Multicultural Committee (MC)

Committee Co-Chair & Board Liaison
Deena Foster, MS, CCC-SLP, MPH
[email protected]

 Committee Co-Chair
Melissa Silva MS, CCC-SLP
[email protected]


The Multicultural Committee is committed to advancing culturally and linguistically responsive
practices within the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. This committee equips
clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to promote awareness, use evidence-based practices,
disseminate educational resources, and benefit from professional development to support equitable,
inclusive, and culturally competent care for diverse communities.

 Announcements

NEW!
Join Us for a Virtual Committee Info Session to find out more about the MC Committee!

Thursday, September 17, 2026
6:30pm-7:30pm EST

CLICK HERE to Sign Up for Virtual Info Session

CLICK HERE to View Calendar for ALL Committee Meetings & NJSHA Events 

Strategic Objective

Advance culturally and linguistically responsive practices in speech-language pathology and audiology
by increasing awareness, expanding access to evidence-based resources, and promoting equitable
service delivery for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations.

Goals

1. Increase Education and Professional Development- Provide educational opportunities, including
webinars, university student presentations, and workshops, that strengthen clinicians' knowledge
and implementation of culturally linguistically diverse assessment and intervention practices.
2. Develop and Share Resources- Create and share evidence-based resources, tools, and best-
practice guidelines to support clinicians serving culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Develop and maintain a directory of multilingual NJSHA speech-language pathologists and
audiologists to facilitate collaboration, mentorship, consultation, and access to professionals with
linguistic expertise who can support culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment and
intervention.
3. Cultivate Professional Learning Communities and Collaboration- Establish opportunities for
clinicians, educators, students, and related professionals to collaborate, share best practices,
discuss emerging issues, and build professional learning communities that support culturally and
linguistically responsive care.

Committee Projects & News

1. Multicultural Committee Monthly Meeting Dates (Goals 1-3)

  • Monday, October 5, 2026
  • Monday, November 9, 2026
  • Monday, January 11, 2027
  • Monday, February 8, 2027
  • Monday, March 8, 2027
  • Monday, June 7, 2027 

2.  Professional Learning Communities Proposed Meeting Dates (Goals 1-3)

  • October 2026
  • January 2027
  • March 2027
  • May 2027

3.  Student Symposium Dates (Goals 1-2)

  • Fall 2026
  • Spring 2027

Past Committee News

June 2026
April 2026
February 2026

VOLUNTEER NOW!

All committees are open to all NJSHA members, with the exception of those stating specific criteria. NJSHA is always looking for committee volunteers to provide of their expertise for as much time you are willing to offer. Your involvement is two-fold, giving back to your organization as well as learning new skills and increasing your knowledge about professional issues. As a member you may volunteer for NJSHA Committees. Your donated time may be as little as one hour per month or as much as you choose.