Finding a Cultural Identity

When did you become aware of your own cultural identity?
By Lisa Brosseau

I never really felt a strong connection or sense of belonging to my church, neighborhood or extended family growing up. We lived far from my parents’ families and rarely visited them. My Mom took us to Catholic church and religious education every Sunday, but she left the church in my mid-teens in response to its stance on abortion. I decided not to be confirmed and turned away from organized religion. The first time I felt a sense of cultural identity was in college. I went to a women’s college in the late 1970s. All the leadership positions in the college – staff and students – were held by women. This gave me a vision for what I could be in the “outside world” at a time when there were few women leaders in most organizations. The next time I felt a sense of cultural identity was in 1990 when I moved from the east coast to take a job at the University of Minnesota. I found a place that was welcoming, progressive and committed to the common good. My profession as a public health researcher and educator was full of colleagues and institutions focused on making people’s lives healthier. Encouraged by my soon-to-be husband to attend Unity (I was very skeptical), I also found a home with like-minded people in a spiritual and giving community. The first time a woman minister (Gretchen Thompson) led the service, I knew for sure I had found my spiritual home. Belonging, being accepted, and sharing similar beliefs are so important to one’s wellbeing. I count myself lucky to have found them in Minnesota and at Unity Church.

I am industrial hygienist (workplace health and safety professional). I worked at the University of Minnesota and University of Illinois Chicago as a researcher and educator for my entire career. I grew up in upstate New York and lived in Boston for 12 years before moving to Minnesota. I retired from academia in 2018 but continue to consult part-time. My husband (Allen Giles) and I are avid birders - we try to go at least one new place for birding each year.