Meredith International Association Hosts Annual UN Dinner

The Meredith International Association (MIA) hosted its annual UN Dinner in November in Belk Dining Hall. This year’s theme was “Together in Migration: Stories from Around the World,” which celebrated narratives and stories about migration throughout the centuries and the impact of migration on individuals and communities. 

“We felt that Together in Migration best captured the heart of our shared experiences. As international students with diverse backgrounds, many of us have witnessed or lived through migration in deeply personal ways. It has shaped who we are, how we navigate the world, and what we’re becoming. This theme honors those journeys — not just the movement across borders, but the emotional, cultural, and generational transitions that come with it,” said Mariana Ocampo Londono, ’26, MIA President.

The event featured a panel of six speakers sharing their unique perspectives.

MIA’s goal was for attendees to leave the dinner with a deeper understanding of what their organization stands for — a space of advocacy, celebration, and connection for students. The goal is for the broader Meredith community to see how human experiences can change perspectives and lives.

“For students, we hope the event sparked reflection, empathy, and pride. Whether you’ve migrated yourself or are learning from others’ stories, we want you to feel seen, inspired, and empowered to build bridges across cultures,” said Londono.

Londono says the UN Dinner began informally around 2018 and officially became a Meredith College tradition just last year — a milestone that reflects the growing visibility and impact of the Meredith International Association on campus.