Note to editors: For photos of Shah Hasan and Ata Karim, contact Donise Osbourn at
785-532-5806 or dosbourn@oznet.ksu.edu.

Released: February 09, 2006

Seminar to Focus on Cultural Competency, Building Community

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas’ changing demographics provide challenges – and opportunities. To make the best of both, plan to attend “Inclusive Leadership: Leading from Within,” the 2006 Kansas State University Leadership Seminar March 31.

The one-day leadership seminar will be in the K-State Student Union. The cost to attend, $25, includes registration, seminar packet and lunch.

“Cultural competency fosters the ability to respond and adapt to new and changing situations,” said Dan Kahl, co-chair of the seminar. “It begins with cultural awareness of one’s self but also includes developing respect for others who are different from ourselves, building understanding across cultural differences and empathy. Each is important to successful cross cultural communications and teamwork needed to work toward a common goal.”

To facilitate this year’s how-to conference, Kansas State University has invited two keynote speakers:

* Shah Hasan, Ph.D., is director of capacity development for Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio, where his work focuses on providing leadership and professional development opportunities for faculty. Hasan is a frequently requested speaker and consultant on leadership, change, human development and organizational management.

* Ata Karim, Ph.D., is president of Global Leadership Solutions, Seattle, Wash. His work focuses on inclusive leadership, intercultural competence and country-specific cultural training for organizations sending employees into the global marketplace.

The presenters are preparing to offer the essentials of cultural competency, tips for putting them to work to build community and interactive exchanges. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m.

Hasan and Karim are former K-State faculty members and Karim a founding director of K-State’s Leadership Institute.

For registration or more information, contact K-State’s Division of Continuing Education at 785-532-5569 or check: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/leads/Seminars/seminars.htm. Space is limited and early registration is recommended. Deadline for registration is March 17.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News