Montgomery College’s Global Nexus is a program that looks to increase knowledge and understanding of different cultures. It was established to help the students, faculty and community learn about and understand other cultures. 

Global Nexus was previously named the Arab American Heritage Program and established shortly after 9/11 to provide awareness around issues pertaining to the Arab American community.

“The rebranding was necessary to ensure that we are communicating clearly to reflect the committee’s vision of inclusiveness and mission of promoting global awareness through diversity, inclusion and cross-cultural understanding,” director of the Global Nexus Program Enas Elhanafi said.

Their mission is to enrich minds, engage hearts, and transform communities in building awareness of global diversity and inclusion to strengthen the understanding and connection to all diverse communities through education, partnerships, advocacy and service.

“The planning committee of Global Nexus is a diverse group from the Montgomery College community,” Elhanafi said.

“I established a committee of staff, faculty, and students to develop a program that expanded over a span of 16 years, offering a rich and diverse program of events and activities, including the development of a website full of resources to the college community and the public,” Elhanafi added.

Since Montgomery College has such a diverse community, it makes sense to have a program like Global Nexus to bring understandings of other’s cultures.

“In order to combat ignorance, fear, and misinformation about cultures, we need to provide opportunities for the College and the greater community to learn and to engage in open discussion,” Elhanafi added. 

“Global Nexus, with its events, initiatives and partnerships can provide experience and knowledge about not only about Arab and Middle Eastern cultures, but also about the various cultures represented in our community,” Elhanafi added.

Global Nexus is open to all interested individuals and always welcomes volunteers. “This year’s theme is: ‘Building a Culture of Respect: Enriching Minds, Engaging Hearts, and Transforming Communities’ aiming to strengthen our understanding and connection to all diverse communities through education, partnerships, advocacy and service,” Elhanafi said.

The next event will be the Student and Alumni Colloquium on Tuesday, November 7 at the Montgomery College Rockville campus.

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Enas Elhanafi

Flyer for Global Nexus Native American Heritage Month event.