Siriki GBANÉ, PhD

Siriki Gbané has lived and worked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for over 20 years. A multidisciplinary educator, researcher, and journalist, he specializes in multicultural relations, foreign affairs, and international relations. As training instructor, he provides in-depth knowledge of the political, economic, cultural, and societal issues of sub-Saharan and Francophone African countries, relevant to foreign affairs professionals. His training includes TV interview (media language practice) to prepare foreign affairs professionals to handle the media abroad and use persuasive language for effective communication supporting their mission. He provides language and intercultural training to prepare foreign affairs professionals for their specific assignments. He offers individual coaching and mentoring sessions to adult learners participating in intensive training programs and provides them with constructive feedback. He has developed expertise in interethnic and social relations in West Africa. This expertise led him to conduct doctoral research on interethnic relations and their impact on the social environment in West Africa. He participated in a field study in Rwanda on national resilience in overcoming the 1994 genocide. He also spent time in Brazil studying the challenges of multiculturalism and racial diversity. He holds a PhD in International Psychology from the Chicago School, Washington, D.C. campus, specializing in organizations and systems. His research focuses on the influence of national and ethnic identities on social harmony. He also holds a MA in Francophone Studies with a minor in Literature and Politics from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He received a training in cultural journalism in Paris, France, thanks to a grant from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and worked actively as a journalist for 10 years. Prior to working with foreign affairs professionals, he taught at various universities, including The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.