Faces of FIUTS: Let’s Meet the Brazilian Booth Captain

As the FIUTS CulturalFest gets closer, let’s take a moment to read about some of our wonderful Booth Captains and learn why they want to be part of this incredible event. We had a lovely interview with our Brazilian Booth Captain and this is what she had to say..

What is your name?

Karyane Johnston

Which country are you representing?

Brazil

Tell us a bit about yourself..

My name is Karyane, I'm from Brazil, and I'm currently a student at Bellevue College pursuing an associates in business through the Business Transfer Program. I’m also an intern with the FIUTS team. Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending quality moments with my husband, friends, and family. I also love doing puzzles, baking desserts, and playing card games.

What inspired you to participate in CulturalFest this year?

What inspired me to participate in CulturalFest is the opportunity to represent my country, Brazil, and to learn more about other cultures. A couple of years ago, I started spending time with people of different nationalities, and that increased my interest in exploring diverse traditions and perspectives. I feel that the CulturalFest Expo is a great opportunity to learn and build connections.  

What does it mean to be a Booth Captain?

To me, being a Booth Captain is a great opportunity to lead and organize my country’s booth. It means working together with my group, helping, listening and guiding them together. We can have meaningful outcomes, such as representing our country, having fun, and working as a team. 

Can you describe the cultural aspects you are showcasing and why they are important to you?

Brazil has a rich and diverse cultural identity, shaped by its history, and the mix of indigenous, African, European, and immigrant populations. More specifically, key cultural aspects include music and dance with iconic styles like samba and bossa nova. Our cuisine ranges from desserts to the dishes that bring families together for dinners and weekend meals. We also hold a lot of festivals, such as Carnival, Festa Junina, Bumba Meu Boi, and Brazil’s Independence Day celebrations. At our booth, we’ll showcase samples that highlight these cultural characteristics.

In what ways do you believe events like CulturalFest contribute to fostering cultural understanding within the community?

I believe that events like the FIUTS CulturalFest play a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding within the community by bringing people together to celebrate and share their unique traditions. It provides an opportunity for individuals to represent their country and culture, allowing others to learn, appreciate, and respect diverse backgrounds. By engaging in this exchange, all participants can gain a deeper understanding of one another’s values, customs, and experiences, which helps to create a more inclusive and respectful community.

Date: Saturday, April 19

Time: Expo starts 4:00 pm, performances start at 7:00 pm

Location: Benaroya Hall