Inspiring Cross-Cultural Understanding Through Powerful Dialogues
Welcome to the Speech Engagements page, where you can discover how our impactful presentations foster meaningful dialogue and bridge cultural divides.
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Our engaging talks are designed for audiences seeking to deepen their appreciation of global perspectives, enhance intercultural communication skills, and navigate today’s diverse world with confidence. Whether for academic institutions, corporate events, or community organizations, our sessions offer practical insights, real-world examples, and personal, interactive experiences that spark understanding and inspire positive change.
Explore booking options via a simple text message to empower your audience on their cross-cultural journey.
Presentation on Chinese Dragon Year
Review on Cheng's presentation
​for NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures
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"I don't focus on the negative - that's not what made me who I am. Optimism is what made me who I am."
Our guest presenter Cheng Wang gave us incredible insights during our 2024 Year of the Dragon Around the World annual doll luncheon, based on his personal experiences and his mission of serving as an ambassador of Chinese-American culture.
Cheng explained that the Chinese New Year, Lunar Festival, or Spring Festival is 3,500+ years old. He grew up with his elders using the "Lunar calendar" as part of daily life and farming work. "Spring Festival" is the term most commonly used in China for what we know as the Chinese New Year in America.
"It is a time to come alive from dormancy. That's why the Spring Festival has such a special meaning."
Cheng gave us beautiful insights on the dragon's symbolism - the "dragon dance" brings luck for the year to come by honoring and respecting the idea of a mighty fictional dragon.
In his region, celebrations of the spring festival included making dumplings - a family affair that took a whole day and night. It was cold enough in his region of Northern China to eat some dumplings but leave others outside to freeze and preserve them for the future.
Spring festival couplets involve writing your wish in Chinese calligraphy and putting it outside your door - a common sight outside of businesses. Kids bow to their grandparents and receive a red bag, hong bao.
To this day, Cheng's 97-year-old mother sits by the phone to receive spring festival calls from family and friends!
"People love these celebrations, and everyone participates. That's what builds a deep-rooted tradition."
As Cheng reminded us, across diverse traditions and celebrations, "people are who they are - and that can be the start of a cultural conversation."
More Presentations and Participations
Meeting President of N.D Univ Fr. Jenkins
English Prof. John Duffy
Fellowship Commencement Event, May 2023
Cheng at Notre Dame Magazine Staff Meeting in Spring 2023
After Mass in a historical church on the Camino de Santiago in Oct 2025
