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Early Childhood Conference at HKIS
I am grateful for this thoughtful highlight from Hong Kong International School. I look forward to keynoting the Early Childhood Conference in January with Rosemarie Truglio, PhD as we explore belonging, play, and children’s perspectives in learning.
I invite early childhood colleagues across the region to join us in Hong Kong for this meaningful professional experience. Register to deepen your capacity to support our youngest learners grow " kinder, stronger, and wiser."
American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
Fostering Cultures of Dignity and Respect at American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
I was delighted to return to Guadalajara for my eighth visit to the The American School Foundation of Guadalajara to continue our ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive school community grounded in dignity and respect for all.
The intercultural competency work focused on cultivating shared language around the knowledge, skills, and competencies that we all need in an international community to engage with one another with empathy, respect, and adaptability. This included parent education, student assemblies, board conversations, and strategic planning to inform the next phase of data guided belonging and wellbeing work that strengthens a coherent and inclusive school environment.
Before leaving campus, I paused at a set of elementary murals that echoed these commitments. Their messages served as a simple and powerful reminder of the values the community is intentionally nurturing.
I look forward to returning in the spring.
Cultivando culturas de dignidad y respeto en el American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
Me dio mucho gusto regresar a Guadalajara para mi octava visita al The American School Foundation Guadalajara y continuar con nuestros esfuerzos para cultivar una comunidad escolar inclusiva, basada en la dignidad y el respeto para todos.
El trabajo de competencia intercultural se centró en cultivar un lenguaje compartido sobre los conocimientos, habilidades y competencias que todos necesitamos en una comunidad internacional para relacionarnos con empatía, respeto y adaptabilidad. Esto incluyó sesiones para familias, asambleas para estudiantes, conversaciones con la junta directiva y planificación estratégica para orientar la siguiente fase del trabajo en pertenencia y bienestar, guiado por datos, que fortalece un entorno escolar coherente e inclusivo.
Antes de salir del campus, me detuve ante un conjunto de murales en la sección de primaria que reflejan claramente estos compromisos. Sus mensajes ofrecen un recordatorio sencillo y poderoso de los valores que la comunidad está cultivando de manera intencional.
Espero con entusiasmo regresar en la primavera
United Nations International School of Hanoi
I am grateful for a meaningful visit to United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi), where I had the opportunity to engage with students, educators, and parents in thoughtful dialogue about inclusive school communities grounded in dignity, respect, and authentic belonging.
This visit built on our session with the Board last August, where we highlighted intercultural competency as a critical skill for bridging differences and strengthening our shared humanity within an international community.
Many thanks to Liz Gale, Ed.D., Head of School, and Maria S. Chung, board chair, for their partnership and leadership as the community continues to advance this important work.
Continually Inspired
I’m continually inspired by the organizations I partner with around the world, each one deeply committed to fostering cultures where dignity and respect are foundational for everyone.
From São Paulo to Hong Kong, Hanoi to Madrid, and across schools, businesses, and conferences, I am grateful for the opportunity to advance intercultural competency and belonging, work that feels more essential than ever. To all who engage in this important work, thank you for your ongoing commitment.
Saigon South International School
“We were honored to once again host Dr. Derrick Gay, a world-renowned Belonging and Intercultural Strategist. During his multi-day visit, Dr. Gay shared invaluable expertise on intercultural competency with our community. ”
Intercultural competency is crucial to support belonging in international schools. I am thrilled to sustain our partnership with Saigon South International School (SSIS) to foster an inclusive school grounded in dignity and respect.
Penn Graduate School of Education
It is a privilege to return to my alma mater for the second year to teach intercultural competency to international college counselors, fostering dialogue on the skills essential for inclusive and culturally responsive advising.
Building Belonging Across Borders: Intercultural Competency and Women’s Leadership
I recently had the honor of facilitating two sessions with SHE-CAN, an organization that prepares women scholars from Rwanda, Cambodia, Liberia, and Guatemala for academic and social life at U.S. universities. The program’s purpose is to strengthen leadership capacities that enable scholars to return to their home countries as agents of change and contributors to community development.
The sessions brought together scholars and mentors in reflective dialogue about belonging, leadership, and intercultural understanding. We examined intercultural competency, defined as the knowledge, skills, and capacities that allow individuals to communicate and interact effectively with empathy, respect, and adaptability.
This competency is particularly vital for international students as they transition to U.S. university contexts. Research has documented the challenges international students encounter in adapting to new academic systems, communication norms, and cultural expectations. Studies consistently demonstrate that intercultural competency contributes to stronger academic engagement, psychological well-being, and a greater sense of belonging within higher education settings (Spencer-Oatey & Dauber, Journal of Studies in International Education, 2019; Leask, Teaching in Higher Education, 2015; Arkoudis et al., Higher Education Research & Development, 2013).
The SHE-CAN scholars exemplify these findings in practice. Their reflections revealed an intentional commitment to growth, self-awareness, and relational understanding. They approach learning not merely as individual advancement but as preparation to contribute to their communities with empathy, insight, and responsibility. Their perspectives illustrate how education can serve both personal and collective transformation. The mentors were equally engaged, heightening awareness to enhance relationships and support.
Facilitating these conversations reaffirmed that belonging is not an abstract concept but a lived practice enacted through listening, respect, and curiosity. In global learning environments, these practices foster trust, understanding, and collaboration—core conditions for leadership that honors the dignity of all participants.
I am grateful to SHE-CAN for the partnership and for the opportunity to learn alongside such thoughtful scholars and mentors. Their engagement demonstrates how intercultural competency can serve as both a foundation for leadership and a catalyst for meaningful global connection. And a special thanks to Dr. Katherine Stecher for the invitation to partner.
Intercultural Competency in Brazil
I was delighted to return to Escola Concept to continue our work on fostering an inclusive school community grounded in dignity and respect.
During our latest sessions, I worked with learners, educators, and parents to develop intercultural competency — the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to interact and communicate with empathy, respect, and adaptability.
I deeply appreciated the thoughtful engagement and openness throughout our conversations, and I can’t wait to return in a few months to continue this important work.
Please enjoy this video highlighting our work.
2025-2026 Preview
This year is already unfolding with incredible energy and purpose. The numbers highlight scope, but the true value lies in cultivating inclusive school communities grounded in dignity and respect. I am grateful for the shared growth and connections ahead.
Lycée Français de New York
I am honored to continue my eight-year collaboration with the Lycée Français de New York supporting its commitment to belonging, dignity, and respect. I enjoyed meeting and engaging with the new faculty and staff during our onboarding session exploring belonging through an intercultural lens in a French school situated in the United States.
I am always inspired by the dedication of this community as they prepare for another year of learning and growth.
Many thanks to Jérémie Bourdon, and Drs. Arthur Plaza and Angela Gittens for their collaboration. I look forward to our ongoing partnership.