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Join host of Race Talks® Kimberly Y. Erwin as she celebrates Asian American cultural heritages this May, alongside Kathleen Tan, a dynamic Guest TALKer, whose journey spans from her native Philippines, where she founded the beloved coconut water brand, Lipa Fresh Coconut Juice, showcasing the richness of Filipino culture. Now, she serves as Business Manager and Head of Finance at Nevins Consulting. With a bachelor's degree in Business Management, a Master's in Child and Family Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University, and while pursuing an Executive Women in Leadership certification from Cornell University, she finds time to give back to her hometown of Hudson. She's regarded as a community superhero here, actively engaging as a board member of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society and the Hudson Day Care Center.

Kathleen and Kimberly, an author of the children's book "Ending Racism" and an entrepreneur behind ventures such as OneUniversal Media and InterCultural Connect, LLC, will explore the theme of "Cultural Connections" together and during the Round Table with special guests Michael Seserman and Brenda Shufelt to discuss ways in which one may make lasting friendships with people of diverse backgrounds all over the planet, and especially, the Hudson Valley. Certainly, Kathleen's infectious energy will lead to lively stories. And don't miss this: a sneak peek of exciting summer events that promise loads of fun!

"Race Talks," hosted by intercultural communicator and author Kimberly Y. Erwin, provides expertise on the topic of race and ethnicity. With the national conversation in the media over racial inequity, ignorance or indifference is not a proper retreat. Erwin enjoys speaking with people from every walk of life, ethnic make-up, and varied perspectives to better instruct, engage, and inform listeners with positive and constructive conversations on all things race and ethnicity — which is very necessary to break down structural and societal racism. No topic is taboo. Here, listeners engage with the host, other expert guest educators, activists, organizers, and community members as they disseminate their knowledge (ie. varying terminologies, historical realities, and current opportunities for engagement) for a better informed, appreciative, and active local citizenry.

About the Host
An educator, writer, and entrepreneur, Erwin enjoyed her studies as a Hudson High School graduate (attending her senior year at Columbia-Greene Community College) and graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta (noted the #1 Historical Black College and University by "U.S. News") where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French. Upon receiving a Masters in Science degree from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Intercultural Communication, Erwin ventured into the areas of international administration, multicultural leadership, and various teaching positions within the U.S. and globally.

Upon returning to Hudson Valley, Kimberly started a media company (OneUniversal Media) endeavoring to give voice to members in communities experiencing gross inequities who yearn to create common means of communicating and celebrating their identity while still challenging societal norms. Erwin is a founding member of Africa's Daughters of the Diaspora (ADD), she holds volunteer positions as a Hudson Area Library Trustee, an on-air programmer at WGXC-FM, and with the Hudson City School District (where her children's book was informed).