A World of Difference: Reflecting on Cultural Identity Awareness and Competency Presenter: Shajuana Isom-Payne This presentation is intended for

those who are counselors-in-training, beginning counselors, counselor educators, supervisors, or for those who want to develop a greater sense of intentionality for their cultural identity awareness and competency as an introduction to the self-reflective process. The presentation will introduce an approach that focuses on reflection, and exploration of the individuals experience rooted in the phenomenological approach. A discussion of intentional strategies that can be used in the reflective process and engagement will be presented. Session participants will explore practical strategies for engaging students in interactive exercises that facilitate the awareness of self-exploration and reflection. Concrete activities and resources for how to integrate this process into counseling sessions or classroom environments will be provided. Developing comprehensive reflection components allows for the foundation to explore personal, social and civic goals as it relates to cultural competency, inclusion and cultural identity awareness. Questions explored during this presentation may consist of (1) when are we introduced to the awareness of our cultural identity? (2) What is the level of cultural normalcy we have experienced? (3) How do we explore our journeys experience?