Opportunities for Women-Led Businesses in the Americas Conference
2024-03-10 00:00 - 2024-03-11 23:59 (America/New_York) | Panama City, Panama
The United States Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service invites you to the Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Opportunities for Women-Led Businesses in the Americas Conference in Panama City, Panama on March 10-11, 2024.

Ideal for any company seeking opportunities in the Americas, this unique business conference – held in Panama City, Panama – offers you the opportunity to meet and network with U.S. Commercial and Economic Officers from 17 Western Hemisphere countries as well as key trade related service providers.

Participants will engage in regional market briefings; two networking receptions; four plenary session presentations; two networking lunches, and five export related workshops.

Plenary Session topics:

Regional Economic and Political Outlook

Empowering Women-Owned Small Businesses through Global Trade

How Digitalization is Driving Opportunities Across Sectors

Using Panama and the Region as an Export Hub

Workshops topics:

Supplier Diversity and Inclusive Procurement

Export Finance Solutions

Intro to International Shipping and Incoterms

Choose Your Channel: Options for International Sales

Protecting Your Intellectual Property Abroad

One-on-one meetings will be pre-scheduled with U.S. diplomats and/or industry specialists from U.S. Embassies in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, The Bahamas, and Uruguay.

Kendee Yamaguchi
Kendee Yamaguchi was appointed by President Biden to serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Field at the International Trade Administration. In this role, she oversees nearly 300 trade professionals in more than 100 U.S. cities. She helps U.S. businesses export their goods and services, and attracts foreign direct investment to grow jobs within the United States.

Mari Carmen Aponte
Mari Carmen Aponte is a distinguished lawyer, civic leader, and the first female Puerto Rican Ambassador. She served as U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador (2012-2016) and as Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. She was confirmed as Ambassador to Panama by the U.S. Senate on September 29, 2022.

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Expat Expectations: Building Your Global Workforce in Atlanta
2024-03-12 11:30 - 13:30 | Atlanta Tech Village, 3423 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30305, United States
As technology continues to shape the future of work, companies are facing unprecedented challenges in managing their cross-border workforce. Changes in immigration policy, blurred lines between home and office, and fluctuations in real estate markets can all complicate the process. Local firms are finding success by blending cultural consideration with policy preparedness, while international firms breaking into the U.S. for the first time through Atlanta are encountering new challenges, such as disparate hiring rules, byzantine benefits practices and hidden relocation costs.

New hires themselves, meanwhile, have to adapt to a new work life while struggling to get a driver’s license, finance a home or find school for the kids in an unfamiliar landscape.

On March 12, Global Atlanta will bring together a slate of experts to provide the latest insights on running a global team from our global city, interspersed with personal stories from expatriates who have made the jump to Atlanta. The resulting discussion will help you manage Expat Expectations as you onboard and integrate new team members across borders.

Areas covered in the seminar include: family law, immigration, education, tax, real estate, banking and cross-cultural training.

More speakers to be announced.

Confirmed Speakers & Organizations:

Atlanta International School

Shivam Malhotra, Partner, Global Mobility, Aprio
As Aprio’s Global Mobility Services (GMS) Leader, Shivam oversees the growth and development of the firm’s GMS practice. He has a decade of experience in professional services, assisting multinational companies with international business matters such as including navigating taxation and compensation, transferring individuals and managing expatriate needs across all aspects of global mobility. He works closely with CEOs and CFOs of global organizations, global mobility managers, human resources leaders, high-net- worth individuals and cross-border individuals.

Paula Henao, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Combining technical prowess with a servant’s heart, Paula Henao is an architect as well as a REALTOR®. Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Paula pursued her education in architecture and came to the United States after being offered a position with a builder in Georgia. After working on residential communities in Augusta and Aiken, she chose to settle in Atlanta, a city she loves for its growth, opportunities for families and diverse community. A resident of Johns Creek, she has been in the business for over 12 years and has loved growing together with her clients as they move forward with their families and careers. Proud to offer the highest level of service through her partnership with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, she works with clients throughout the North Atlanta area. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, her unrivaled ability to be fully present and communicate the right information to the right person at the right time makes her a sought-after negotiator and confidante. Active in her community, Paula has accepted various roles with the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association as their first executive director and former member of their board of directors. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton and Global Atlanta. She is also an engaged PTA member at State Bridge Crossing Elementary, where her daughter attends.

Michael Manely, The Manely Firm
Michael has practiced divorce and family law for more than 30 years and has prevailed in thousands of family law cases. He has become one of the most sought-after international family law attorneys in Georgia, representing clients in federal court throughout the United States and in select foreign jurisdictions. Michael has successfully resolved cases from every continent in the world, except Antarctica, and served as an expert witness on international child abduction in court proceedings in the United States and Scotland. On December 5, 2012 he delivered oral argument before the Supreme Court of the United States in Chafin v. Chafin, securing a unanimous victory and establishing that parents who have a child removed from the United States have standing regarding their custodial interests. The decision has been cited over 950 times. Michael is the only all family law attorney to win unanimous decisions from both the U.S. Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Georgia!

Matthias Ohm, LL.M.Attorney at Law, Arnall Golden Gregory
Matt is an Associate at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP. He is a German and U.S. lawyer, holding a U.S. Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Georgia School of Law. He obtained both his German and his U.S. law license (NY) in 2015. In 2019, Matt was also sworn into the Georgia Bar.

Matt focuses his legal services on supporting foreign-owned business entities and individuals investing in the U.S. in the areas of immigration, corporate, and employment law. He supports companies’ global immigration needs through both U.S. immigration and non-immigration visa processing for businesses and families (temporary work visas and green cards).

He has established himself as an esteemed member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has become a welcome speaker at various conferences.

Soumaya Khalifa, Khalifa Consulting
Soumaya is the President & CEO of Khalifa Consulting, is a highly-regarded coach, trainer and consultant, specializing in intercultural communications, diversity, equity and inclusion, and leadership development. Through her consulting firm, Soumaya provides corporate, non-profit, and governmental institutions with wide-ranging expertise and practical solutions to cross-cultural operations. Using resources she developed to examine the impact of religious diversity in the workplace and the marketplace, Soumaya has seen her clients and their employees improve their work environments and increase productivity.

As a committed believer in “building bridges of understanding,” Soumaya is involved in a myriad of community activities, including sitting on the boards of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center, and The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and is a on The Carter Center’s Board of Councilors.

Since 2009, Soumaya has been an adjunct faculty member at Emory University’s Center for Continuing Education, offering courses on intercultural communication, Women in Leadership and Human Resources Certification. She has published numerous articles, reviews and blog posts on managing cultural differences, including contributing a chapter to Religious Diversity at Work (2016). Soumaya is the founder of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta.

Her work has brought her much recognition. Recently, Soumaya was listed in the 2023 Georgia 500: The State’s Most Influential Leaders by Georgia Trend magazine and she received the 2021 Honorable Mention Power the Future award from The Forum on Workplace Inclusion. She is a 2019 YWCA Woman of Achievement, was honored in Atlanta Magazine’s 2019 Women Making a Mark, and was presented with the prestigious Phoenix Award by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in 2017.

Who Should Come?

* Leaders of international subsidiaries in tech or beyond* HR managers for large ATL companies with global operations* Startups looking to go global or recruit internationally* Service providers seeking better insight into their clients’ challenges* Economic development leaders looking to improve their community’s outreach around the world

Special Forum - Advance with Africa Atlanta
2024-03-18 14:00 - 16:00 | The Gathering Spot, 384 Northyards Blvd NW Building 100, Suite 190, Atlanta, GA, 30313, United States
Join the Chamber’s U.S.-Africa Business Center in Atlanta on March 18 for a special convening of the Advance with Africa program in partnership with the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement to foster economic engagement through Diaspora business ties. Discover insights and connect with industry leaders at The Gathering Spot ATL.

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Ja-Ga Futures Forum: Celebrating 50 Years of Partnership & Creating the Next Era
2024-03-19 11:30 - 15:30 | Georgia Tech – Exhibition Hall – Midtown Ballroom, 460 Fourth Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. Tocommemorate this milestone, The Japan-America Society of Georgia proudly partners with the NationalAssociation of National Japan-America Societies, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Georgia Tech Center for International Business Education & Research to present the first annual “Ja-Ga Futures Forum,” a symposium exploring the past, present, and future of the ever-more important bilateral partnership between Japan and the United States. This year’s inaugural Ja-Ga Futures Forum features 2 stimulating sessions and a Business & Career Expo where Japanese companies in Georgia will introduce their business operations and career opportunities.

The Forum begins with a luncheon and panel discussion with distinguished speakers from both countries whoshare insights on current U.S.-Japan GEOSTRATEGIC challenges and opportunities in a changing new world. As China, North Korea and the re-emergence of Russia, among others, present new issues for leadership from both nations, Professor Brian Woodall, from the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of International Affairs, moderates a discussion with Ms. Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director from the Center for a New American Security, and Professor Tomohiko Satake, from Aoyama Gakuin University’s School of International Politics, Economics and Communication, on The QUAD, the potential action in a contingency, and how the U.S.-Japan alliance can shape the future of our world.

During the second session of the Forum, an overview of the history and current state of Georgia-Japan relationswill be followed by an interactive dialogue, led by Ms. Nozomi Morgan, President & CEO of Michiki MorganWorldwide. The discussion with the audience will focus on the importance of future partnerships and how wecan help shape the next era of the invaluable relationship between Georgia and Japan.

After each session, guest have the unique opportunity to network and meet with a select group of Japanesecompanies doing business in Georgia at the Business & Career Expo. With over 600 Japanese-affiliatedbusinesses employing nearly 40,000 people in the state, visiting these informational tables will expand yourknowledge about why Japanese investment in Georgia have been so successful while also gaining exclusiveaccess to business and career opportunities with these companies.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta and learn more about the dynamic and evolving relationship between Japan and the U.S. and Georgia. Whether your passion is in business, culture, education, public affairs or social networking, we encourage you to join us at this one-of-a-kind event and look forward to seeing you at the first annual Ja-Ga Futures Forum!

James Hoadley, Associate Director of CIBER (Moderator)
James Hoadley brings extensive personal experience to the Georgia Tech CIBER. He lived in Japan for nearly eight years, where he worked for Seiko Epson Corporation. He also worked as Human Resources manager for a Japanese-owned auto parts supplier in South Carolina before coming to Georgia Tech. He has an MBA from Georgia Tech and a graduate diploma in foreign language teaching and B.A. in international studies from the University of South Carolina. He is fluent in Japanese.

Mio Maeda, Consul General,Consulate General of Japan in Atlatna
Mr. Mio Maeda received a law degree in 1990 from the University of Tokyo and furthered his studies atthe University of Oxford. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA Japan) soon after, and hasheld various positions throughout his three-decade career.In 2002, he was appointed Deputy Director, Research and Programming Division (EconomicCooperation Bureau) and later became Deputy Director of the Second Southeast Asia Division (Asianand Oceanian Affairs Bureau).His international appointments began in 2004 with a post as Counselor at the Embassy of Japan in Italy.Two years later, he served as Counselor at Embassy of Japan in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam(2006).After returning to Japan in 2009, Mr. Maeda led as Counselor for the National Policy Unit (CabinetSecretariat) and in 2011 was Senior Coordinator of the Global Issues Cooperation Division (InternationalCooperation Bureau).In 2013, Mr. Maeda worked as Minister-Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy ofJapan in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and in 2014 returned to Japan to serve as Director of theSouthwest Asia Division (Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department, MOFA, Japan).He served in the Imperial Household Agency in 2015 and was appointed Chamberlain to HIH the CrownPrince of Japan, and later as Chamberlain to HM the Emperor of Japan, until 2019. Mr. Maeda thenbecame Minister, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland.He now joins the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta as Consul General where he serves as the Headof Mission in the Southeast United States. Mr. Maeda is married and has one daughter. He resides inAtlanta with his wife.

Tomohiko Satake, Associate Professor, School of International Politics, Economics & Communication, Aoyama Gakuin University
Tomohiko Satake is an associate professor at theSchool of International Politics, Economics andCommunication (SIPEC) at Aoyama GakuinUniversity. Previously he was a senior researchfellow at the National Institute for Defense Studies(NIDS) located in Tokyo. He specializes ininternational relations, Asia-Pacific security, andJapanese and Australian security policies.Between 2013 and 2014, he worked for theInternational Policy Division of the Defense PolicyBureau of the Japan Ministry of Defense as a deputy director for internationalsecurity. He earned B.A. and M.A. from Keio University, and PhD in internationalrelations from the Australian National University.His recent publication includes: “’Kyori no Sensei’ wo Koete: Reisengo noNichigo Anzenhosyo Kyoryoku” [Beyond ‘Tyranny of Distance’: Japan-AustraliaSecurity Cooperation after the Cold War] (Keiso Publishers, 2022).

Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director, Indo-Pacific Security Program The Center for a New American Security
Lisa Curtis is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at CNAS. She is a foreign policy and national security expert with over 20 years of service in the U.S. government, including at the National Security Council (NSC), CIA, State Department, and Capitol Hill. Her work has centered on U.S. policy toward the Indo-Pacific and South Asia, with a particular focus on U.S.-India strategic relations; Quad (United States, Australia, India, and Japan) cooperation; counterterrorism strategy in South and Central Asia; and China’s role in the region.

Curtis served as deputy assistant to the president and NSC senior director for South and Central Asia from 2017 to 2021 under three successive national security advisors. During her tenure at the NSC, she coordinated U.S. policy development and implementation of the South Asia Strategy approved by the president in 2017 and was a key contributor to the Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework, which included expanding Quad security cooperation. She coordinated policies designed to strengthen the U.S.-India defense, diplomatic, and trade partnership, resulting in a widely recognized elevation of the relationship. Curtis also coordinated development of the U.S. strategy toward Central Asia, to include facilitating new partnerships with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Curtis received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service in December 2020 in recognition of her work at the NSC.

From 2006 to 2017, Curtis was senior fellow on South Asia at the Heritage Foundation, where her responsibilities included research, writing, regular media appearances, and frequent Congressional testimony. She also served as a professional staff member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, handling the South Asia portfolio for former chairman of the committee, Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), from 2003 to 2006. Before that, she worked as a senior advisor in the South Asia Bureau at the State Department, where she developed and coordinated U.S. policy on India-Pakistan relations. In the late 1990s, she worked as a senior analyst on South Asia at the CIA, and from 1994 to 1998 served at the U.S. embassies in Pakistan and India.

Curtis has published commentary in Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The National Interest, CNN.com, NPR.org, and other media outlets. She has made multiple appearances on CNN, Fox News, BBC, PBS, MSNBC, and C-SPAN.

Curtis is a member of the Board of Directors of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. She received a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Indiana University in December 1990.

Nozomi Morgan, President & CEO, Michiki Morgan Worldwide
Nozomi leads a team of experts in developing global leaders. Her team helps organizations develop Co-created Culture which she believes is the foundation for individuals and organizations to fulfill their purpose in this world. Her diverse international background — having lived in Asia, Europe and North America — gives her a wealth of experience and knowledge as a strategic partner to leaders. Born and raised in Japan, she values integrity, professionalism, and respect, all of which are core tenets of her deeply ingrained heritage.

For more than 15 years, Nozomi garnered expertise as a corporate marketer, working for top companies such as Delta Air Lines, Johnson & Johnson, BBDO, and working with industry-leading clients in the automotive, consumer package goods, fashion, finance, entertainment, IT, lifestyle, and airline sectors. Nozomi currently lives in the Greater Atlanta Area and frequently travels to Tokyo to serve her clients. She enjoys giving back to the community by serving on boards such as Japan-America Society of Georgia, National Association of Asian American Professionals. She is also passionate in empowering women to find their own voice and help them become leaders in their life, work and society.

Mellissa Takeuchi, Senior Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Mellissa Takeuchi is a Project Manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development specializing in Japanese investment. She is tasked with bringing more Japanese companies to Georgia. In addition, she travels the state to better understand the local communities, including all of their unique characteristics and strengths and to assist them in attracting more Japanese businesses. She took over this role in February of 2021. Ms. Takeuchi is fluent in Japanese and has more than 18 years of experience working with Japanese companies and public entities. She earned her B.A. in International Affairs and Economics from George Washington University. Prior to joining the Georgia Department of Economic Development, she held various roles at the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta for 8 years. Previously she worked as a Bilingual Executive Assistant at Toppan Interamerica in McDonough, Georgia, as well as serving 5 years as an Assistant Language Teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. She lived and worked just outside of Kobe, Japan for 6 years and has remained connected to Japan and the local Japanese community in Atlanta ever since. Ms. Takeuchi is a member of the Japan-America Society of Georgia, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, and the Georgia Economic Developers Association. Ms. Takeuchi is a native of Conyers, Georgia. She now lives in Marietta with her husband and their two pugs and three cats. In her free time she likes to travel and (attempting) to cook Japanese food.

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Cobb International Company Celebration Reception
2024-03-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Cobb Chamber of Commerce, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000, Atlanta, 30339, Georgia
The Cobb Chamber and SelectCobb cordially invite attendees to an evening of celebration, uniting professionals and leaders from diverse industries to nurture connections and collaborations on a global scale. The event assures an enriching experience, offering ample networking opportunities, cultural exchange, and engaging conversations.

The featured speaker for the evening will be the esteemed Dean of the Consular Corps, Consul General Javier Diaz de Leon. Attendees can anticipate an insightful address from him, adding a distinguished touch to the event.

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Consular Conversations: Peru
2024-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Miller and Martin, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100, Atlanta, GA, 30309, United States
Join Global Atlanta on March 26 for the next interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC, featuring Giancarlo León Collazos​, Consul General of Peru in Atlanta.

The discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor, Trevor Williams, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. A follow-up of the event will be published in an article following the discussion.

Potential Discussion topics to be announced.

Presented by:

Our Featured Speaker:

Giancarlo León Collazos​, Consul General of Peru in Atlanta
Diplomatic Minister of the Peruvian Foreign Office. Mr. Leon is Bachelor of Systems’ Engineering at the Lima’s University. He is Master in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Peru, as well as Master in Foreign Affairs with mention in International Cooperationfrom the Externado University of Colombia.

He has served abroad as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Peru in Colombia as well as Delegate of the Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations and other InternationalOrganizations based in Geneva, Switzerland. Within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Mr. Leon has served as Director of Maritime Affairs; Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of the Viceminister of Foreign Affairs; Deputy Director of Andean Countries; Deputy Director of WTO and IP Issue; and Advisor of the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Lunch and Learn -- Find Your Perfect Fit: Recruitment Insights for Employers and Candidates From YER's European and Dutch Desks
2024-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 | NACCSE @ JLL, 3344 Peachtree Road NE, suite 1100, Atlanta, GA, 30326, United States
Join Kenneth van der Zalm (VP European Desk) and Denise Kellermann (Director Dutch Desk) to learn about the intricacies of recruitment, focusing on why choosing the right candidate matters, and equally, why being chosen by the right employer is crucial. This Lunch & Learn session will be interactive, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions with our recruitment experts from YER!

Topics discussed during this session will include:

Understanding Recruitment Dynamics: Unpacking the complexities of recruitment and its impact on both employers and employees.

Employer Branding: Discover how an employer’s brand influences recruitment decisions and the importance of aligning with an organization’s values and culture.

Finding Your Fit: Learn how to assess whether a company is the right fit for you, considering factors such as culture, values, career growth opportunities, and work-life balance.

Showcasing Your Value: Understand the importance of presenting your unique skills, experiences, and values to prospective employers, and how to effectively communicate your value proposition.

The Mutual Selection Process: Explore how employers and candidates can navigate the recruitment process to ensure mutual alignment and long-term success.

Kenneth van der Zalm, VP European Desk

Denise Kellermann, Director Dutch Desk

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