VCUarts Qatar and U.S. Embassy Inspire Students to “Be the Change”

On Wednesday, February 21, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar hosted a panel discussion in celebration of U.S. Black History Month entitled “Be the Change.”  The panelists shared their personal experiences in academia, government, business, and volunteer organizations, and discussed best practices in local and global efforts to promote education, improve health and access to medical services, and foster more diverse and inclusive communities.   

Under the banner of “Be the Change,” the event encouraged students to look for opportunities to be positive examples and contribute their time and talents to their local communities.  

The participants in the panel were:  

• Dr. Rogaia Abusharaf, Professor, Georgetown University in Qatar
• Ameera Al Ishaq, Head of Psychology Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation
• Amal Al Shammari , the CEO of Embrace Doha
• Essa Al-Mannai, Executive Director of Reach Out to Asia (ROTA)

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Embassy was Carissa Gonzalez, Public Affairs Officer, who said: “We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of America’s greatest agents for positive change, and to partner with VCUarts Qatar during U.S. Black History Month to both honor our past and to look toward the future. We are excited to support, in any way we can, the efforts of our local partners and of Qatar’s youth to build up their communities and make a difference.”   

Valerie Jeremijenko, VCUart Qatar’s Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, thanked the U.S. Embassy for partnering with the university: “VCUarts Qatar is proud to partner with the U.S. Embassy in Qatar to commemorate U.S. Black History Month. As an avid supporter of Intercultural communications, it’s important to raise awareness and encourage global exchange of knowledge and skills as it allows us to learn more about other cultures and ways of thinking about the world.”