Rachel McClurg
Managing Editor
Q: Why is it important to have a diverse staff?
Reina Nabbout: “Employees from diverse backgrounds can share their own experiences, skills and talents. We learn from one another (and) respect one another. I believe an organization that embraces diversity improves employee performance and creates innovation in the workplace.”
Q: How is the culture different from the places you have lived vs. here?
Reina Nabbout: “Today, globalization is shaping countries into one homogenous society. We don’t really see these major differences across countries anymore. However, I can say Lebanon is known for its distinguished culture influenced by many civilizations through the years by Phoenicians, Ottoman (and the) French. That’s why Lebanese people speak three languages including French and English. Lebanon is known for its hospitality-very friendly and welcoming people, famous cuisine worldwide, entertainment and nightlife, and for the love of fashion.”
Q: Do you try to incorporate your culture into how you teach your classes?
Reina Nabbout: “No, not really. I don’t get to talk much about culture in my field of teaching.”
Q: Do you still celebrate your culture? If so, how?
Reina Nabbout: “I prepare Lebanese food at home, hummus tabouli salad, chicken kabab (and) grapes leaves. Many Lebanese restaurants are opened in Wichita that we get to dine in there. I try to teach my kids the Lebanese dialect, but they insist on speaking English at home like they do in school. We celebrate Christmas and Easter like we use to in Lebanon.”