Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Clervaud.
Hi Esther, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I was always fascinated with cultural diversity. I was that person who wanted to learn at least a dozen languages. That has yet to happen, but my desire for cultural awareness has never ended.
I learned quickly that this passion was and is much greater than what I perceived. As I continued my profession as an educator, it was clear to me that students were not given the opportunity to increase their level of cultural awareness.
Most often they concluded that there were four cultures in the world: American, African-American, Chinese, and Mexican. These cultures represented whites, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics, respectively.
Long story short, and short story shorter, I was led to create a company that will help people around the world increase their level of cultural awareness through professional development opportunities, cultural resources, and many innovative practices.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Now, in full transparency, it has not been a smooth road. When attempting to mitigate and expose the biases of individuals, you are sure to encounter opposition.
To be honest, most people don’t want to believe anything is wrong with their way of thinking or that any prejudice is present. More so, they more often than not attend sessions with their guard up.
As a response, my approach to how educational opportunities are created has been very intentional and non-judgmental while providing action steps for transformative results.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Heritage AcceptED?
Heritage AcceptED is a research-based company that seeks to elevate cultural competence in organizations and individuals. As the creator of National Cultural Awareness Day, Heritage AcceptED focuses on using ground-breaking research and data to effectively break down cultural barriers by innovatively increasing cultural awareness.
Our mission is to revolutionize how we raise cultural awareness for the appreciation of all peoples.
We envision that people globally will be culturally educated, appreciated, and empowered to embrace cultural diversity.
We have several core values. We value:
– Innovation and Education: We are committed to creative thinking and continuous learning and growth.
– Compassion and Respect: We are committed to helping others and ensuring a safe professional relationship, free from any form of discrimination.
– Integrity and Ethics: We are committed to doing what is right and fair to all.
– Excellence and Consistency: We are committed to completing projects outstandingly well, and habitually.
There are several services we provide. For instance, we:
– Provide customized workshops and training to organizations that wish to create a productive environment by increasing their cultural capacity.
– Administer an annual state-wide cultural awareness competition to demonstrate knowledge of cultures within public and private institutions.
– Consult and collaborate with schools and other organizations to create an action plan suitable for immediate implementation.
– Produce rich resources to aid in developing a culturally competent individual.
– Conduct interviews of people in various cultures to demonstrate cultural existence, empowerment, and pride.
– Celebrate National Cultural Awareness Day every year on April 26th to shed light on multicultural America.
– Donate nationally and internationally through our “beCause of LOVE” campaign to organizations desiring to make a positive difference in the world.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, incorporate, if possible, the opportunity for virtual education in your business. This should include real-time opportunities. Overall, be creative in how you provide your services.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heritageaccepted.
com - Instagram: @Heritageaccepted
- Facebook: Heritage AcceptED
- Youtube: Heritage AcceptED
