Biography

Penny’s passion for diversity and inclusion work comes from a range of life experiences. For decades she taught foreign languages and intercultural learning, developing courses for university students and workshops for churches, professional organizations, and non-profits. She has gathered a lot of cross-cultural experiences that were often challenging but also have inspired her work and provided her with some great stories to share. These experiences include identifying as an Asian American woman, being cross-racially adopted, and having lived on four continents. She is inspired by her colleagues, friends, and families as they continue journeys unpacking their racial, cultural, and gender identities, learning about the fractures in our communities that are tearing us apart, and exploring ways to bring us together. Penny’s recent publications include Christians and Cultural Difference and Understanding Us & Them: Interpersonal Cultural Intelligence for Community Building.

Professional history

• Professor, Calvin College (2018-present)
• Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Calvin College (2015–present)
• Associate Professor, Calvin College (2010–2017)
• Series Editor for Yale University Press (2013–present)
• Cultural Intelligence Consultant for the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Office of Race Relations (2011–present)
• Workshop facilitator and trainer for Cultural Intelligence Building (2010–present)
• Assistant Professor, Calvin College (2005–10)
• Researcher and developer, Evia Learning (1998–2007)
• Lecturer and TA director, Brown University (1995–98)
• Teaching Assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1989–94)