How Identity Has Influenced a Program Manager's Career at Minds Matter Southern California
Alex, a Latino Program Manager, finds value in relating to students from similar cultural backgrounds, but emphasizes the importance of remaining open-minded, acknowledging that "my experiences are not all the same as our Latino students." This awareness allows for building common ground with all students, regardless of background, highlighting the reciprocal learning that occurs between mentor and mentee.
Cultural Awareness, Cross-Cultural Communication, Mentorship, Program Management, Diversity and Inclusion
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alex Moses
Program Manager
Minds Matter Southern California
Reed College, 2018
n/a
English
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Alex's Latino identity helps build rapport with Latino students, but he acknowledges the importance of remaining open-minded about diverse experiences within the community.
2. Alex highlights the importance of finding common ground with students, regardless of their background, and emphasizes that learning is a two-way street between mentor and mentee.
3. Alex stresses the significance of inclusivity, ensuring that all students feel valued and included in the program, irrespective of their race or ethnicity
Transcript
As someone who identifies as Latino, how has that impacted you and how have you navigated your career?
I'm very conscious of being Latino and working with many Latino students. This can be helpful and valuable because I can relate to many of our students.
We share some cultural similarities, but it's also important to remain open-minded. Just because I'm Latino doesn't mean my experiences are the same as our Latino students.
I work in the Los Angeles area, where most of our students live in predominantly Latino communities. I grew up in a predominantly white community, so my upbringing was quite different from theirs.
When working with students, there are always ways to find common ground, no matter your identity or your student's identity. Finding that common ground can be exciting, fun, and meaningful.
It's important to understand that you might have similarities and differences, regardless of your identity. Being conscious of this is important.
You can learn a lot from your students, just as much as they can learn from you. I feel fortunate to work with such a diverse group of students.
While I may share a racial identity with many students, not all of them are Latino. We also have students of other races and ethnicities.
It's important to be conscious of including all students. All of our students are important, no matter their race and ethnicity.
This is something I think about. While I share an identity with many students and volunteers, we have a diverse volunteer base as well. Learning when you have opportunities to learn and share is always really fun.