ABOUT
ME
Tiffany Byrd Cook
International Ballerina turned Culture and Cultural Diplomacy Enthusiast
My dream of dancing in a European ballet company and living abroad became a reality when I was awarded my first professional contract with Ballett Dortmund (Germany) at the age of 19.
While some might find working with colleagues from over 30 nationalities daunting, I discovered that I thrive in diverse and collaborative environments. I enjoy building relationships by learning about a person's culture, finding ways to overcome language barriers, and seeking to understand distinct perspectives. Working and living abroad has helped me develop an international outlook far broader than my previous American views on life, business, and ethnicity. I strive to seek out shared beliefs that help build cross-cultural bridges.
My ballet career and volunteer leadership experiences as Honorary Youth Ambassador to Brno put me on a journey through which I discovered my passion for cultural diplomacy and protocol and chose to attend Oxford's Pre-Master's Foundations of Diplomacy Course. This course made me realize how essential cultural intelligence (CQ) and cross-cultural communication is for international organizations, governments, and global citizens in this era of globalization.
My passion for serving people, communities, and beyond stems from my belief in the power of CQ and communication. I have seen and experienced first-hand how CQ enables successful mediation and allows one to overcome obstacles, often presented by cultural misunderstandings, and to create synergy and mutually beneficial relationships. Now I want to share some of my experiences and research with you!
Having you on this developmental journey with me is such a privilege. TBC.
Education
2021-Present
MLS Behavioral Science
Southern Methodist University
I have been delving into coursework on mediation and dispute resolution, cultural intelligence, and organizational behavior. As a student, I have been asked twice to serve as a TA for the SMU in London Communication Internship Program, counseling junior and senior level undergraduate students navigating internships and living in multi-cultural settings, cultivating their value to their company. Additionally, I am a Certified Texas Mediator in accordance with Section 154.052(a).
2022-Present
MBA
Dallas Baptist University
I am honored to be a Christian Leadership Scholarship recipient and to have the opportunity to continue learning while living abroad as a military spouse. I have enjoyed classes such as Leadership in Management and Advanced Marketing. I have developed skills in personal branding and continued learning about cultures through the International Finance study abroad trip to South Korea.
2020-2021
Pre-Masters (US Equivalent of a Master's Certificate) in Diplomacy
University of Oxford
Being one of seven selected students for this highly competitive program was a privilege. I enjoyed classes such as Skills for Public Diplomacy, Diplomatic Simulations, and Diplomatic & Professional Communication Skills. In addition to my studies, I enrolled in an additional certification course, Interculturally Speaking.