>
Menu
Log in
Log in



SIETAR USA Webinar Series





Dedicated to providing continuing professional education opportunities, the Webinar Series from SIETAR USA features leading practitioners working in key areas of intercultural and DEIB theory and practice.

The depth and diversity of the webinars is designed to grow your knowledge base and to provide a positive impact on your work in the ever-evolving professional landscape. The Webinar Series is just one example of  SIETAR USA’s commitment to support transformational growth and intercultural understanding through professional interchange with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and social justice.

Your participation and feedback are welcome and appreciated.


UPCOMING WEBINARS

Presenting Yourself to the World: Being Seen, Recognized, and Appreciated by Others

Your Presenter: Lillian A. Tsai

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 @ 11:30 AM EDT

Research shows that people quickly judge personality, competence, and suitability for roles based on appearance—often within one-fifth of a second. How we dress and present ourselves can shape our careers, credibility, and influence, impacting our confidence and sense of belonging. Studies from Harvard Business School and London College of Fashion confirm that appearance ranks among the top leadership traits. Psychologists also find that what we wear affects our mood, self-image, and confidence.

Join us for this unique 90-minute virtual presentation to learn how to dress intentionally using Feng Shui Five Elements colors, can boost your credibility and public image. Discover tips for accessorizing, dressing for executive presence, and how to make an impact in negotiations, presentations, and video calls. This proven system enhances self-confidence and influence in both social and professional settings.

Registration = FREE for current SIETAR USA Members in good standing 
(must be logged in to see the member pricing)

Registration = $25 for Non Members

About Your Presenter: 

Lillian A. Tsai

Lillian Tsai is a 20-year award-winning consultant, coach, and facilitator in equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, presentation skills, and intercultural communications. She has been involved with SIETAR USA for many years and was co-chair of the 2014 conference. In 2013, Lillian’s interest in Feng Shui reinforced by her natural intuition for style and aesthetics, led her to creating Feng Shui Your Wardrobe, a system for dressing with intention, to coach men and women to achieve the aspirations they want in life.   Through one-on-one wardrobe consultations, shopping expeditions and/or workshops, her clients learn how to dress with intentionality and context, to enhance, magnify, and attract good Qi (life force or energy) into their life.  


“No more questions”: Propelling the move to culturally congruent coaching

Your Presenter: Nagesh Rao

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 11:30 AM EDT

Among the International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies is a strong emphasis on asking "powerful" questions. Direct and linear communication is inherent in the ICF definition of competent coaching. However, in order to serve a diverse group of clients from around the world it is important to decolonize the ICF approach. This session shows ways for a coach to have high cultural self-awareness, a deep understanding of their client’s culture, and use culturally congruent coaching methods for the client to reach their goals.  Culturally congruent coaching is a form of intercultural competence where the coach and client have a dynamic and symbiotic relationship. 

Registration = FREE for current SIETAR USA Members in good standing 
(must be logged in to see the member pricing)

Registration = $25 for Non Members

About Your Presenter: 

Nagesh Rao is Professor of Social Medicine at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio. He has held various senior leadership roles within Ohio University and as President of MICA, India’s premier communication institute. A seasoned consultant, trainer, and coach, Nagesh integrates cultural competence and humility to develop inclusive leaders in health, education, and business. His clients include Fortune 500 companies, top medical schools, and global nonprofits. He has served as senior faculty at the Intercultural Communication Institute and is currently an advisor at the Institute for Developing Across Differences.

Beyond Culture: Authentic Leadership, Identity, and Connection Across Borders

Your Presenter: Simona Pappalardo

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ 11:30 AM EDT

In this thought-provoking webinar inspired by Authentically Yours, Simona explores a powerful shift in intercultural development — moving beyond cultural adaptation toward authentic presence.

Participants will discover three stages of intercultural maturity:

  • Seeing culture as differences to navigate
  • Seeing humanity as common ground
  • Discovering individuality as the true key to connection and leadership

Many global professionals unknowingly use culture as a behavioral script, gradually losing clarity about who they are. True intercultural leadership emerges when the question shifts from:

"How should I behave here? to Given who I am, how can I best show up here?"

This session offers a fresh perspective for interculturalists seeking deeper, more human-centered approaches to global effectiveness. 

About Your Presenter: 

Simona Pappalardo: A global executive turned leadership coach, speaker, and author, Simona Pappalardo is passionate about helping leaders, expats, and their families navigate change with confidence, cultural intelligence, and authenticity. Originally from Milan, Italy, she has lived and worked on three continents — including career chapters in Italy, Malaysia, and the United States. These experiences taught her the importance of human-centered leadership and equipped her to guide professionals through complex organizational and cultural challenges. Simona has shared her voice on global stages, including TEDWomen, The Military Influencer Conference and a keynote address at the Women’s Business Center of Southwest Michigan.



Want to present in the Webinar Series?

The SIETAR USA Webinar Team is always on the lookout for new and different presentations that will appeal to practitioners in intercultural relations, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, social justice, and more.

Got a topic you’d like to present? Please complete the form at the link shown below. Your completed form will go to our Webinar Team for review, and they will contact you for further details and the possibility of scheduling your presentation as part of the SIETAR USA Webinar Series.

Complete Form




Meet the webinar team:

Carolyn Ryffel 

Liesbeth Huysmans

Cheryl Woehr

Sandy Fowler 

Julia Gaspar-Bates

Brianna Harrison




© 2025 All Rights Reserved. SIETAR USA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID 01-0532058

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software