College of Education > Academics > Counseling & Special Education > Licensure & Endorsements > Building Bridges Seminar

Building Bridges: Nurturing Intercultural Competence and Dialogue for Educators and Helping Professionals

Verona & Chicago
This summer seminar, presented in collaboration with the Università di Verona Dipartimento di Scienze Umane, takes a deep dive into how intercultural competence and community-building connect, especially in the helping professions like counseling, social work and education. With the world more connected than ever—and people interacting across cultures even without moving—this seminar asks: What skills do professionals need now? How can trauma-informed care help us deal with the stress and complexity that comes with globalization?

The seminar blends theory with practice. You'll explore ideas around intercultural competence and trauma-informed care and then get hands-on experience with models used in education and counseling. It’s a chance to broaden your worldview, grow your skills, and think more deeply about your professional role in diverse communities.

You'll also learn from national and international experts (in-person and via Zoom during the seminar), build networks with helping professionals, and help strengthen a growing inter-university community focused on these key topics.

Attendees will receive 25 CPDUs/CEUs.

The seminar takes place from July 8-11, 2025. July 8-10 sessions will take place from 9-4 p.m. while July 11 will take place from 9-12 noon.

The event takes place at DePaul University's College of Education located at:

DePaul University
College of Education
2247 N. Halsted St.
Room 270
Chicago, IL 60614

Scholars

  • Marta Milani, from the University of Verona, a renown intercultural competence scholar, professor, and coordinator of the Center for Intercultural Studies
  • Melissa Ockerman, a professor, school counselor scholar, and the school counseling coordinator of DePaul University in the College of Education
  • Mike Trevisan, dean of the College of Education at Washington State's Center for Interdisciplinary Statistical Education and Research
  • Carla D'Elia, doctoral student and former principal of an elementary school in Toronto, Canada, and champion of restorative justice practices

Objectives

  • Enhance understanding of cultural perspectives related to mental health
  • Promote trauma-informed practice and intercultural competence
  • Foster cross-cultural dialogue and professional collaboration

Registration

Professional Registration (by June 20)

  • Professional (individual): $200+ lunch expenses
  • Professional (group of 10 or more) $125+ lunch expenses (School professional development funds or Title funds may be used.)
    **Graduate student scholarships available

​REGISTER​ NOW.

Parking at DePaul

Parking at DePaul COE

Places to Stay & See

Lincoln Park offers many accommodations for your stay at varying price ranges. There are also many nearby attractions​ including popular spots such as The Lincoln Park Zoo​, The Lincoln Park Conservatory, and in the nearby Loop, world-class museums including The Art Institute of Chicago and The Field Museum, and so much more.

For More Information

Contact

Melissa S. Ockerman
(773) 325-8646