TESTIMONIALS

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Teja Arboleda's experiences coupled with his willingness to share his personal story in a humorous way enabled him to powerfully connect with his audience. There were over 2,000 first-year college students in attendance who were highly engaged; many of the students connected with Teja on a personal level, but most if not all were engaged, they laughed and asked lots of questions. Teja's approach to educating his audience through entertainment resonated loudly and helped to reinforce the importance of tolerance and diversity and inclusion. Thank you.

- Toni Woolfork-Barnes, Ed.D, Director, First-Year Experience Programs, Western Michigan University

Teja was not only animated and engaging, but the factual information he shared regarding the different historical denominations of race was quite interesting and informative. The visual aspects of his presentation were awesome as well. Needless to say, we are quite pleased with his performance. Thank you again!

- Andy A. Herrera, Director of Educational Equity & Diversity Programs, Division of Student Affairs, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

Teja Arboleda opened our campus’ eyes to the racial stereotypes still perceived by many of our students. His personal experiences captivated his audience and his video helped break down those racial barriers between us.

- Leah Kelly, Northern Kentucky University

NERSC (New England Resident Service Coordinators) 2018 Annual Conference

• Extremely fun and really inspirational teamwork!
• Techniques to engage group work through music and storytelling is the best take-away from this session.
• I loved the group work.
• Amazing workshop! I would highly recommend this instructor! I will take any class he is teaching in the future.

Teja's long-awaited event couldn't have gone better! We had a terrific student turnout; they were really engaged; and several students stuck around afterward to talk with Teja. It became obvious that many students had been hungering for an opportunity to discuss race and diversity issues in the open, but hadn't had the right opportunity. Teja's presentation was the perfect catalyst. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Also, Teja was such a great person to work with. He was easy-going, open, and very generous with his time. I really hope to be able to bring him back to campus for future events.

- Maya Sarno, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs, College of Saint Elizabeth, NJ

Teja's ability to quickly get his audience engaged is outstanding. Our students are from every imaginable background, and each of them found a personal connection with Teja. This man lives his message.

- Susan Sibbing, Program Manager, National Conference for Community and Justice, Dayton, OH

Teja is doing for Race, what Mark Twain did for humor. He is enlightening us in a most engaging way. His presentations at the Science Museum set the perfect tone for our community dialogue.

- Richard Conti, CWO, Science Museum, Virginia

Teja Arboleda gave a powerful presentation at the opening of our event. We invited him as our featured speaker & performer for the traveling "Race: Are We So Different?" exhibition. Teja had people engaged, laughing, and answering tough questions. His media-rich, interactive style was both accessible and informative. We are pleased that we chose Teja to kickoff the exhibit.

- Tiffany Jana, MBA, Project Manager, Science Museum of Virginia's "Race: Are We So Different?" Exhibit

I appreciate all you do for the world and I'm very thankful that many individuals got to experience your story and your inspirational lessons. I hope that these Glenn Becks of the world will be silenced by the wisdom we teach. 

- Kate Rudewicz, Teacher, Canton High School

I am grateful to Teja Arboleda for his continued dedication and focus on diversity and education. He inhabits a delightful, healing presence and refreshing energy.

- Bernadette Yao

Teja Arboleda performed the live program RaceOff at the Museum of Science twice during the run of the Race: Are We So Different? Exhibit in Boston. His performances were incredibly engaging. Museum staff were amazed at Teja’s ability to captivate an audience of over 280 people (mostly families, many with small children!) for a full hour. Despite the serious nature of the topics of race and racism, Teja’s presentation style is very entertaining. You find yourself laughing at the absurdity of stereotypes, while at the same time thinking about why do these stereotypes exist in the first place, what are they based on. Teja gives the audience an opportunity to gain some insight into the assumptions we all make about the people around us.Teja’s performances were awesome; he was very professional; RaceOff was the perfect live program to complement the Race exhibit; people had fun and learned a lot. I can’t say enough nice things about Teja!

- Nina Nolan, Museum of Science, Boston, MA

Your trainings and insights are truly inspirational, and the positive experience of hearing you is still being discussed among the Division. The invaluable lessons we learned from you are now a permament part of our lives. Your mix of humor with serious subject matter provided a motivational platform that our managers and support staff alike will be albe to turn to when times are tough. 

- S.D., Special Agent in Charge, New England Field Division, US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration

Thank you very much for bringing your energy and expertise to Westminster College. Your lecture has given our students an open forum to share and question their thoughts on the issue of freedom of speech. 

- Paola Protti Nunez, Westminster College, Fulton, MO

Thank you so much for an excellent presentation. You generated lots of class discussion, and all of the faculty were very pleased. Some have said that you were the best speaker they have heard here in their years! Great job!

- Ebony Grisom, Associate Dean of Students/ Admissions, St. Mark's School, MA

Thank you for your dramatic and astounding performance. Your show was the highlight of the conference! Reviews listed Teja's show as 'superior'!

- William Howe, Ed.D., Conference Chair, Bridging Theory and Practice, National Association of Multicultural Education Conference, Hartford, CT

Brookhaven College loved him. The entire Performance Hall was packed - about 650 people. His show is outstanding, concise, humorous, extremely well-written and well-presented. Teja is gracious, articulate, funny and quick on his feet. It was one of the best collegial discussions about ethnicity, race, etc. that I've attended. 

- C.S., Brookhaven College, TX

Your show was a great success. The venue was filled with students, faculty, and staff who remained seated for two hours asking interesting questions and participating in a vibrant dialogue with you. I like to thank you for your thought-provoking presentation, your profound wit, humor and intensity that gave the attendants a memorable, delighted, and educational experience. Your contribution to the intriguing discussion about social issues was highly valued by the participants and the students learned an array of viewpoints on complicated topics. 

- Petritsa Chatzitziva, M.A., Assistant Director., Multicultural Services, Kutztown University, PA

Thank you so much for presenting yesterday for our Management Forum. The audience was very impressed and found your approach to such a delicate issue very creative, entertaining and educational. You highlighted so many important points, which made us think over our world view. Thank you again for your personal and professional contribution to the important issue of race and ethnicity in this country.

- Liliana A. Zagaria, Coordinator Interpreter Services, Lawrence General Hospital

I recently had the opportunity to see Teja’s “Healing Racism” presentation. I got some background information about him online and really did not know what to expect. Well, it is suffice to say that he surpassed my expectations. Teja was intelligent, articulate, personable, interactive and funny. His mixture of humor and serious subject matter provided a motivational platform that was inspirational and truly enjoyable. I would highly recommend his presentation to any group or organization – for he was exceptional.

- Kitty S., Boston, MA

The program was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed having Teja here at JMU!

- Fareine Suarez, Director of Arts & Entertainment, University Program Board, James Madison University

"Wonderful, terrific unanimous it was the best assembly all year, kids & faculty loved it."

- Worcester Academy

Teja's show was an engaging program that addresses the diversity within each of us. Students enjoyed the program very much!

- Dolores O. Brown, Director of Cultural Diversity, Carroll College

Crossing The Line: Comedians, Politicians & Shock Jocks: Teja was great!  He was very personable and a pleasure to hang out with on the drive from the airport and at dinner with the students!  And, for the main event, …. The program was wonderful!  I really liked his message about responsibility as it relates to crossing the line. Thanks for a great program and speaker!

- Randall Young, Bridgewater College, VA

I can not express how much my campus and I enjoyed the presentation. It went over better than I ever could have imagined. I was overjoyed at the positive feedback I am still getting from my superiors, colleagues, and student body. I would like to possibly look at doing another presentation  in a year or so, however plan the next one during the day time. I really enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing so in the future.

- Amber Snider, University of Alabama

Teja was great! I received overwhelmingly positive feedback about him. 

- Mocolmb University

Many students and instructors have voiced their appreciation and gratitude for the program you delivered so well. This was a message that needed to be shared with our community. Again, we thank you... and we look forward to following you on Race Pizza!

- Sammie Logan, Club Sponsor, Students United to Embrace Diversity, Cape Henry Collegiate, VA

Thank you for enlightening the NMH community. With your knowledge and talent we appreciate your visit and wisdom. Thank you for continuing MLK's legacy.

The Northfield Mount Hermon Community, MA

Things went extremely well, thanks for asking.  Matter of fact, the faculty and students loved his presentation so much, some have already mentioned trying to get him back here next year to do his hour long presentation for the Middle School.

- Thayer Academy

The MLK program at CA this year is getting many kudos and thanks.  Teja's one-man show, "Gene Therapy," was positively received and was part of the opening of a wonderful day. His performance was well attended and productive. I couldn't be more pleased!

- Mr. Robin Nesbitt, Director of Diversity and Equity, Concord Academy

Unanimous: The show was wonderful, terrific - it was the best assembly all year. Students and faculty loved it!

- University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA

Teja Arboleda is like a walking, talking United Nations with a comic point of view. Teja hits you with the truth, then makes you laugh about your own prejudices.

- Jordan Charney, Actor

Many of the faculty commented that he was among the best, if not the best, speakers they have ever heard. Mr. Arboleda's presentation was the catalyst for thought provoking discussion among our student body. I am inspired by his positive outlook.

- E.G., Associate Dean of Students, Saint Marks School

Thank you for your excellent program. We are delighted with the strong and positive reception which the staff gave you, and very much appreciate the consciousness raising you adroitly provided for us all.

- Multicultural Advisory Sub Committee on Staff Training, Wheaton College, MA

The standing ovation you received was testimony to how the students received your message. It is impressive that an a large audience could maintain a high level of interest for almost two hours, and be so eager to ask questions and discuss important issues.

- Catherine Maddox-Wiley, Dean of Students, Clark University 

Teja Arboleda did a fantastic job in his performance, and with his guidance during the workshop.

- A.M., Director of Student Activities, Lawrence University, MI

The feedback from your show was wonderful! Attendees think you should be a 'regular' at Tunxis!

- Kelly Pittman, Tunxis Community College, CT

We thoroughly enjoyed your superb presentation!

- Joan Weintraub, SOAR, Northeastern University, MA

Your presentation was outstanding. Your ability to use humor, to integrate historical as well as current events and to help generate discussion about issues of race, culture, decisions and communication is remarkable.I would like to book additional engagements for our faculty (systemwide professional development training).

- Cheryl Prescott-Walden, Lexington METCO Director, MA

(Translated from Japanese) I am a Japanese student, and I was very inspired by your show. 

- M.U., Foxcroft School, VA

Your moving performance was riveting, entertaining and informative.

- R.S., Director of Student Activities, Simmons College, MA

On behalf of the Student Activities Council, I would like to thank you for your outstanding performance at our Festival of the World celebration. Students are still talking about the impact you made on them.

- Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, PA

We were profoundly moved, and the audience was deeply moved by the work you do. 

- Andrea Hairston, Smith College, MA

Thank you again for your superb program, and for continuing the discussion with smaller classes afterwards.

- S.P., Vermont Academy

You are a talented performer - we definitely benefitted from your presence.

- K.B., Pierce College, Student Activities, Pierce College, WA

You were the highlight of the conference! Your message was perfect - you really got the students to think about some of these important issues. 

- S.S., Activities Advisor, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Thank you for your wonderful performance. It was the most powerful and most moving talk I've heard in a very long time. Thank you for being so giving of yourself and for using your experiences to touch others. You really make a difference.

- KB, student, St. Bonaventure University, NY

Your program was excellent, informative, entertaining, dynamic and creative. It showed what multiculturalism and diversity is all about. Thank you for a superb performance.

- J.A., Bilingual Support Group Advisor, Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School, MA

Outstanding! What a standing ovation! Teja received a tremendous response from students, faculty and staff. As one staff member said, his material is 'cutting edge'. 

- St. Mary's College, MD

Teja's performance was incredible! It was an entertaining and engaging presentation. 

- Wesleyan College, GA

Your show was very compelling! I would highly recommend Teja Arboleda to any organization that promotes diversity, as Mr. Arboleda certainly epitomizes multiculturalism.

- J.B., Associate Dean, Director of Multicultural Affairs, Bucknell College, PA

Thank you for your exciting and thought provoking presentation. Our students were very inspired by your presentation on a topic that is sometimes difficult to convey.

- M.W., Asst. Director, Student Activities, Dutchess Community College, NY

The students enjoyed it immensely, and benefited greatly. Many urged me to invite you back to campus soon, which we will undoubtedly do.

- Anita Steigerwald, Associate Dean of Students Affairs, Skidmore College, NY

Teja's performance was incredible! It was an engaging and entertaining presentation, and we've had very positive feedback from the audience. He left the audience with both broad issues to consider and concrete human relations strategies to implement.

- Kris Burgers, Student Activities Coordinator, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL

Teja received a tremendous response from students and faculty.

- P.D., Middlesex Community College, Lowell, MA

Through his humor and spontaneity, Teja kept an audience of 400 high school students involved, and honestly questioning their own ethnicity, and what they can positively and personally to promote diversity.

- T.S., Guidance Counselor, East Lyme High School, CT

This was the most well received event/activity the college has ever put on. 

- Christine Clark, Ph.D., Director of Multicultural Curriculum Development, Quinsigamond Community College, MA

Mr. Arboleda is a huge success as an uplifting speaker on the challenges of being diverse.

- E.W., Lecture Chair, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA

Your performance here was a huge hit! You really reached the audience - and you did so on an issue that is very challenging. Know that your commitment to your art and to education is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young and old alike.

- J.L., Director of Student Activities, Rivier College, NH

Thank you for your outstanding presentation. You are a dynamic and captivating speaker, and you made a dramatic impact on the audience.

J.W., Student Programs and Resources, Mountain View College, Dallas, TX

On behalf of our organization, I wish to recognize your exceptional performance as a faculty of the Third Annual Institute for Cross Cultural Competence in the Health Care System. 

- Patricia McPartland, Executive Director, Southeastern Massachusetts Area Health Education Center

Teja Arboleda was awesome! The audience was intrigued by his story and experiences. 

- B.M., Lecture Series Programmer, Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, WA

Outstanding!

- Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY

Outstanding! What else can I say!

- C.F, Assistant to the Director, Penn State University, Hazelton, PA

The impact you had on the students and faculty hasn't yet lost its effect. It meant a great deal to us to hear about your experiences with prejudice and racism, and your search for a social and personal identity was moving and edifying.

- S.T., Assembly Coordinator, The Derryfield School, NY

Many said your presentation was the best assembly they'd ever attended. You are a lively model and teacher for multiculturalism and diversity.

- J.G., Chairperson, Violence Prevention Committee, Wakefield Public Schools, MA

May 31, 1996

Thank you for sharing such a powerful message - the audience is still talking about your wonderful performance.

- C.K., Director, Student Activities Office, San Jacinto College, Pasadena, TX

Your presentation challenged us to think beyond race and color. It offered a very stimulating and enriching dialogue that generated much conversation in our college community.

- J.W-J., Co-Chair, Black History Month Committee, Rariton Valley Community College, NJ

The obsession and polarization of race in America has reached a sickening level. It is too bad you can't speak to everyone in America. Now, after your performance and discussion, I have a greater appreciation for people who feel stuck in the middle of the race issue in America. Thank you so much for opening my mind and my heart. 

- E.S., Student, Clark University, MA

Our students and staff members throughout our system, gained a new perspective from having you here in our school. Your programs helped everyone discuss the topics of race and culture in a productive manner.

- M.W., Principal, Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Teja was an excellent speaker.

- BR, C.U.B.O.M. Lecture Chair, Augustina College, Rock Island, IL

Outstanding! Teja was well received on our campus, and gave a thought provoking performance.

- M.D., Assistant Dean of Students, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA

Thought provoking performance! Many conversations have occurred regarding the issues you brought up.

- R.C., Dean of Students, Blackburn College, Carlinville, IL

Your humorous, insightful talk served as the catalyst for some very fruitful discussions later that day. 

- E.M., Advisor, Multicultural Association, Suffield Academy, Suffield, CT

Brookhaven College, TX: A few audience praises, September 7, 2000 (return visit)

- Energetic and knowledgeable and made this touchy subject flow smoothly

- Excellent presentation

- One of the best presentations I have been to

- I was shocked it was interesting

- Mr. Arboleda is a great speaker

- Great ability to get the audience participating and involved with the message

- Amazing

- Saw him last time as well. Great impact. Great to have every few years

Our students have not stopped talking about you! I want you to know that you are making a difference.

- Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, FL

He made a real impact. Some of the kids would like to write him thank-yous so I'll be in touch when we get back to school Mar. 31st. Thanks for everything.

- J.B. Flint Hill School, VA 

The program "Crossing The Line: Comedians, Politicians and Shock Jocks" was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed having Teja here at JMU!

- F.Z., Director of Arts & Entertainment, James Madison University, VA 

Your on-man show was an engaging program that addresses the diversity within each of us. Students enjoyed the program very much!

- D.B., Director of Cultural Diversity, Carroll College

"Crossing The Line: Comedians, Politicians & Shock Jocks" was great!  We really liked his message about responsibility as it relates to crossing the line. Thanks for a great program and speaker!

- Randall Young, Bridgewater College, VA

I can not express how much my campus and I enjoyed the presentation. It went over better than I ever could have imagined. I was overjoyed at the positive feedback I am still getting from my superiors, colleagues, and student body.

- Amber Snider, University of Alabama

Teja was great... I received overwhelmingly positive feedback about him.   

- D.W. Macomb University, MI

The MLK program at CA this year is getting many kudos and thanks.  Teja's one-man show was positively received and was part of the opening of a wonderful day. I couldn't be more pleased.

- R.N., Director of Diversity and Equity, Concord Academy

The students really enjoyed your visit and as we discussed theories related to identity and identity formation in the following class periods, I was able to link back to elements of your talk. I also must tell you that I found our interactions with the audience very thought provoking.

- Linda Lain, Central College, Pella, IA

NERSC April 2012

• Great! Wonderful keynote.
• Very touching & poignant but made me think and ask what's behind the smile.
• Great presentation.
• Excellent choice for NERSC.
• It was inspirational, moving, amazing.
• He is awesome. Teja is an amazing person and felt very inspiring to me.
• He spoke from his heart and own experiences. Truly touching and meaningful to all of us. The best presentation and talk on racism.
• Awesome, inspirational story.
• Great presenter.
• Longer presentation - more!! I think the statement "racism is a disease: is huge. It was fabulous.
• He was excellent.
• Very good presenter.
• Thank you for sharing your story and the reminder that it's what is on the inside that counts.
• Great presentation.
• Great session. Really enjoyed his stories and life as an example of a diverse life.
• Amazing story. Very excellent message.
• Enjoyed Teja sharing his life with everyone
• Amazing life story. Example of how we do not/cannot know a person by looking at the surface.
• He can help by sharing his experiences.
• He was an excellent presenter, very informative and interesting. Hope you have him back.
• Wonderful, funny man.
• Amazing story. Very excellent message.
• Give handouts. Enjoyed Teja sharing his life with everyone - he has grown and is helping others.
• Amazing life story. Example of how we do not/cannot know a person by looking at the surface. There is so much
• more!
• He can help by sharing his experiences. He was an excellent presenter, very informative and interesting. Hope
• you have him back.
• Session was very interesting. Wish he had more time.
• Wonderful, funny man.
• Excellent way to start the morning.
• More! More! More! Powerful, provocative and very moving. There was a lump in my throat the entire time.
• Must believe we can change and make a difference.
• This subject is one that has to be reviewed and restated constantly.
• Specifically discuss how this topic pertains to our work as RSCs.
• Good perspective of problem - would like more on what we can do in the future.
• Topic was well-delivered and presentation was well organized.
• The fact that Teja's "in touch" with his history makes the presentation phenomenal.
• Excellent as is!
• It was great but we didn't have enough about how to heal racism.
• Keep doing what you are doing! The best keynote of all 4 conferences including this one.
• Thank you- it was enjoyable and educational.
• Workshop pertains to all these in attendance.
• Offer a little more structure and tying it into our work as RSCs.
• Awesome life experiences. Would love to speak with him one on one.
• Continue empowering people with your story.
• Very thought provoking.
• Amazing speaker -really makes you think.
• Thought everything was great.
• Excellent life stories and visuals. Would have loved to hear more on the beginning steps to actually healing
• racism. Not enough time spent on this.
• He was great! Enjoyable to listen to.
• Have attendees speak about their pedigree.
• Excellent, dynamic speaker.
• Well done. Gave us much food for thought. I can directly apply to how my elders and I are of different
• generations/backgrounds and how it causes us to get into conflicts about what might be the right course of action.
• He was GREAT!
• Excellent speaker. He should have a class.
• Very engaging. Great to hear his story.
• Wonderful keynote - great pace and topic for start of conference.
• Teja was very knowledgeable on this topic. Great training.
• I was expecting the keynote to include thoughts, ideas, etc. on healing . . .
• Excellent.
• He kept your attention and made you think regardless of your race. I enjoyed the freshness of his message.

Teja's long-awaited event couldn't have gone better!!  We had a terrific student turnout; they were really engaged; and several students stuck around afterward to talk with Teja.  It became obvious that many students had been hungering for an opportunity to discuss race and diversity issues in the open, but hadn't had the right opportunity. Teja's presentation was the perfect catalyst.  I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Also, Teja was such a great person to work with.  He was easy-going, open, and very generous with his time.  I really hope to be able to bring him back to campus for future events.

Maya Sarno, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs, College of Saint Elizabeth

Engaging and thought-provoking, Teja's performance challenges you to examine who you are and how you view those around you.  We all left with a greater awareness of what we have in common, versus only looking at our differences.

Adrienne Fraaza, Fall Welcome Coordinator , First-Year Experience Department, Western Michigan University

I liked Teja because he taught us how to not judge anyone based on their race or where they come from and that in the end we are all pretty much the same; we just come from different backgrounds.

Student, Western Michigan University

I liked Teja because he has more than one race, and in college it is hard to find someone with the same cultural/religion, or someone who understands where you came from. But all we have to do is explore!

Student, Western Michigan University

Teja Arboleda's experiences coupled with his willingness to share his personal story in a humorous way enabled him to powerfully connect with his audience. There were over 2,000 first-year college students in attendance who were highly engaged; many of the students connected with Teja on a personal level, but most if not all were engaged, they laughed and asked lots of questions. Teja's approach to educating his audience through his show resonated loudly and helped to reinforce the importance of tolerance and diversity and inclusion. Thank you.

Toni Wolfork-Barnes, Director, First Year Experience , Western Michigan University

Teja talked about issues that so many in education think and teach about.  He used clear and logical vocabulary for difficult and complicated ideas like defining culture and ethnicity.  As educators, we see students struggling with the complex history of inequality in this country (racial, gender, class, etc.), and it is difficult to teach then about it when these terms themselves are often unclear or undefined.

Mrs. Jennifer  Connors, Albany Academy for Girls, History Teacher, Grades 5 & 6