Join Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, PhD, as BHE’s guest speaker for the Speaker Series titled “The Courage to Talk: Overcoming Discomfort in Discussions on Racism,” moderated by BHE faculty member Karin Gladney, PhD, CAADC, as a live webinar on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am ET.
Systemic racism is deeply embedded in our institutions and communities, presenting significant challenges that require us to engage in difficult but necessary conversations about race. As James Baldwin famously stated, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” This moderated conversation aims to empower participants to confront their discomfort and engage in meaningful discussions on racism, fostering greater inclusion within our interpersonal relationships, workplaces and communities.
In this session, BHE will delve into the importance of discussing race and racism, providing strategies to overcome the emotional and psychological barriers that often hinder these conversations. Through real-life storytelling, participants will gain insight into ways that addressing racial discomfort can lead to personal and collective growth. The session will also explore the mindsets that inhibit authentic cross-racial connections and offer practical approaches to fostering more meaningful dialogues.
Join BHE for an engaging and enlightening discussion designed to equip professionals with the courage and compassion needed to tackle the challenges of race head on.
About Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, PhD:
Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, PhD, is a mental health and social justice advocate with nearly two decades of experience in education, community advocacy and government. She founded the award-winning Chinese Immigrant Families Wellness Initiative (CIFWI) at the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, recognized by the CDC Foundation for its impact on mental wellness in Asian immigrant communities. With a PhD in sociology, Dr. Castillo specializes in cross-racial solidarity work, particularly between Black and Asian communities. Her background as a biracial queer woman, first-generation college student and 1.5-generation immigrant informs her commitment to equity. As a former director of racial equity in city government and now CEO of Bridging Worlds Consulting, she provides DEI training and services, leveraging strategic thinking and community engagement to drive systemic change and promote equity across diverse communities.
CE Credits: APA-2; CPRP-2; LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-2; NBCC-2; PA Act48-2; PCB-2; PSNA-2; IACET-.2
Training Fee: $18
