pathways to Careers in Law provides an opportunity for high school students to gain exposure to the entire continuum, from high school through a career in law.

“Based on our experience with the program last year, we see clearly how this experience helps students understand what is involved in following a legal career path,” she said. “We are particularly excited about the addition of the Conrad & Scherer Pathways scholarship that will support one undergraduate student enrolled in NSU’s new legal studies bachelor’s degree program.”

“The partnership between NSU, Conrad & Scherer, and Fort Lauderdale High represents a unique and strong opportunity to support our community’s diverse student population by giving minority students a chance to learn about careers in law,” added José Roberto (Beto) Juárez Jr., dean of the Shepard Broad College of Law.

Posted 02/05/23

Student Case Competition Unravels Misinformation

The Office of Student Success in collaboration with Razors Edge Research hosted a one-week Case Competition in the Fall 2022 semester known as “Dissin’ Misinformation.”

The competition focused on a case study of how-to today’s world where there is a huge volumes of information, disinformation, and misinformation spreading rapidly on the internet making it difficult to discern what is true. Students then developed teams of 1-4 members selected a misinformation topic of their choice and provided solutions with peer reviewed scientific literature and other credible sources.

The students created a multimedia presentation educating the general public about how the misinformation spread, explaining what makes the misinformation incorrect, and spreading the correct information.

The students’ presentations were evaluated by a panel of faculty judges. Our three top winners received gift card prizes for their proposals.

1st Place Winner:

Topic: Statistics Regarding Harassment/Assault/Abuse

Case Competition Team: Kamalika Pothapu & Caroline Siu Yen Rodriguez

Sejal Jain

2nd Place Winner:

Topic: Obesity Medicine

Case Competition Team: Sejal Jain

3rd Place Winner:

Topic: Sunscreen Misinformation

Case Competition Team: Nimisha Kumar, Lauren Solovey, & Rojie Ekanayake

Posted 02/05/23

VA Deputy Secretary Holds Student Roundtable at NSU

Donald Michael Remy, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, visited Nova Southeastern University on Wednesday, Jan. 18, and held a roundtable discussion with several student veterans. Joining the deputy secretary was Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz; NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II; and Jane Che, the Senior Adviser to Remy. Matthew Chenworth, NSU’s Senior Director of Military Affairs organized the event at NSU’s Alan B. Levan Broward Center of Innovation at the Alvin Sherman Library on the Davie campus.

Donald Michael Remy, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

NSU student veterans were joined by students from Broward College and Florida Atlantic University. The students ranged from Air Force, Army, Marine, and ROTC cadets. Among their questions were PTSD support, housing allowance issues, whole health initiatives, burn pit compensation, and veteran suicides.

Deputy Secretary Remy had an additional support team on hand to ensure that each question posed was properly answered and follow-up opportunities were available. President Hanbury highlighted to extensive support and programming that NSU provides for its student veterans, and also invited Remy to return to NSU in the future.

Before coming to the VA, Remy was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer at the nonprofit National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), where he oversaw all strategic planning, operations, budget management, and legal affairs for the $1 billion enterprise. Remy earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law.

After the roundtable session, Deputy Secretary Remy sat down for a quick Q&A session.

How many of these roundtables has the VA had?

About seven or eight of them.

What have been your takeaways from the sessions?

“There is a constant theme: How do I get the educational benefits that I have earned. The other thing is that I find our students are absolutely engaged in the thought that they put into the questions they ask and the answers received from those questions.”

What is your key objective of these roundtables?

“To know the needs of our student veterans. Our student veteran population is a population that has earned the right to have benefits and access to those benefits, and they have questions about their health care and those benefits. Our goal is to hear from them, to answer their questions, and to improve their circumstances.”

Do you track and follow up with the student veterans who attend these events?

“All of them. That’s why we have a team of experts here and when questions are posed that we don’t have immediate answers to, our experts will reach out them and pass out cards so that people have access to the information.”

Do you see yourself returning to NSU in the future to have another roundtable?

“I really enjoy Florida and visiting the campuses here. It’s been great to be in Broward County. Anywhere that there are veterans we go because we want to hear from them and make sure that they get access to benefits, services, and health care that they’ve earn. And so, it may very well be the case that you’ll see me here again listening to our students in this community.”

Posted 01/22/23

Halmos Faculty, Alumna Present on Indigenous Conflict Resolution

Ismael Muvingi, Ph.D.

Ismael Muvingi, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS) and Kimberly Hamilton-Wright, Ph.D., doctoral graduate of DCRS, presented at the 2022 Association for Conflict Resolution Annual Conference held in Orlando and virtually. The theme of the conference was Evolving Horizons in Conflict Resolution.  The presentation was entitled, “Uncustomary Connections: Mainstreaming Indigenous Conflict Resolution Practices.”

Muvingi is the faculty advisor to the African Working Group. His academic interests include human rights, African politics, and transitional justice with a special focus on Africa.

Kimberly Hamilton-Wright, Ph.D.

In addition to her NSU degree, Hamilton-Wright holds an M.P.A. from Webster University, and a B.S. in Journalism from Kansas State University. She is a conflict analysis and resolution researcher, practitioner, and curriculum developer with expertise in womenwarography, gender, veterans, and military community issues. Her research interests also include mainstreaming of indigenous conflict resolution practices. Hamilton-Wright is developing a womenwarography course and outreach program. Additionally, she developed the graduate course, Conflict and Peace Connections: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Women in U.S. Military Communities, as well as the undergraduate course, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: U.S. Domestic and Global Perspectives. As a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) certified practitioner, she provides workplace and group dynamics consulting and workshops.

Posted 01/22/23

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