Rave Reviews

Here’s what people are saying about New Demographic:

University of Rochester
April 21, 2007

“That was one of the best seminars or talks I’ve been to, and I’m a junior already. I think it was really good because she did a really great job of creating a really comfortable space where people could share their opinions… She made it very inclusive in talking about interracial relationships. She didn’t just focus on one race or one orientation… Students were really engaged.”

Click the play button to hear an audio testimonial from Colette Carmouche, President of SHADES, the biracial and multiracial student group at University of Rochester.

New York University (NYU)
April 14, 2007

“Carmen has a way of putting things in perspective for younger adults by bringing in pop culture issues, by bringing in issues that are relevant to a younger demographic, which is great because that way people can actually relate. I think it really opens up people eyes…”

Click the play button to hear an audio testimonial from Lily Yuan, Senior Advisor to the Asian Heritage Month Planning Committee at New York University (NYU).

Northeastern University
January 17, 2007

“She drew from current examples but she also went into the history of stereotypes. This was important because it shows the longevity of how these stereotypes came about and where they come from and gives you some insight into why it’s so hard to break away from them.”

Click the play button to hear an audio testimonial from Delia Cheung Hom, Assistant Director of the Asian American Center at Northeastern University.

Princeton University
November 17, 2006

“I liked how sensitive it was to pop culture because it made the issues very accessible… the presentation was very lively…”

Click the play button to hear an audio testimonial from Hannibal Person, co-founder of Princeton’s Union of Multiracial/Multicultural Students (UMMS)

“I think it was really successful. I heard tons of positive feedback from everybody that I talked to afterwards and everybody really liked it…”

Click the play button to hear an audio testimonial from Sian Ofaolain, co-founder of Princeton’s Union of Multiracial/Multicultural Students (UMMS)

Denison University
October 19, 2006

“It’s not a topic that’s really discussed at Denison, so it’s good to get people thinking about it. They bring in a fresh perspective… A lot of people enjoyed it, I’ve received really good comments about it.”

Click the play button to hear an audio testimonial from Sia Moua, social chair of Denison’s Asian Culture Club

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
February 10, 2006
“It really opened our eyes to things that we were doing unconsciously in regards to how we react to people of different races in relationships…”
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Virginia Wesleyan College
December 6, 2005
“I would recommend them for a school or organization of any size because their presentation is very well processed and organized, along with easy to follow. They are friendly, cooperative and handle obstacles very professionally. Any group would benefit from hearing and participating in one of their workshops.”
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The College Board Forum
October 29, 2005
“The workshop not only focused on issues of mixed race students, but it also discussed/provided steps an institution could take towards providing support services for those students and discussing their issues.”
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Swirl, Inc.
October 5, 2005
“I feel like I’ve been walking around with blinders on. The myths you presented really challenged me to be aware of these attitudes. Also, I feel challenged to pay attention to my own preconceptions about interracial couples.”
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City of Tallahassee
May 17, 2005
“On behalf of Mayor John R. Marks III, the City Commission, City Manager Anita Favors, and the Department of Equity and Workforce Dvelopment, I would like to express our sincere appreciations to you for your part in making summit 2005 a tremendous achievement.”
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Wellesley College
April 15, 2005
“Jen was not only Fusion’s founder, but she was also a prestigious member of the college government during her years at Wellesley. Carmen’s obvious expertise in media analysis drew reactions from attendees who had never had the chance to see images of mixed-race people. The films and advertisements shown as part of the media presentation were right to the point and really helped the audience to dive into the issue at hand.”
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Mount Holyoke College
April 3, 2005
“I highly recommend this workshop to any organization! This interracial relationships workshop is particularly well-suited for organizations that may not have dealt with multiracial issues in the past, since it draws a large crowd of individuals from many different racial/ethnic backgrounds. We enjoyed New Demographic so much that we plan to invite them back in the future to hold workshops during our multiracial awareness week.”
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
April 2, 2005
“WPI students told me they were glad they came to the presentation because it was interesting and something that is usually not talked about much at our school. I hope KSA continues to keep in touch with New Demographic so that they can come back to our school!”
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New York University (NYU)
March 28 , 2005
“I thought New Demographic combined the interests of BAMSA’s members with the university’s Black History Month activities, presenting an often taboo topic in a very informative and organized fashion… Jen Chau and Carmen Van Kerckhove are respected experts in the field of mixed race studies and community organizing, and I found their resources to be invaluable.”
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Central Reform Congregation
March 24, 2005
“I really enjoyed having Jen Chau and Carmen Van Kerckhove come speak to Central Reform Congregation’s confirmation class on March 19, 2005. The teenagers were really intrigued by the conversation and began thinking deeply about their Jewish identity and the diversity that exists within the Jewish community. Jen and Carmen are skilled at leading a thought-provoking discussion and are aware of the different facets of a person’s identity. I thank them for stimulating the teenagers’ minds by facilitating this wonderful dialogue.”
Betsy Goldberg
Hebrew School Principal & Youth Coordinator

Stuyvesant High School
January 16, 2005
“Besides the thought-provoking subject matter of the lecture, in terms of its deliverance it was also wonderful. One of the main reasons students responded so well to it was that both of its presenters are extremely accessible and students feel they can truly relate to them. Carmen and Jen were open to sharing personal feelings, experiences, and insights that others would not have so comfortably shared.”
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Columbia University
November 21, 2004
“We first asked Jen and Carmen to come into Columbia for a workshop on interracial dating. The workshop was so successful that we have asked them to come back every semester to work with us on a different topic.”
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Young Korean American Network (yKAN)
September 1, 2004
“They were able to connect with our members by speaking with authenticity. Their past stories were shared and they were well prepared and organized with the discussion. Their talk was clear and direct and it kept our members focused. Our yKAN members received insight on the topic and they have shown interest in having Jen and Carmen return for another lively discussion. I would like others to have the chance to engage in such a thought-provoking exchange.”
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