Lisa Marie Avendaño, 2009
Hospital Administrator, Houston Zoo Veterinary Hospital
In my current position I am responsible for all purchasing and inventory of medical equipment and supplies as well as assisting in the development and monitoring of the department budget. Direct animal management responsibilities include supervising the hospital zookeepers and the medical records clerk.
I also have opportunities to participate in local, national, and international wildlife conservation initiatives and one aspect of the field that has always interested me is the human dimensions of natural resource management. Increasingly, partnerships between governmental and non- governmental organizations and private and public land holders, have taken new approaches to conservation. These evolving practices respectfully consider human populations in the protection of wildlife and the socially and economically sound use of other natural resources.
I felt the CRCL program focus on culture dynamics and conflict resolution would best suit my educational goals. I feel prepared to make the most of my conservation related work and to pursue new opportunities in the field.
Rachel Boyle
Department Coordinator, Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts, Rice University
Brenda Bullara, expected graduation:
Configuration Management Analyst, Boeing
Kinneil Coltman, 2007
Director of Diversity and Language Services for Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center in Greenville, SC
Responsible for system-wide diversity strategic plan, all workforce diversity and inclusion initiatives, oversight of the largest Language Services Department in the Carolinas, design and oversight of system supplier diversity program.
Carlo Deason, 2006
Senior Academic Advisor and Community Liaison Officer, College of Technology, University of Houston
Andrea Dunn, 2002
Proposal Writer, University Advancement, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Deniss Edwards
Instructor of Sociology, Psychology and Anthropology, San Jacinto College South Campus
Miriam Flores-Basta
Director, Patient Business Services, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
I manage the business office operations for MD Anderson Cancer Center. With a diverse employee and patient population, it is important to be cognizant of the varying cultural nuances and be sensitive to those. After all, dealing with financial matters is difficult especially when dealing with illness. The cross-cultural studies program established a great foundation that I have used in my daily interactions with patients and staff.
Juan Garcia, expected graduation: 2011
Executive Talent Consultant, specializing in Oil and Gas as well as Consumer Products in the Engineering Field, Hierro Consulting
I run my own firm, utilizing the knowledge drawn from cross-cultural studies to build bridges of understanding between hiring officials and a very talented pool of immigrant engineers and designers. As a result, over 65% of the candidates I work with and place are from nations such as India, Pakistan, and China, building their careers here in the States through the H1B visa program.
Mioara Gram
Family Mediator, specialized in Family Mediation, Divorce and Child Custody.
Kenyatta Gray, 2009
Enumerator for the U.S. Census
I really enjoyed the Cross-Cultural Studies program because it provided a window into the world, its cultures, history, and much more. It certainly made me think deeper about world issues and gave me a deeper insight into history that was basically sugar coated when I was a young girl in grade school. I hope to pursue my PhD and I will definately use this experience as a stepping stone that will help me achieve success in any program I apply to.
Tina Hadiya Halcomb, 2008
Academic Program Advisor, Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corp
I advise almost 100 Saudi sponsored students in over 40 universities throughout the US and Canada. I work in conjunction with SABIC management in KSA and International Offices on campuses in the US and Canada through initiation, application, foundation year, academics, and ultimate job placement in the company following successful completion of the program.
Tamara M. Hoodye, 2005
Director of Student Support Services (federal program that serves low income and first generation college students earn a Bachelors degree)
The Cross Cultural studies program is the perfect program for the times that we are living in. Diversity has become a passion of mine and as the world changes, educators must be able to teach our youth how to interact in a global community. I teach my students (at the College of the Mainland, where I teach a Sociology class in Multicultural Studies) that the world is now at your finger tips.
Lisa C. James
International Admissions Specialist, California State University, Fresno
Deborah Karam, expected graduation: 2011
Registered Nurse, Westbrook Intermediate
The Cross-Cultural Studies program has provided opportunities to meet dedicated professors, select courses of interest, and meet students with similar goals.
Pam Kennard, 2005
High School World History and World Geography teacher; Adjunct Professor of Cultural Anthropology at San Jacinto South campus
Traveled to Saudi Arabia, Baharain, and Qatar with the US-Bilateral Chamber of Commerce (TEACH) program in 2009
Margaret Kidd, 2008
Doctoral Student and Graduate Research Assistant at the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, Texas Southern University
The focus of my plan of study is transportation and the environment, specifically looking at Southeast Asia, but my current research is related to the socio-economic impact of the Port of Houston on surrounding neighborhoods. The CRCL Program provided an excellent base for me to move onto doctoral studies in urban planning. Faculty for this course of study are the best and brightest. This is also a fantastic program for building your writing skills and understanding our multicultural world.
Sharon Drone Martin, 2005
Educator, Friendswood ISD, 8th grade US History and President of the Professional Resource Group
The cross-cultural studies program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake provided me with an educational opportunity that has not only helped me as an educator and a consultant, but also as a human being in our global world. There have been so many benefits gained from the program including learning how to break down barriers, becoming a better listener, and finding common ground with people from all walks of life. I am honored to be a part of UHCL's Cross-Cultural alumni.
Phyllis Robinson, expected graduation: 2010
French and German Tutor and Independent Researcher
I am applying to PhD programs in Public Health. I have written and/or presented papers on "Islam in the Age of Global Challenges," "Defining Ethos in Global Values Education,"and "The Context of Identity in the Gulen Movement." I was recently hired to do research for a consultant of an NGO disaster relief, specifically for Haiti, to determine coordination methods for medical resources and human capital. The purpose is to establish "highest and best use" and lessen the "enabling" that is often perpetuated by such tremendously vast responses.
Shelly Royer
International Studies, Rice University
Kelli McLoud-Schingen
Founder/President, KMS Intercultural Consulting (Tulsa, OK);
Past President of SIETAR (Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research) Houston and member of the SIETAR Europa Board
Lilian Schwabe, 2009
Representative to the United Nations, Temple of Understanding, New York
Abdul Tamimi
Dean of New Programs and Corporate Development, Cy Fair College, Cypress, Texas
Cherie Tindall, 2009
Supply Chain Analyst, The Boeing Company
The Cross Cultural Studies Program at UHCL helped me to understand culture on a larger and smaller scale. It helped me to see that culture is complex, encompasses generalites, and very individual all at the same time. One can apply general cultural concepts to try to understand a person, but each person must be approached as an individual.
Paula Tyler, expected graduation: 2010
English Teacher, Clear Brook High School, CCISD—Friendswood
I've always wanted to make a difference in the world and through teaching and my Cross Cultural degree, I am making my dream come true!
Cynthia Ustoy, 2005
People Soft team lead, University of Houston
Randy Wilson, 2007
Principal Consultant, Camden Delta Consulting, LLC., Atlanta, focusing on strategic Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and Diversity & Inclusion
From Randy’s bio: Randy brings a unique approach to his work by embedding Diversity & Inclusion fundamentals across all vertical HR processes and functions. This holistic approach creates the opportunity for organizations to leverage the unique contributions of their diverse Talent, enhances organizational culture, and builds their external brand by attracting a wide range of prospective employees. Randy is an AIRS Certified Diversity Recruiter, a Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator, and a recipient of the HR Houston Impact Award for Diversity Excellence. Randy is the President emeritus of the Southwest Association of Colleges and Employers (now the Southern Association of Colleges and Employers).
Kory Wynegar
Environmental Compliance Supervisor, Vertex Residual Management
Defne Yunus Tosun, 2007
Business Development Consultant at DeLeeuw International in Ankara Turkey
I work as a consultant in EU funded Projects. Projects range from social to technical projects.
Mioara Gram
Family Mediator, specialized in Family Mediation, Divorce and Child Custody.
Julie Rios Little, 2000
Many moons ago when I studied at UHCL I went to a talk with a recent Cross-Cultural Studies graduate. He talked about his internship in Washington, DC and the wonderful experience he had. The idea of going farther North stuck in my head and I promptly secured a graduate internship in DC with the Citizen Networks for Foreign Affairs. Since then (10 years ago), I have lived in the DC area and worked for many NGOs and educational institutions that are carrying out projects related to either human rights or international education and development. I have worked for the Freedom House, the Center for Intercultural Education and Development (CIED) of Georgetown University, the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), and the Solidarity Center. I have also combined my skills in communications/audiovisual (undergraduate level) and cross-cultural issues (graduate level) to now work as an independent video producer offering my services to NGOs and U.S. government agencies in DC and nationwide. I have produced videos for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department, Medicare, and Georgetown University. I am also tapping into the world of the documentary where I can really go deeper in the topics that I have been working on all these years. To check some of my videos go to rioslittlemedia.com I am so grateful for my passage to UHCL and especially for having met Dr. Kovic, who provided me with much support and inspiration.
