Member Spotlight: Laura
Date postedNovember 28, 2023
Meet Laura Bermúdez!
Laura was born and raised in Colombia where she works as Manager of Experiential Learning at The Universidad de La Sabana.Tell us a bit about what you do at your organization.
My current role at the University is focused on the development of experiential learning as one of the core elements of education across all academic programs, by supporting faculty, staff and students in different ways. I have helped develop different experiential learning settings in the University, such as challenge experiences, faculty trainings, and others.
I also have the opportunity to teach an undergraduate class on lifeskill development and support a few graduate courses. Can't stay away from facilitating.
I also have the opportunity to teach an undergraduate class on lifeskill development and support a few graduate courses. Can't stay away from facilitating.
Tell us more about yourself!
I currently work in the Office of Academic Affairs as Manager of Experiential Learning at Universidad de La Sabana. I have a B.S. in Psychology from the same university, and an M.S. in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
I first came across ExEd while working summer camps in the US, I started in Girl Scout Camps in Indiana, and there I discovered the path I must follow. From then on I went on to working in formal and informal education settings, both nationally and internationally, focused mainly in lifeskills development, leadership and others. I never would've thought of working with an strictly academic focus, but life brought me to where I am today, and I'm really enjoying, it. I've had to learn a lot along the way, but with ExEd at the core, I couldn't be in a better place.
I first came across ExEd while working summer camps in the US, I started in Girl Scout Camps in Indiana, and there I discovered the path I must follow. From then on I went on to working in formal and informal education settings, both nationally and internationally, focused mainly in lifeskills development, leadership and others. I never would've thought of working with an strictly academic focus, but life brought me to where I am today, and I'm really enjoying, it. I've had to learn a lot along the way, but with ExEd at the core, I couldn't be in a better place.
What excites you when you think about the future of Experiential Education?
Being part of the transformation of education in my country, there's so much still left to do and explore. Touching the lives of the students through education and having an impact on them and therefore the world they are a part of is exciting.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired constantly by the creativity of my co workers and faculty, seeing them in action, breaking the mold, trying new things and succeeding with their students just keeps my fire going.
In your free time, we can probably find you:
Enjoying culture through reading, watching good shows, enjoying time with my family.
How long have you been involved with AEE?
I first came across AEE while coursing my masters program in MN, and followed it since. We joined with an institutional membership a couple of years back with the University, and enjoyed our first in person conference last year.
What is the most rewarding part about being a Member of AEE?
Learning so much from all the different experiences and expertise the members have and share. Getting to meet and learn from people, ExEd references I admired and have studied for years. It's been truly exciting and inspiring.
Favorite Moment at AEE?
Meeting amazing people I'd looked up to for so long at last year's conference, such as Michelle Cummings, Amy Climer, Jen Stanchfield. Also Anna and Sherry, whom I'd been in touch with on several occasions online and finally met them in person!
The conference was also an opportunity to meet with people I hadn't seen in years from my masters program, it was wonderful. AEE helps bring people together.
Find Laura here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berm%C3%BAdez-jurado-b8a823126/
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