About the program

Forever Welcome Foundation has developed a dialogue workshop to provide a platform for cross-cultural understanding.

• The workshop encourages open and constructive conversations, so participants gain insights into different perspectives, break down stereotypes, and foster connections.

• Increase empathy and emotional connection.

• Enhanced awareness of immigration-related challenges.

• Gain a better understanding of common misconceptions about immigration.

• Enhanced understanding of belonging.

About the presenter

Sunayana Dumala (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Forever Welcome Foundation. She is a Certified Diversity Professional, an advocate for immigrant reform, and a passionate voice against hate crimes. She founded the "Forever Welcome" foundation, bringing a unique immigrant perspective to her advocacy work. Previously, she was a Data Integration Engineer for Intouch Group (currently Eversana Intouch) in Overland Park, KS. Born in India, she moved to the United States to pursue her dreams in 2007.

Tragically, her life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Srinivas Kuchibhotla, was fatally shot in a hate crime in Kansas in 2017. Since then, Sunayana has become an outspoken advocate for victims of hate crimes, leveraging her personal experience to shed light on the challenges faced by immigrants and minority communities. Through her foundation, she works tirelessly to foster inclusivity and understanding among diverse communities.

She was recently featured in a PBS documentary in Kansas City

https://www.pbs.org/show/healing-hate/

and is also featured in a new campaign with Stop AAPI Hate

https://youtu.be/32JYQ8PQABY

https://blueprint.box.com/s/fo0lby2u39mrn4k1mo914g4bd8s3z1ge

Sunayana now lives in Orlando and enjoys cooking, traveling, and immersing herself in music.”

How to register

The event will be held at the Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A from 5:30-7:30 pm (program starts at 6 pm) on Tuesday, September 24. Preregistration is required. You can register at this link. A meal will be served. The workshop is limited to the first 50 registrations due to space constraints.