Dr. Nancy Kovanic, Contract Assistant Professor of Management, introduced a new diversity project this semester in her Management 444 - Managing Diversity in the Workplace course.
The project, How Foods of the World Impact Culture, started with a partnership with USI's International Club, in collaboration with the Club president. A management student paired up with an international student who was participating in the International Food Expo, sponsored by the USI International Club.
Before meeting their international partner, the management students researched their partner's country of origin to gain a deeper understanding of the country, cultural background and food traditions. Prior to the Food Expo, each management student worked a minimum of four hours as a volunteer preparing international food or volunteering for other opportunities associated with the Expo.
One week after the Expo, management students conducted face-to-face interviews with their international student partner. An interview summary and insights gained from the experience are part of the final written paper requirement for the course.
The class sponsored the “American Snack Party” for the international students to thank them for participating in the Management 444 project. Romain College of Business guests were also invited.
