UH GCSW to host Houston, Leading America's Future round table discussion

Panel to examine role Houston's demographics and multiculturalism play in shaping the future

The University of Houston (UH) Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) will host, "Houston, Leading America's Future," a round table discussion addressing what can be done today to ensure the success of Houston's multicultural society at 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24 at the UH GCSW building, Room 102.

"Building community is at the heart of social work. Now, more than ever, demographics in our communities are radically changing the face of Houston and America," said UH GCSW Dean Ira Colby. "We are pleased to host a conversation about how our communities will be affected in this changing landscape. Ultimately, social workers can share how principles - such as respect, cultural competence, social diversity and social justice - that serve as the foundation of our profession can provide solutions and guidance for Houston and America."

Panelists include:

Jean Kantambu Latting, professor emeritus of leadership and change at the UH GCSW, who co-authored the book, "Reframing Change: How to Deal with Workplace Dynamics, Influence Others, and Bring People Together to Initiate Positive Change." Her research, teaching and consulting work addresses the challenges leaders face in trying to leverage the benefits of diversity to achieve common goals.

Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology and co-director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University, is an expert on contemporary social change, survey research methodologies, urban and environmental sociology. He founded the annual Houston Area Survey, a series of random-digit-dialed telephone interviews that have provided continually updated and reliable information on the demographic patterns, attitudes and life experiences of Harris County residents.

Father T.J. Martinez, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston, the newest Jesuit high school in the country. Father Martinez entered the seminary after receiving a bachelor's degree in political science with honors from Boston College. During his training for the priesthood, he earned five graduate degrees including a law degree from the University of Texas and a school leadership degree from Harvard University. While at Harvard, Father Martinez was honored with the 2008 Harvard Intellectual Contribution and Faculty Tribute Award, graduated with a 4.0, and became a Nathan Glazer Fellow of the School. He founded Cristo Rey Jesuit College Prep, a high school taking the poorest children off the streets and getting them into college in four years.

Gordon Quan, co-chairman of FosterQuan, LLP, an immigration law firm in Houston. He grew up in Houston's East End in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood. After working as a teacher in an inner-city school, Quan became an attorney, where he has practiced law for more than 32 years. His political career took off when he was elected to the Houston City Council in 2000. He was later unanimously approved by the Council to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem in 2002.

Moderated by UH GCSW alumnus Christopher F. Brown, the conversation will offer expert perspectives on Houston's demographics, workforce development and multiculturalism, with an emphasis on social work's unique role in shaping Houston's future.

WHAT:
"Houston, Leading America's Future," A Round Table Discussion

WHEN:
4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24

WHO:
Free and open to the public. RSVP at [email protected]

WHERE:
University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work Building, Room 102
http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/SW.php
Off Calhoun Road, Entrance 1 - parking in UH Welcome Center Garage
http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/WC.php