The presenters will encourage those attending the presentation to ask their questions, and will also answer common curiosities about Mexican culture, including their focus on family, religion, migrating to the United States and other cultural practices.  The Global Education and Peace Network will also introduce the new series “Why Do They Do That?” at the program.  Those who attend will receive a free 2010-2011 Global Education calendar featuring the series and other community events.  Homemade food samples will be served after the program, from many of the cultures to be featured in the new season.
    
Maria Goeser has worked for the State of Ohio for 20 years.  She started her career with the state as an Employment Services Rep- Bilingual working in Greenville, Ohio. She worked as a migrant and seasonal farm worker assisting the agricultural employers and the migrant seasonal farm worker population who migrate to Ohio for seasonal jobs.  Currently, she works for the Ohio Department of Development as a Business Service Representative, where she markets the One Stop Center Services, does presentations on Ohiomeansjobs.com for employers, assists with layoff aversions and works as an information and referral for employers, serving Clark, Champaign, Greene and Clinton Counties, and also the Hispanic markets in Franklin and Montgomery Counties, and is based out of the Dayton Regional Economic Development Office.

Maria’s own parents were migrants who traveled from Texas to many northern states in search of employment, and in 1950 settled in Ohio.  She’s an active member of the Latino Coalition of Clark and Champaign Counties, the Springfield/Clark County Chamber Minority Board, Springfield City Center Association, the Culture Fest Steering Committee, and sits on the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce HITS team.  Maria is married to her husband, Martin, of 31 years, and they have three daughters and 5 grandchildren.
    
The Latino Coalition of Clark and Champaign Counties meets every other month to network and discuss issues related to the Latino community.  Many of their members are active in the Latino community and/or provide services to Latinos.  The group works to educate both themselves and the community on Latino issues.
    
The Global Education and Peace Network began after September 11, 2001 when the City of Springfield led Study Circles to encourage dialogue about the tragedy.  One Study Circle began the Global Education Speaker Series and Calendar, now in its 9th year, to raise awareness of global and local ethnic cultures to build bridges of intercultural understanding.   The new calendars are also available in the Community Development Department, on the second floor of the Springfield City Hall, 76 E. High Street.   For more information, contact Nancy Flinchbaugh (937) 324-7696.