The last few years have magnified the challenges and divisions facing our community. But Orange County is stronger when we’re united—united in our diversity and in our passion to improve lives for everyone who lives here.
Cultures United is a virtual conversation series that encourages dialogue, collaboration, philanthropy, and unity. Informed and motivated by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement, each discussion aims to highlight and celebrate our differences, share our strengths, and unite to do more for our community.
Sharing the Gifts of Our Diverse Holiday Traditions
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (PT)
Time with loved ones, lighting candles, gifts, and food – there are so many traditions that make the holidays special. Join us this month in our Cultures United Conversation Series as we dive into the traditions that make this season’s holidays unique.
Watch the Livestream Below:
Featured Speakers
Natalie J. Graham
Professor of African American Studies
California State University, Fullerton
Orange County’s First Poet Laureate
Rabbi Marcia Tilchin
Founder & President
Jewish Collaborative of
Orange County
President
Orange County
Interfaith Network
Pastor Maribel Toan
Local & Global
Initiatives Pastor
Newsong Church
Executive Director
MIX Academy
Rev. Martha Daniel
Associate Minister
Christ Our Redeemer, AME
Board of Directors & Cultures United Co-chair
Orange County United Way
Moderator
Brought to you by
- Discover similarities within our community
- Find pride in the different cultures that make up Orange County
- Learn about the challenges facing our most vulnerable communities
- Be inspired to take action
Check Out Past Conversations
October 6, 2022
Drawing Strength from Hispanic Heritage
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the latest Cultures United series highlighted two female leaders in the OC business community who have given voice and paved the way for so many.
Gloria Alvarado, Executive Director of the Orange County Labor Federation, and Silvia Ichar, Founder of PARA TODOS Magazine, shared their personal stories of immigrating to Orange County, their experiences, and how our community can do more to support Hispanic and Latinx residents.
Even though this population is OC’s second largest ethnic group, they unfortunately also experience many societal inequalities. As ways to uplift and help, our guest speakers recommended providing more mentorship opportunities, amplifying Hispanic and Latinx voices, and offering inclusive community resources across all facets of society.
Ben Alvarado, Cultures United co-chair and Executive Vice President and Director of Core Banking at California Bank & Trust, moderated the event.
We hope you’ll take away from this inspiring session the overall message of pride, passion, and purpose. We loved Gloria’s sentiment of embracing and being proud of what sets you apart, for it just means that people can tell where you’re from. And we hope everyone can find the courage to heed her advice to be proud of the color of your skin and the color of your eyes, for you carry with you the hard work and sacrifices of those who came before you.
Help spread the word about this impactful series by sharing the event recording with your networks!
Cultures United Chairs
Ben Alvarado
Executive Vice President and Director of Core Banking, California Bank & Trust
Board of Directors, Orange County United Way
Martha Daniel
CEO and President, Information Management Resources, Inc.,
Board of Directors, Orange County United Way
Tam Nguyen
President, Advance Beauty College
Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Orange County United Way
Susan B. Parks
President and CEO, Orange County United Way
Contact
If you have any questions, please email CulturesUnited@UnitedWayOC.org.
