Peace Day Philly and the Welcoming Center are partnering to present a program focused on the development of self-care practices among immigrants and refugees to manage negative emotions and stress, especially in these times. Speakers will share their ideas and perspectives on self-care as well as actual self-care and conflict reduction strategies. This will be followed by an open discussion on the topic.
Register here: https://forms.gle/3iugh1j8t6XJXUcP9
Speakers
Rorng Sorn, Director of Immigrant/Refugee Affairs and Language Access Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. Bio here: and info on Rorng being named an Integrity Icon for 2025 here: https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/integrity-icon-2025-rorng-sorn/.
Deven Patel, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Comparative Literature, University of Pennsylvania and University Advisory Council Co-Chair. Dr. Patel is a Sanskrit scholar, translator, and critic. He teaches and lectures on Sanskrit and classical Indian literature, ancient epics, critical theory, philosophy, religion, and mythology in the Departments of South Asia Studies, Comparative Literature, Philosophy , and Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. A recent course was on Contemplative Theories and Practices Across the World’s Religions and Asian Meditation Traditions.Full bio here: https://theteachersinstitute.org/about-tip/staff-board/tip-advisory-board/ and more info here: https://theteachersinstitute.org/2023/11/30/seminar-leader-deven-patel-on-diwalis-symbolism-of-hope/
Lisa Parker, Co-Founder of Peace Day Philly and Coordinator of Education and Outreach, NAMI, Bio here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-parker-baa52b1b/
Moderator: Maureen Smith, Program Manager for the Immigrant Leadership Institute. Maureen is a committed community development professional with a commitment for supporting immigrants, refugees and the community through empowerment, social support, and friendship. She has worked in community assistance for refugee and unaccompanied refugee minors with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Kenya and Botswana.