03/12/2024
By Luisa Mejia Velilla

The Global Studies Program invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Luisa Mejia Velilla on “Public Diplomacy and Cultural Transfer: The Role of Local Actors in Colombia."

Candidate: Luisa Mejia Velilla
Degree: Ph.D. in Global Studies
Defense Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Time: Noon
Location: Dugan Hall Room 204

Thesis/Dissertation Title: “Public Diplomacy and Cultural Transfer: The Role of Local Actors in Colombia"

Dissertation Committee:

  • Dissertation Chair: A.J. Angulo, Ed.D. Professor, Program Coordinator M.Ed. Educ. Admin. - Higher Ed., University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Angelica Duran-Martinez, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Global Studies Ph.D. program, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Hilary Lustick, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract
This dissertation consists of three articles focused on the educational and cultural programming of the Binational Centers (BNC) in Colombia. The three articles use descriptive case studies, as this method of inquiry aims to construct a single composite portrait of a complex or understudied phenomenon. The first study explores the role of binational centers in public diplomacy as seen by the communities in which they operate. The second article explores the BNC’s role in engaging Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities through a case study of an English and Leadership program in Colombia. The third article explores the role of BNCs in facilitating intercultural dialogue through music exchanges. Participants for the three studies included interviews with 69 individuals from 7 Colombian cities. Participants included students, musicians, BNC present and past employees, Colombian and US government employees, journalists, and retirees. Collectively, these articles highlight an important but understudied element of public diplomacy: the role of local actors in facilitating dialogue and establishing relationships. Additionally, these studies highlight the effectiveness of network and collaborative approaches to public diplomacy.