Intercultural Ministries offers three upcoming webinars on “Understanding Bias,” “Cultural Responsiveness,” and “Privilege and Being an Ally. Presenters will be Rev. Founa A. Badet, Director of Intercultural Ministries, and Dr. Meridith Gould.

Founa Badet

Rev. Founa I. Augustin Badet, MAL, is the Director of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren. She serves as Director of Ministries, part of the District Executive Leadership Team at the Atlantic Southeast District Church of the Brethren, and a Circuit Rider for Haitian Creole multi-vocational Pastors.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry and a master’s in leadership from Trinity International University. Founa is also a Certified Mental Health First Aid from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, trained to provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health or substance challenge.

Meridith Gould

Dr. Meridith Gould is an internationally recognized expert in diversity, gender and social inclusion with a Ph.D. in conflict analysis and resolution. With over 25 years of experience designing, facilitating, and evaluating programs globally, she has been a leading voice in promoting equity, justice, and peace in complex and often divided settings.

Dr. Gould is extensively trained in numerous DEI frameworks and models, including anti-bias education, prejudice reduction, gender-based violence prevention, and strategies for addressing racial and religious violence. Her work has taken her across the globe, where she has consulted with governments, non-profits, and educational institutions to embed inclusive practices and foster environments of belonging.

A significant part of Dr. Gould’s career has been dedicated to cross-cultural, inter-faith and faith-based engagement. She has consulted with religious organizations across the United States and Africa, guiding them in building inclusive relationships and cultivating communities that reflect the values of equity, empathy and mutual respect.

She has served as an advisor to prominent human rights and advocacy organizations, including The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the National Conference for Christians and Jews, and numerous others committed to combating hate and bias around the world.

As an educator and skilled facilitator, Dr. Gould has taught courses on race relations, conflict resolution, hate and violence prevention at Spelman College, Emory University, and Trinity College. Her teaching and training approach integrates theory with real-world application, inspiring critical dialogue and transformational change.

Understanding Bias

November 6, 2025 – from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern time

We all carry bias—some conscious, some unconscious. But understanding bias is the first step toward building more inclusive, equitable, and respectful environments at work,  in our communities, and in everyday interactions.

In this webinar, Understanding Bias, participants will explore the roots of bias, how it manifests in behavior and decision-making, and the impact it has on individuals and groups. Through reflective exercises, real-world scenarios, and practical tools, you’ll gain the awareness needed to recognize and address bias—both within yourself and in the systems around you.

In this webinar, participants will:

• Reflect on their own bias
• Examine how bias shows up in daily life and in interactions with others
• Learn strategies for understanding and being aware of bias in yourself
• Discuss ways to foster more inclusive thinking and behaviors

Register for “Understanding Bias”

Cultural Responsiveness

November 13, 2025 – from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern time

In today’s diverse world, cultural responsiveness is not just a skill—it’s a necessity. In this webinar, Cultural Responsiveness is designed to help participants better understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures and identities.

Through reflection, discussion, and practical tools, this webinar will explore how cultural beliefs and values shape interactions and can strengthen inter-personal relationships. Participants will learn how to recognize cultural differences without making assumptions, and how to respond with empathy, respect, and cultural awareness.

In this webinar, participants will:

• Understand the core concepts of cultural responsiveness
• Examine their own cultural lens and its influence on interactions
• Learn strategies for bridging cultural gaps in communication and behavior
• Develop skills to create more inclusive and respectful environments

Register for “Cultural Responsiveness”

Privilege and Being an Ally

November 20, 2025 – from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern time

What does it mean to have privilege—and how can we use it to support equity and justice? In this webinar, Privilege & Being an Ally,  participants will explore the dynamics of privilege and how those with privilege can be an effective and compassionate ally.

Through honest dialogue, self-reflection, and real-world scenarios, participants will unpack the layers of privilege (racial, gender, religious, sexual orientation etc.)—how it shows up in everyday life, how it intersects with identity, and how it can be used to amplify marginalized voices rather than overshadow them.

In this webinar, participants will:  

• Define privilege and examine how it operates in systems and structures
• Reflect on their own identity and the privilege it affords them
• Explore what meaningful allyship looks like in action—not just in intention
• Learn tools for speaking up, showing up, and standing with others by using  in respectful, empathetic  and impactful ways

Register for “Privilege & Being an Ally”