Durham Tech director receives Sister Cities of Durham/Mayor's Award for Promoting International Understanding

Heidi White, Director of International Student Services and Study Abroad at Durham Tech, will receive the Sister Cities of Durham/Mayor’s Award for Promoting International Understanding during a virtual ceremony on November 6.

The award was established through a partnership between Sister Cities and the Office of the Mayor of Durham. It recognizes individuals and organizations in the community that have made significant contributions in helping Durham citizens expand their understanding and awareness of Durham’s international connections.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award. After my life-changing experiences abroad, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to assisting international students in the U.S. and encouraging U.S. students to study abroad, so more students can learn about and appreciate differences in all our cultures and backgrounds and recognize the many things we all have in common,” White said. “I love the work that I do at Durham Tech and in the Triangle community because I am constantly learning new things and being inspired by all those that I am working with or volunteering alongside.”

White was nominated for the award by Connie Gomez-Joines, Executive Director of the Center for the Global Learner at Durham Tech.

“Heidi spends countless hours helping international, LatinX, and refugee students navigate the U.S. educational system,” Gomez-Joines said. “Heidi is passionate about imparting her knowledge of international education. She promotes international and life-long learning and is a great example to both our colleagues and our students. I can’t think of anybody that is more deserving.”

White meets one-on-one with students on visas, undocumented students, and students with a DACA status. She advises them on admissions processes, visa matters, program advising, and evaluation of international credentials.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when my students share their successes with me, the large successes and the small ones,” she said. “I love celebrating with them when they are issued a student visa to come to Durham Tech to study, obtain a scholarship to help fund the next year of study, graduate from a program of study, get a job in their field, receive an offer of admission to a university to continue their education, or have a life-changing experience traveling abroad for the first time.”

The Center for the Global Learner was created in Fall 2009, to support Durham Tech’s vision of fostering intercultural understanding and the development of engaged global citizens.

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Contact Marcy W. Gardner, Content and Social Media Coordinator at gardnerm@durhamtech.edu