Health, Society, and Wellness in COVID-19 Times

Donna Mejia is an Associate Professor of Dance and the Director of Graduate Studies in Dance at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in contemporary dance, African and Arab Diaspora traditions, and emerging fusion styles within Transnational Electronica. Recognized as the first professor of Transcultural fusion globally, she explores themes of cultural imperialism, gender representation, and digital globalization through her work. An authorized instructor of the Brazilian Silvestre Modern Dance Technique, Mejia has over 30 years of experience in this discipline. She has significantly contributed to the academic community by serving as a Faculty Fellow for both the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Rene Crown Wellness Institute. After completing her undergraduate degree in Business at CU Boulder and earning a Master of Fine Arts on full fellowship from Smith College, she has directed numerous performances and festivals, including the First World Congress of Transcultural Fusion Dance. Mejia has also been involved with the Harambee African Dance Ensemble, which has received notable accolades. Her extensive teaching experience includes residencies at various prestigious institutions, and her research has garnered international recognition, including a keynote address at Syracuse University’s Symposium on Public Diplomacy. Dedicated to philanthropy and social justice, she actively collaborates with artists and contributes to conscious organizations while balancing her teaching commitments with global touring.

Daryl Maeda is an Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies and the Associate Dean for Student Success in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. As an interdisciplinary cultural historian, he examines how racial identities and politics are expressed through cultural productions, with a particular focus on the social movements for racial justice during the late 1960s and early 1970s. His recent book, Rethinking the Asian American Movement, synthesizes scholarship on this movement, highlighting its foundations in interracial and transnational solidarities. His first book, Chains of Babylon: The Rise of Asian America, explores the creation of the "Asian American" identity, which emerged from the Asian American movement and was deeply rooted in anti-racist and anti-imperialist commitments. Currently, he is working on a book project that investigates cultural interactions across the trans-Pacific zone, using Bruce Lee as a focal point. Dr. Maeda teaches courses in Asian American studies, comparative ethnic studies, racial theory, and sports, and is known for his enthusiasm for University of Michigan football and basketball.

Dr. Sona Dimidjian is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she also serves as the Director of the Renée Crown Wellness Institute. Her research is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness among women, children, and families, focusing on key developmental transitions such as the perinatal period, early childhood, and adolescence. Dr. Dimidjian develops and evaluates programs in educational and healthcare settings, emphasizing access and sustainability through digital technology and community partnerships. Her current projects aim to prevent depression in new and expectant mothers, foster healthy body image and leadership in young women, and enhance mindfulness and compassion among youth, families, and educators. She has received numerous accolades for her teaching and clinical research, including the Dorothy Martin Women’s Faculty Award and the Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award at CU Boulder. Dr. Dimidjian holds a BA in psychology from the University of Chicago and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Washington.