Each month an ADEA Connect Ambassador will be highlighted based on their contributions to ADEA Connect. Learn more about ambassador responsibilities in the ADEA Connect Ambassador Overview.
Katherine Velasco, D.D.S., is the Community Ambassador for ADEA Section on Minority Affairs, Diversity, and Inclusion. Read more about Dr. Velasco and her professional experience below.
Say Hello to Katherine Velasco, D.D.S.!
Assistant Professor/Team Leader IDG Program
NOVA Southeastern University, Florida
What professional tips or advice would you like to share about your profession?
As a dentist and as an educator there is one common piece of advice that never fails: Never get tired of updating and expanding your knowledge, and If you have the opportunity to learn something new, don't miss it! You never know when you will have to put that knowledge into practice.
What is your #1 reason for becoming an ADEA member?
As an educator, I was fortunate to become a member of ADEA through the institution to which I belonged and quickly discovered that being an ADEA member is an excellent move if I wanted to continue advancing my career in academia. Being here I had the opportunity to meet other professionals who, like me, have a passion for high education and sincerely want to improve the quality of teaching and the educational environment. At ADEA I have learned, I have grown, and I have improved my leadership skills. Being a member of ADEA has not only expanded my networking but I have also made good professional friends.
So, I cannot count the number 1 reason, but if I have to summarize to say just one, I would say that I am a member of ADEA because it helps me to become a better educator in Dental Academia.
What has been the most rewarding experience of your career?
As a clinician, I had the sincere gratitude of my patients after helping them improve their quality of life through the improvement of their oral health. Without a doubt, the most rewarding thing in my career as a dental educator has been seeing my students succeed and feeling their love and gratitude towards me as their instructor, mentor and coach.
How has ADEA Connect been useful to you?
Considering that our annual meeting is once a year, ADEA Connect helps me keep in touch with the educational community, as well as the constant support of members and their diligence in sharing what has worked for them in the mission of teaching as well as knowing the strategies that work in different areas of personal interest.
At the same time as a leader, this helps us to keep in constant contact with the members of the different sections and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) and help them in any way we can.
What is your favorite hobby or place to travel?
I love flowers and some say I'm good at flower arranging, I try to keep fresh flowers in my house all the time. For some reason, flowers give me a feeling of joy and serenity.
I am originally from Colombia, and since I came to live here in the United States, I have only been back to my country twice, however, I can say that among all the places I have visited, Colombia continues to be my favorite place to come back and visit.