A fundamental part of developing intercultural competence is understanding your own Cultural Map, the set of values, beliefs, and traditions that shape how you think, feel, and relate to others. Recognizing it not only transforms the way you understand yourself but also how you connect with your family, your team, and your community. These skills allow people to think critically from different perspectives, adapt to new contexts, and communicate effectively across cultures.
At ASFG, families, teachers, and staff come from more than 50 countries, each with distinct expectations about communication and interaction. Even simple gestures, such as the way we greet one another, can have very different meanings depending on the culture. Although no single approach is right or wrong, these differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
The Belonging Survey conducted last year indicated that cultural, national, or linguistic differences, though enriching, can occasionally create moments of confusion or disconnection, offering valuable opportunities to build stronger relationships across our community.
We invite you to join this interactive parent conference, inspired by Erin Meyer’s The Culture Map and based on the training ASFG staff have already received, contributing to the creation of a shared language across our community.
The conference will take place on Thursday, November 20, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. in the Upper School Library.
Parents will gain:
Tools for engaging respectfully across cultural, national, and linguistic backgrounds
Strategies to support children in developing intercultural fluency essential for university, vocational pathways, and global citizenship
Research-informed insights into the skills students need to thrive in a globalized world: adaptability, empathy, critical thinking, and intercultural communication
Practical approaches to strengthening relationships among parents, faculty, and staff through deeper intercultural understanding
A shared framework that unites parent, student, and educator learning at ASFG
About Dr. Derrick Gay
Dr. Derrick Gay is an internationally recognized strategist, researcher, and author with nearly three decades of experience as an educator and consultant. He has taught at Columbia University, Columbia Business School, the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University, and has consulted with more than 800 organizations worldwide. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, he partners with schools, universities, corporations, and international organizations—including Sesame Street—in over 30 countries to advance intercultural competency and global fluency. For the past two years, Dr. Gay has collaborated with the ASFG community to support faculty, staff, and leadership through professional development. This workshop extends that collaboration to parents, ensuring a comprehensive, schoolwide approach.
If you have any questions please contact Lourdes Terrón, Inclusion & Belonging Assistant: lourdes.terron@asfg.edu.mx