Hello! My name is Namie and I'm currently the Language Chair for VATW at The University of Alabama. I'm thrilled for the experiences we're providing this upcoming year in connecting with communities overseas through culture, language, and healthcare! This soft diplomacy provides us with the skills needed to reduce cross-cultural barriers and expand one's worldview. My passions rely heavily on how I can utilize my resources to help those around me. Being so, in the present moment I serve as a volunteer in the COVID-19 Unit at DCH Regional Hospital, translate at a local Tuscaloosa clinic, and am part of a research group on campus to engineer the next generation of nanoparticle cyclosporine A therapy in Lupus. If you would like to join me in making a difference in Panama communities, please consider reading our initiative page and donating to our cause...every donation counts!