At SPS Catherine...
- Got an internship with the Department of Justice
- Used her NECR training to launch intervention strategies
- Worked as a “peacemaker” for community conflicts
- Studied the role race, gender and disability plays in public problems
- Used her NECR degree to capture an exciting position…
How did you find your passion for conflict negotiation?
Before joining the NECR program, I held a position while at Emory University. I served as a Sorority and Fraternity Life Graduate Fellow and Residence Hall Director (RHD). My work opened my eyes to the pressing need for conflict resolution throughout higher education. I felt I had a natural ability at assessing issues and implementing student and faculty friendly resolutions. As a result, I got interested in a formal education in conflict resolution, specifically as it applied to higher education.
Were you able to put the knowledge offered by the program into practice?
Yes, even before I graduated. While attending classes, I got the opportunity to work for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Relations Service, as Graduate Intern. They serve as ‘peacemaker’ for community conflicts involving race, gender, national origin, religion and disability. We worked to uncover the underlying issues of the parties involved, and facilitate amiable solutions. I used my knowledge from the NECR program to aid Conciliation Specialists. We found ways to discover the real needs of the parties (rather than just their interests), and assessed intervention strategies, considering if they were culturally appropriate.
Are there lessons you took from the program that continue to be relevant in your professional life?
I loved everything about the NECR. The most valuable part for me was its emphasis on self-awareness. I was challenged to discover my personal biases and understand how they might affect my daily interactions. This has helped me form better relationships in both my personal life and career. I know now that my presence alone can make a difference in a situation, regardless of my role. My education at Columbia and the NECR network will continue to be a great resource for me. This is certainly true in my current position as liaison between the University of Georgia and the community, through the Archway partnership
