Liza Talusan (“to-loosen”) is an educator, speaker, activist, mentor, presenter, and writer. She is an engaging facilitator in conversations about diversity, racism, privilege and power and prides herself in creating environments that allow for all people to discuss openly. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Child Development from Connecticut College and her Masters of Arts in Higher Education Administration from New York University. To better understand dynamics within corporate environments, Liza has also earned her certificate in Human Resources where she focused on the dynamics of intercultural communication.
Unafraid of participating in difficult conversations, Liza has been effective in facilitating conversations both “where they are at” and “where they need to go.” Having worked in predominantly white institutions, Liza has proven to be effective at creating dialogues that both challenge and support.
Liza has diverse experience working in education and training. She has been a classroom teacher for grades 6th, 9th and 12th. She has professional experience at the college/university level in Admissions and Enrollment, Career Counseling, Gender/Women’s Issues, and Multicultural Affairs. Liza has also served as a Dean of Faculty in a summer program for students in under-resourced communities. In addition, Liza has presented at conferences on topics ranging from work with adolescent boys and girls to ethical diversity strategies, and has facilitated professional development workshops that encourage diversity.
Liza is a contributing writer to Anti-Racist Parent (www.antiracistparent.com). She serves as the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Asian Sisters Participating in Reaching Excellence (ASPIRE) (www.girlsaspire.org), and the founder of the Retinoblastoma New England organization and blog (www.rbne.org). She also contributes and moderates “Intercultural Happenings: Reflections on College Campus Diversity” (www.interculturalaffairs.blogspot.com).
Liza frequently writes about her experiences as a person of color -an Asian American female – in predominantly white and often, diversity-free, areas. She is a child of immigrants, an individual impacted by cancer, and in a multiracial relationship. Liza balances work and life, stress and happiness, love and loss.
To invite Liza to speak at your school, college, company or to participate in panel discussions, please contact liza(dot)talusan(at)gmail(dot)com
