Connecting Cultures was founded in 1990 and is led by Lobna Ismail (known as “Luby”). But in some ways its origins go back much further, as Luby’s entire childhood was spent connecting across cultures. Her parents came from Egypt to pursue graduate studies and then their careers in America. Born shortly after they arrived, Luby was raised in central Florida, part of America’s “Bible Belt.” As the only individual of Muslim and Arab-heritage at school, and the eldest American-born family member at home, she became aware at an early age that cultures differed. An understandable reaction could have been to either pull away from, or, bring attention to one’s identity. However, Luby worked to connect the two, being a bridge builder between the Arab Muslim and Southern Christian cultures she encountered.
She went on to study international and intercultural relations throughout college and graduate school. Eventually turning her life story into a business with the founding of Connecting Cultures.
| Throughout the 1990's: An Emerging Authority on Islam, Muslims & Arabs |
Soon after it’s founding, Connecting Cultures began delivering trainings on religious and cultural diversity – specializing in Arab, Muslim and American cultures.
Here is a selection of the few clients Connecting Cultures served during this time:
For Walt Disney World managers and heads of parks were trained to better serve and accommodate Muslim employees and customers.
For NIKE, Inc., training focused on building awareness of Muslims as a customer base; increasing sensitivity to Islamic designs and art as it related to Nike products.
For Lucent Technology, employees and their families were trained in preparation to live and work in Saudi Arabia.
For Fairfax County Public Schools (VA), administrators and teachers were trained on cultural and religious diversity in the classroom.
Connecting Cultures led “Beyond the Pyramids” educational travel tours to Egypt for teachers and students to learn firsthand about Egyptian culture and Islam.
| After September 11th: Building Cultural Awareness and Respect |
Connecting Cultures began a series of cultural competence trainings in light of the backlash from the September 11th attacks. Amidst fear and misunderstanding, came a call for fostering awareness of Middle Eastern and Muslim communities. That call came from the Community Relations Service office at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Here is a selection of the few clients Connecting Cultures served during this time:
For the Department of Justice, trained domestic police officers and first responders on how to considerately interact with Middle Eastern and Muslim Americans; also, trained ICITAP law enforcement instructors for effective engagement required to build Iraqi police forces.
For the Armed Services, members of the Army, Air Force, National Guard, the Marines, and Homeland Security were trained on communicating effectively and building relations with Iraqis, while ensuring safety and success.
For the State Department, trained hundreds of Arab students coming to the U.S., for short- and long-term stays, on American culture.
For the Foreign Service Institute, developed the online course content for embassy employees and diplomats on interactions with Egyptians.
For the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), conducted worldwide trainings to students, from over 60 countries, on intercultural competence.
For Campbell Soup Company conducted training on religious diversity in the workplace.
Connecting Cultures responds to client needs to enhance ways employees and managers can build their cultural capabilities. A more inclusive and productive work environment can be established – both within the workplace and via global relations.
+ Corporations
+ Federal Government
+ Non-profit Organizations
+ Military
+ Educational Agencies
People Don’t Get Along Because They Fear Each Other.
People Fear Each Other Because They Don’t Know Each Other.
They Don’t Know Each Other Because They Have Not Properly Communicated With Each Other.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Very well presented, all of the information was very very informative."
- CVS Manager
