Women’s Empowerment Roundtable Summit: Achieving Global Goals, Best Practices and Lessons Learned.
2021-03-19 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Theme: How to ensure a sustainable future by empowering girls and women. Speakers will share their knowledge of best practices and/or lessons learned in the achievement of Global Goals supporting gender equality.

Dr. Ramona Houston, Moderator

9:00 AM: Introductions (IWTT, UNA-Atlanta, RCE Greater Atlanta)
Keynote Speakers:

H.E Lady Sandra Williams, Governor General‘s Goodwill Emissary, President and Founder, The Halo Foundation, Inc., Antigua and Barbuda
Ms. Gail Farngalo, Senior Adviser and Lead on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and Focal Point for UN Women and the Commission on the Status of Women, Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly

Ms. Monica Delores Hooks, Executive Director, City of Atlanta’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative

Honorary Guest Speaker, Consul General Michel Gerebtzoff, Consulate General of Belgium in Atlanta; Knowledge Sharing: Belgium’s Best Practices to Promote Gender Equality

10:00 AM: Roundtable Discussion #1 on Women and Child Wellbeing:

Dr. Angela M. Wakhweya, Senior Director, Health Equity and Rights Team, CARE, Atlanta, Georgia

Ms. Colette Cottman, Community Development Specialist, Microsoft, Atlanta, Georgia

Ms. Madinah S. Ali, President & Co-Founder, Safe PC Cloud Atlanta Co-Lead for The Women in Technology (WIT) Network, Microsoft Business Partner Channel, Atlanta, Georgia

Ms. Michelle White, Principal, Western High School, Baltimore, Maryland

Ms. Cheri-Ann Taylor, Director of Student Behavioral Health and Well-Being, Clayton County Publics Schools, Georgia

Ms. Chinita Allen, Founder and Education Advocacy Consultant, LLC, Georgia

Moderator: Carolyne A. Opinde, Dr. h.c., The NGO Whisperer™ United Kingdom

Q and A for Panel Discussion

11:00 AM: Roundtable Discussion #2 on Entrepreneurship and Partnerships

Ms. Alecha Benson, Co-Founder, Nirvana Tea Inc., Michigan

Ms. Renee Smith, Co-Founder & CTO, Parking BOXX, Canada

Ms. Farhana Hasan, Founder & CEO, HerWILL, GeorgiaProfessor Thuli Madonsela, Founder, The Thuli Madonsela Foundation (Thuma), South Africa

Ms. Mary Ehrsam, President, Partnerships, Operation HOPE, Inc., New York

Moderator: Ms. Robbin Jorgensen, Founder and CEO, Women Igniting Change, Georgia

Q and A for Panel Discussion

Closing Remarks

New Travel Restrictions – A Discussion with US Consular Staff
2021-03-19 10:00 - 11:00
Newly revised travel restrictions to the United States, announced by the U.S. Department of State on March 2nd, 2021, may impact travelers from the Schengen Zone planning to conduct certain business operations in the U.S.  The new regulations, aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, reduce the scope of qualification for a National Interest Exception (NIE) under Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10143 as related to the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland.
To help explain these heightened restrictions, the German American Chambers of Commerce (AHK USA), together with the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), and AmCham Germany, have organized a virtual informational seminar with U.S. Consular Staff from Berlin, Frankfurt , and Munich.
Submit a Question for the Q&A Session
Since there is an expectation that the number of participants and the volume of incoming questions will be exceptionally high, please submit your questions upon registration for the event, though some time for additional questions during the program may be available.
Can’t Make it? Attend the Second Session
If you are unable to make it to the GACC information session on March 19, 2021, AmCham Germany will host a similar session on March 22, 2021 at 10:00am CT / 16.00 MEZ.

Goethe Frühlingsfest
2021-03-20 09:00 - 2021-04-04 23:59 | Virtual
The German word “Frühlingsfest” means “spring festival”. An annual family-friendly celebration of the spring season, Frühlingsfest takes place in cities all over Germany, such as München and Stuttgart. With over 1.2 million participants each year, Frühlingsfest makes its name as the largest spring festival in Europe.
The Goethe Frühlingsfest held annually in Avondale Estates, Georgia, exhibits a variety of artists, performers, and traditional German dishes, drinks, and beer – in addition to a welcoming opportunity for all to learn more about the German culture and language!
Rather than hosting an in-person event in 2021, festival organizers have decided to hold the event in a different capacity due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Instead, the virtual festival will be held from March 20 – April 4, 2021, with a goal to educate the public on German culture, provide opportunities for local artisans via their online marketplace, and support local businesses in downtown Avondale Estates through a “business passport”.
The Frühlingsfest business passport will challenge the public to support as many participating businesses in downtown Avondale Estates as possible during the two-week period for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Customers will earn one contest entry per business supported. So… the more businesses you support on the passport, the higher your chances of winning! In addition, many businesses will be offering menu or retail items with a German theme including German beer, food, maps, and even soap! Keep an eye out! More information is on its way. Passports will be available in a digital format. 10 contest winners will be selected in mid-April and will receive a $50 gift card to one of the downtown businesses they shopped.
Though the festival is virtual, Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta is still excited as ever to feature their beloved businesses and participating artists, coming from across the Southeast and Downtown Avondale Estates!
To see what German-themed specials are being offered, submit your passport, or learn more about Fruhlingsfest, please visit www.goethefruehlingsfest.com.

Indonesia Start-Ups Virtual Business Forum
2021-03-22 11:00 - 13:00
The Consulate General of The Republic of Indonesia in Houston is excited to announce the upcoming Indonesia Start-Ups Virtual Business Forum which will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021, at 10 am CST. The event is a collaboration between the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Indonesia-America Chamber of Commerce in Houston, and ION Houston.
The Consulate is also pleased to announce that the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Sandiaga Uno, will be the Keynote Speaker for this event.
The Indonesia Start-Up Virtual Business Forum will showcase nine curated Start-Ups in a variety of sectors, from artificial intelligence, green environment, hospitality management to disabilities assistance. These nine Start-Ups will also participate in this year’s virtual South by South West festival, usually held in Austin, Texas.
These innovative Start-Ups are looking forward to meeting and discuss further with you, whether you are into collaboration or looking for a different investment.
The link will be provided after registration.

Sam Nunn's Quest: A Nuclear Weapon Free-World feat. Senator Sam Nunn and Frank Leith Jones
2021-03-23 12:00 - 12:45
Sam Nunn served in the Senate for four terms and helped lead far-reaching changes in security policy. As a member and then chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sam Nunn shaped crucial national security and defense issues at the height of the Cold War and through the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall era and the ‘new world order’ that followed.
In this first full account of Nunn’s senatorial career, the author of Sam Nunn: Statesman of the Nuclear Age, Frank Leith Jones, reveals how Nunn helped win the Cold War, constructing the foundation for the defense and foreign policies that ended the Soviet threat.
The Council is bringing together Frank Leith Jones and Senator Sam Nunn for a dynamic fireside chat highlighting critical moments of Nunn’s leadership on global issues, as well as shed light on what remains to be done to further reduce the threat of nuclear war.​​
Complimentary and Open to All.

Authors Amplified: Jonathan Addleton, 'Dust of Kandahar' Author and former U.S. ambassador to Mongolia
2021-03-24 11:00 - 12:00
Global Atlanta invites you to join our Authors Amplified book talk series, this time with Jonathan Addleton, Dust of Kandahar author and former U.S. ambassador to Mongolia
Speaker
Jonathan Addleton
A five-time USAID country director (India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Mongolia and Central Asia), Jonathan Addleton also served as US Ambassador to Mongolia and USAID Representative to the European Union. He retired from the Foreign Service in January 2017, returning to his hometown of Macon, GA to teach at Mercer University. He now serves as Rector/President of Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan. His several books include a memoir titled Some Far and Distant Place (University of Georgia Press) and an extended reflection of his assignment in Afghanistan titled The Dust of Kandahar: A Diplomat Among Warriors in Afghanistan (Naval Institute Press).

Diplomat Among Warriors in Afghanistan
The Dust of Kandahar provides a personal account of one diplomat’s year of service in America’s longest war. Ambassador Addleton movingly describes the everyday human drama of the American soldiers, local tribal dignitaries, government officials, and religious leaders he interacted and worked within southern Afghanistan.
Addleton’s writing is at its most vivid in his firsthand account of the April 2013 suicide bombing outside a Zabul school that killed his translator, a fellow Foreign Service officer, and three American soldiers. The memory of this tragedy lingers over Addleton’s journal entries, his prose offering poignant glimpses into the interior life of a U.S. diplomat stationed in harm’s way.

Georgia’s deep pool of international expertise is sometimes hidden in the ivory towers of academia or overshadowed by looming national figures. Sought-after thought leaders sometimes shine globally while being ignored in their own backyard.
With Authors Amplified, a monthly series of book talks open to subscribers and the public, Global Atlanta showcases authoritative local voices in foreign affairs and international business while highlighting the state’s intellectual contributions to important global conversations.
The Authors Amplified series is presented by the Atlanta Global Studies Center (AGSC), a partnership of Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University, funded in part by a US Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center grant, with a mission to empower the metro region’s global agenda.

Members Forum: The Fight Against Russian Aggression with CIA Veteran Jack Devine
2021-03-24 12:00 - 12:45 | Zoom
Working at the forefront of US-Russia relations is an unending balancing act, and Jack Devine will explain why in exciting detail. A seasoned CIA professional who served more than three decades, Devine will walk everyone through the fascinating spy cases and covert action activities of Russia – from its Cold War past to its interference in the Trump era.
Devine will also touch on what lies ahead in this struggle and will provide prescriptions for the future.
Purchase HERE Devine’s book:
“Spymaster’s Prism: The Fight against Russian Aggression”
This program is an exclusive benefit for Council members.
Not a member? Join the Council today and become a member here!

Morgan Stanley Presents: 2021 Economic Outlook with Capital Group
2021-03-24 14:00 - 14:30
We may one day look back at 2021 as a major turning point for the global economy, public health, politics, and how we live and work in the digital age.
How quickly will the vaccine lead to economic recovery? Who will be the Covid winners and losers? Do companies with strong online business models have an advantage? What will be the impact of a potential Covid resurgence on the markets?
As the world is turning the corner toward recovery, join Alex Zimmerman, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley and Member of the FACC-Atlanta Board of Directors, and Chris Richardson, Senior Vice President, Sales Development Manager, at Capital Group to get some insights on the key economic takeaways from Capital Group’s 2021 Outlook.
Speakers
Alexander Zimmerman, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley
Drawing on over 12 years of industry experience, Alexander creates tailored wealth management solutions for high net worth clients across the globe. Sensitive to cultural nuances, he brings a depth of knowledge and perspective to the modern complexities of cross-border wealth management, working predominantly with clients across the United States, Europe and West Africa.
Alexander began his career as an Energy Derivative Broker in London and New York. As the regulatory environment changed, he pursued building a boutique alternative investment brokerage centered on managed futures and commodity futures trading, before transitioning into advising individuals, startups and family-owned businesses at Morgan Stanley. Born and raised in Paris, France, Alexander graduated from the Sorbonne with Honors and a Masters in Finance. He speaks five languages – including French, English and Russian fluently – works closely with the expatriate community, and is well-versed in international estate planning strategies.
Studious in his approach and thoughtful in his execution, Alexander’s objective is that your money outlives you, while helping provide you the financial independence to live life on your terms.
Chris Richardson, CIMAⓇ, Senior Vice President, Sales Development Manager, at Capital Group
Chris Richardson is a wholesaler at Capital Group, home of American Funds, covering the Atlanta metro area. He has 17 years of investment industry experience and has been with Capital Group for 9 years. Prior to joining Capital Group, Chris worked at Putnam Investments in various roles, including most recently as a wholesaler. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business finance and management from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Chris is based in Atlanta.

About Capital Group
Since 1931, Capital Group has taken a long-term approach that’s consistent with the long-term goals of their investors.
Each of their funds is designed to pursue objectives that help investors meet their real-life needs. Their investment philosophy is based on doing what they believe is right for investors. In their efforts to help protect the value of investments, they pay close attention to risk. They base their decisions on a long-term perspective because they believe it is the best way to achieve superior long-term investment results.

Doing Business in Argentina: Risks and Rewards
2021-03-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Opportunities for U.S. companies exist in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, health, agriculture, information technology, and mining. Learn about business opportunities in various sectors, reasons to consider doing business in Argentina, and the U.S. Government resources available to support your company in the market.
Argentina Information

Argentina is a resource-rich country with enormous potential for further development and a need for U.S. expertise, technology, and equipment.
The country has the second-largest shale gas and fourth-largest shale oil reserves in the world as well as abundant solar and wind energy resources.
The country is digitally capable, with high internet penetration and smartphone dissemination.
USTDA is one of the leading project preparation facilities operating in Latin America supporting more than 700 project activities across 24 countries.

Current Economy Webinar
2021-03-25 15:00 - 16:00
Vaccinations are getting into more and more peoples’ arms. The latest round of relief funds is hitting into the bank accounts. The end of the pandemic is in sight. How does the global economy look? Will China’s economy keep its growing pace? What are the prospects of the US economy’s full recovery? How is the local economy and real estate market, in particular, faring relative to its past and to the rest of the country?
CBAA has invited experts in these areas to answer these questions.
Speakers
Professor Li Qi
Li Qi is Professor of Economics at Agnes Scott College. She joined the faculty after completing a postdoctoral research fellowship at Columbia University. Her research focuses on China’s economy, and behavioral economics and finance. Her recent publications are featured in prestigious journals such as Review of Finance, Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Journal of Financial Markets, Business Ethics Quarterly, and China Economic Review, among others. In addition to teaching and research, Li Qi has also been an active member of several professional organizations. Recently she began to serve as the President of the Chinese Economist Society.
Professor Xuepeng Liu
Dr. Xuepeng Liu is a Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University, a research associate at the China Research Center, and a consultant at the World Bank. His research interests include international trade and economic development. He has published in prestigious academic journals such as the American Economic Journal, the Review of Economics & Statistics, Journal of International Economics, and Journal of Development Economics.
Mike Alexander, Director
Mike is the Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Center for Livable Communities which includes the Community Development, Community Partnerships, Natural Resources, Research & Analytics, Transportation Accessibility & Mobility, and Mobility Services Groups of the ARC. Mike has over 20 years of Public policy experience focused on regional and local community planning.  As the Director, he leads this multidisciplinary, professional staff in the fields of transportation planning, environmental planning, community development, economics, and demographic forecasting.

US-Japan Now: Geostrategic Impacts on a New World
2021-03-25 19:00 - 20:00
With new administrations in the U.S. & Japan, both countries face unique Geostrategic challenges and opportunities in a changing new world. A rising China, North Korea, and the re-emergence of Russia, among others, present new issues for leadership from both nations. Join The Japan-America Society of Georgia for a talk on U.S.-Japan political, security & economic relations and how they will shape the future of our world.
Speakers
Koji Murata
President Emeritus & Professor of Political Science, Doshisha University

Sheila Smith
Senior Fellow for Japan Studies Council on Foreign Relations

2021 Dunwoody Great Decisions Virtual Lecture Series: The end of globalization?
2021-03-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom
Presented by the Georgia Council for International Visitors (GCIV) in partnership with the Atlanta Global Studies Center, the annual 2021 Dunwoody Great Decisions Foreign Policy Lecture Series will take place via Zoom every Thursday evening from February 4 – March 25, 2021 at 7:30 PM. The 2021 virtual lecture series is free, but registration is required to receive the event link.
Mar. 25, 2021 Topic: The end of globalization?
Lecture by: Joe Bankoff, Professor of the Practice and Former Chair, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Tech. Former CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center. Senior Partner at King & Spalding. Expertise in Globalization in the Modern Era.
As the United States enters another election season, the merits and drawbacks of globalization are again being debated by the presidential candidates. With the passing of the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s America First doctrine, protectionist policies have become more prevalent, challenging globalization. What is globalization and how will it be affected by protectionist trade policies? How will the United States and the world be affected by such policies? Is globalization really at an end, or in need of a refresh?
Great Decisions, presented by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), highlights eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. GCIV is the statewide coordinator for the nonpartisan program. To view the other 2021 topics or learn more about Great Decisions, visit Gciv.org/programs/gd.
GCIV serves as the statewide coordinator for the Foreign Policy Association’s (FPA) Great Decisions program by helping facilitate discussion groups and lecture series that give participants the opportunity to expand their understanding of world affairs.

Chai & just Chat – Speak Truth to Power: The Pieces of HerStory
2021-03-27 10:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
Join Chair & Just Chat on Saturday, March 27 to talk about gender issues as part of a societal problem. Panelists will discuss the importance of woman’s leadership to advance economic and social change. What does transformative women’s leadership look like in the communities? What is the role of Him in HerStory? Solutions for gender equality have to be found jointly by men and women.
Agenda:
10:30 AM US EST

Introductions and Welcome

10:40 AM

Panel Discussion

12:40 PM

Closing Comments and Adjourn

Speakers:
Nazeera Dawood
Host, Moderator

Vice-Chair Natalie Hall
Fulton County District 4 Commissioner

Kavita Chhibber
Journalist, Energy Healer

Pam Leinmiller
President, Vertical Vision, Inc., Speaker | Strategist

Nirupama Prabhakar
Community Advocate, London, UK

Aniruddha Joshi
AVP, HCL America

Denise Lo
Broker, CCIM, CIPS., Landmark Commercial & Residential Prop

Fazleen Sohani
Professional Actor, Producer, Singer, RJ

*No cost to participate

IBE: Crossing Meridians – Engineering Disruptions to Become a More Effective Leader
2021-03-30 08:30 - 09:30
Join WTC Atlanta members and guests for a monthly networking event. The International Business Exchange – IBE – offers a semi-structured format to accelerate learning what others are doing locally and in the global international community, and foster business connections that lead to strategic partnerships.
The recent news and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to many canceled events worldwide. As an event-based organization, WTC Atlanta is now faced with difficult decisions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their members. Due to this, they will be hosting this month’s International Business Exchange via virtual webcast.
WTC Atlanta is one of over three hundred World Trade Centers worldwide comprising an unparalleled global network of businesses and resources. They provide their members the connections, education, and tools to enable the development, promotion, and facilitation of international trade and investment, bridging the global business world and the Southeastern United States.
Click HERE to learn more about Membership Types and Benefits and become a Member

The Post-COVID Economy with Dr. Raphael Bostic, Pres. & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
2021-03-30 12:00 - 12:45
COVID-19 Series

As the vaccination campaign accelerates and the Covid relief bill nears likely passage, the U.S. economy finally appears on a path to recovery. But with 9.5 million fewer jobs than a year ago, it is no surprise that we have a long way to go before achieving pre-pandemic economic conditions.
President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Raphael Bostic, will discuss the speed and shape of the economic recovery, as well as his outlook for the remainder of 2021. In conversation with his predecessor, Dennis Lockhart, Bostic will also share insights on the Fed’s role in advancing racial equity.
Complimentary and Open to All.

Let's Talk with Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither- Black women and women of color's strategic voice: How to be heard when no one is listening
2021-03-30 15:30 - 17:00
Please join Kennesaw State University Center for African and African Diaspora Studies as they welcome Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither for their spring conversation series, “Let’s Talk with Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither.”
Black women are often silenced and made to feel invisible in the workplace, and in other spaces. This workshop examines institutional structures in terms of power dynamics. Gain tangible tools and strategies for how Black women can come from the margin to the center. Learn how to get to the table, and how to maximize your space once there. These tools will be advantageous for women of color in general.
About the Speaker
Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither serves as the Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has worked in the field of diversity for over 15 years. Before becoming an administrator, Dr. Hines-Gaither was a college professor for almost two decades. She taught Spanish, (Afro)Latin American Studies, African Diaspora Studies and Women and Gender Studies. She is a frequent speaker, trainer and scholar on a variety of topics related to inclusion. Dr. Hines-Gaither has been quoted in national publications, and she is a leading diversity consultant to top rated U.S. and international companies. Dr. Hines-Gaither is also a popular blogger at Cup of Diversity.com.

US-Japan Now: Innovation and Sustainability in Agriculture
2021-03-30 16:30 - 17:30 | Zoom
Learn how innovation and implementation of sustainability initiatives will be keys in resolving new challenges and opportunities in maintaining food security, keeping up with growing demand, and protecting the environment. With what happens today in environmental science and the agricultural industry-shaping how we live in the future, join the Japan-America Society of Georgia for a unique look into key environmental issues we face and how one Japanese company is developing new technology and promoting sustainability to make positive impacts to our future.
Speakers

Eri Saikawa
Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences, Emory University

Phil Sutton
Chief Administrative Officer, Kubota Mfg. of America

Webinar: Exporting to Canada
2021-03-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
The Georgia Department of Economic Development invites you to attend their webinar on “Opportunities for Georgia Exporters in Canada.”
Canada is Georgia’s #1 customer and sells more to Georgia than it sells to Mexico: be part of that strong bilateral relationship and take advantage of the new market trends and export opportunities in Canada.
GDEcD’s Trade Representatives in Canada will provide Georgia exporters with an update on what they can achieve in Canada and will review the latest market trends, opportunities and disruption brought by new business environments created by the pandemic. A key component of a successful endeavor in Canada is understanding the right business model for the Canadian market, as such this webinar will review useful key elements such as Non-Resident Importer, Franchising and Intellectual Property issues.

Course Outline

Opening & Introduction by Maxine Bier & Ludovic Ortuno
Role of GDEcD and the Canadian Office, upcoming trade events in Canada and assistance and support from Atlanta and Montréal.
Market Opportunities in Canada: Trends, COVID-19 and Opportunities
Ludovic Ortuno, Managing Director, State of Georgia – Canada
How to smarten your growth in Canada: IP, Franchises and NRI.
Frédérique Lissoir, Partner, Propulsio360 (TENTATIVE)
Q&A, Next steps
Conclusion

Learner Outcomes
Participants of this webinar will be able to:

Identify new prospects for their product or service in Canada
Recognize market trends and new opportunities created by the pandemic
Understand Canada’s current business environment
Hone their Canada market entry and growth strategy

Virtual Webinar: India - Destination for Investment
2021-03-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
The Consulate General of India – Atlanta, USA, in association with the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) present to you their webinar India-Destination for Investment.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Swati Vijay Kulkarni, Consul General, Consulate General of India, Atlanta GA

Featured Speakers
Aditya Vikram Singh, Manager, Invest India

CA. Uday Ved, Partner-India-Tax, KNAV

Moderator
SK Raj, President, GIACC

Admission
Complimentary for everyone, but please register online so they can plan accordingly.
GIACC
The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce has been connecting Georgia and India since 2000. Since the liberalization of the Indian economy and the opening of the Indian Consulate in Atlanta, the GIACC is playing an important role in promoting business between India and Georgia.
Cancellation Policy
Due to pre-registration costs and guarantees, refunds or credits are not extended for this event. However, registrations are transferable. On the day of the event, the substitute attendee must present a copy of the registration receipt or e-mail verification to be admitted to the event.

Consular Conversations: Caribbean Women
2021-03-31 12:30 - 13:30
Caribbean islands serve as idyllic vacation spots, attracting tourists from the U.S., Canada, and beyond whose spending helps sustain their national economies. With the coronavirus pandemic cutting off tourism exports, some have redoubled efforts to boost economic resiliency. As vaccine rollouts gather steam and warmer weather arrives, many Caribbean nations are slowly reopening their borders and utopian beaches, but they’re also aiming to show that they’re more than leisure destinations.
Atlanta — with its multiple sister cities, sizable diaspora communities, and strong African American business base — has long been an attractive partner for Caribbean nations on civil rights, racial equity, and investment. Five Caribbean nations have active diplomatic missions in the city.
Join Global Atlanta for a special Women’s History Month edition of the Consular Conversations series featuring four dynamic female diplomats from the Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, and Haiti.
Speakers:
Astra Armbrister-Rolle
Consul General, The Bahamas
Astra Armbrister-Rolle is The Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta, Georgia. Her office has jurisdiction and accreditation in ten states in the U.S. Southeast. Rolle is a non-profit professional, a fierce advocate for sustainable, community-centered economic development for her country, and has served as the Consul General for The Bahamas in Atlanta since November 2017.
Her passion and determination for community development are evident in her work, which has been highlighted in major national and international media houses. She earned a Proclamation from the Atlanta City Council to recognize her humanitarian efforts in the Hurricane Dorian crisis. Rolle’s leadership has also been acknowledged internationally. She currently holds membership on several boards, including The Carter Center Advisory Board, the World Trade Center-Atlanta, and the Caribbean Cultural Arts Foundation. She has been featured on panels for the International Black Women in Public Policy Institute and has addressed audiences across the United States and the Caribbean. Rolle is a servant leader who is dedicated to playing her part in improving the social, political, and economic environment in The Bahamas, and to a greater extent, the world.
Elaine Bryan
Honorary Consul General, Jamaica
Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan is the Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta. She is also the founder and president of the Grant-Bryan Center located in Atlanta and a Registered Microsoft Education Partner. She is the owner of Elaine Bryan Realty and has excelled in Real Estate and was invited as an expert broker, to share her knowledge on “What You Get for the Money” on HGTV and the Fine Living Channels. This Caribbean Region Native is a Northwestern University, The University of West Georgia, and Leadership Sandy Springs Alumna. Grant-Bryan is the founder and Chair of The Elaine Bryan Foundation and a successful entrepreneur who has invested in
real estate for many years. Elaine received the Mayor of Atlanta Phoenix for outstanding service and the United States Postal Service, “Women Putting Their Stamp on Atlanta Diversity Champion” Awards. She is also the recipient of the Judge Glenda Hatchett, Inspiring Excellence” Education Mentoring Award. She was presented with a trophy and a monetary award. Some other commendations/awards: Georgia School Counselors Association Counselor of the Year and Turner Broadcasting System (TBS)
Education Awards. Honorary Consul Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan is a Congressional App Challenge Judge for Georgia.
Elaine has a special gift of motivating young people and she is an empowerment speaker. As a Microsoft Education Partner, she created and established Microsoft-EBF STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Mentorship Programs for high school seniors and college students. These unique enrichment workshops are conducted virtually on Microsoft Teams and Zoom platforms. Students have received thousands of scholarships, computers, and valuable guidance from the Elaine Bryan Foundation over the past eleven years. In 2020 her team offered one hundred and fifty scholarships and some Dell Laptops to local students her in Georgia and throughout the Caribbean. Dr. Bryan is guided by her trademark, The What What What Approach – What you do with what you have determines what you become® As a columnist for the Jamaica Gleaner Flair Magazine, she authored the “Financial Freedom Columns.” She is married to Gregory Scott Vernon Bryan who is a computer expert, IT director and keyboardist. They both work together on global projects for The Elaine Bryan Foundation and Elaine Bryan Realty.
Marva Jacobs
Honorary Consul, Guyana

Roudelyne Nogar Jean
Consul General, Haiti
Roudelyne Nogar Jean currently serves as the Consul General of Haiti in Atlanta. In this position, she represents the Haitian Government and serves the Haitian Community in a jurisdiction that encompasses Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North & South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
Ms. Jean’s primary responsibilities is to serve as liaison between the Haitian community and their government while also preserving Haiti’s interest in her communication with US authorities. She also handles all legal matters for the Consulate and oversees the drafting of documents such as employment agreements and procurements contracts.
Ms. Jean previously worked for a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean water to populations in need. Using her expertise and skills, she helped Haiti’s most vulnerable populations through the “Water, Hygiene and Sanitation” project in partnership with “Pure Water of the World” between 2011 and 2013. From 2013 and 2015, she was in charge of the Haitian government’s Social and Economic Assistance Fund (FAES). FAES supports Haitian women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods by providing them the financial support they need to support their families.
Between 2016 and 2019, Ms. Jean worked for the Haitian Parliament. She first joined the institution as an Administrator and later became Office Coordinator for the President of the House Representatives.
The year of 2019 marked Roudelyne Nogar Jean’s first diplomatic appointment in Atlanta. She became Head of Post at the Atlanta’s Consulate General of Haiti and held that position for approximately a year and half.
Currently, she serves as the Consul General for that same mission. Ms. Jean is fluent is English, French, and Creole. She is married to her high school sweetheart Herold Jean who is a social worker.
About the Consular Conversations series:
Sponsored by Miller & Martin PLLC since its inception in 2016, Global Atlanta’s Consular Conversations series consists of monthly public interviews with consuls general in the Southeast United States. Traditionally held as in-person luncheons in Midtown Atlanta, the series transitioned to virtual forums with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020. In 2021, the series has focused on diplomats based outside of Atlanta who count Georgia as part of their territory.

Sports Diplomacy as a Key Tool in U.S. Foreign Policy
2021-04-01 11:00 - 12:00
While the United States leveraged the power of sports even before the ping-pong diplomacy era, the Sports Diplomacy Division at the U.S. Department of State was established in the wake of 9/11 as a means of reaching out to youth in the Middle East through soccer. Its scope has expanded to include all regions, thousands of participants, and the full spectrum of sports. The division’s people-to-people sports exchanges open doors in hard-to-reach places and engage communities at the grassroots level.
While a government-led Ministry of Sport is responsible for sports in many countries, the United States has a different model with leagues, federations, collegiate sports, youth athletics, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee driving the sports space. The U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division works with these American sports entities and partner non-profits to manage its core sports diplomacy programs. The office often serves as the linchpin between these organizations and U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world to manage four pillars: Sports Envoys, Sports Visitors, the International Sports Programming Initiative, and the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP): the espnW GSMP to empower women and the Sport for Community GSMP on disability rights.
Key Take-Aways:
1. What is sports diplomacy? How does the U.S. Department of State use sports diplomacy in foreign policymaking?
2. What are key priorities to the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs? What skills are necessary to achieve its goals?
3. How can young professionals in international affairs/business become involved in the global sports diplomacy movement? How can it relate to their work?
Featuring:
Trina Bolton, U.S. Department of State

2021 Symposium on Asia U.S. Partnership Opportunities - Zoom
2021-04-02 09:00 - 11:45 | Zoom
SAUPO Planning Committee and SAUPO Advisory Board warmly welcome you to participate in 2021 SAUPO! The Symposium on ASIA-USA Partnership Opportunities (SAUPO), organized by KSU’s Asian Studies Program, continues to be the largest Asia business conference in the U.S., with alternating conference locations in Atlanta and Shanghai. Next SAUPO will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021, in Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, at 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta GA 30339. Over 350 global business leaders, policymakers, community leaders, scholars, and diplomates will come from all over the world to attend SAUPO 2021. The main purposes of SAUPO are information exchange, business network building, global visibility, and investment to/from Asia. 2021 SAUPO will cover these topics: Building Strategic Partnerships; eCommerce in India, China, America; Trends in AI, Technology, and Innovation; and Health Communication & New Technologies.
As the largest Asia business conference in the U.S., SAUPO provides networking and information exchange opportunities for business leaders, diplomats, scholars, government officials, and students.
2021 SAUPO-Zoom Speakers

Dr. Pamela Whitten, President, Kennesaw State University
Ms. Sophia Marshall, VP of Organizational Communication, WellStar Health System
Dr. Eric Eisenberg, Dean & Professor of Communication, University of South Florida
Ms. Wendy Lu, SAUPO advisor, Partner, International Tax Services, Aprio
Mr. Robert Striar, President, M Style Marketing
Mr. David Kirk, President & CEO, Murata Electronics
Ms. Jessica Cork, SAUPO advisor, VP, Public Relations, YKK Corporation of America
Mr. Dan Forsman, President & CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HS Georgia Properties
Ms. Marcy Sperry, Trademark/IP Attorney, Vivid IP
Ms. Candy Nip, Director, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, NYC
Dr. Carmen Skaggs, Associate Dean, Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kennesaw State University

2021 SAUPO-Zoom Agenda – all times EST
9:00am-9:15am: Opening & Introduction

Dr. May Gao, SAUPO Chair, Professor of Communication & Asian Studies, KSU
Dr. Carmen Skaggs, Assoc. Dean, Radow College of Humanities & Social Sciences, KSU
Mr. Nagendra Roy, Senior Director-IT, Aptude
Dr. Yusun Chang, SAUPO Asst. Vice Chair, Assoc. Prof. of Electrical & Computer Engineering

sponsored by KSU Office of VP for Research
9:15am-10:15am: Panel #1 – Pandemic, Communication and Organizations
Moderator: Dr. May Gao, SAUPO Chair, Professor of Communication & Asian Studies, KSU

Dr. Pamela Whitten, President, Kennesaw State University
Ms. Sophia Marshall, VP of Organizational Communication, WellStar Health System
Mr. Dan Forsman, President & CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HS Georgia Properties
Dr. Eric Eisenberg, Dean & Professor of Communication, University of South Florida
Mr. Robert Striar, President, M Style Marketing

sponsored by KSU Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences & WellStar College of Health and Human Services
10:15am-10:30am: Music Break
sponsored by the State of Georgia & Aprio

10:30am-11:30am: Panel #2 – Global Supply Chains, Business & Partnerships
Moderator: Dr. Ian Ferguson, Dean, Southern Poly College of Engineering & Engineering Tech., KSU

Mr. David Kirk, President & CEO, Murata Electronics
Ms. Jessica Cork, SAUPO advisor, VP, Public Relations, YKK Corporation of America
Ms. Wendy Lu, SAUPO advisor, Partner, International Tax Services, Aprio
Ms. Marcy Sperry, Trademark/IP Attorney, Vivid IP
Ms. Candy Nip, Director, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, NYC

sponsored by KSU Coles College of Business & Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
11:30am-11:45am: Closing

Dr. Jag Sheth, SAUPO Advisor, Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing, Emory University
Dr. Sheb True, SVP Division of Global Affairs and Dean of Graduate College, KSU

sponsored by KSU Division of Global Affairs, Lucy Lu & Associates

#CheerstoAvondale Happy Hour
2021-04-02 17:00 - 18:00
From bratwursts to sauerkraut and German beers, Goethe Frühlingsfest restaurants come from all over the city of Avondale, serving a variety of German-inspired dishes. Businesses will also be selling German pins, maps, music records, and more!
Join Goethe Frühlingsfest for a happy hour on Friday, April 2 from 5pm – 6pm at any of Avondale’s amazing breweries or restaurants.
Support any of these businesses between March 20 – April 4 and enter to win a $50 gift card! Click here to submit your passport details online!
* Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Frühlingsfest businesses will be requesting that all customers wear masks and practice social distancing inside stores. If you are feeling ill or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please refrain from visitation.

Panel Discussion with Former Georgia Tech Students of Bauhaus Designer Hin Bredendieck
2021-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
How did Hin Bredendieck’s teaching philosophy and experience at the Bauhaus impact designers who studied under him? Join the Georgia Tech Library for a live-streamed panel discussion with the former students of Hin Bredendieck as they share their experiences as Industrial Design students at Georgia Tech and how their work was impacted by studying under Bredendieck. This panel discussion will be moderated by Susan Sanders from the College of Design, and panelists include Ken Fuller, Jim Oliver, and Irwin Schuster. This event is free and open to all.
This panel is organized in conjunction to the From Aurich to Atlanta exhibition, a new bilingual exhibition at the Georgia Tech Library that showcases the life and work of Bauhaus-educated designer Hin Bredendieck in both English and his native German. The physical exhibition runs from March 22 through May 31 in the Library’s gallery space on the first floor.
This event is hosted by the Georgia Tech Library and the Landesmuseum Oldenburg (Oldenburg State Museum for Art and Cultural History) with sponsorship from the Halle Foundation. Collaborators include Dr. Jennifer Gerndt, the Consulate General of Germany, and the Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design. Special thanks to the Bredendieck Family and the former students of Hin Bredendieck for their contributions to this exhibit.

Diversity and Inclusion Series: Overcoming Barriers to Gender Equity
2021-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
The French American Chamber of Commerce- Atlanta Southeast will be celebrating the end of Women’s History Month with a discussion about Gender Equity in the Workplace.
Join them for a discussion featuring Tracey Flaherty (Natixis Investment Managers), Vanina Laurent-Ledru (Sanofi Genzyme) and Marie Meslin (The Capital Network). The discussion will be moderated by Sophie Koenig-Rodriguez, Chair of FACCNE’s Women in Business Network.
As #womenshistorymonth is coming to a close, DE&I Series brings 4 fabulous women together for inspiration, motivation, professional development, business resources and education. Their bi-national panel will share their respective experiences and advice from the corporate, non-profit sector and entrepreneurship perspectives.
The French American Chamber of Commerce – Atlanta Southeast encourages their network to use #ChooseToChallenge on social media in reference to this event.
Speakers:
Tracey Flaherty
Global Head of CSR & Public Affairs, Natixis Investment Managers
Tracey Flaherty is Senior Vice President, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public Affairs for Natixis Investment Managers. In her capacity as head of CSR, Ms. Flaherty is responsible for expanding efforts to raise standards for corporate social responsibility within the firm and across the wider financial services industry. The role is an expansion of Ms. Flaherty’s position as global head of diversity and inclusion, in which she directs the firm’s strategic diversity and inclusion efforts
Full Bio HERE.
Vanina LAURENT-LEDRU,
Vice President & Head of Global Public Affairs, Sanofi Genzyme & Co-Founder, BostonBoost’Her
Vanina Laurent-Ledru is a healthcare leader with a demonstrated track record in bringing innovation closer to patients. As the Vice-President of Global Public Affairs, Specialty Care at Sanofi Genzyme, Vanina and her team focus on creating shared value for patients, caregivers, health systems and the business. A lawyer by training, she has been privileged to help advance public health at the global vaccine alliance Gavi.
Full Bio HERE.
Marie Meslin,
Executive Director, The Capital Network
Marie Meslin is the President and Executive Director for the Capital Network (TCN), a non-profit educating early stage founders on fundraising with education, mentorship and access to a network of investors. In 2016, Marie Founded TCN’s Female Founders Fellowship Program to engage and support more female founders through TCN’s resources, in an effort to help more women ‘Own Their Raise’. To date it has supported 60+ female founders, (50% BIPOC) 43% who have then raised over $25 Million+.
Full Bio HERE.
moderator: Sophie Koenig-Rodriguez,
Chair, FACCNE’s Women in Business Network
Sophie Koenig-Rodriguez is a Franco-American Marketing & Communications professional with 25 years of experience in strategic and operational roles with various French and American entrepreneurs and corporations in technology, consulting, fashion and luxury goods.
In 2011, she founded TransAtlantique, a boutique consultancy to help small French companies and women entrepreneurs understand and adapt to US markets in order to optimize business development opportunities within their specific budgets and requirements.
Full Bio HERE

Design = Change: Set by Skye on Experiential Design, Set Design and Creative Direction
2021-04-06 17:00 - 18:00 | Museum of Design Atlanta, 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309, United States
Join the Museum of Design on April 6th as they speak with Clio Award-winning set designer and creative director, Marina Skye about experiential design, set design, and creative direction.
About Design = Change
Atlanta’s most creative people (and some from beyond the 404) will invite you (virtually) into their home, studio, or maker space. They’ll tell you about their work, their career trajectory, and what they’re thinking about now as our world takes a new form.
About Set by Skye
Marina Skye is a Clio Award-winning set designer and creative director who has taken her talents coast to coast leaving a trail of greatness and style. Some of her latest projects include Atlanta’s own Trap Music Museum and The 21 Motel for 21 Savage. The Cali- born, Creole creative has worked with some of the biggest brands and clients, including, but not limited to, Jidenna, KCamp, Budweiser, Jameson, and the esteemed High Museum of Art. Along with working with major brands, Skye has her own Set Design and Creative Direction business “Set by Skye”. Whether it be a video shoot, live performance set, or Air Bnb, Skye’s work is highly recognized and widely sought after. She is seen as one of the most influential set designers and creative directors in the game!

World Health Day 2021: Health Equity and Equality
2021-04-07 09:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Global Minnesota has partnered with the World Health Organization to host a virtual symposium on World Health Day, on April 7th. The theme chosen by the WHO for World Health Day 2021 is “Health Equity and Equality.” This free event will feature two dozen local, national and international leaders from a wide range of public and private institutions, including the WHO and UNICEF, and from healthcare and medical innovation companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Fairview Health Services, Hennepin Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Mayo Clinic, Medtronic, UBS, UnitedHealthcare Global and the University of Minnesota.

This enormous topic extends all the way from local grassroots issues to global policy initiatives. With its reputation for health care, organizations and companies based in Minnesota are in a unique position to share expertise in improving global health. As the facilitator of this symposium, Global Minnesota serves as a conduit of information that can take local innovations and extend their reach across the world.
What projects around the globe can shape solutions that support developing health equity? How can the United States and Minnesota learn from global innovators?

Register now to hear the perspectives of local, national, and international organizations and corporations that provide leadership in health care, research, and policy.
View the Featured Speakers here or at https://www.globalminnesota.org/events/world-health-day-speakers/

Artificial Intelligence for Businesses Professionals
2021-04-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Attend this 2-hour Artificial Intelligence class for business professionals around best practices involving A.I. Successfully completing the course and passing an online assessment will result in the attendee earning a micro-credential and social media badge. The number of enterprises implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) grew 270% in the past four years and tripled in the past year. Additionally, 58% of businesses will modify their practices due to AI in the next five years. If organizations want to thrive and survive in this transforming business landscape, they will need to harness the power of AI. Despite its promises, AI can seem like a daunting concept for business professionals. How can you hope to apply AI to your own business if you can’t see beyond the vague buzzwords and hype? That is where AIBIZ comes in. In AIBIZ you will learn foundational skills in: -AI Concepts -AI Technologies -AI Algorithms -AI Applications These classes are taught live online with a certified instructor through the Zoom platform.

Advancements of the UAE in the Middle East
2021-04-07 11:00
The ACIR is excited to host a frank webinar discussion with Shaima Gargash, Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Washington D.C. She will discuss the UAE’s role as a regional power and its current positions regarding Israel, Turkey, and Iran.
This year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates its Golden Jubilee. During its 50 year history, the UAE has emerged as the most diverse and advanced country in the Middle East. It is a nation that has risen above the historical violence of the region and is paving a new path to peace. The UAE is recognized as both a regional power of the Middle East and an international “middle power”. The UAE is home to more than 200 foreign nationalities, and – though Islam is the official religion – allows churches, temples, synagogues and Buddhist monasteries. It is the first Arab country to launch a successful Mars mission, the first in the region to establish a nuclear power plant, and a significant humanitarian player – providing assistance to alleviate poverty at home and abroad and leading the region in opening new paths for women.
Join ACIR for a frank discussion with the Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Washington D.C. She will discuss:

The UAE’s role as a regional power;
The historic agreement with Israel;
The UAE’s position regarding Turkey and Iran.

About Shaima H. Gargash
Ms. Shaima Hussain Gargash is the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. appointed in early 2019. Prior to her current position, Ms. Gargash was the Head of Communications and Public Diplomacy for over two years and a political analyst at the Congressional Affairs division before that. Before her appointment to Washington Ms. Gargash led the Policy Division at the Policy Planning Department (PPD) at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA) for three years.
Ms. Gargash has previously worked in both the public and private sectors dealing with economic and socio-political issues. Ms. Gargash was directly involved with initial phases of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) a fiscal policy for the government of Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance. In 2008, Ms. Gargash was part of the core team that was involved in the UAE’s First Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report at the Human Rights’ Council. During this same period, working for the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA), Ms. Gargash assisted in publishing a women’s public relations paper. In 2009, Ms. Gargash compiled an extensive research paper in collaboration with the Dubai School of Government (DSG) on “Women’s political Participation in the UAE” during her work at the MFNCA. Ms. Gargash also worked at corporate banking and real-estate in Dubai prior to joining the government sector.
Ms. Gargash holds a BA in Economics and a minor in International Relations from the American University of Sharjah, and a Masters in Public Administration from the Dubai School of Government in the UAE. Ms. Gargash is married to Mr. Fadel Al Mheiri a Filmmaker/Scriptwriter, and has three children.

Design for Justice: Design is Ceremony
2021-04-07 18:00 - 19:30
During this virtual lecture, titled Design is Ceremony, Chris Cornelius of studio:indigenous will speak about how he incorporates timeless indigenous values into contemporary architecture. Chris’s work posits indigenous design thinking as a tool to dismantle the apparatus of colonization. Specifically, Chris will speak about how his recent architectural installations serve as indigenous land acknowledgements.
