Building Bridges in Cultural Encounters
“We live in a time of urgent need for strategies to foster solidarity and social cohesion across ethnic, religious and racial lines. When we let go of fear and look beyond ourselves, we can reach out to form new friendships beyond our circle. In these personal encounters, we expand our own humanity.
Dr. Craig Considine shares hopeful stories and practical methods to build bridges of understanding amidst our world’s increasing diversity and interconnectedness. Dr. Considine offers tools for envisioning a more inclusive society.”
Keynote Speaker
CRAIG M. CONSIDINE
Dr. Craig Considine is a scholar, professor, global speaker, media contributor, and public intellectual based at the Department of Sociology at Rice University. He is the author of many books and articles on Christian-Muslim relations and American identity. One of his forthcoming books, The Dialogue of Civilizations: Muhammad’s Interactions with Christians, will be co-published by Hurst and Oxford University Press in 2021.
Dr. Considine’s opinions have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, BBC, CBS News, Fox News, MSNBC, Newsweek, & Foreign Policy. He has been invited to speak at some of the leading international organizations & universities in the world. Dr. Considine is visible on social media.
He holds a PhD from Trinity College (University of Dublin), MSc from Royal Holloway (University of London), & BA from American University in Washington, DC. Dr. Considine is a U.S. Catholic of Irish and Italian descent and native of Boston, Massachusetts.
Gülen Peace Award Recipient
ALI KHATAW
A Respected Business Frontrunner, Ali Khataw is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Encotech, a first-class engineering firm in Austin, Texas for 30 years. He knows the key to success is people. He creates a professional culture where people love what they do, work at their best, and produce amazing results. Recipient of the Engineer of the Year Award presented by The Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) Travis Chapter and inducted to the Cockrell School of Engineering Academy of Distinguished University of Texas at Austin (UT) Alumni.
Strategic Community Leader, Ali Khataw has an extended record of his commitment to advocacy, education, and the intersection of the two. His clear and unwavering vision proves instrumental in creating a universally recognized firm whose philosophy reflects the importance of community support, social equity and civil justice. His contribution builds these public services for numerous programs to advance missions for regional affiliates and global partnerships.
Trusted Board Advisor for the Community, serving on more than nine different boards of directors, including Austin Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Austin (past chairman), KUT, E3 Alliance (chairman) and Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) just to name a few. Ali is an Accomplished entrepreneur with a passion for a collective justice. He looks beyond the obvious to find the extraordinary in what is possible for the community and the people.
My desire to help others and use art to make a difference has inspired me to delve into the world of Photo Philanthropy. Images have an undeniable power, and I want to harness this power and use it to better the conditions of living for those in the world who are not lucky enough to enjoy the luxuries many of us have been blessed with. By means of non-profit organizations and charities, all proceeds from my website (www.khataw.com) will benefit those in need within our community and around the world.
Asian American Resource Center
8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754
Our Sponsors
BELIEVER IN DIALOGUE
Ann Graham
SUPPORTER OF DIGNITY
Lisa Harris
Usha Akeela
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Honorable Andy Hathcock, Associate Court Judge
Bruce Elfant, Travis County Tax Assessor
Honorable Jan Soifer, Judge, 345th District Court
Sally Hernandez, Travis County Sheriff
Valinda Bolton, Running for Travis County Commissioner, Pct. 3
Velva Price, District Clerk