The International Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Anu Taranath, award-winning speaker and author of Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World (2019) to the Internationalization Symposium on May 15 and 16. All are invited to attend the keynote presentation on Wednesday, May 15 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the PAC Pavilion as Dr. Taranath leads us in an illuminating discussion on the intersections of travel, equity and social change. The keynote event is open to the public and campus community and will be followed by a book signing with the author. Copies of the book will be available for purchase through the Campus Bookstore.
On Thursday, May 16 in the ATL/Keck Lab from 11:10 a.m. to 1 p.m., faculty and staff are invited to participate in an interactive workshop led by Dr. Taranath on examining the dynamics of power and privilege to deepen our understanding of race, access, inequality and social justice within the context of global travel. Dr. Taranath leads participants with curiosity, honesty, and thought-provoking activities navigating the opportunities and complexities of international travel. With years of experience facilitating meaningful dialogue Dr. Taranath understands that the most effective conversations on race, identity, power, and belonging take place when people feel valued and heard. Lunch will be provided. Attendees are asked to kindly register in advance.
Leading up to the Symposium, Cal Poly faculty and staff are invited to participate in the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology’s Mindful Travel in an Unequal World book circles. Those interested are welcome to register at: https://ctlt.calpoly.edu/book-circles-spring-2024-0.
These events are part of the International Center’s ongoing efforts to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance Learn by Doing through exchange of diverse and cross-cultural perspectives. “We’re honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to host Dr. Taranath at Cal Poly,” said Cari Vanderkar, Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs and Director of the Cal Poly International Center. “The Symposium provides an outstanding platform for furthering dialogue around cultural humility and highlighting global initiatives on campus, while offering deep reflection and active engagement with complex and pressing challenges affecting global travel, study, research and teaching,” Vanderkar said.
A critically-acclaimed author, Dr. Taranath has received the Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” recognition, the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and multiple US Fulbright Fellowships to work abroad. As a consultant she has partnered with over 300 clients from National Geographic Society to the Raging Grannies. Her book Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World (2019) was named a Washington State Book Award Finalist, Newsweek’s Future of Travel Winner in Storytelling, and included in Oprah Magazine’s “Best 26 Travel Books of All Times.”
The International Center is grateful for the support of the event’s co-sponsors, The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts, Orfalea College of Business, the Leadership & Service Department, and the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology for bringing this opportunity to Cal Poly.
To learn more and register for events, visit: https://international.calpoly.edu/event/2024-internationalization-symposium/.