M.A.C.S. in Practice

What is cultural sustainability? Perhaps the best answer is to see the field's impact firsthand. 

In celebration of the M.A. in Cultural Sustainability Program's 10th anniversary, we asked some of our graduates to join a digital story project to share their experiences about the program and how they are putting their degree into action. The impact to themselves, their culture, and their community can be seen in their stories. Explore the videos below and check back for updates as we add more.  

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    Joanne Lewis, M.A.C.S. ’14 - Bohio of Atabei Jaguar Warrior | “For My Ancestors” is a digital story about my struggle to understand my Taino culture. Ultimately, my family and tribe empowered me to embrace my identity and use it to drive me to be who I am.

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    Carol Brooks, M.A.C.S. ’16 Founder, The Intergenerational Griot Project; Coalition Lead, Baltimore County Chapter of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project | In my search for a sense of heritage, identity, belonging, and purpose, my journey has become a quest to discover the untold stories of my ancestors and African American elders, honoring their legacies by sharing their stories and reconnecting the next generation with their rich history.

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    Michael Vlahovich, M.A.C.S. ’16 - Co-founder/vice president/program director of Maritima Educare (Croation NGO) | Introduced to a family maritime culture in his youth, a M.A.C.S. grad found a way to live the lifestyle that he loved in spite of the challenges faced in sustaining it for future generations. Keeping traditional skills and generational knowledge alive became much more than a 9-to-5 job.

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    Sandra Sarrouf, M.A.C.S. ’18 - Cultural worker (https://cultural-creations.com/) | "I am" is a window into a journey about belonging, validation, connection.

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    Terri Van Orman, M.A.C.S. 14 - Executive Director, Folklore Village | Found your dream job, only to find it is beset with a plethora of issues? The M.A.C.S. program provides you with the superpowers to not just survive, but to help your organization thrive!

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    Candyce Testa, M.A.C.S. ’18, Cultural Instructor, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation | "Every Trail Has a Story" recounts a common thread that meanders its way through one Pequot woman’s personal life, education, and career.