PhD Students Travel to Greece to Present at Inaugural International Digital Storytelling Festival

Two students in the UIW Dreeben School of Education's Adult Education, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship PhD program, Michelle Casares Vasquez and Ciji Couvertier, traveled to Zakynthos, Greece this semester to present their research at the inaugural International Digital Storytelling Festival.

The festival, organized by a collaborative effort of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University of the Aegean and Ionian University, and sponsored by the Greek National Commission for UNESCO and other institutions, brought participants together from around the globe to explore the power of diverse sociocultural narratives in addressing social justice issues, fostering connections and celebrating diversity.

Vasquez and Couvertier presented their research-based digital story called "Engaging Parent Voices of Children with Autism Using a Storytelling to Storydoing Action Research Approach."

"Attending the Digital Storytelling Conference in Zakynthos, Greece, was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of how storytelling can catalyze empathy, cultural exchange and social change," shared Couvertier. "Coming from a background that values resilience and diverse perspectives, the opportunity to engage with researchers worldwide was especially impactful. As a PhD student and first-generation Latina scholar, it reinforced my dedication to using education to amplify underrepresented voices and promote a more inclusive, interconnected world-values that closely align with UIW's Mission of global learning and social justice, which have been deeply integrated into my doctoral program."

Building on this sentiment, Vasquez emphasized the significance of their participation: "This opportunity to attend the Inaugural International Storytelling Festival in Greece was more than just a conference; it was a chance to amplify the voices of our community. As PhD students at UIW, we're using digital storytelling to explore health equity for children with autism. By attending conferences like this, we can share our research and learn from leading experts, ultimately empowering us to make a real difference in the lives of others."

Their participation underscores the University of the Incarnate Word's dedication to encouraging innovative research methods and effective communication, offering invaluable experiences for its students.

Supported by the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability and the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing, their presentation showcased the power of storytelling to a global community of storytellers, academics and researchers.

"The Ettling Center focuses on providing meaningful experiences and opportunities for UIW students and the campus community," said Dr. Ricardo González, director of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability. "This includes programs, services, sustainability-related activities, advocacy, social justice, leadership, educational awareness and service. Since its establishment in 2013, the Center, in line with Sr. Dorothy "Dot" Ettling's vision, has assisted over 750 students in participating in missions and global mission service programs in South Texas, Mexico, Puerto Rico, India, Peru and the Philippines. These missions are an extension of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word's commitment to the global community's needs. The Center looks forward to continuing to support students in pursuing truth, innovation, faith, service and education."