The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is excited to introduce our new International Education Manager, Felecia Chatman!
Read more about what’s next for the World Affairs Council below!
We will miss our former Director of Education, Dr. Amanda Rico, and wish her every success in her next chapter at the Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart as the Director of Global and Social Awareness. Amanda will be launching the Global and Social Awareness Institute, introducing diverse curriculum offerings, study abroad and exchange experiences, and a signature service learning program.
“The past three years with the Council have genuinely been transformative for me personally and professionally,” Amanda said. “I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect place to combine my love of international affairs with service to the Greater Houston community.
“While I’m saddened to be leaving such an amazing place, I know that our Student World Affairs Council (SWAC) Program is in amazing hands with our new International Education Manager, Felecia Chatman,” she said.
The Education Department’s mission is to shape the students of Greater Houston today into the global leaders of tomorrow.
ABOUT FELECIA
Felecia, an alumna of Houston ISD, is excited to connect with students, educators and administrators from the district as well as across the region as she looks to grow the Student World Affairs Council and its programs.
“It’s great to have a lot of knowledge, but (what if) you’re not doing anything about it?” she said.
Felecia comes to the Council after years of living and working abroad in China and Israel. Most recently, she worked with Repair the World to equip the local Jewish community to serve in disaster relief following Hurricane Harvey.
Felecia said she’s always had a passion for learning about “the other, whatever ‘the other’ encompasses – religion, politics, etc.” She said she loves learning from and about other people firsthand, “rather than someone else trying to say what a group of people are.”
While living in Israel, she worked with the Ethiopian-Israeli community through education and youth and community development programs. Prior to her time in Israel, she worked in China in teacher training and development as well as teaching cultural awareness classes to administrators.
“No matter where you go, you need to have cultural training, especially if you’re going to be an employee in a totally different country,” she said.
“At heart, I love teaching. That’s in me, just educating people about different events,” she said. “If I can educate and train, I’m happy.”
Welcome to the team, Felecia!