Published February 12 2014
If the United States is a nation of immigrants, then Bellevue has become a city of immigrants, with more than 30 percent of its population foreign born.
At the next meeting of Cultural Conversations, a women's group that encourages cultural understanding and community connections, the topic of immigration will be front and center. The event, called "Immigration -- the Promise and the Loss," will take takes place from 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, in room 1E-108 at City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE.
The conversation will be led by psychologist Adriana Prengler, who has emigrated twice, once from Argentina to Venezuela when she was 15, and three years ago when she relocated to Bellevue from Venezuela. Prengler will share her personal experience, lead a discussion about immigrants and talk about how communities that receive immigrants can become closer and stronger through all the changes.
Cultural Conversations was launched in 2010 as a partnership between diverse women in the community and the City of Bellevue. It was initiated by women who had a desire to get better connected with their community and who wanted to enhance their knowledge and understanding of different world views. The free monthly gatherings include women from around the world. Refreshments are served and women of all ages, faiths and cultures are welcome to attend.
For more information on this event, or future Cultural Conversations programs, please contact Ying Carlson at 425-452-4342 or ycarlson@bellevuewa.gov or Barb Tuininga at 425-452-2800 or btuininga@bellevuewa.gov.