Our Mission
At COMPEAR Global Education Network, our mission is to foster a more equitable world through the Respectful Disruption Leadership, a framework, developed by Christina ‘Chris’ Thompson (she/herhers), to address the existing inequitable systems and practices within global education and beyond.
Specializing in innovative educational training, strategic consulting, and effective community dialogues, we provide a comprehensive approach to personal and organizational development. By offering tailored resources and consulting services, we equip educational institutions, community groups, and businesses with the strategies and tools needed for transformative change. Our commitment extends beyond single interventions; we establish enduring partnerships, guiding our collaborators through an ongoing journey to interculturality, diversity, equity, and inclusion (IDEI). Focusing on co-construction, actionable strategies, and continuous support, we aim to leave a lasting, transformative impact on organizations, teams, and individuals alike.
Our Commitment to Climate Justice
At Compear Global Education Network, our mission to foster a more equitable world encompasses our commitment to climate justice. We recognize the profound impact that climate change has on the most vulnerable populations worldwide and understand that addressing these challenges is integral to our goals of equity and inclusivity. Inspired by our founder, Christina 'Chris' Thompson's pioneering work in innovative educational training and diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are dedicated to integrating climate justice into the core of our Global Respectful Disruption Summit. Read more about our climate justice [link to climate justice plan] and reach out to us, if you’re interested in partnering!
Our Core Values
COMPEAR believes in:
Our Name
Our organization is known as COMPEAR, a name that creatively reimagines the term 'compare'. This innovative adaptation is inspired by the symbolic pear tree, a motif that holds deep significance in various cultures and literary works. The transformation of 'compare' into 'COMPEAR' was a deliberate choice, designed to emphasize our fundamental belief that education can be a catalyst for understanding and embracing diversity.
If you're acquainted with the novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by the esteemed author Zora Neale Hurston, you might remember the pear tree's pivotal role in the story. In this literary masterpiece, the pear tree is a symbol of inner peace, representing a state of inner harmony that we strive to foster.
Beyond this literary reference, the pear tree is revered in many cultures worldwide. It is often associated with prosperity, wellness, and future happiness. These positive associations resonate with our organizational objectives, making the pear tree a fitting symbol for our mission and it embodies our dedication to fostering understanding, acceptance, and well-being through education, much like the pear tree that symbolizes inner peace, prosperity, and happiness.
OUR FOUNDER
CHRISTINA ‘CHRIS’ THOMPSON
Embracing Innovative Initiatives That Challenge Global Inequity
Christina 'Chris' Thompson (she/her/hers), Doctoral Candidate, is a distinguished figure in global education, justice, and the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her most recent accolades include the prestigious NAFSA Award for Impact in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in International Education awardee and the Go Abroad Awards for Innovation in Diversity (2022), being a finalist for the London PIE Awards for Innovation in Diversity (2022), and receiving the 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate in International Education award from NAFSA Region 7. Over the years, Chris's exceptional contributions to her field have been recognized and celebrated through numerous awards and recognitions.
As the founder of Compear Global Education Network, and the creator of the Respectful Disruption Leadership framework, Chris brings over 16 years of expertise in guiding organizations to adopt best practices in international education, justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as intercultural instruction.
In addition to her work with Compear, Chris is also the founder of the annual Global Respectful Disruption Summit, organized in partnership with Goabroad.com. This event serves as a platform for thought leaders from all over the world to discuss and promote innovative strategies for respectful disruption in various fields.
Chris's work is characterized by her specialization in intercultural learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion, her commitment to community organizing, and her intentional action-based approach. She is known for her efforts in centering black interculturalism within her work, and she is a pioneer in the field of respectful disruption leadership pedagogy. Her innovative and inclusive approach has made her a respected leader and advocate in her field.
In addition to her work with Compear, she serves as an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Consultant with Be Equitable. This mid-size firm partners with top institutions and businesses from all over the globe supporting their IDEA journey. Prior to this role, Christina served as Director of Partnership Development and Diversity Initiatives at Barcelona SAE, where she pioneered new award-winning diversity and inclusion initiatives and has led Education Abroad and International Students Scholars Services Programming campus offices as Director for more than 15 years.
Christina is a published and contributing author on intercultural and diversity topics, including most recently co-authoring an article called, The Power of the Community Pact, 7 Actions for Inclusive Hiring, contributing writer in the book, Like a Fish in Water: How to Grow Abroad when you go Abroad, by Rich Kurtzman. She also co-authored article on “Innovative interventions on-site through intercultural training to address health, safety and security concerns of diverse students abroad” in The Global Impact Exchange with Diversity Abroad and more.
As a NAFSA member and leader, serving as chair of the EAKC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee, Christina is a regular contributor to the FORUM on Education Abroad and CAINE’s Climate Justice Working groups, a NAFSA mentor, and a frequently invited speaker for WISE, NAFSA, Diversity Abroad, and FORUM Conferences.
Christina holds a MA in Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a concentration in Global Studies and is currently a doctoral student studying disruptive leadership practices in global spaces. She has dedicated her life’s work to helping countless individuals pursue intercultural experiences and thrive in diverse environments.
Considering a Career in Consulting ?
Our Compear Global Education Network is a vibrant community of educators from diverse backgrounds. If you're exploring opportunities to work as a consultant within our organization, we'd be thrilled to connect with you. Please send your inquiries or interest to info@compear.org.
