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'A positive cross-cultural experience'

By Staff Sgt. Thomas Dow, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published March 18, 2009

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Laurie Arellano, Minot AFB chief of public affairs, sat down with a group of local women active in the Minot community to speak about women in positions of authority during a discussion panel for 11 women from 12 different countries at the North Central Human Services conference room here March 13.

"This was a very positive cross-cultural experience," said Arellano. "I learned a lot about the growing roles of women in governments overseas."

The women, all from Middle East and African countries, were in North Dakota as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the U. S. State Dept. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Joseph Jastrzembski, executive director of the Minot Area Council for International Visitors, said the women were in Minot as part of a three-week visit of the U.S. The group has traveled from Washington to San Francisco, and then arrived here at Minot.

According to Jastrzembski the group, which consisted of 11 international visitors and three escort/interpreters, are all emerging leaders in the areas of social work, law and business in their respective countries.

Ms. Arellano said she enjoyed having the opportunity to talk with the group about the challenges faced by women in positions of authority.

"Many people before me have worked hard for me to have to opportunities I've had," said Arellano. "The women on the panel are doing that now in their own countries."

Ms. Arellano was not the only member in attendance expressing their enjoyment of the discussion panel.

Mrs. Hajbouha Zoubeir, one of the visitors from Morocco, said, "This has been a very good experience. Meeting these women was very valuable."


The goal of the discussion panel was to give these international women visitors the opportunity to hear from local women active in government, business, and social services, sharing their expertise and answering questions.

They asked a wide variety of questions ranging from the role of women in city politics to the difficulties faced being a woman in the U.S. military. 

Overall, the event proved to be a positive learning experience for all involved. It even left a lasting impression on Ms. Arellano. 

"It was an honor to share my experiences as a woman in one of the most progressive militaries in the world," said Ms. Arellano.
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