Dreeben Students, Alumni Win Awards at Regional Conference

Members of the UIW Dreeben School of Education attended the 22nd Annual Region 5 Texas National Association of Multicultural Education (TXNAME) Conference in Waco, Texas on Saturday, May 20. Dr. Sandra Guzman Foster, UIW’s director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, also attended the conference. The National Association of Multicultural Education is a non-profit organization that advances and advocates for equity and social justice through multicultural education.

"All doctoral students, graduates, and faculty who participated in the 22nd Annual Region 5 Texas National Association of Multicultural Education Conference have shown a deep commitment to showcasing our school’s principles of equity, inclusivity, and social justice,” said Dr. Norman St. Claire, chair of the Graduate Studies Department. “[Their] work has not only raised the profile of our institution and program but has also contributed to the field of multicultural education and dialogue. I am proud of [their] achievements and know [they] will continue to have a positive impact in higher education.”

This year's conference theme was 21st Century Teaching Realities: Creating Pathways for Safe Learning Environments. Educators and researchers discussed practices and methods to make education more inclusive and multicultural.

Michelle Vasquez, a PhD student at UIW studying Adult Education, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, won the Best Paper Presentation Award for her topic “Digital Storytelling for Social Change: Amplifying the Voices of Parents of Children with Autism through Action Research.”

“As a PhD student, I was excited to present research initiatives taking place in the graduate studies program at the Dreeben School of Education,” said Vasquez. “I have been working with parents of children with autism over the last three years using digital storytelling to better understand the challenges they face in accessing services and support in the healthcare system. Being able to share this research is critical to helping other researchers and educators advance this area of study.”

Vasquez was not the only UIW presenter to be honored with an award. The following members of the UIW community were also recognized.

2022 Emerging Scholar Awardee Keynote Presentation:

Doleatha Thomas, PhD

“No Ways Tired: Exploring the Lived Experiences of African American Women Who Pursue Their PhD After the Age of 50”

Emerging Scholars 2022 Cohort Research Presentation:

Lorena P. Cestou (PhD Student)

“Creating Diverse and Inclusive Spaces in Graduate Programs: Using Autoethnographical Poems and Critical Reflection to Know Thyself and Others"

Best Poster Award:

Priscilla Salazar (PhD Student) and Chelcy Moore (non-UIW student)

“Support for Spanish Speaking Families with children who are Deaf of Heard of Hearing

Best Paper Presentation Award:

Michelle Vasquez (PhD Student)

“Digital Storytelling for Social Change: Amplifying the Voices of Parents of Children with Autism through Action Research”

Best Paper Presentation Award:

Safietou Dorsey (UIW alumnae) and Sandra Guzman-Foster, PhD

“Who I Was and What I have Become: My Experience as a Senegalese American Woman in South Korea”

Service Award:

Presented to Lorena P. Cestou (PhD Student) for her service as the 2021-2024 TXNAME Secretary

Paper Presentation:

Deborah Quinones, PhD and Sandra Guzman-Foster, PhD

"Student Perceptions and Understanding of the Banned Book Movement"