Episode Details

In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Amma Gatty, Founder and Executive Director of Culture Encounters, for an inspiring conversation about culture, belonging, immigration, community building, and the power of human connection.

Originally from Ghana and now based in Richmond, Virginia, Amma shares her personal journey as a newcomer to the United States and how that experience inspired her mission to build bridges across cultures through food, conversation, the arts, and community engagement.

Together, they explore:

• Why "newcomer" may be a more helpful and humanizing term than "immigrant"

• The difference between integration and assimilation

• How food, storytelling, and dialogue create connection

• Building belonging across cultural differences

• What communities can learn from global perspectives

• The role of hospitality, curiosity, and leadership in creating inclusive spaces

• How culture shapes the way we see ourselves and others

This thoughtful conversation offers practical insights for leaders, community builders, educators, and anyone interested in creating stronger human connections across differences.

Learn more about Culture Encounters: cultureencounters.org

Amma Gatty, Culture Encounters, Belonging, Community Building, Human Connection, Leadership, Diversity Conversations, Immigration, Newcomers, Cultural Competency, Intercultural Communication, Inclusion, Diversity, Richmond Virginia, Ghana, African Leadership, Hospitality, Cultural Bridge Building, Cultural Intelligence, DEI, Dialogue, Conversation, Global Perspectives, Community Engagement, Social Impact

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