THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF MEXICO IN SAN DIEGO
ORGANIZED THE CONFERENCE “U.S.-MEXICO BORDER REGION; BRIDGING THE CULTURAL DIVIDE”
San Diego, CA.- February 5th, 2014. As part of its agenda, the Consulate General of Mexico organized a workshop at the University of San Diego entitled “U.S. – Mexico Border Region; Bridging the cultural divide”, aimed to achieve a better understanding and connection with authorities and government agencies of San Diego County, along with its counterparts in Mexico. This workshop was possible through a partnership with the US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership and the sponsorship of the Mexico’s Tourism Board in San Diego.
Mary Ellen Colón, founder of The Culture Link and a well-known consultant within the intercultural communications field for more than 20 years directed the workshop. Among the attendees of the event were: Paul Beeson, Head Chief of the Border Patrol in the San Diego County; Ruth Sterling, Councilwoman of the City of La Mesa; Héctor Riveros, Councilman and President of the Commission of Economic Affairs of the City of Tijuana and Rudy Ramirez, Councilman of the City of Chula Vista, along with representatives of the Border Patrol; Customs and Border Protection (CBP); California Department of Justice, The San Diego Police Department; San Diego County’s Sheriff Department; National City Police Department; California Highway Patrol; the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and CALFIRE.
The seminar was designed to present and discuss with public Officials of this border region, elements to understand and overcome the cultural differences between Mexicans and Americans that create barriers for an effective every-day interaction, looking to improve collaboration when dealing with the Mexican community.
The presentation was articulated around five cultural dimensions that decisively influence the answers of Mexicans and Americans when confronted in diverse situations, and how to avoid erroneous perceptions and the reinforcement of stereotypes.
The session was enriched by the active participation of the audience and by the presentation of concrete situations in which the cultural differences impact the interaction of American agencies with their Mexican counterparts.