This is a space for mixed/multiracial folks to explore our lived experience being part of multiple racial communities. As mixed/multiracial people, we can explore the relationship, connection and disconnection we may feel to our identities, family, friends and community as well as the resiliency we hold that is unique to our experience in being connected to multiple racial and cultural groups. In this space we will work together to affirm one another, better understand ourselves and our community, explore our identities, and the systems that impact us and our mental health, such as colorism, heteronormativity, cisnormativity, racism, sexism, fatphobia, and other systems that impact us in the world.
We acknowledge that colorism shows up in mixed spaces and we commit to actively co-creating a space where all mixed folks, not just those mixed with white, are able to show up.
The group will be facilitated by:
Nina Hernandez Beithon (she/her)
-Nina works as the Diversity Liaison Counselor at Student Counseling Services. Nina is a trauma informed therapist who brings anti-oppressive, body based, and systems thinking lens to the work and centers healing and community wisdom. Nina identifies as a mixed kiddo (Mexican with Indigenous Ancestry and White). Other identities include cis woman, polyamorous, bi/queer, fat, able-bodied, spiritual, mother, sister, daughter, partner.
Cassie Edlund (she/her)
-Cassie works in the School of Public Health as a Sr. Communications Manager and Evaluation Specialist at the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center. In her role, she collaborates with faculty, staff, and both undergraduate and graduate students. She holds a Master’s in Public Health and has a background in public health education and communication, maternal and child health, and family wellness. Cassie is deeply passionate about a holistic approach to wellbeing and health equity. By drawing on her background in public health and her experience in public speaking and performance, she enjoys using the power of storytelling to celebrate the strengths, knowledge, and experiences of individuals, families, and communities.
Cassie identifies as a first-generation Black, biracial woman of African Ancestry and White heritage. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys performing, coaching speech, singing, acting, crafting, traveling and spending quality time with her family and partner.
Greg Sawyer (he/him)
-Greg works as a staff counselor and case manager at Student Counseling Services. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that specializes in family systems work, trauma, and grief & loss-related experiences. He operates from a life philosophy incorporating justice, anti-oppression, compassion, authenticity, community, family and healing. He believes that these ingredients can contribute to a healthy, safe and caring existence.
Greg identifies as an African-American cisgender male. He has recently been learning and embracing other aspects of his racial and ethnic identities, to include Indigenous and White heritage.
Group will be held virtually on zoom Mondays from 11:15-12:30PM from September 30th-November 25th
Please sign up for us to contact you and if you are interested in the future but this time doesn't work for you this semester.
If you have questions about the group please feel free to contact Nina at
beith009@umn.edu 