What is Global & Intercultural Fluency?
Global and intercultural fluency is the art of understanding, respecting, and being genuinely curious about the backgrounds, histories, cultures, religions, and lifestyles of people from places different than your own. This practice is key to the growth and prosperity of our country and of humankind.
An interculturally fluent person…
- Values and respects people from all cultures.
- Seeks opportunities to facilitate growth in cultural diversity.
- Openly accepts another person’s culture as a part of their working relationship.
- Advocates for cultural awareness.
- Can lead conversations and coach others
How do I become more culturally fluent, you might ask? Well, there are lots of ways to flex your diversity and inclusiveness muscles. One way is to visit places like The Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing, Ohio.
Kristina Estle, the Director, was not interested in her history classes in high school, often nodding off during lessons (can anyone relate?). Upon entering college at The University of Cincinnati, she found herself among lots of new people with backgrounds much different than her own. That’s when her love for history began to blossom. Art and ancient history courses fascinated her and even provoked her to change her major to art history. Then, she landed an internship at The Underground Railroad Museum where her inspiration for local history soared. Now, doing her self-proclaimed “dream job,” Kristina shares some words of wisdom about increasing our global and cultural fluency.
What is The Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to the mid-19th century. It was used by enslaved African Americans primarily to escape to the free states and Canada. One estimate suggests that by 1850, 100,000 enslaved people had escaped via the network.
What is the mission of The Underground Railroad Museum?
The Underground Railroad Museum exists to preserve and share American history and its connection to the Ohio Valley. We believe that through sharing each other’s heritage we can foster an abundantly rich life experience promoting generosity as we do life together.
About Kristina Estle
Kristina Estle is the Director at the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing, Ohio. Kristina has been working with the Underground Railroad since 2018, preserving and sharing American history and its connection to the Ohio Valley.
Kristina earned her Master of Arts, Public History and has a vast knowledge and experience working with museums and libraries.
You can learn more about the Underground Railroad Museum at ugrrf.org.