Meredith International Association Cultivates Cultural Understanding Through Events

As the Meredith community embraces the changing seasons, the Meredith International Association (MIA) continues to play a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding and unity on campus. Let’s take a journey through the enriching events organized by MIA over the past few months.

September Coffee House – Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 28, 2023)
In the spirit of fall and as the kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month, MIA organized a vibrant Coffee House on September 28, 2023. The Kresge Auditorium was transformed into a hub of cultural activities, inviting students, faculty, and community members to immerse themselves in the richness of Hispanic and Latino cultures.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in captivating cultural activities that transported them to different corners of the Spanish-speaking world. With student presenters from Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, we had the opportunity to have a deep look into Hispanic culture while celebrating diversity, unity, and the unique cultural tapestry that Hispanic Heritage Month represents. International snacks, like arepas or sandwiches de mezcla, added a delicious touch, paying homage to the flavors of Hispanic cuisine. The event not only provided an enjoyable evening but also allowed participants to earn Academic/Cultural credit.

UN Dinner Fundraiser – “From Our Hearts to Afghanistan” (November 15, 2023)
MIA’s commitment to making a global impact was evident in its annual UN Dinner fundraiser held on November 15, 2023. Themed “From Our Hearts to Afghanistan,” the event aimed to raise funds and awareness for earthquake relief efforts in Herat, Afghanistan, in partnership with Women for Afghan Women (WAW). The event meant an evening full of learning for our attendees. Featured were a WAW guest speaker, a Meredith faculty member, and an Afghani Meredith student sharing firsthand accounts from Afghanistan, providing context and insight into ways to offer support from Raleigh. The food served offered a dive-in experience letting us enjoy some Afghan dishes. 

All funds from ticket sales went directly to WAW’s earthquake relief efforts, making it a meaningful and impactful evening that united the Meredith community in support of a worthwhile cause. Through the campus community’s partnership, we were able to contribute over $3,000 to these important efforts.

January Coffee House – A Global Celebration (January 31, 2024)
As the new year unfolded, MIA continued its commitment to showcasing diverse cultures. On January 31, 2024, the Kresge Auditorium at Cate Center became the venue for the January Coffee House, highlighting the cultural contributions of Kenya, Chile, and Croatia.

This event wasn’t just an opportunity to experience the unique cultural tapestry of these regions but also a chance to earn Academic/Cultural credit. Attendees immersed themselves in engaging cultural activities, exploring the beauty of Kenyan, Chilean, and Croatian traditions. The international snacks provided a delectable journey through the flavors of these nations, creating a delightful and educational experience for all.

Annual MIA Cultural Show (March 1, 2024)
Looking ahead, MIA invites the Meredith community to attend the Annual Cultural Show on March 1st, 2024, at 6 p.m. in Carswell Auditorium. This cultural showcase will feature elements of fashion, cuisine, music, and more, celebrating the richness of different cultures. For faculty and staff members, MIA encourages participation and attendance, emphasizing the event as an excellent opportunity to showcase Meredith College’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Whether participating in the show or simply attending, everyone is invited to share in the cultural celebration. Right now MIA is looking for participants from all different cultural backgrounds to come and share some of their culture with us at the Cultural Show. We are encouraging people to participate in any possible way: singing, dancing, reading a poem, modeling, doing a food showcase, or even presenting about a topic of their choice! There is no ceiling for the amount of different ways a person could showcase culture, and we are open to giving a spot to anybody who would like to participate. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to spread the word and share the opportunity with students using this participation sign-up form.