BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Global Atlanta - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Global Atlanta REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T100000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20260413T131924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T003251Z UID:10041190-1776931200-1776938400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:North Metro International Investment Roundtable and Factory Tour  DESCRIPTION:From tariffs\, unsteady alliances and visa restrictions to war in the Middle East\, international investors looking to boost their presence in the U.S. are facing an unpredictable geopolitical environment\, fraught with rising costs and shifting policies. \n\n\n\nStill\, many are overcoming turbulence to find a soft landing in the U.S.\, whose inertia as the world’s largest economy remains strong despite dings to its global reputation.  \n\n\n\nWith the SelectUSA Summit coming up in May\, Global Atlanta is convening international companies from the north metro area for a roundtable aimed at achieving deeper understanding about the challenges and opportunities they face when setting up shop in the U.S. — and how their host communities can better support them.  \n\n\n\nThis breakfast spotlight on global investors is organized by Global Atlanta\, sponsored by The Manely Firm and supported in part by the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce\, with CEO Alex Warner slated to give opening remarks.  \n\n\n\nKamstrup\, the Danish investor hosting the event\, is offering an optional factory tour after the discussion concludes.  \n\n\n\nSponsored by: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompanies will discuss: \n\n\n\n\nFactors driving north-metro expansions\n\n\n\nPlanning for trade turbulence and overall economic uncertainty\n\n\n\nWorkforce issues\, from immigration to local hiring\n\n\n\nOngoing plans and how the community can support growth \n\n\n\n\nOpening remarks: \n\n\n\n\nKourtney Bernard-Rance\, Managing Attorney\, Cumming Office\, The Manely Firm \n\n\n\n\n\nAlex Warner\, President and CEO\, Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce \n\n\n\n\nPanel moderated by Global Atlanta’s Trevor Williams:  \n\n\n\n\nBruce Bharat\, VP of Product Management\, Kamstrup\n\n\n\nRalph Skalleburg\, Owner\, Skaltek\n\n\n\nBernd Deffland\, DBA\, CPA President and CEO\, Dieffenbacher USA\n\n\n\n\nWho should come:\n\n\n\n\nBinational chamber leaders and members\n\n\n\nExecutives and team members from globally oriented firms in tech\, manufacturing and beyond\n\n\n\nService-providers looking to deepen understanding of client needs\n\n\n\nEconomic development leaders aiming to better serve inbound investors \n\n\n\nAcademics or HR pros aiming to improve workforce preparation\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/north-metro-international-investment-roundtable-and-factory-tour/ LOCATION:Kamstrup Water Metering\, 2855 Forsyth Commerce Way #200\, Cumming\, Georgia\, 30040 CATEGORIES:Business,Economic Development,Europe,Family law,Featured,Foreign Direct Investment,Industry,Manufacturing,Technology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20260318T024450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T194004Z UID:10041149-1775647800-1775653200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Britain to Alabama: Connecting Through Commerce and Culture DESCRIPTION:Alabama’s commercial connections with the United Kingdom span from aerospace to automotive and forestry to fintech\, with dynamic startups joining nearly 100 well-established subsidiaries in making their mark on a growing relationship that supports 12\,400 jobs within the state.  \n\n\n\nWith trade approaching $1.5 billion\, new links are being forged from Farnborough to Huntsville\, London to Montgomery\, and Birmingham to Birmingham\, in sectors like defense\, government and tourism\, supporting the U.S.-U.K. Special Relationship at the sub-national level as America’s economic and political center of gravity shifts South.  \n\n\n\nThe U.K. engages the region through the British Consulate General in Atlanta\, which covers five states including Alabama and prioritizes economic engagement while also spearheading political outreach and consular affairs.  \n\n\n\nJoin Birmingham Business Alliance\, Kennesaw State University\, Burr + Forman\, the consulate and Global Atlanta for a luncheon discussion with His Majesty’s Consul General Rachel Galloway\, designed to update and inform local stakeholders on pressing transatlantic issues while showing how diplomacy can open doors for cross-border commerce. \n\n\n\nIn conversation with Grounded Global Media Publisher Trevor Williams\, Ms. Galloway will touch on… \n\n\n\n\nU.S. 250: British views on the importance of Alabama and the South to its long-term engagements with the United States\n\n\n\nTransatlantic turbulence: Status of UK-US Trade and Tech Prosperity deals — and implications of tariffs for Alabama\n\n\n\nCritical minerals\, automotive\, aerospace and energy: How defense and other strategic sectors will define the future\n\n\n\nNATO\, Ukraine and Iran: The UK’s view on geopolitical challenges facing the alliance\n\n\n\nSports diplomacy: How football (soccer) can open doors during a World Cup year in the U.S.\, and what the U.K. can learn from SEC football\n\n\n\nCultural connections: World Games legacies\, sister relationships between Birmingham and Wales and Liverpool\, the Wedgwood collection at Birmingham Museum of Art\, Northern Irish heritage links and more.\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Galloway\, Consul General of the United Kingdom for the Southeast U.S.\nHis Majesty’s Consul General Rachel Galloway is the head of post at the British Consulate General in Atlanta. Consul General Galloway came to Atlanta following a three-year tour as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia. In her 25 year career at the Foreign\, Commonwealth\, and Development Office\, she headed the Neighbourhoods Team\, UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels\, and she was Deputy Head of the International Organisations Department. In the 2000s\, Galloway served a tour in the Washington DC Embassy; followed by development and reconstruction posts in conflicted places in Afghanistan. Currently\, her role as the Consul General for the Atlanta British Consulate leads a team that works to promote UK-US trade and investment\, support British nationals\, conduct public diplomacy on key issues and build scientific and research cooperation. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupported by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganized by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView Flyer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/britain-to-bama-connecting-through-culture-commerce/ LOCATION:Burr & Forman\, 420 20th St N #3400\, Birmingham\, 35203\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Culture,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Europe,Export,Featured,Innovation,Manufacturing,Market expansion,Networking,Supply Chain,Technology,Trade,United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Birmingham-BBA.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20260127T214756Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T133602Z UID:10040997-1773144000-1773149400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations: Taiwan DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on Tuesday\, March 10th for another interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC\, featuring Jared (Chu-en) Lin\, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nWant to buy group tickets for your company?Buy a “row” of tickets and save>> \n\n\n\nDiscussion Topics\n\n\n\n\nUnpacking the Trump-Taiwan tariff and tech deal\n\n\n\nInsights from Global Atlanta’s recent Taipei reporting trip \n\n\n\nThe Silicon Shield and TSMC’s U.S. investments\n\n\n\nExamining Georgia’s readiness for Taiwanese investment\n\n\n\nEvaluating the China threat and Taiwan’s preparedness\n\n\n\nAg and arms sales and Taiwan’s presence in the Southeast\n\n\n\nHow to invest in Taiwan\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about Director General Lin>> \n\n\n\nSponsored by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJared (Chu-en) Lin\, Director General\, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Atlanta\nDirector General Jared (Chu-en) Lin serves as the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Atlanta\, representing Taiwan across six southeastern U.S. states: Alabama\, Georgia\, Kentucky\, North Carolina\, South Carolina\, and Tennessee. With over 20 years of diplomatic experience — including postings in Washington\, Brussels\, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Director General Lin brings a wealth of expertise in international cooperation\, U.S. – Taiwan relations\, and global engagement. He holds advanced degrees in European politics and linguistics and. isfluent in Mandarin\, Taiwanese\, and English\, with additional skills in Japanese\, French\, and Spanish. Known for his warm leadership and commitment to public service\, he is dedicated to deepening partnerships\, fostering mutual understanding\, and creating new opportunities for exchange between Taiwan and the southeastern United States. Whether through economic collaboration\, education\, cultural programs\, or community dialogue\, he welcomes all to connect with TECO In Atlanta. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-taiwan-2026/ LOCATION:Miller and Martin\, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30309\, United States CATEGORIES:Asia,Data,Defense,Democracy,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Education,Featured,Fintech,Foreign Direct Investment,Investment,Manufacturing,Networking,Policy,Taiwan,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7869925;-84.3883035 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Miller and Martin 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100 Atlanta GA 30309 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100:geo:-84.3883035,33.7869925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20251215T175257Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T175516Z UID:10040954-1771524000-1771531200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:7th Annual Global Trade & Investment Symposium DESCRIPTION:Join Christopher N. Smith\, Attorney at Law\, Smith+Howard and Global Atlanta on February 19th for the Seventh Annual Statewide Global Trade and Investment Symposium in Macon\, where we’ll unpack the intricate connections between the state and the global economy. \n\n\n\nThe evening discussion and reception at Wesleyan College will feature leading voices from across the state representing the countries\, companies\, and industries underpinning job-creating investment and keeping Georgia undeniably connected beyond the U.S.’s borders. \n\n\n\nNow in its seventh year\, the symposium regularly attracts more than 100 registrants from all over the state to enjoy a night of networking and knowledge. \n\n\n\nSponsored by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKatherine Raeymaekers\,Consul General of Belgium in Atlanta\nAs of August 1\, 2024\, Mrs. Katherine Raeymaekers has been appointed as Consul-General at the Belgian General Consulate in Atlanta\, Georgia\, USA\, covering 10 states in the South-East. \n\n\n\nAfter joining the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2008\, as a career diplomat\, she has served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Belgian Embassy in Sofia\, Bulgaria (2009-2013) and in Budapest\, Hungary (2013-2017). Prior to the USA she served as Political and Economic Counsellor at the Belgian Embassy in Rabat (2020-2024). \n\n\n\nBetween 2017 and 2020\, she served as counsellor at the Department for EuropeanCoordination within the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, responsible for matters related to transport\, telecom/digital and energy/green deal. \n\n\n\nShe holds a Master degree in Political Sciences – International Relations from the University of Ghent (2000)\, Belgium\, and followed post-graduates courses in Regional cooperation – Mercosur at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina(2001-2003). \n\n\n\nShe is fluent in 6 languages: Dutch\, French\, English\, Spanish\, Italian and German. She also has some notions of Bulgarian and Hungarian. Beyond her professional pursuits\, Mme Raeymaekers likes to explore nature and the surroundings while hiking or biking. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJason Dunn\,Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority\nJason Dunn has 10 + years of service with the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority.Since 2016\, his team has been successful in recruiting six new industries into Fitzgerald and has partnered with existing employers to add nearly 500\,000 SF in new industrial buildings\, filled over 500\,000 SF in vacant industrial buildings and procured over $250\,000\,000 + in capital investment\, all thewhile creating hundreds of new jobs.Prior to moving back to his hometown to lead the community’s economic revitalization\, Jason and hisfamily resided in Albany\, Georgia where he specialized in site selection and commercial real estatebrokerage for 18 years with one of southwest Georgia’s leading real estate brokerages. With a heart for community advocacy\, he was part of the team that helped establish Albany’s Lily Pad Sexual Assault and Nursing Examination Center and currently chairs the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia’s Board.Dunn is the incoming Secretary/Treasurer for the Georgia Economic Developer’s Association\, vice-chairfor the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Rural Prosperity Council\, is the board chair for the FitzgeraldHigh School College and Career Academy\, and incoming board chair for South Georgia LEADs.Jason and his wife Dana recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. The couple have two children\, Jacob (23) a production leader for Lippert Components’ Fitzgerald facility and Jenna (21)\, a senior majoring inCommunications at the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! Dunn is an avid reader\, an even betterfisherman\, and enjoys tending his vineyard\, teaching a men’s Sunday School class\, and being thebroadcast voice of the Fitzgerald High School Purple Hurricane Baseball team. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmber Bentley\,Executive Director\, Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance\nEmber Bentley serves as Executive Director of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance and Vice President for External Relations at Mercer University. \n\n\n\nPreviously\, Ember was Chief of Staff and Vice President for External Affairs at Middle Georgia State University\, home to Georgia’s flagship School of Aviation. Her prior experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Georgia Forestry Foundation\, Deputy Commissioner for International Relations at the Georgia Department of Economic Development\, and Special Assistant to First Lady Sandra Deal. \n\n\n\nEmber is actively engaged in civic and professional leadership across the state. She serves on the boards of the Georgia Forestry Commission\, Georgia Humanities Council\, Jekyll Island Foundation\, Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority\, and Stratford Academy. She is also a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Rural Prosperity Council and Government Affairs Council\, as well as the Protocol and Diplomacy International Protocol Officers Association. \n\n\n\nA graduate of Leadership Georgia\, Protocol Partners\, and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. Ember holds a bachelor’s degree from Shorter College and a master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on Public Policy from Georgia College & State University. \n\n\n\nShe and her husband\, Will\, live in Macon with their two daughters and are active members of North Macon Presbyterian Church. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrew Capezzuto\,Director of Corporate Affairs\, Rivian\nAndrew Capezzuto is the Director of Corporate Affairs for Rivian. Serving on Rivian’s Legal and Public Policy Team\, Andrew leads a team that is responsible for pursuing financial and tax incentive programs\, overseeing licensing for Rivian’s service centers and spaces\, and driving community engagement and thought leadership activities.Andrew previously served as both the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) where he oversaw strategic planning and legal matters\, including negotiating incentive contracts with companies locating or expanding in Georgia. Prior to his work at GDEcD\, he was an attorney in the commercial litigation division of Greenberg Traurig\, LLP. Andrew received law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law\, with honors\, and his undergraduate degree in business from the University of Georgia. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/7th-annual-global-trade-investment-symposium/ LOCATION:Wesleyan College Pierce Chapel\, 4760 Forsyth Rd\, Macon\, GA\, 31210\, United States CATEGORIES:Africa,Asia,Canada,Caribbean,Economic Development,Europe,Export,Featured,Foreign Direct Investment,Latin America,Logistics,Manufacturing,Middle East / North Africa,Networking,Supply Chain,Symposium,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:32.8742834;-83.7137178 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Wesleyan College Pierce Chapel 4760 Forsyth Rd Macon GA 31210 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=4760 Forsyth Rd:geo:-83.7137178,32.8742834 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20251015T204417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T181703Z UID:10040871-1770292800-1770298200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations: Greece DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on Thursday\, February 5th for another interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC\, featuring\, Konstantinos Adamopoulos\, Consul General of Greece in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nDiscussion Topics Include: \n\n\n\n\nGreece’s new economic story: From debt crisis to investment grade\n\n\n\nInvestment opportunities and incentives in tech\, renewable energy and beyond\n\n\n\nCapitalizing on tourism\, history and classical education\n\n\n\nBusting myths on Greece’s workforce\n\n\n\nPartnership with Emory’s Carlos Museum repatriate artifacts\n\n\n\nGreece’s role in NATO and Mediterranean security\n\n\n\n\nFREE ENTRY TO CARLOS MUSEUM INCLUDED: Guests will receive a complimentary museum ticket\, granting access to the Classical Art galleries—featuring more than 5\,400 Greek\, Roman\, Etruscan\, Cypriot\, and Bronze Age Aegean artifacts—as well as the museum’s other exhibitions following the discussion. \n\n\n\nSponsored by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKonstantinos Adamopoulos\, Consul General of Greece in Atlanta.\nStudies:National and Kapodistrian University – Faculty of Law \n\n\n\nCareer:2013 Diplomatic Academy. Candidate Embassy Attaché2013-2015 Embassy Attaché. Press and Media Department2015 Promoted to Third Secretary of Embassy2015-2018 Embassy of Greece in Azerbaijan. Deputy Head of Mission and Consul2018-2021 Embassy of Greece in the United Kingdom2019 Promoted to Second Secretary of Embassy2021-2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Protocol Department2023 Promoted to First Secretary of Embassy2024 Consul/Consulate of the Greece in Atlanta Georgia \n\n\n\n. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenue Details\n\n\n\nSet in the heart of Emory’s Atlanta campus\, the Michael C. Carlos Museum is a dynamic\, interdisciplinary center for the study of art and culture\, with collections from Africa; ancient Egypt\, Nubia\, and the Near East; ancient Greece and Rome; the Indigenous Americas; and South Asia; as well as American and European Works on Paper. The Carlos Museum houses over 5\,400 Greek\, Roman\, Etruscan\, Cypriot\, and Bronze Age Aegean artifacts. See more about the Galleries of Classical Art>> \n\n\n\nPhoto of Ackerman Hall — Consular Conversations: Greece venue\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDownload Flyer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-greece-2025/ LOCATION:Michael C Carlos Museum\, 571 S. Kilgo Circle\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30322\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Democracy,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Education,Europe,Featured,Investment,Law,Market expansion,Networking,Security,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7903415;-84.3243816 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Michael C Carlos Museum 571 S. Kilgo Circle Atlanta GA 30322 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=571 S. Kilgo Circle:geo:-84.3243816,33.7903415 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20251010T020346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T145054Z UID:10040864-1769599800-1769605200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations OTP: United Kingdom DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on January 28 for the next interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC and hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce\, featuring Rachel Galloway\, Consul General of the United Kingdom in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nNon-Member Ticket: $30Gwinnett Chamber Member Ticket: $20Global Atlanta Passport Holder: FREE \n\n\n\nWant to buy group tickets for your company?Buy a “row” of tickets and save>> \n\n\n\nRachel Galloway\, Consul General of the United Kingdom in Atlanta \n\n\n\nOur Featured Speaker:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Galloway\, Consul General of the United Kingdom in Atlanta \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresented By\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted By\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-otp-united-kingdom/ LOCATION:Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce\, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy\, Duluth\, GA\, 30097\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Europe,Featured,Foreign Direct Investment,United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.9923995;-84.0918882 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth GA 30097 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy:geo:-84.0918882,33.9923995 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250829T185312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T154736Z UID:10040798-1765368000-1765373400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations: Bahamas DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on Wednesday\, December 10 for another interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC\, featuring Anthony D.E. Moss\, Consul General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nSponsored by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnthony D.E. Moss\, Consul General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in Atlanta\nMr. Anthony Moss currently serves as the Consul General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Atlanta\, Georgia\, the United States. Born on November 20\, 1958\, in Mayaguana\, Bahamas\, Mr. Moss has had a diverse career in both the private and public sectors. \n\n\n\nHis educational journey began at Georgetown All Age School in Exuma\, followed by enrollment in St. Augustine’s College in Nassau\, Bahamas where he graduated from in 1975. \n\n\n\nMr. Moss started his career as a teller at the Bank of Nova Scotia\, where he progressed to roles such as Consumer Credit Officer and Assistant Loan Officer during his eleven-year tenure. He then transitioned to the General Insurance sector at Security and General Insurance Company in 1987\, while simultaneously venturing into Real Estate with Bahama Acres Limited\, a dual focus that continued until 2002. \n\n\n\nIn 1996\, Mr. Moss entered local government and was elected as the first Chairman for the Georgetown Township and District Council. In 1999\, he was reelected to the Georgetown Township. During this period\, his civic duties included his contribution to the Exuma Basketball Association\, serving in two roles\, as an executive and commissioner. He also contributed to the Exuma softball Association\, serving as an executive while also being an active player\, concluding his softball career after helping his team win a gold medal in the Bahama Games of 2001. \n\n\n\nFollowing this\, he entered national politics in 2002\, representing the Constituency of Exuma and serving as the deputy speaker for the House of Assembly from 2002 to 2007. Mr. Moss also held the position of Chairman for the Mortgage Corporation during these five years. \n\n\n\nMr. Moss was reelected in 2007 and served as a member of Parliament while taking on the role of Shadow Minister for the ministry of Youth and Sports. In 2012\, he was reelected once more and became the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture\, Fisheries\, Marine Resources\, and Local Government\, a position he held until 2017. \n\n\n\nFollowing his government service\, Mr. Moss retired in 2017 but was subsequently appointed as the Consul General of The Bahamas to Atlanta in 2022. In this role\, he represents The Bahamas in ten states\, fostering strong ties between the two nations and supporting the Bahamian community in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nMr. Moss is married to Shiela Denise Moss and has seven children and fifteen grandchildren. He identifies as a Baptist by denomination and continues to uphold the values and principles that have guided his career in his role as the Consul General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Atlanta\, Georgia. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-bahamas/ LOCATION:Miller and Martin\, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30309\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Caribbean,Culture,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Education,Featured,Industry,International Markets,international relations,Investment,Logistics,Manufacturing,Networking,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7869925;-84.3883035 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Miller and Martin 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100 Atlanta GA 30309 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100:geo:-84.3883035,33.7869925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20251124T013308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T151922Z UID:10040921-1764781200-1764788400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Diaspora Diplomats 2025: Reception Celebrating Atlanta’s African Consular Corps DESCRIPTION:Long an important gateway for business with Africa\, Atlanta’s global prominence continues to rise — driven by expanding transatlantic connections in business\, culture\, and diplomacy. \n\n\n\nAs the leading news platform focused on Atlanta’s engagement with the world\, Global Atlanta has consistently highlighted stories of trade\, investment\, and innovation linking the city to nations across Africa — from logistics and aviation to education\, technology\, and creative industries. \n\n\n\nBut perhaps no development better reflects how Africa’s 55 governments are viewing the Peach State than their increasing diplomatic engagement. Eleven African nations are now represented in Atlanta’s consular community — a testament to the city’s rising profile — with many more expressing interest in establishing a presence as investment and ties deepen and the World Cup approaches. \n\n\n\nSponsored by Kennesaw State University\, a leading institution fostering international education and global partnerships\, join Global Atlanta for a special reception celebrating the diplomats advancing Atlanta–Africa relations and driving new opportunities across dynamic and fast-growing economies. \n\n\n\nHosted at Constellations in historic Sweet Auburn\, the birthplace of both MLK Jr. and the civil rights movement\, the evening will feature exceptional food and drink and unmatched networking — forging connections that will sow seeds of transatlantic collaboration for years to come. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nSponsored By:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Diplomats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlcides Vicente\,Honorary Consul of Cape Verde\nAl Vicente is a retired Broadcaster and former CEO of Archway Broadcasting. He spent more than thirtythree years in Radio including nearly ten years in Atlanta. Mr. Vicente is now a Community Activist. He is currently President of the Cape Verdeans of Atlanta organization formed in 1993. The CVA is actively promoting Cape Verdean culture and Heritage. In 2024 he was inducted into the Cape Verdean Museum’s Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Diaspora. Vicente was appointed as Honorary Consul representing the Republic of Cabo Verde for Georgia\, North and South Carolina. He has been actively involved as a Travel Agent primarily guiding groups to Cabo Verde since 2007 to reconnect with their roots. He has a Bed and Breakfast Business\, Villa Vicente in Nova Sintra\, Brava Cabo Verde where he was born. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYvonne Horsley McCowin\, Honorary Consul of Ghana\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnna Ndashe Katema Banda\, Honorary Consul of Zambia\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIsaac E. Taggart Jr.\, Special Envoy – U.S. Trade & Investment for the Republic of Liberia \nHonorable Isaac E. Taggart\, Jr. is a dynamic force in community development\, social entrepreneurship\, and  international economic engagement\, with a global perspective anchored in his deep Liberian roots. A native  of Oakland\, by way of Liberia West Africa and alumnus of Morehouse College\, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in  Psychology\, enriched by transformative global service-learning experiences in Japan\, Egypt\, and Haiti. His  professional journey spans impactful leadership roles across the United States and West Africa\, blending  diplomacy\, development\, and strategic partnership-building.  \n\n\n\nHon. Taggart currently serves as the Special Envoy for U.S. Trade & Investment for the Republic of Liberia\,  an appointment under the leadership of H.E. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai\, Sr. In this role\, he drives  high-level diplomatic engagement\, investment facilitation\, and strategic collaborations to advance Liberia’s  economic transformation. His portfolio includes mobilizing U.S. private sector investment across energy\,  mining\, agriculture\, technology\, education\, and infrastructure\, key pillars of the ARREST Agenda.  \n\n\n\nAs the founder and CEO of T&T Sustainable and Organic Farms\, Hon. Taggart is deeply committed to  revitalizing Liberia’s rural economy. His vision focuses on transitioning smallholder farmers into profitable  producers through organic agriculture\, modern farming practices\, and community empowerment. Under his  leadership\, T&T Farms is helping strengthen Liberia’s food security\, create jobs\, and promote sustainable  economic development in underserved communities.  \n\n\n\nHis leadership extends into the education and philanthropic sectors. As former Vice President of Planting A  Seed International\, Isaac championed the development of educational programs that provided hundreds of  students across the USA\, with the opportunity to visit Liberia\, Senegal\, and Tanzania. His expertise in  program design\, grant acquisition\, donor engagement\, and proposal development has driven resources toward  building educational infrastructure\, strengthening institutions\, and expanding service-learning opportunities.  \n\n\n\nHon. Taggart’s work has earned recognition from U.S. institutions\, including the Oakland City Council\, the  Alameda County Board of Supervisors and Oakland Mayor’s Office\, for his leadership and commitment to  community advancement.  \n\n\n\nA beacon of modern leadership\, strategic foresight\, and global collaboration\, Hon. Isaac E. Taggart\, Jr.  embodies the qualities of a forward-thinking diplomat. His experience in project management\, negotiation\,  coalition building\, and international development positions him as a leading representative for Liberia\, one  committed to strengthening global partnerships\, expanding investment\, and shaping a prosperous future for  his nation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore to be announced\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/diaspora-diplomats-reception-2025/ LOCATION:Constellations\, 135 Auburn Avenue\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30303\, United States CATEGORIES:Africa,Culture,Diaspora,Diplomacy,Drink,Education,Featured,Food,Networking,Trade,Zambia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7552529;-84.3830755 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Constellations 135 Auburn Avenue Atlanta GA 30303 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=135 Auburn Avenue:geo:-84.3830755,33.7552529 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20251007T180607Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T130532Z UID:10040863-1763035200-1763040600@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations: Brazil DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on Thursday\, November 13 for another interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC\, featuring Ambassador Pompeu Andreucci Neto\, Consul General of Brazil in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nSponsored by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmbassador Pompeu Andreucci Neto\, Consul General of Brazil in Atlanta\nPompeu Andreucci Neto is currently the Consul General of Brazil in Atlanta. A Brazilian career Diplomat\, Ambassador Andreucci Neto served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brazil to Ecuador between 2022 and 2024 and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brazil to Spain and Andorra between 2018 and 2022. Between 2016 and 2018\, Mr. Andreucci Neto served as Chief of Protocol to the President of Brazil. Starting 2011 until 2016\, he served as Chief Diplomatic Advisor to the Vice President of Brazil. From 2006 through 2011\, Mr. Andreucci Neto worked as Minister- Counselor at the Embassy of Brazil in Washington\, D.C.\, where he led the Economic Affairs\, Trade and Financial Policies Sector. From 2003 to 2006\, he was Secretary of International Affairs at the Ministry of Development\, Industry and Foreign Trade of Brazil. Between 2001 and 2003\, Mr. Andreucci Neto served as Advisor to the Under-Secretary General for Integration\, Economics and Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil. His previous diplomatic postings include Washington\, D.C.; Montevideo; New York; Paris and Santiago. Mr. Andreucci Neto holds a Degree in Law from the University of Sao Paulo School of Law\, where he graduated “Summa Cum Laude”. Subsequently\, he attended the Centre d’Économie (CES) at Université de Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Mr. Andreucci Neto also holds a Degree in Diplomacy from Instituto Rio-Branco\, the Brazilian Academy of Diplomacy\, and a Master’s Degree in International Public Policies from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Andreucci Neto has published several articles and academic papers on questions relating toInternational Law and Public Policies and is fluent in Portuguese\, French\, Spanish and English. He joined the Brazilian Foreign Service in 1990. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmbassador Neto CV\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-brazil-2025/ LOCATION:The Commerce Club\, 191 Peachtree St NE\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30303\, United States CATEGORIES:Brazil,Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Featured,Foreign Direct Investment,Investment,Networking,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7590381;-84.3872591 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Commerce Club 191 Peachtree St NE Atlanta GA 30303 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=191 Peachtree St NE:geo:-84.3872591,33.7590381 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250930T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250930T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250321T191502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T183643Z UID:10040601-1759231800-1759237200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations OTP: Canada DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on September 30 for the next interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC and hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce\, featuring Rosaline Kwan\, Consul General of Canada in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nNon-Member Ticket: $30Gwinnett Chamber Member Ticket: $20Indo-American Chamber Member Ticket: $20Global Atlanta Passport Holder: FREE \n\n\n\nWant to buy group tickets for your company? Buy a “row” of tickets and save>> \n\n\n\nOur Featured Speaker:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRosaline Kwan​\, Consul General of Canada in Atlanta\nRosaline Kwan is a multilingual diplomat with over 25 years experience ininternational trade and foreign policy. As Canada’s Consul General to the Southeast United States\, she oversees the dedicated team stewarding the bilateral relationship between Canada and the states of Alabama\, Georgia\, Mississippi\, North Carolina\, South Carolina\, and Tennessee. \n\n\n\nPrior to arriving in Atlanta in October 2023\, Consul General Kwan\, was the Director of Operations at the Privy Council Office of Canada\, supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet\, and advancing Canada’s foreign policy and trade interests across the Americas and the Indo-Pacific region. \n\n\n\nIn that role\, she promoted the enduring partnership between Canada and the United States\, including President Biden’s visit to Canada and the 2023 North American Leaders Summit. \n\n\n\nMs. Kwan served as the Director General for Trade Sectors at Global Affairs Canada where she worked closely with numerous Canadian companies in global markets across key sectors\, including clean technologies\, infrastructure\, information and communications technologies\, aerospace\, automotive\, life sciences\, financial services\, and creative industries. \n\n\n\nPreviously\, she was Executive Director at Global Affairs Canada responsible for Southeast Asia\, where she oversaw Canada’s multilateral engagement with Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN). She facilitated economic and security partnerships in the region\,as well as trade and investment. \n\n\n\nMs. Kwan grew up in Montreal and has lived and worked as a diplomat in New Delhi\, Taipei and Beijing. She holds an International Masters of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Science from McGillUniversity (Math and Computer Science). She is married and is the mother of a daughter and a son. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresented By\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted By\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-otp-canada/ LOCATION:Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce\, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy\, Duluth\, GA\, 30097\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Canada,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Featured,Networking,Policy,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.9923995;-84.0918882 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth GA 30097 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy:geo:-84.0918882,33.9923995 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T121500 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250829T133238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T131917Z UID:10040797-1758531600-1758543300@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Italy-Georgia Innovation Exchange: Food\, Factories and the Future DESCRIPTION:Italy is steeped in tradition\, but it’s not stuck in the past. While honoring history\, it’s also focused on the future. This blend of preservation and progress grounds the country’s approach to innovation\, ensuring that new methods aren’t just prioritized for their novelty\, but how well they solve problems and drive culture and commerce forward.  \n\n\n\nGeorgia is also fashioning itself into a hub of technology\, a thriving ecosystem for industries like financial technology\, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing\, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Agriculture\, meanwhile\, remains the top industry in the state\, and new advancements are helping boost yields and create new business models while reducing environmental impacts.   \n\n\n\nJoin the Made in Italy Expo and the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast’s Georgia Chapter\, in partnership with Italy America Reputation Lab and Global Atlanta\, for industry talks that explore the nexus between these two innovation leaders\, and how food\, factories and the future are being shaped by their exchanges of knowledge and networks.  \n\n\n\nPowerhouse panels will explore how Italian investors are working with Georgia innovators on pressing topics such as automation\, algorethics and artificial intelligence to bring about the factory floors of the future. \n\n\n\nThe common thread? How new ideas take shape when tradition meets creativity and progress. \n\n\n\nRegistration is FREE but limited to the first 100. \n\n\n\nPanels and Speakers\n\n\n\nBuilding the Future Factory: Automation\, Workforce and Sustainability — A conversation with Italian investors in Georgia\n\n\n\n\nAquafil USA – Franco Rossi\, CEO\n\n\n\nCassioli – Marco Cencetti\, CEO\n\n\n\nJAS Worldwide – Marco Rebuffi\, CEO\n\n\n\nHonorary Consul of Italy in Atlanta – Filiberto Calascibetta\n\n\n\nPirelli USA – Ian Coke – CTO\n\n\n\n\nHow AI Can Empower Next-Generation Scaleups\n\n\n\nFeaturing: Franco Denari\, co-founder of Eataly\, U.S. rep for Longino & Cardenal and expert in startups and investment in food\, hospitality and beyond \n\n\n\nIn conversation with Enrico Cimador\, director of the IAACSE Young Professionals \n\n\n\nFeeding Ambition: How Atlanta Food Entrepreneurs Found Their Appetite for Success\n\n\n\n\nPietro Gianni\, Entrepreneur\, Yeppa and Yeppa Villas \n\n\n\nEmidio Rinaldi\, COO La Regina \n\n\n\nCarolina Rosini\, Entrepreneur and Owner\, Rosetta Bakery Atlanta\n\n\n\nDr. Chris Cornelison\, Assistant VP of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships\, Kennesaw State University\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/italy-georgia-innovation-exchange/ LOCATION:Callanwolde Fine Arts Center\, 980 Briarcliff Rd NE\, Atlanta\, Georgia\, 30306\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Economic Development,Europe,Export,Featured,Food,Industry,Innovation,Investment,Italy,Logistics,Manufacturing,Market expansion,Networking,Supply Chain,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Event-Calendar-Logos-2-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T110000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250717T014437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250909T153742Z UID:10040735-1757579400-1757588400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Zambia Innovation and Investment Roadshow Featuring Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama DESCRIPTION:Zambia has been steadily building its business ties with Atlanta for years. Now\, as it comes off the inaugural Invest-Zambia International Conference in July\, Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama is returning again with a delegation of senior government officials to offer the latest snapshot of the southern African nation’s innovation ecosystem and investment landscape.  \n\n\n\nWith on-the-ground support from Anna Ndashe Katema\, newly appointed Honorary Consul of Zambia in Georgia\, these high-level visitors will join with community stakeholders\, business leaders and the broader diaspora for a dynamic series of events focused on… \n\n\n\n\nAgriculture\n\n\n\nMining\n\n\n\nTourism\n\n\n\nEducation\n\n\n\nHealthcare\, and..\n\n\n\nDiaspora Engagement\n\n\n\n\nThe roadshow will be anchored by a Sept. 11 Investment and Innovation Breakfast at the Buckhead Club\, organized in partnership with Global Atlanta and JW Woodward Partners\, sponsored by Kennesaw State University and AlphaO1 Medical Consultants.  \n\n\n\nTech companies\, manufacturers\, universities\, NGOs\, agricultural enterprises and others seeking a foothold on the continent in this time of unrivaled uncertainty are invited to engage with:  \n\n\n\n\nChibamba Kanyama\, Ambassador of Zambia to the United States of America\n\n\n\n\n\nAlbert Halwampa\, Director General\, Zambia Development Agency \n\n\n\n\n\nJito Kayumba\, Special Assistant and Advisor to the President for Finance and Investment\n\n\n\n\n\nSandy Alexander\, Chief Legal Officer at KoBold Metals and Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts\n\n\n\n\n…along with a local panel of business leaders who have successfully made their way in the Zambian market. Stay tuned for the full slate of speakers \n\n\n\nSponsored by: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDownload Flyer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/zambiaroadshow/ LOCATION:Buckhead Club\, 3344 Peachtree Road NE Suite 2600\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30326\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-10.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.8469087;-84.3681728 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Buckhead Club 3344 Peachtree Road NE Suite 2600 Atlanta GA 30326 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3344 Peachtree Road NE Suite 2600:geo:-84.3681728,33.8469087 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250828T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250828T100000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250807T132529Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T184707Z UID:10040757-1756368000-1756375200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Circular City: How Atlanta Trades Sustainability Innovations With the World DESCRIPTION:In an age of climate change and environmental emergency\, it’s trendy to speak of circularity — the concept of product life cycles that completely eliminate waste and pollution.  \n\n\n\nThe reality is much harder to achieve\, and in a free-market economy\, it depends largely on the money-making models underpinning the green innovation. Consumers\, meanwhile\, face the task of figuring out whether companies’ claims are as noble as they sound.  \n\n\n\nAchieving true sustainability\, then\, inevitably involves businesses balancing benefit for the world with profit and productivity\, often via incremental changes that don’t grab headlines or nab awards. \n\n\n\nAtlanta steers clear of big pronouncements on circularity\, but its ample global business connections have led to a cross-border environmental exchange mixing international innovations with local ingenuity.  \n\n\n\nJoin Global Atlanta and Atlanta International School at the school’s new wooded\, riverside Sandy Springs campus for a breakfast meeting with some of the top innovators in our circular city\, learning how their solutions are making a dent in some of the world’s most intractable problems.  \n\n\n\nWho should attend: \n\n\n\n\nBusiness leaders and tech startups\n\n\n\nVenture and impact investors\n\n\n\nConsulate and chamber reps\n\n\n\nProfessional service providers\n\n\n\nNonprofit executives\n\n\n\nEducators looking for industry partnerships\n\n\n\n\nOrganized by: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOpening Remarks:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRachel Hovington\, Principal\,AIS Sandy Springs \nRachel Hovington holds a Masters in Educational Leadership in International Education from the University of Bath\, UK\, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from The University of Nottingham\, UK and a Bachelors of Science Degree (Hons.) in Applied and Environmental Geology from the University of Birmingham\, UK. \n\n\n\nShe has served as the vice chair of the Board of the Academy for International School Heads (AISH)\, as well as being a member of the Board of the Association of German International Schools (AGIS) and served on the Board for the Center for The Advancement and Study of International Education (CASIE) and the Curriculum Advisory Committee for the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Furthermore\, she has led workshops on International Mindedness with Faculty and Staff in schools and locations all over the world as well as having consulted for aspiring IB schools that wish to enhance their international programs. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChristian Bokich\,Director\, Government Relations and Public Affairs\, SK Battery America \nChristian Bokich has over 25 years of experience working in the auto industry. Having worked for VW\, Audi\, Lincoln\, Mercedes-Benz\, and now SK Battery America\, his wide variety of experience includes brand and product management\, advertising\, accessories & parts\, and communications. Christian joined SK Battery America in Commerce\, GA in October 2024\, and built up the company’s internal communications and culture-building strategy. He also strengthened communications amongst important stakeholders within Jackson County and the State of Georgia.  He lives in the City of Atlanta with his wife Stephanie\, daughter Alessandra who is in 6th grade at AIS\, and a handsome Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Freddy. Last but not least\, Christian is a proud product of Georgia’s Economic Development efforts\, having moved to Atlanta from New York City with Mercedes-Benz USA in June 2015. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmily Morris\,Founder and CEO\,Emrgy\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRamtin Motahar\,Founder and CEO\,Joulea\nWith bachelor degrees in economics and industrial engineering from Georgia Tech\, Ramtin Motahar has been involved in real estate development from an early age. His background in commercial real estate development\, engineering and construction led him to identify silos in the industry and the lack of an integrated development ecosystem\, resulting in higher energy usage and carbon emissions from commercial buildings. To answer these issues\, he pursued a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech with the goal of creating a novel approach to commercial real estate’s energy use practices. After a couple of years of research and testing\, He founded Joulea\, the built environment’s most accurate energy assessment platform to empower building owners to maximize profitability and minimize carbon footprint. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKarlos Walkes\,CEO and Co-founder\, XiQ\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOlivier Brauen\, VP Circularity Business Solutions Development and Transformation Americas\, Michelin\nOlivier Brauen holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Swiss Institute of Technology (EPFL)\, complemented with Master Degree in Business Administration from the IMD Business School. Continuous executive education at IMD\, INSEAD and MIT. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Atlanta International School’s Sandy Springs Campus: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNestled along the Chattahoochee River in the heart of Sandy Springs\, our 25-acre campus is where nature meets world-class education. Experience the renowned Atlanta International School community\, with innovative IB programs and a global perspective\, giving students the opportunity to thrive. \n\n\n\nThe beautiful AIS Sandy Springs Campus hosts our unique Mouratoglou Tennis Academy\, residential\, event\, conference\, and recreational facilities. It is the home of our outdoor learning programs offered to AIS students. This historic site on the banks of the Chattahoochee River it is the perfect place for students and visitors to engage with natural surroundings. \n\n\n\nTo register your interest in the Sandy Springs Campus\, for future student boarding\, residential programs\, events\, facilities rentals (including for film/production sets)\, please contact admission@aischool.org. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/circular-city-how-atlanta-trades-sustainability-innovations-with-the-world/ LOCATION:Atlanta International School Sandy Springs Campus\, 1701 Brandon Hall Drive\, Sandy Springs\, 30350 CATEGORIES:Business,Economic Development,Education,Entrepreneur,Featured,Health,Humanitarian,Innovation,Investors,Networking,Nonprofit,Sustainability,Technology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-11-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250825T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250825T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250722T173423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250808T181944Z UID:10040743-1756141200-1756148400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Transatlantic Takeoff: Hedging Headwinds With European Expansion DESCRIPTION:Register\n\n\n\n\nWith tariff turmoil threatening transatlantic trade\, American companies are looking for safe harbors and engines of growth globally.  \n\n\n\nEurope\, with its advanced factories in sectors from metals to motors\, world-leading energy and sustainability solutions\, dynamic startups and cutting-edge research in life sciences and beyond\, provides an attractive avenue for expansion and a healthy hedge against uncertainty.  \n\n\n\nAnd what better place to access this market of 450 million consumers than through the largest and most dynamic state in the continent’s largest economy?  \n\n\n\nNorth Rhine-Westphalia\, Germany’s largest state by population and output\, boasts 18 million citizens and accounts for a fifth of German GDP — making its economy larger than those of Belgium\, Switzerland or Sweden.  \n\n\n\nKnown for cities like Duesseldorf\, Cologne\, Bonn\, Essen and Dortmund\, NRW has spotlighted Georgia\, in 2021 becoming the first and only German state with an economic development office in Atlanta.  \n\n\n\nJoin NRW.Global Business and Global Atlanta for an in-depth look at NRW as a platform for transatlantic takeoff\, where you’ll network with peers and be inspired by stories of local startups\, scaleups and established enterprises that have crossed the pond with confidence\, utilizing NRW’s unrivaled workforce\, strategic incentives and top universities.  \n\n\n\nVenue Sponsor:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho should come: Firms in the following sectors with plans for the European market:\n\n\n\n\nManufacturing\n\n\n\nTech scaleups\n\n\n\nLife sciences \n\n\n\nEnergy\n\n\n\nSports Tech\n\n\n\nStartups\, Educational Institutions and Innovation Ecosystems\n\n\n\n\n…and more. \n\n\n\nNote: This complimentary reception is targeted toward local companies in manufacturing\, technology and other sectors with substantive and intentional plans for European expansion. Service providers will be vetted and only confirmed/allowed to join after the payment of a $100 entry fee.  \n\n\n\nOpening Remarks\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMelanie Moltmann\, Consul General of Germany \nConsul General of Germany\, arrived in Atlanta in September 2022. She came to the Southeast U.S. from Berlin\, where she served as Deputy Head of Division\, Division for Immigration Law\, Visa\, and Immigration Policy. Moltmann also has served as Deputy Head of Mission and Counselor for Cultural and Press Affairs in the German embassy in Tashkent\, Uzbekistan; Desk Officer\, Division for South East Asia and the Pacific in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin; and Deputy Head of Mission\, German Embassy Yerevan\, Armenia. A Russian speaker\, Moltmann earned an LLM degree in Moscow between her legal studies and a three-year study program at the Court of Cassation in Schleswig\, Germany. The German Consulate General in Atlanta is the official representation of the German government to the southeast of the United States. The consular district includes Alabama\, Georgia\, Mississippi\, North Carolina\, South Carolina\, and Tennessee.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSander Biehn\, CEO\, ReadyforSocial\nSander Biehn is Founder and CEO of Ready For Social\, an international marketing SaaS technology solution that let’s marketers create and direct direct their sales team’s social media activity to help them sell.  Ready For Social and its international subsidiary has been serving B2B enterprise and SMBs since 2016. Prior to starting Ready For Social\, Sander worked as a sales leader for AT&T for many years. Sander spent the late 1990s in Amsterdam running channel management for a joint venture of KPN and AT&T. Sander lives and works in Atlanta\, GA. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDaniel Dueren\, Economic Development Director\, Southeast – NRW.Global Business\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Kai Westerwelle\, Partner\, CMS\nDr. Kai Westerwelle is a partner at the international law firm CMS in their Mountain View / California representative office. For more than 30 years\, Kai has been advising US companies and high-growth start-ups\, first in Germany and as of 2014 in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. His expertise focuses on international tech transactions\, cross-border expansions\, as well as international regulations\, particularly on privacy\, digital\, and AI. Kai is the Chairman of the Board of the German American Business Association\, member of the central Executive Committee and Regional Director San Francisco/West Coast of the German American Lawyers’ Association\, and elected member of the Atlantik Brücke and the American Council on Germany. He regularly speaks at international conferences\, and lectures data privacy at Universities in Germany and the US. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKiel Harkness\, VP for Strategy for Europe and Americas\, UPS\nKiel Harkness has over 20 years of experience in various roles at UPS and UPS Capital. He joined UPS in 1999 as an Account Executive and held a variety of positions in marketing and pricing strategy until his promotion to Business Planning Director in 2012. From 2013 to 2020\, Kiel served as the Director of Revenue Management and Business Planning for UPS’s Asia Pacific region and as Marketing Director for the United Kingdom\, Ireland\, and Nordic Countries. In 2020\, Kiel became the Head of Global Marketing and Business Intelligence for UPS Capital\, followed by a position as VP of International Product and Customer Technology before he took on his current role of vice president of Strategy for UPS Europe and Americas in 2025. \n\n\n\nKiel attended Boston University from 1995 to 1999 and holds an MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University – J. Mack Robinson College of Business \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/transatlantic-takeoff-hedging-headwinds-with-european-expansion/ LOCATION:Burr & Forman\, 1075 Peachtree St NE Suite 3000\, Atlanta\, Georgia\, 30309 CATEGORIES:Featured,Germany,Manufacturing,Technology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/nrw-no-passport.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250730T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250730T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250429T174416Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T125120Z UID:10040652-1753875000-1753880400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations OTP: Dominican Republic DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on July 30th for a special edition of our Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin and hosted by Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Gwinnett\, featuring Rosa Yanina Torres Tamares\, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New Orleans\, Louisiana. \n\n\n\nThe lunch will include a panel discussion with Miguel Angel Santa Galva\, Vice Consul\, Head of Trade & Investment Affairs for the Dominican Consulate along with local and Dominican companies moderated by Global Atlanta’s Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams. \n\n\n\nNon-Member Ticket: $30Gwinnett Chamber Member Ticket: $20Global Atlanta Passport Holder: FREE \n\n\n\nWant to buy group tickets for your company?Buy a “row” of tickets and save>> \n\n\n\nSponsored By\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeynote Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRosa Yanina Torres Tamares\, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New Orleans\nRosa Yanina Torres Tamares is a distinguished Dominican public servant\, educator\, and political activist\, born on August 24\, 1981\, in San Felipe de Puerto Plata\, Dominican Republic. She currently serves as the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New Orleans\, Louisiana\, United States\, a position she assumed in September 2024 through Presidential Decree 554-24.Academic BackgroundTorres Tamares completed her primary education in the community of Maimón and graduated from the Gregorio Urbano Gilbert Polytechnic High School. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education\, with a concentration in Modern Languages\, from the Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA). In addition\, she has completed six specialized diplomas in areas such aspolitical leadership\, educational management\, and comprehensive early childhood care. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Executive Human Resources Management at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM).Political and Professional CareerFrom an early age\, Torres Tamares has been actively involved in politics. At 19\, she was elected Deputy Director of the municipal district of Maimón. She has held various leadership positions within the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM)\, including District Secretary General\, Executive Vice President of Puerto Plata Province\, and National Vice President of the PRM Women’s Front. In October 2020\, she was appointed Deputy Director of Operational and Territorial Management at the National Institute for Comprehensive Early Childhood Care (INAIPI) through Decree 579-20. In this role\, she was recognized for her commitment to the development of programs focused on comprehensive early childhood care.Consular WorkAs Consul General in New Orleans\, Torres Tamares has worked to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s diplomatic presence and to serve the Dominican diaspora with dedication and efficiency. Her vision includes consolidating an accessible and innovative consulate that acts as a bridge of opportunities between Dominicans abroad and their homeland. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelists\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMiguel Angel Santana Galva\, Vice Consul\, Head of Trade & Investment Affairs\, Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in New Orleans\nMiguel Angel Santana Galva is an economist with a Master’s Degree in Financial Management from CESTE\, International Business School in Spain\, in collaboration with the University ofWales in the United Kingdom\, and an Executive MBA. He currently serves as Vice Consul\, Head of Trade and Investment Affairs at the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in NewOrleans\, where he leads key initiatives to promote trade\, investment\, and international cooperation between the Dominican Republic and the United States. With over seven years of experience in export promotion\, investment attraction\, and economic data analysis\, Miguel has been actively involved in the planning and execution of major nationaland international events such as SIAL Paris\, Expo 2020 Dubai\, and Gulfood. His expertise spans from designing commercial strategies and public policies to facilitating business connections between international importers and Dominican exporters.Key Achievements: \n\n\n\n\nDevelopment and oversight of strategic plans to diversify Dominican exports.\n\n\n\nCoordination of international events to promote Dominican products and services in keymarkets.\n\n\n\nPromotion of the Dominican Republic as an investment and tourism destination at globalforums.\n\n\n\n\nEducation: \n\n\n\n\nMaster’s Degree in Financial Management\, CESTE\, International Business School in Spain in collaboration with the University of Wales\, United Kingdom.\n\n\n\nExecutive MBA\, Formato Educativo Business School.\n\n\n\nBachelor’s Degree in Economics\, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo.\n\n\n\nDiploma in Trade Policy and Business Promotion\, INESDYC.\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChuck Campbell\, President and Co-founder\, At Work Sales Corporation \nBorn in Atlanta\, Georgia\, and currently residing in Pell City\, Alabama\, Chuck Campbell holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and completed international business studies at Stichting Nijenrode in the Breukelen\, Netherlands. Chuck has been the President and Co-founder of At Work Sales Corporation in Orange Beach\, Alabama\, since 1991.  Prior to that\, Chuck worked with Uniform Rental Service\, Inc. in Atlanta from 1974 to 1991. He is also fluent in Dutch.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian Lee\, Founder\, Scratch Food Group\nBrian’s career is a blend of marketing leadership and entrepreneurship spanning diverse verticals\, including CPG\, Tech/Telecom\, Finance\, Pharma\, Retail\, and more. \n\n\n\nAt Scratch Food Group\, Brian is committed creating culturally authentic\, sustainable\, and delectable plant-based food options. The vision is to celebrate the rich tapestry of global cuisines while promoting health\, sustainability\, and community through its products. Scratch believes that every meal can be an experience\, a connection\, and a force for positive change. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nClosing Remarks from Dominican Business Community \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHilda Abbott\, Founder and CEO\, RudHil Companies\nHilda Abbott is the Founder and CEO of RudHil Companies and RudHil Commercial\, the first Hispanic female-owned\, minority-certified commercial real estate brokerage in Georgia. With more than 24 years of experience\, she has brokered\, led\, and managed over $800 million in commercial\, residential\, and mixed-use real estate transactions. \n\n\n\nIn addition to her brokerage and consulting expertise\, Hilda is an active real estate investor with direct involvement in multiple commercial and residential developments\, including new construction\, mixed-use projects\, and affordable housing initiatives. Her investment experience gives her clients a strategic edge when navigating today’s complex real estate market. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJuliana Melo\, Owner and CEO\, The Cotto Law Group and VIP Office Suites\nJuliana Melo is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader with over 26 years of dedicated service to the Hispanic community. Born in the Dominican Republic\, she immigrated to the United States in November 1989\, bringing with her a vision for opportunity\, growth\, and empowerment. Since 1999\, she has proudly called Duluth\, Georgia home\, where she continues to make a lasting impact through both her professional and civic contributions. \n\n\n\nJuliana earned her Associate Degree in Business Science from Hostos Community College in June 1999\, an educational foundation that would serve as the catalyst for her future success in business ownership and community leadership. \n\n\n\nAs the Owner and CEO of The Cotto Law Group and VIP Office Suites\, Juliana has built and led organizations that reflect her core values: integrity\, advocacy\, and service. Under her leadership\, The Cotto Law Group has grown into a trusted legal partner for countless families and individuals navigating complex legal matters in immigration and personal injury\, while VIP Office Suites provides flexible\, professional workspaces that foster innovation and entrepreneurial growth. \n\n\n\nDriven by passion and purpose\, Juliana is a respected figure in Georgia’s Hispanic business community. Her unwavering commitment to excellence\, combined with her deep understanding of the needs of those she serves\, has positioned her as both a role model and a force for positive change. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-otp-dominican-republic/ LOCATION:Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce\, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy\, Duluth\, GA\, 30097\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Featured,Latin America,Manufacturing,Networking,Policy,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.9923995;-84.0918882 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth GA 30097 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy:geo:-84.0918882,33.9923995 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250625T195833Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T210015Z UID:10040718-1752163200-1752174000@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Samba to Strategy: Prioritizing Portuguese to Grow Georgia's Brazilian Trade and Education Ties DESCRIPTION:In Brazil\, samba isn’t just a dance—it’s a cultural rhythm that blends Portuguese language and African roots\, uniting a nation shaped by monarchy\, colonialism\, and centuries of diversity. \n\n\n\nA giant in geography\, economy\, and population\, Brazil is as complex as it is vibrant—from Afro-Brazilian traditions in the north to European influences in the south; from indigenous Amazon tribes to bustling cities like São Paulo and Rio. Yet through it all\, Portuguese is the thread that binds. \n\n\n\nDespite Brazil’s global clout\, Portuguese remains under-taught in the U.S.\, often overshadowed by Spanish. That oversight means missing out—not just on connections across Lusophone markets from Europe to Africa and Asia—but also on building stronger business ties with Brazilian investors increasingly looking beyond Miami to places like Georgia. \n\n\n\nJoin Global Atlanta\, the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce\, and the Atlanta Global Studies Center at the offices of the Consulate General of Brazil for a dynamic discussion on why Portuguese matters—culturally\, commercially\, and strategically—for Georgia’s global future. \n\n\n\nIn Partnership With:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAgenda\n\n\n\n3:45-4:pm | Registration 4pm-5pm | Future of Global Education – Perspectives from Brazilian Scholars5pm – 5:30pm | Networking Break + Refreshments + Business Panel Registration5:30pm – 5:45pm | Remarks + Cultural Performance 5:45 – 6:30pm | Business Panel + Discussion7pm | Q&A + Networking + Dismissal \n\n\n\nLanguage & Education Panelists\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Evaristo Fernando DoriaRobinson College of Business\, Georgia State University\nDr. Evaristo Doria is an award-winning educator at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business\, recognized with the 2023 Robinson College Business Faculty Recognition Award\, the 2022 Georgia State University Instructional Innovation Award\, and the 2020 Top Professor Master International Business Award. He has over 20 years of international senior executive experience at Fortune 100 companies and has co authored four books on business strategy. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Salomao De FariasRobinson College of Business\, Georgia State University\nClinical Associate Professor\, IIB. Dr. De Farias is a professor of Marketing and International Business and holds a Doctor degree from the School of Economics and Business\, University of Sao Paulo\, Brazil. He has teaching experience in Brazil\, in the Netherlands and in the United States. He was a Fullbright scholar in resident at and Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina. His academic activities include coordinating the business graduate program at the university of Pernambuco (Ph.D. and MBA programs)\, member on the Marketing scientific committee for the Brazilian Academy of Management Meeting (ENANPAD)\, Area Committee member at CNPq federal Brazilian agency\, Editor of BAR – Brazilian Administration Review\, among others. Dr. De Farias was an exchange student at Vanderbilt University’s School of Management\, Visiting Researcher at Auburn University’s College of Business and Georgia State University – Institute of International Business. His prior work experience includes retail\, developing executive training programs\, designing research projects\, study abroad programs and coordinating grant proposals. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Cintia AraujoFIPECAFI (Brazil)\nCíntia Araujo\, Ph.D.\, holds a doctorate in Management from UNINOVE University (Brazil) and currently serves as an adjunct professor and researcher at the School of Accounting and Actuarial Sciences\, Foundation Institute of Accounting\, Actuarial and Financial Research (FIPECAFI) in São Paulo. Her teaching and research focus on Diversity and Human Relations Management\, Racial Relations in the Workplace\, Marketing\, and Innovation. \n\n\n\nWith over 18 years of experience in the corporate sector\, Dr. Araujo brings practical insights to her academic work. She previously worked at multinational companies such as Telefónica-Vivo and Accenture\, where she led IT projects\, managed teams\, and specialized in leadership development and coaching. \n\n\n\nDr. Araujo has published in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at high-impact conferences\, contributing to global discussions on race relations\, diversity and inclusion\, project management\, innovation\, and entrepreneurship. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelma BoaventuraStudent\, Georgia State University\nSelma Boaventura is currently a master’s student in Creative and Innovative Education at Georgia State University. Her work explores the intersection between art\, language\, and belonging in intercultural contexts. Drawing from her experiences as an immigrant\, educator\, and psychoanalyst\, she investigates how creativity and embodied expression can support transformation\, identity reconstruction\, and connection across cultures. \n\n\n\nBefore coming to the U.S.\, she studied Education at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil and spent fifteen years working in public schools. Selma has always believed that meaningful change begins at the foundation—and that education plays a powerful role in shaping society. \n\n\n\nIn addition to her work in education\, she also trained as a psychoanalyst. Her personal experience as an analysand and studying psychoanalytic theory deepened her understanding of how listening and language shape subjectivity. This led her to develop a practice that integrates psychoanalysis with educational and artistic inquiry. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBusiness Panelists\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDanila PalmieriFounder\, Connect Solutions\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoe Farach\, Revenue Igniter\nJoe Farach is a Cuban-born\, U.S.-based executive and consultant with deep roots in Brazil\, where he lived as a child and later founded a manufacturing business for an Indian firm. The son of a Brazilian mother\, he grew up speaking Portuguese\, Spanish\, and English—language skills that proved essential in starting the Brazilian company and leading market expansion efforts in Brazil and Latin America. Joe also led Brazilian growth initiatives for global engineering firms such as Black & Veatch and S&B Engineers and Constructors. Throughout his career\, he has conducted business in over 45 countries and held leadership roles across Latin America\, including Venezuela and Mexico. \n\n\n\nJoe holds a BSME from Cal Poly\, an MBA from Villanova\, a Master’s in Global \n\n\n\nManagement\, and an Executive Program in General Management from Kellogg. A U.S. Navy veteran\, Joe served as a submarine officer\, bringing discipline and global insight to every engagement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeonardo Santos\, MJV\nLeonardo Santos is an executive with over 20 years of experience in data\, integration\, and digital transformation\, leading large-scale initiatives across Brazil\, Latin America\, and the United States. Known for aligning technology with business outcomes\, he brings a unique blend of strategic vision and deep technical expertise\, driving the modernization of data architectures\, scaling governance\, and enabling value through AI and cloud ecosystems. \n\n\n\nThroughout his career\, Leonardo has established strong global partnerships with leading platforms\, including Informatica\, Salesforce\, and Snowflake\, helping organizations accelerate their journey toward trusted\, governed\, and actionable data. \n\n\n\nHis areas of focus include:• Modern Data Architectures (IDMC\, Snowflake\, MDM\, CDP)• Scalable Data Governance\, Quality\, and Privacy• Cloud Integration & Multicloud Strategies• Translating Technical Complexity into Business Value• Strategic Ecosystem & Alliance Building \n\n\n\nLeonardo is recognized for his ability to bridge business strategy with execution\, empowering companies to turn data into a real competitive advantage. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMusical Performance \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPepe Barcellos\, Lecturer \nBrazilian guitarist\, composer\, percussionist\, and educator Pepe Barcellos from Rio de Janeiro has traveled the world leading Brazilian guitar and percussion workshops\, providing interactive experiences for young learners. Barcellos has released two albums of original songs\, composed music for film\, theater\, dance\, and animation\, and published and presented music education research at major international and national events. Over the last 15 years\, he has toured globally\, leading Brazilian music workshops in France\, Germany\, Sweden\, Italy\, the United Kingdom\, Bermuda\, and the USA\, creating engaging and memorable experiences for students. In May 2023\, Barcellos earned a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from Georgia State University. He has built a research career\, focusing on musical creativity\, student voice\, and songwriting pedagogy. Currently\, he is a Lecturer in Music Education at Penn State University\, where he has presented research\, shared his teaching practices\, and performed at NAfME\, MISTEC\, GMEA\, the Oxford Symposium\, ANPPOM\, ISME Latin American\, and APME. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/samba-to-strategy/ LOCATION:Consulate General Of Brazil\, 3rd Floor\, 3500 Lenox Rd NE Ste 800A\, Atlanta\, Georgia\, 30326\, United States CATEGORIES:Brazil,Business,Culture,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Education,Featured,Foreign Direct Investment,Investment,Latin America,Market expansion,Networking,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/agsc-updated-stacked.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250627T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250627T170000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250606T160733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T213505Z UID:10040694-1751032800-1751043600@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:The Fast Track to South African Business Success DESCRIPTION:The Fast Track to South African Business Success Networking session and panel to capitalize on Brand South Africa’s NASCAR collaboration at Atlanta Motor Speedway \n\n\n\nAfrica’s largest economy is open for investment\, tourism and trade\, and the race is on to engage with the continent of the future.  \n\n\n\nAtlanta is in pole position when it comes to South Africa\, thanks to shared civil-rights heritage\, strong air links\, university collaborations and a growing web of commercial and creative connections — all emphasized in the ongoing Atlanta Phambili initiative.  \n\n\n\nStill\, for the uninitiated\, South Africa may seem dauntingly distant. That’s why Brand South Africa is bringing top brands across the Atlantic for a high-octane introduction to what makes the land of braais and biltong both a captivating travel destination and an attractive commercial opportunity.  \n\n\n\nDuring the June 27 Focused Health 250\, NASCAR XFinity Series race at Echo Park Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway)\, the yellow South Africa race car\, decked out in flag colors\, will showcase key players from a variety of industries\, inviting potential partners from the Southeast U.S. to take a closer look at the rainbow nation.  \n\n\n\nOn race day\, Global Atlanta\, celebrity chef and restaurateur Lorna Maseko\, Team South Africa Racing and Brand South Africa are partnering to give Atlantans a taste of South African commerce and culture through a panel discussion and afternoon networking session featuring the car’s logo partners and Atlanta-based companies already on the fast-track to South African success.  \n\n\n\nFeatured Car Sponsors\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrand South AfricaOfficial Custodian of South Africa’s Nation Brand\nBrand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa\, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation\, in order to improve its global competitiveness. Brand South Africa’s primary focus is to develop and implement proactive\, coordinated marketing and communications reputation management strategies for South Africa. Our main objective is to market South Africa to both domestic and international audiences\, positioning South Africa as a competitive investment destination\, and inspiring and instilling active citizenship amongst South Africans. \n\n\n\nBrand South Africa was established in August 2002 to help create a positive and compelling brand image for South Africa. At that time the world was unsure what to think of South Africa\, with many different messages being sent by various sources. This did very little to build the country’s brand and it was evident that to attract tourism and investment there was a need to coordinate marketing initiatives to make them more effective. \n\n\n\nThis led to the creation of Brand South Africa\, whose main objective is to market South Africa. \n\n\n\nThere are many benefits to having a consolidated brand image\, with the most important being a consistent Brand South Africa message to create strategic advantages in terms of trade and tourism for the country in an increasingly competitive marketplace. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSuperformanceLuxury Racing Replicas\nSuperformance LLC is a distributor for complete\, “Rolling Chassis” replica and continuation race cars of the 1960’s. Superformance has distributed specially constructed cars in the United States since 1994. \n\n\n\nAs one of the first players in the industry\, Superformance has over 20 independent dealerships throughout the world. We have earned our reputation with our attention to detail\, quality\, craftsmanship\, fit\, finish and customer service. \n\n\n\nSuperformance LLC has a long standing relationship and build contract with Hi-Tech Automotive who is the world’s largest specialty car production facility. Together Superformance and Hi-Tech have produced and distributed more than 4000 rolling chassis worldwide. \n\n\n\nThe Superformance rolling chassis is the most sought after continuation car in the United States and is recognized in the industry as the leader in 1960’s racing legends reproduction cars. All Superformance rolling chassis are factory built and assembled utilizing all “NEW” parts. \n\n\n\nMeticulous attention to detail is evident throughout and is noted in the body fitment\, paint and the smallest aspect of our chassis. Superformance products are aesthetically and dimensionally correct and are engineered in the image of the classic sports car of yester year. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTeam South Africa Racing\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStormberg FoodsProducers & Suppliers of Superior Quality Air Dried Snacks\nFrom its home in South Africa to the States of America\, Stormberg Foods shares a passion for natural\, air-dried beef snacks. Biltong\, as it’s known colloquially in South Africa\, is a whole food and healthy jerky alternative. Stormberg Foods uses USA beef\, traditional South African flavours\, all-natural ingredients and original recipes from yesteryear to manufacture high protein\, zero sugar biltong snacks. The family heritage spanning five generations ensures perfected recipes. As a leading protein snack producer\, Stormberg Foods uses state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with custom-designed machinery and innovative technology. The modern food processing factory ensures consistent quality biltong supplies to co-packing and Private Label customers in America – a far cry from the original biltong production process:hanging strips of meat on farm fences to air dry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditional Sponsors to be announced. \n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLarry Yon\, Co-Founder and President\,CyberAlliance\nLarry Yon II is a globally recognized expert with nearly two decades of experience driving U.S.-Africa economic engagement. He has advised governments\, multinational corporations\, high-net-worth individuals\, and high-growth startups ininternational market expansion\, investment\, trade\, and digital transformation. \n\n\n\nHe is the Co-Founder and President of CyberAlliance\, a 7x award-winning global cybersecurity firm\, ensuring that the promise of technology is realized. Cyber Allliance’s portfolio of clients that range from the United States largest businesses to startups in South Africa. He is also the Founder of B-Direct\, the firstAfrica-centric corporate board prep and placement company. \n\n\n\nLarry serves as Chairman of Africa Diaspora Invests (ADI)\, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing U.S. investment into Africa’s startup ecosystem. ADI has hosted African delegations in the U.S.\, organized global investment summits\, and curated immersive investor tours to South Africa. These initiatives have fostered strategic partnerships between African fund managers\, U.S. investors\, and international development institutions. \n\n\n\nFurthering his influence in venture capital\, Larry is a portfolio advisor with Africa’s most active VC\, Launch Africa\, and a Fund Advisor to Johannesburg-based Anza Capital. His work has been recognized through prestigious awards\, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Bidenand the Cyber Newcomer of the Year Award from the Institute of Cyber Security Zimbabwe. \n\n\n\nHis deep-rooted connections in South African leadership circles include collaborations with the late Winnie Mandela and the late King Zwelithini of the Zulu nation\, reinforcing his commitment to cultural and economic empowerment. \n\n\n\nBeyond business\, Larry has led philanthropic efforts to open libraries in South African townships\, working alongside corporate and nonprofit partnersto expandeducation and literacy resources. \n\n\n\nA respected thought leader and speaker\, Larry’s insights have been featured in GQ South Africa\, Inc. Africa\, ShoppeBlack\, and other major media outlets. He has spoken at numerous global conferences and podcasts\, on conversations that support shared prosperity between the United States and Africa’s in a new global economy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKarl Carter\, CEOSnake Nation\nSnake Nation is a mission driven\, culture\, content and technology company for Creative Rebels in film\, music\, art\, fashion\, dance and tech based in Atlanta\, GA and Cape Town . We are building a platform that helps M2 (Multicultural Millennial) creators\, build audience\, distribute their product and monetize their work in the global creative economy. \n\n\n\nSnake Nation is named in honor of the historically artistic and rebellious neighborhood where we are based in Atlanta. We encompass online platforms and creative spaces in global creative hot spots. Our spaces are what we call “Social Studios” co work and content creation studios developed for creative communities. We are opening Snake Nation social studios globally\, with our first US location in Atlanta\, GA and our international expansion planned in Cape Town\, Johannesburg\, South Africa and other key markets. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlister Glen\, Regional Director of OperationsValor Hospitality Partners\nAfrica\, Middle East and Asia. Three vibrant and diverse regions on a journey to redefine hospitality by setting new standards of excellence.  Each of the three regions have two things in common. First\, each is rich in culture\, history\, and natural beauty. Second\, each represents a significant growth opportunity for innovative hospitality solutions. \n\n\n\nOur strategy for success\, as we continue to expand our footprint in these regions\, is deeply rooted in our core values: Passionate\, Real\, Inspiring\, Dynamic\, and Excellent. These values guide every decision we make and every action we take\, ensuring that we consistently exceed the expectations of our guests and stakeholders. \n\n\n\nAs true Hotelitarians\, our mission is to energise our teams and properties through a comprehensive approach that integrates people\, product\, planet\, and profit. This holistic strategy not only aims to enhance our operational excellence\, but also to make a positive impact on the communities we serve and the environment we cherish. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGary Moorcroft\, CEO\, Stormberg Foods\nGary Moorcroft is a fourth generation meat trader and grandson of Fenner Moorcroft\, a live stock trader and later owner of the Cradock Abattoir in South Africa. At the age of 10\, Gary had his first experience with air-dried meat snacks on his uncle Bill’s farm where the day’s hunt was cut into suitable pieces of meat and hung along lines spun on the sun porch behind wire netting. The cool\, dry and gentle breeze of pure winter air in the Cradock area created the perfect conditions to naturally dry meat snacks. \n\n\n\nGary’s venture into biltong manufacturing was cemented when he purchased Stormberg Organic in 2007. Founded in 1998\, the company supplied air-dried meat snacks by mail order from its first processing plant in Molteno\, a small town in the North Eastern Cape of South Africa. \n\n\n\nToday Stormberg Foods is a thriving modern business with a high tech food processing facility in the city of Goldsboro in North Carolina. From here\, Stormberg supplies traditional South African biltong to the American market through its own brands\, and co-packs and private labels meat snacks and pet treats for high end brands and retailers. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/the-fast-track-to-south-african-business-success/ LOCATION:Constellations\, 135 Auburn Avenue\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30303\, United States CATEGORIES:Africa,Art,Automotive,Banking,Business,Culture,Diaspora,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Education,Entrepreneurship,Export,Featured,Finance,Fintech,Food,Foreign Direct Investment,Industry,Innovation,Investment,Logistics,Manufacturing,Market expansion,Middle East / North Africa,Networking,South Africa,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Brand-South-Africa.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7552529;-84.3830755 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Constellations 135 Auburn Avenue Atlanta GA 30303 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=135 Auburn Avenue:geo:-84.3830755,33.7552529 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250606T135634Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T170056Z UID:10040693-1750870800-1750878000@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Leveraging Logistics: How European Innovations Are Benefiting U.S. Manufacturers DESCRIPTION:Facing a topsy-turvy trade landscape and a shrinking pool of trained workers\, American manufacturers are searching for sources of competitiveness. Increasingly\, that means looking internally\, investing in automation to drive efficiencies and cut costs.  \n\n\n\nFortunately for metro Atlanta\, European companies accustomed to constraints on land and labor are investing here to bring innovations in logistics to the U.S. market\, leveraging new technologies and design savvy to boost resiliency and profitability. Perhaps no country offers more innovation muscle per capita than the Netherlands\, a logistics hub boasting Europe’s largest port in Rotterdam and one of its busiest\, best-connected airports in Schiphol. It’s also an exemplar of urban design\, blending connected infrastructure with centuries of knowledge on marine management and mobility.  \n\n\n\nJoin Global Atlanta\, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Netherlands-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast for an evening of networking featuring some of the Dutch firms helping their customers leverage logistics for greater competitiveness in an era of rapid change. \n\n\n\nIn Partnership With: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOpening Remarks:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvan Malbrough\, Senior Economic Policy Advisor\, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Atlanta\nEvan Malbrough is a native of Smyrna\, Georgia. He is a 2020 graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Public Policy\, a minor in Cello Performance\, and an inductee to Georgia State University’s 2022 40 under 40 class. At GSU\, Evan was a founding member of his Vote Everywhere\, where he led civic engagement programming on campus. While pursuing his undergraduate studies\, Evan served as a Summer Research Fellow at the United States Department of Defense\, serving at the Pentagon. At the Pentagon\, Evan worked in legislative affairs and worked to support the DOD Office of General Counsel. Upon graduating\, Evan became a 2020 Puffin Fellow with the Andrew Goodman Foundation. Evan founded the Georgia Youth Poll Worker Project\, recruiting 1\,000 poll workers for the 2020 general election and 2021 runoff. The ACLU of Georgia officially acquired the Georgia Youth Poll Worker Project in December 2021\, naming him a Voter Access Project Fellow between December 2021- September 2023. As a fellow Evan worked to protect on campus early voting centers in Atlanta and supported ACLU GA’s legislative initiatives. Evan is a writer who has published in publications such as Forbes\, Teen Vogue\, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After leaving the ACLU of Georgia\, Evan served as the Managing Organizer of Georgia for Our Turn where he worked with APS students to create a student mental health community board district wide. Finally\, Evan now works as a VoteFlare Associate at the Shorenstein Center for Media and Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School and as the Senior Economic Policy Advisor at the Netherlands Consulate. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSebastian van der Vegt\, President\, Netherlands-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast \nSebastian van der Vegt is an international business and strategic communications leader. He is passionate about win-win\, purpose driven partnerships\, storytelling\, brand building and aligning strategy to enable rapid growth. \n\n\n\nSebastian is an expert in business\, communications\, business planning\, marketing\, content creation & optimization\, public affairs\, crisis communications\, digital marketing\, change management\, and media relations & strategic partnerships. \n\n\n\nHe has 20+ years international experience\, including leading roles within Coca-Cola and the United Nations (UN) on 3 continents. Co-author of one of the first UN books on Sustainability translated to 11 languages. MBA\, BA in Psychology\, Executive Education in International Communications. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArt Masri\, Director of Sales\, Airports and Parcel North America\, VanderLande\nVanderlande is a market-leading\, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing\, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems\, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast\, reliable and efficient automation technology \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJaap Tigelaar\, Mobility Expert\, Arcadis\nArcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design\, engineering\, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36\,000 people\, in over 30 countries\, dedicated to improving quality of life. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRick Bake\,Sr. Business Development Manager NewCold\nNewCold\, the world’s third-largest refrigerated food logistics provider\, offers advanced temperature-controlled supply chain solutions. With 25 state-of-the-art\, highly automated\, and energy-efficient warehouses across three continents\, NewCold offers a combined capacity of more than 1.9 million pallet positions. With a growing transport fleet\, NewCold provides end-to-end supply chain solutions to leading food companies powered by proprietary technology and backed by a team of 2\,700 people from over 40 cultures. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/leveraging-logistics-event/ LOCATION:Cobb Chamber of Commerce\, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000\, Atlanta\, 30339\, Georgia CATEGORIES:Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Europe,Export,Featured,Foreign Direct Investment,Industry,Innovation,Investment,Logistics,Manufacturing,Netherlands,Networking,Policy,Supply Chain,Technology ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/SelectCobb-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.8897467;-84.46537 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Cobb Chamber of Commerce 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000 Atlanta 30339 Georgia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000:geo:-84.46537,33.8897467 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250521T171821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250615T134726Z UID:10040672-1750159800-1750167000@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Expats & Experts 2025: People\, Policy and the Global Talent Puzzle DESCRIPTION:With a new administration enacting abrupt and unpredictable policy changes\, moving and managing people has never been more challenging.  \n\n\n\nFor Atlanta companies — whether foreign investors bringing in their execs or local firms pursuing growth abroad — adding the international element brings even more complexity. \n\n\n\nOn June 17\, Global Atlanta’s fourth annual Expats and Experts luncheon will bring together leading voices across relevant disciplines with up-to-the-minute insights on how to tackle the global talent puzzle at a moment of uncertainty.   \n\n\n\nAccessible yet actionable presentations will be interspersed with personal stories from Expatriates who have successfully made the jump to Atlanta\, making for a productive blend of knowledge and networking throughout the two-hour seminar. \n\n\n\nExperts will cover disciplines relevant to Human Resources managers\, including: \n\n\n\n\nImmigration and Visas\n\n\n\nCompliance and Payroll\n\n\n\nInternational education — K-12 and University levels \n\n\n\nFamily law \n\n\n\nReal estate \n\n\n\nBanking\n\n\n\nCross-cultural training \n\n\n\n\nWant to buy group tickets for your company?Buy a “row” of tickets and save>> \n\n\n\nWho should come: \n\n\n\n\nLeaders of international subsidiaries in tech or beyond\n\n\n\nHR managers for large ATL companies with global operations\n\n\n\nStartups looking to go global or recruit internationally \n\n\n\nService providers seeking better insight into their clients’ challenges\n\n\n\nEconomic development leaders looking to improve their community’s outreach around the world\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Experts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCuneyt Evirgen\, Faculty Director\, GSU CIBER (Center for International Business Education & Research)\nDr. T. Cuneyt Evirgen serves as Senior Academic Professional at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business\, Georgia State University. Cuneyt is also a faculty member at the Institute of International Business and the Faculty Director for GSU-CIBER. Cuneyt is a seasoned executive\, educator\, scholar\, mentor in international business and executive education. He is an independent board member with experience and expertise in marketing and retailing strategy. \n\n\n\nCuneyt holds BSc degrees both in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics and MBA degree from Bosphorous University in Istanbul\, and PhD degree in Marketing and International Business from Michigan State University. In 2010\, he was the recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award given by the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMatthias “Matt” Ohm\, Associate\, Arnall Golden Gregory\nMatt 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. \n\n\n\nMatt 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. \n\n\n\nMatt served as a board member of the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia\, Inc. (“Stonewall”) for many years and supports the organization. Stonewall is a professional association of attorneys\, judges\, law students\, paralegals\, and other legal professionals who support the rights of lesbian\, gay\, bisexual\, and transgender people\, and who oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Matt also serves as the co-chair supporting the LGBTQ Professionals Subcommittee of AGG’s Diversity\, Equity\, & Inclusion Committee. \n\n\n\nMatt is also the chair of the Atlanta Sister Cities Commission after serving as the Atlanta-Nuremberg Sister Cities Commission chair for many years. The City of Atlanta fosters 17 sister-city relationships with communities across the globe. The Atlanta Sister Cities Commission has continued to expand its programming by promoting mutually beneficial cultural\, educational\, economic\, and community development exchanges. Under Mayor Andre Dickens’ leadership\, the Commission has positioned itself to enhance its efforts through increased marketing\, a charitable foundation\, and increased staff support from the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaia Samb\,Founder\, RealtorPuttogo Global Group\, Keller Williams\nMaia is the founder of the Puttogo Global Group\, a real estate firm based in Dunwoody\, GA and offering full-service\, creative real estate solutions in the metro-Atlanta area. The Puttogo Global Group brings a fresh perspective when working with real estate clients from all over the world and services clients in English\, French and Spanish. \n\n\n\nShe considers herself a multilingual global citizen having lived in 3 continents (Africa\, Europe and now America). Because of her background\, she has a keen understanding of how to mitigate stress when it comes to relocation\, and her clients greatly benefit from her unique global perspective in real estate.She has 15 years’ experience in corporate marketing and communications\, a Master’s in Strategic Public Relations and two undergraduate degrees. Before launching Puttogo Global Group in 2021\, she was a top producing single agent in the North Metro Atlanta office\, under Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter. She moved from France to Atlanta in 2008\, where she has lived ever since with her husband and two daughters. When she is not working\, you can find her reading\, traveling or enjoying exotic food somewhere around the globe. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDina Khismatulina\, Esq\,Partner\, Managing Attorney The Manely Firm \nA native of Siberia\, Russia\, Dina Khismatulina is an LLM graduate of Emory University School of Law. She earned her first law degree in 1999 from Tomsk State University\, one of the top law schools in Russia. After graduation\, Dina worked as an in-house counsel for an Internet mass media company in Siberia. From 1999 to 2002 she worked as in-house counsel for one of the subsidiaries of Gazprom JSC\, the top natural gas producer in Russia and one of the largest companies in the world\, where she focused on contract\, corporate\, and antitrust matters. \n\n\n\nPrior to moving to the U.S.\, Dina also worked in Moscow\, handling civil litigation and bankruptcy cases. After moving to Atlanta in 2003\, she worked as a paralegal concentrating on personal injury\, immigration\, civil litigation\, and family law. Dina became a U.S. Citizen in 2008\, and in 2013 she graduated from Emory University School of Law with an LLM degree. While at Emory\, Dina was an active member of both the Student Body Association and International Law Society. She joined The Manely Firm\, P.C. in November 2014 after successfully passing the Bar. \n\n\n\nDina is fluent in English and Russian\, and she is a member of the American Society of International Law as well as its Women in International Law section. \n\n\n\nDina lives in Sandy Springs with her husband and children. She is an avid tennis player and a member of ALTA and USTA. Dina is admitted to practice law in Russia as well as here in Georgia where she has been admitted to Georgia State and Superior Courts\, as well as the Georgia Court of Appeals.  \n\n\n\nDina and the Lawrenceville team were proudly recognized by Gwinnett Magazine as 2020\, 2021\, 2022\, and 2023’s Best of Gwinnett’s “Best Family Law Attorney.” \n\n\n\nDina is active in her professional community and served as Co-President of the Gwinnett County Bar Family Law Section for three years. She continues to actively help lead and support Gwinnett Bar events. Dina is currently serving as VP of the Atlanta Bar Association’s International Family Law Section and is an active partner with Global Atlanta in support and service of Georgia’s consulate community. She has also been a featured speaker with the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce on International Family Law matters. She has been selected as one of the 2020-2025 Super Lawyers and was highlighted nationally in Super Lawyers Magazine’s article ‘Catching the American Dream\,’ which features her professionalism and international experiences. Dina was also proudly recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers as one of the Top 50 Women Georgia Super Lawyers for 2024-2025 and one of the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers for 2025. \n\n\n\nDina now acts as a Partner Managing Attorney for The Manely Firm\, P.C. in Atlanta. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKevin Glass\, Head of School\, Atlanta International School \nCommitted to creating globally-minded students poised to shape the 21st century\, Kevin’s vocation and calling is international education. His career in education includes leadership and teaching positions in South and West Africa\, Central and North America\, and Central Asia. Prior to joining Atlanta International School\, Kevin was Director of Tashkent International School in Uzbekistan for five years.Kevin serves on various local\, national and international Boards\, including the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE)\, the Academy for International School Heads (AISH)\, the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education (CASIE)\, Horizons Atlanta\, the Atlanta Area Association in Independent Schools (AAAIS) and the Buckhead Coalition.Kevin has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Framingham State College (USA)\, a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Biology and Chemistry from Cambridge University (UK)\, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Degree in Bacteriology and Virology from Manchester University (UK).  Kevin is married to Stefani\, a career diplomat currently on family leave from the German Foreign Service. They have three children all of whom attend AIS\, in the German language program. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElyse Blitzer\,Senior Technology ConsultantTriNet\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael Todd Shinholster\,Founder\, Principal ConsultantCulture Bridge\, LLC\nMichael Todd Shinholster is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Culture Bridge\, LLC\, specializing in executive coaching\, global leadership\, international teams\, and intercultural communication. Born in Macon\, Georgia to an American mother and Austrian father\, Todd blends Southern and European influences in both life and work. He holds an M.B.A. in International Business from Kennesaw State University and a B.A. in German from Georgia State University. A certified ICQ Global DISC Master Trainer and Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator\, Todd has supported clients across Europe\, Asia\, and the Americas\, including Audi\, BMW\, Coca-Cola\, and Siemens. He has worked with Delta Air Lines\, the 1996 Olympic Games\, and the 2004 G-8 Summit. As an Instructor of Management at Kennesaw State University\, he teaches international business and leadership. A past President of IACET\, he is also a member of Phi Beta Delta\, SIETAR\, and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKerry Anne Eales\,Chief Human Resources OfficerSmith + Howard\nWith 20 years of experience in human resources\, Kerry leads Smith + Howard’s talent and recruiting strategy\, supporting the firm’s long-term development and growth. \n\n\n\nKerry joined Smith + Howard in 2021 as the firm’s Chief Human Resources Officer. She is responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the firm\, specifically in the areas of succession planning\, talent management\, change management\, organizational and performance management\, training and development\, and compensation. \n\n\n\nKerry is a strategic human resource leader with almost 20 years of experience leading human resource organizations and efforts in large global companies. She is specifically skilled in recruiting\, training\, labor relations\, compliance and performance management. \n\n\n\nKerry and her husband moved to the United States from Johannesburg\, South Africa in 2009. They live in Vinings with their two highly energetic Labrador Retrievers. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpat Testimonials\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnamaria (Encean) HannaTechnologist from Romania\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiovanni Candela ToroBanker from Colombia\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/expats-experts-2025/ LOCATION:Uptown Atlanta\, 575 Main St. NE\, Atlanta\, Georgia\, 30324\, United States CATEGORIES:Africa,Asia,Business,Canada,Caribbean,Culture,Economic Development,Education,Europe,Family law,Featured,Food,Israel,Latin America,Law,Manufacturing,Middle East / North Africa,Networking,Tax,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20241218T204455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T124256Z UID:10040521-1747740600-1747746000@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations OTP: India DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on May 20th for a special edition of our Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin and hosted by Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Gwinnett\, featuring Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan\, Consul General of India in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nNon-Member Ticket: $30Gwinnett Chamber Member Ticket: $20Georgia Indo-American Chamber Member Ticket: $20Global Atlanta Passport Holder: FREE \n\n\n\nWant to buy group tickets for your company? Buy a “row” of tickets and save>> \n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan\, Consul General of India\nShri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan is a career diplomat and joined the Indian Foreign Service in the year 2005. Prior to joining as Consul General of India at Atlanta\, he served in Ministry of External Affairs in various capacities. He has served as Joint Secretary (Summits) looking after the operation aspects of G20 Meetings during India’s G20 Presidency. While heading Rapid Response Cell Division\, as an additional charge\, he was in-charge of the Ministry of External Affairs’ control room during the Operation Ganga. He also served as Director in Administration & Human Resources\, and Policy Planning Divisions. \n\n\n\nDuring his previous overseas diplomatic assignments\, he served in various positions at Indian Missions in Moscow\, Dushanbe\, Paris and Colombo handling Political\, Commercial and Cultural aspects of relations. During his last tenure in New Delhi (2011 to 2013)\, he was a Desk Officer for the southern African countries in Africa Division.  \n\n\n\nHe holds master’s degree in Science faculty.  \n\n\n\nHe is married to S. Renuga Devi\, who is Occupational Therapist by profession and has a daughter and a son. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-otp-india/ LOCATION:Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce\, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy\, Duluth\, GA\, 30097\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Featured,India,international relations,Networking,Policy,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.9923995;-84.0918882 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth GA 30097 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy:geo:-84.0918882,33.9923995 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250416T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250416T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20241218T214544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T132148Z UID:10040522-1744804800-1744810200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations: Ireland DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on Wednesday\, April 16th for another interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC and GSU’s CIBER\, featuring Frank Groome\, Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a panel discussion featuring the Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta\, the newly relaunched Irish Chamber\, and Enterprise Ireland over lunch with Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nRead about his recent appointment on Global Atlanta. \n\n\n\nRead about the Irish Chamber’s Relaunch. \n\n\n\nRead about Enterprise Ireland’s new Midtown Office. \n\n\n\nWant to buy group tickets for your company? Buy a “row” of tickets and save>> \n\n\n\nOur Featured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrank Groome\, Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFoster Finley\, Irish American Chamber Southeast\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnderson Graves\, Senior Vice President\, Consumer Retail & Retail Technologies at Enterprise Ireland — Head of Atlanta Office\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-ireland-2025/ LOCATION:Miller and Martin\, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30309\, United States CATEGORIES:Culture,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Europe,Featured,Fintech,international relations,Ireland,Networking,Policy,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7869925;-84.3883035 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Miller and Martin 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100 Atlanta GA 30309 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100:geo:-84.3883035,33.7869925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20241204T175710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T165117Z UID:10040506-1741780800-1741786200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations: Belgium DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta on Wednesday\, March 12 for another interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC\, featuring Katherine Raeymaekers\, Consul General of Belgium in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKatherine Raeymaekers\, Consul General of Belgium in Atlanta\nAs of August 1\, 2024\, Mrs. Katherine Raeymaekers has been appointed as Consul-General at the Belgian General Consulate in Atlanta\, Georgia\, USA\, covering 10 states in the South-East. \n\n\n\nAfter joining the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2008\, as a career diplomat\, she has served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Belgian Embassy in Sofia\, Bulgaria (2009-2013) and in Budapest\, Hungary (2013-2017). Prior to the USA she served as Political and Economic Counsellor at the Belgian Embassy in Rabat (2020-2024). \n\n\n\nBetween 2017 and 2020\, she served as counsellor at the Department for EuropeanCoordination within the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, responsible for matters related to transport\, telecom/digital and energy/green deal. \n\n\n\nShe holds a Master degree in Political Sciences – International Relations from the University of Ghent (2000)\, Belgium\, and followed post-graduates courses in Regional cooperation – Mercosur at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina(2001-2003). \n\n\n\nShe is fluent in 6 languages: Dutch\, French\, English\, Spanish\, Italian and German. She also has some notions of Bulgarian and Hungarian. Beyond her professional pursuits\, Mme Raeymaekers likes to explore nature and the surroundings while hiking or biking. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-belgium2025/ LOCATION:Miller and Martin\, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30309\, United States CATEGORIES:Belgium,Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Europe,Featured,international relations,Networking,Policy,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7869925;-84.3883035 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Miller and Martin 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100 Atlanta GA 30309 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100:geo:-84.3883035,33.7869925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T190000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250207T162504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T183226Z UID:10040554-1741712400-1741719600@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Export Stories: Navigating Trade Turbulence 2025 DESCRIPTION:International trade is never boring — while some say “the world is flat\,” those crossing borders for business know that there are inevitable mountains to climb when it comes to overcoming regulation\, getting paid and adapting products to local conditions. \n\n\n\nBut with turbulence becoming the new normal\, why start exporting your products and services now\, with a trade war kicking into gear and the threat of retaliatory tariffs on the horizon in key markets? \n\n\n\nBecause for every firm whose anxiety or apathy keeps them from tapping the 95 percent of the world’s consumers who live outside the U.S.\, there’s another company finding lucrative customers around the world\, boosting resiliency in times of domestic uncertainty. Exporting firms\, studies show\, pay better\, hire more and are better shielded against shocks. \n\n\n\nFrom software royalties and franchise fees to manufactured inputs and consumer products\, sellers of both goods and services in Georgia have learned to overcome real risks to seize the innovative edge and brand cachet that can come with exporting done right. \n\n\n\nJoin Select Cobb and Global Atlanta for a panel discussion where tales of export success from local pioneers will help you take the first (or next) step toward crafting and implementing your international strategy. \n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWei Siong Tan\, Ph.D.\,Founder and Director of Business Operations\, AccuSentry Inc.\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCynthia T. Reichard\, President\, Arylessence\nArylessence is the largest solely U.S.-based private fragrance and flavor company.  The Company brings dynamic fragrance and flavor ingredient innovation to clients around the globe. These creative formulas are developed for an expansive variety of the world’s favorite consumer goods and industrial applications. \n\n\n\nSince 1998\, Cynthia Reichard has worked in many roles within Arylessence\, including leading the collaboration of teams in fragrance creation\, innovation\, marketing\, and client development. After 26 years of strategic leadership and dynamic growth as Arylessence’s EVP\, Cynthia assumed the role of President. \n\n\n\nCynthia is an active and respected leader in a variety of industry and business associations. Her involvement is instrumental in enhancing outcomes that are key to the future of the fragrance and flavor industry and Arylessence customers. \n\n\n\nCynthia’s collaborative and visionary work supports a prosperous future for industry stakeholders across the business spectrum and has included: \n\n\n\n\nFragrance Creators Association – Board Chair; Chair\, Government and Legislative Affairs Committee\n\n\n\nAmerican Cleaning Institute – Strategic Advisory Committee Chair and Communications & Outreach Committee Chair\n\n\n\nGeorgia Cobb County Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors\n\n\n\nHousehold and Commercial Products Association – Air Care Committee Chair and Board of Directors\n\n\n\nNational Candle Association – Board of Directors\n\n\n\nBlank Beauty – Board of Directors  \n\n\n\n\nArylessence is highly invested in the unified cooperation and support of fragrance & flavor industry alliances\, as well as the elevation of overall business synergies found in the greater Georgia commerce community and beyond.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/export-stories-navigating-trade-turbulence-2025/ LOCATION:Cobb Chamber of Commerce\, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000\, Atlanta\, 30339\, Georgia CATEGORIES:Economic Development,Export,Featured,Policy,Technology,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/SelectCobb-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.8897467;-84.46537 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Cobb Chamber of Commerce 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000 Atlanta 30339 Georgia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 1000:geo:-84.46537,33.8897467 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011454 CREATED:20250219T173056Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T143615Z UID:10040566-1740571200-1740576600@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:South Africa and Atlanta: Partnership Beyond Politics DESCRIPTION:South Africa and Atlanta: Partnership Beyond PoliticsExploring a Grassroots Future for the Atlanta Phambili Initiative \n\n\n\nLast year’s Atlanta Phambili (“forward”) initiative\, driven by the outgoing U.S. ambassador\, promised a newly productive chapter in South Africa’s relationship with Atlanta\, one already grounded in longstanding commercial collaboration\, civil-rights linkages and university partnerships.  \n\n\n\nBut with a new administration in Washington\, the bilateral winds have shifted considerably\, and keeping forward momentum will require a bottom-up approach driven by sub-national players like the City of Atlanta\, as well as investment and trade interests on both sides of the Atlantic.  \n\n\n\nJoin Global Atlanta and Ethiopian Airlines at Miller & Martin PLLC to hear from city leaders\, South Africa trade experts and local investors who joined Mayor Andre Dickens’ December delegation to Johannesburg and Cape Town\, which was aimed at solidifying grassroots partnerships that will last beyond the politics of the moment.  \n\n\n\nDuring the event\, Global Atlanta will also release a special report based on Managing Editor Trevor Williams’ Dispatch from South Africa last June\, underwritten by Ethiopian Airlines.  \n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPaulina GuzmanDirector\,Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs  \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMourad DakhliAssociate Dean for International Student Engagement and Partnerships\, Georgia State University Robinson College of Business\nDr. Mourad Dakhli is a professor and practitioner of International Business whose research explores how human and social capital processes generate value across diverse cultural and institutional settings\, focusing on their implications for innovation and entrepreneurship—his active research agenda bridges practice-focused inquiry with the scholarship of teaching and learning. \n\n\n\nWith professional experience spanning four continents and engagement in over two dozen countries\, Dr. Dakhli has led capacity development initiatives\, directed operations for a binational chamber of commerce\, and designed\, implemented\, and assessed high-impact practices in international higher education. \n\n\n\nHe holds certifications in Business Analytics\, Six Sigma Black Belt\, and is recognized as a Master Teacher. His contributions to academia have been honored with the 2018 GSU Fellowship Award\, the 2020 GSU Instructional Innovation Award\, and the 2021 Robinson College of Business Teaching Excellence Award. \n\n\n\nDr. Dakhli is a Faculty Affiliate of the Atlanta Global Studies Center and the Middle East Studies Center\, where he continues to advance global engagement\, cross-cultural collaboration\, and transformative learning experiences. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeil DiamondPresidentSouth African Chamber of Commerce in the USA(SACCUSA)\nNeil Diamond is widely recognized as a leader and authoritative voice in global trade\, particularly in advancing binational trade between the United States and Southern Africa. As an expert in international economic development\, he currently serves as the President of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA)\, where he champions initiatives that promote bilateral trade\, drive international business development\, and facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) between the United States and Southern Africa.  Neil is also an active member of the New York South African Business Council (NYSABC) and the International South African Business Chambers (ISABC)\, further solidifying his role as a key advocate for trade and global economic collaboration. \n\n\n\nWith extensive experience in business and government\, Neil has consistently delivered strategic solutions to foster economic growth and innovation. His tenure as a trusted strategic advisor to the former Deputy President of South Africa on local government and economic development equipped him with a deep understanding of the intersection between governance and business. Neil’s ability to forge influential global partnerships has been pivotal in advancing trade relations and creating new investment opportunities for Southern African businesses in the United States. \n\n\n\nAs a highly sought-after speaker\, Neil addresses international conferences on pressing topics such as economic development\, trade relations\, and the digital transformation of global economies. His thought leadership extends to the publication of papers on strategies for economic growth in Africa and numerous articles on trade\, investment\, and tourism. These contributions underscore his commitment to empowering African businesses and sub-national governments with actionable insights to navigate the complexities of global trade. \n\n\n\nFluent in English and Afrikaans\, with proficiency in Dutch and Zulu\, Neil’s linguistic skills enhance his effectiveness in fostering cross-cultural communication and collaboration in international settings. His career reflects a resolute dedication to driving global trade\, strengthening the economic ties between the U.S. and Southern Africa\, and advancing sustainable economic growth through innovation and strategic partnerships. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLarry YonCo-Founder & PresidentCyberAlliance\nLarry Yon II is a globally recognized expert with nearly two decades of experience driving U.S.-Africa economic engagement. He has advised governments\, multinational corporations\, high-net-worth individuals\, and high-growth startups ininternational market expansion\, investment\, trade\, and digital transformation. \n\n\n\nHe is the Co-Founder and President of CyberAlliance\, a 7x award-winning global cybersecurity firm\, ensuring that the promise of technology is realized. Cyber Allliance’s portfolio of clients that range from the United States largest businesses to startups in South Africa. He is also the Founder of B-Direct\, the firstAfrica-centric corporate board prep and placement company. \n\n\n\nLarry serves as Chairman of Africa Diaspora Invests (ADI)\, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing U.S. investment into Africa’s startup ecosystem. ADI has hosted African delegations in the U.S.\, organized global investment summits\, and curated immersive investor tours to South Africa. These initiatives have fostered strategic partnerships between African fund managers\, U.S. investors\, and international development institutions. \n\n\n\nFurthering his influence in venture capital\, Larry is a portfolio advisor with Africa’s most active VC\, Launch Africa\, and a Fund Advisor to Johannesburg-based Anza Capital. His work has been recognized through prestigious awards\, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Bidenand the Cyber Newcomer of the Year Award from the Institute of Cyber Security Zimbabwe. \n\n\n\nHis deep-rooted connections in South African leadership circles include collaborations with the late Winnie Mandela and the late King Zwelithini of the Zulu nation\, reinforcing his commitment to cultural and economic empowerment. \n\n\n\nBeyond business\, Larry has led philanthropic efforts to open libraries in South African townships\, working alongside corporate and nonprofit partnersto expandeducation and literacy resources. \n\n\n\nA respected thought leader and speaker\, Larry’s insights have been featured in GQ South Africa\, Inc. Africa\, ShoppeBlack\, and other major media outlets. He has spoken at numerous global conferences and podcasts\, on conversations that support shared prosperity between the United States and Africa’s in a new global economy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLorna MasekoAward-Winning Celebrity Chef\, Cookbook Author & Television Host\nSouth African Chef Lorna Maseko is a ballet dancer turned award-winning celebrity TVchef. Her culinary adventures began when she participated in the first-ever Celebrity MasterChef on DSTV\, where she made it to the final top 6 contestants. This experienceinspired her to launch a series of cooking events titled “Cooking with Lorna and Friends\,” which has grown significantly\, attracting a large following of food lovers across the country.Chef Lorna was the host and executive producer of The Hostess with Lorna Maseko\, alifestyle reality series for food and entertainment enthusiasts. In 2018\, she released her first cookbook\, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko\, which won two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2019. Additionally\, she received a Taste Award in 2021 for Lorna With a Pinch of Salt and The Hostess With Lorna Maseko. \n\n\n\nCurrently\, she hosts Homegrown Tastes South Africa\, now in its second season\, whereshe explores South Africa’s unique landscapes and local cuisines. The show airs onBBC Lifestyle. This year\, Chef Lorna has been nominated for two SAFTA awards: BestTV Presenter and Best Lifestyle Programme. Additionally\, she has appeared as a guestjudge on Top Chef All Stars season 20 and has a cookware line available on HSN. \n\n\n\nLorna has recently been appointed as executive chef for South African Airways for 2025\, you can enjoy her menu in business class. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/south-africa-and-atlanta-2025/ LOCATION:Miller and Martin\, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30309\, United States CATEGORIES:Africa,Business,Diaspora,Economic Development,Featured,Market expansion,Networking,North America,Policy,Politics,Race Relations,South Africa,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/ethiopian-logo.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7869925;-84.3883035 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Miller and Martin 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100 Atlanta GA 30309 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100:geo:-84.3883035,33.7869925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250225T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250225T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011455 CREATED:20241125T181347Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T180423Z UID:10040503-1740484800-1740490200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:POSTPONED - Consular Conversations: Norway DESCRIPTION:Please note this event has been postponed until a future date. Register for other Global Atlanta events here. \n\n\n\nJoin Global Atlanta on Tuesday\, February 25 for another interview in the Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin PLLC\, featuring Heidi Olufsen\, Consul General of Norway in New York. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHeidi Olufsen\, Royal Norwegian Consul General in New York\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-norway/ LOCATION:Miller and Martin\, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30309\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Europe,Global Affairs,Networking,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7869925;-84.3883035 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Miller and Martin 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100 Atlanta GA 30309 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100:geo:-84.3883035,33.7869925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011455 CREATED:20250116T213610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T162949Z UID:10040542-1739295000-1739302200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Bollywood to Boardrooms: Hindi's Rise as a Global Language DESCRIPTION:Powering Bollywood dance numbers and board-room decisions of Indian corporations\, Hindi has emerged as a powerful cultural force and a vital global business tool. \n\n\n\nStill\, the mother tongue of 600 million Indians and thousands of investors and entrepreneurs from an expansive global diaspora is taught only at a handful of American schools. Why this disconnect?  \n\n\n\nJoin the Atlanta Global Studies Center\, a collaboration between Georgia Tech and Georgia State University; and the Consulate General of India in Atlanta to explore the cultural weight of Hindi in film and the arts\, how achieving proficiency can foster deeper connections with Indian interlocutors\, and Hindi’s role in a diverse continental country with 22 official languages.  \n\n\n\nOver delicious Indian food and delightful cultural performances at the consulate in Sandy Springs\, the event will also examine: \n\n\n\n\nHas Hindi become a victim of India’s post-colonial success instilling English to drive the tech and services sectors? \n\n\n\nWill the country’s rising geopolitical clout and economic power coincide with a push to spread Hindi around the world? \n\n\n\nHow are Georgia universities positioned to equip their students with this key skill?\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRamesh Babu Lakshmanan\, Consul General of India in Atlanta \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStuart Minson\, Associate Director\, Atlanta Global Studies Center \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAshish Bisaria\, President/COO\, Trajector \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIrene Soteres\, Coordinator\, Heritage Language & Language Club\, Atlanta International School \nIrene Soteres is an educator and leader with over two decades of teaching experience in both local and international school settings.  She is native to Atlanta and is of Greek heritage.  She speaks English and Greek and believes that language is critical to keeping heritage alive. \n\n\n\nIrene has held various roles with the schools that she has worked.  Presently\, she is teaching 5th grade at the Atlanta International School. She is a reflective and progressive professional\, committed to providing a well balanced\, supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.  In addition to this role\, she coordinates the after school language programs\, Heritage Language Program and Language Club.  Irene leads 12 teachers and over 90 students in these programs. \n\n\n\nAs the Coordinator of the Heritage Language Program\, Irene designs the curriculum using STEAM (Science\, Technology\, Engineering\, Art\, Mathematics) to create authentic learning experiences.  Through this design students experience the joy of learning in their heritage languages. Through this educational engagement\, students develop their identity and culture through language. The Heritage Language Program has included the following languages: Arabic\, Dutch\, Farsi\, Greek\, Italian\, Hindi\, Korean\, Portuguese\, Russian\,Turkish. \n\n\n\nIrene received her BA in education from Oglethorpe University and her M.Ed from Georgia State University.  She is fluent in English and Greek.  Being of Greek heritage\, she understands the value of language and culture.  Irene is proud of her heritage and lived in Greece for a number of years where she met her husband Gerasimos.  They now reside in Atlanta with their two children\, Theodora\, a senior at North Atlanta High School and Spyros\, a junior at North Atlanta High School.  Both her children have received the Seal of Biliteracy in the Greek Language from the state of Georgia. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVicki Flier Hudson\, Chief Collaboration Officer\, Executive Coach\, Speaker\, MediatorHigh Road Global Services \nVicki Flier Hudson is the Chief Collaboration Officer of Highroad Global Services\,Inc.\, a company that exists to release the power of diverse teams. She is also partner and executive coach for the People First Elevation Team where she helps clients transform company-wide events into meaningful\, inclusive\, values-centered experiences. \n\n\n\nVicki has a strong track record of helping leaders create an inclusive workplace and grow their business. She has brought India-focused training and consulting to companies like Procter & Gamble\, General Mills\, IHG\, UPS\, The Home Depot\, The Coca Cola Company\, NASA\, Martin Marietta\, and many more. \n\n\n\nShe is the author of the book Zen and the Art of Offshoring: How to Build a Collaborative and Profitable Team with Your Partners in India\, and a recipient of Kennesaw StateUniversity’s Instructor of the Year award for International Programs.She has traveled in several countries\, but India is her primary passion. Since 1997 she has traveled to many regions including Rajasthan\, West Bengal\, Karnataka\, Assam\, Meghalaya\, Sikkim\, Kerala\, Uttar Pradesh\, Bihar\, Maharashtra\, Tamil Nadu\, and many more. She has a strong track record in building collaborative\, cohesive teams between India and the West. \n\n\n\nShe served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and TAG’s International Business Society. In her spare time\, Vicki sings lead vocals in a Rush tribute band\, The Spirit of Rush. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/bollywood-to-boardrooms-2025/ LOCATION:Consulate General of India\, 5549 Glenridge Drive NE\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30342\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/AGSC-logo-passport.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.906008;-84.3677784 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Consulate General of India 5549 Glenridge Drive NE Atlanta GA 30342 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=5549 Glenridge Drive NE:geo:-84.3677784,33.906008 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011455 CREATED:20241218T220333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T193731Z UID:10040523-1738864800-1738872000@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Sixth Annual Global Trade & Investment Symposium in Macon DESCRIPTION:Join Christopher N. Smith\, Attorney at Law and Global Atlanta on February 6th for the Sixth Annual Statewide Global Trade and Investment Symposium in Macon\, where we’ll unpack the intricate connections between the state and the global economy. \n\n\n\nThe evening discussion and reception at Wesleyan College will feature leading voices from across the state representing the countries\, companies\, and industries underpinning job-creating investment and keeping Georgia undeniably connected beyond the U.S.’s borders. \n\n\n\nNow in its sixth year\, the symposium regularly attracts more than 100 registrants from all over the state to enjoy a night of networking and knowledge. \n\n\n\nSee video of last year’s event here: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOpening Remarks by\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeaghan Blight\, President\, Wesleyan College\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnne-Laure Desjonquères\, Consul General of France in Atlanta\nAnne-Laure Desjonquères is a career diplomat who joined the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEFA) in 2006.Before being appointed Consul General of France in Atlanta\, she was the head of the division ofEuropean Union law and international economic law in the Legal Affairs Department of the MEFA since 2018.She served as head of the Press & Communication Office at the French Embassy in New Delhi (India) from 2015 to 2017\, and as political advisor on domestic and African policy issues at the French Embassy in Pretoria (South Africa) from 2012 to 2015.She was also a desk officer in the Strategic Affairs Department\, in charge of nuclear disarmamentissues from 2010 to 2012\, and a legal consultant in European Union law in the Legal AffairsDepartment from 2006 to 2009.A former student of the French National School of Administration (ENA) and of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (Ulm)\, she graduated from Sciences Po in Paris and from the University of Paris-IV Sorbonne (Master’s Degree in History of International Relations).Anne-Laure Desjonquères is 44 years old. She is married and has 3 children. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStephen Adams\, Executive Director\, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVirginie Durr\, Enterprise Sales Manager\, French Trade Advisor\, French American Chamber Board Member\, Delta Air Lines\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRaymond Shelton\, Vice President\, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer\, YKK AP America Inc.  \nRaymond Shelton is a global business leader with over two decades of experience in strategic communications\, sustainability\, finance and investor relations across the United States\, Japan\, and beyond. He currently serves as Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer at YKK AP America\, headquartered in Atlanta with major manufacturing operations in Macon and Dublin\, Georgia. In this role he oversees corporate communications\, ESG strategy\, and civic engagement to support the company’s ambitious growth and environmental goals. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining YKK AP America\, Raymond held various executive roles with The Coca-Cola Company\, including as Executive Officer and Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan\, where he contributed to critical transformation efforts for one of the top five Coca-Cola bottlers globally by revenue. He has represented multinational organizations at the highest levels\, crafting compelling narratives and aligning stakeholders during periods of complexity and change. \n\n\n\nFluent in Japanese\, Raymond’s global perspective is also reflected in his academic background: an International MBA from the University of South Carolina\, Japanese language studies at Waseda University in Tokyo\, a BA in French from Vassar College\, and study abroad in Montpellier\, France. He is passionate about cross-cultural collaboration and mentorship\, serving as a mentor to international business students at the University of South Carolina. \n\n\n\nOutside of his professional life\, Raymond values giving back to his community. He resides in Marietta with his wife\, Krista\, and their three children\, including one at Georgia College and State University and two at North Cobb High School. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChristopher N. Smith\, LLC\, Attorney at Law \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nHosted by: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/global-trade-investment-symposium-macon-2025/ LOCATION:Wesleyan College Pierce Chapel\, 4760 Forsyth Rd\, Macon\, GA\, 31210\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:32.8742834;-83.7137178 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Wesleyan College Pierce Chapel 4760 Forsyth Rd Macon GA 31210 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=4760 Forsyth Rd:geo:-83.7137178,32.8742834 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011455 CREATED:20250125T151150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T021820Z UID:10040548-1738323000-1738328400@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Ambassador Briefing: Pakistan -- Reaching for Reform DESCRIPTION:Join Global Atlanta and Miller & Martin for a timely discussion with Rizwan Saeed Sheikh\, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States since August 2024\, on investment opportunities as the country of 235 million people reaches for reform. \n\n\n\nDuring his first official visit to Atlanta to meet community leaders and students\, Mr. Saeed will outline the government’s efforts to boost financial inclusion and drive growth through its Uraan Pakistan plan\, which aims to seed 6 percent growth by 2028\, led by export-oriented sectors and in collaboration with the World Bank and other multilateral institutions\, as outlined by the finance minister at the recent World Economic Forum. \n\n\n\nEven amid stalled talks between the government and opposition\, Mr. Saeed will showcase how sectors like energy\, infrastructure\, technology\, mining\, and agriculture offer substantial growth potential\, and how foreign investors from some of the world’s most dynamic economies are seizing opportunities in this key South Asian market. \n\n\n\nViewing Atlanta as a hub for higher education\, he will also explore deeper university collaborations and opportunities for the mutual recognition of degrees and credentials to drive further exchange. A fintech hub\, Atlanta could also play a role in the country’s nascent digitization efforts\, bringing individuals and small businesses into the formal economy and reducing the unbanked population. \n\n\n\nHeld over lunch\, the conversation will also address how Pakistan will work with the new U.S. administration\, manage regional tensions and where it sits in a world increasingly marked by U.S.-China rivalry. \n\n\n\nSee a summary of our last Pakistan briefing: Georgia Now on Pakistan’s Map\, Ambassador Says \n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmbassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored & Hosted by: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/ambassador-briefing-pakistan-reaching-for-reform/ LOCATION:Miller and Martin\, 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30309\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Featured,Foreign Direct Investment,Investment,Middle East / North Africa,Networking,Policy,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7869925;-84.3883035 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Miller and Martin 1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100 Atlanta GA 30309 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1180 W Peachtree St NW UNIT 2100:geo:-84.3883035,33.7869925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T100000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011455 CREATED:20250116T014942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T010728Z UID:10040540-1738224000-1738231200@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:​A Central Role in Europe's Future: Briefing With Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stasek DESCRIPTION:Free for Global Atlanta Passport Holders \n\n\n\nThe Czech Republic may be small in the EU context\, but it’s emerging as a big player in linking U.S. manufacturers with markets and partners in Central and Eastern Europe. \n\n\n\nNow\, thanks to key local relationships\, Georgia firms in aerospace\, tech\, smart cities and other sectors have a leg up​ in the country​\, where they’ll feel right at home ​thanks to a pro-business government\, technically skilled workforce and commitment to innovation.  \n\n\n\nJoin Global Atlanta and the Czech North America Chamber of Commerce to unpack corporate connections between Georgia and the Czech Republic in both directions.  \n\n\n\nYou’ll also ​g​et a rare chance to hear Ambassador Miloslav Stasek\, fresh off attending the ​U.S. presidential inauguration\, discuss how ​the Czech Republic is positioning itself as​ a productive partn​e​r in a world of volatility and conflict.  \n\n\n\nDuring a panel discussion\, get a look at three chances to productively engage with the Czech Republic at trade fairs in Brno\, South Moravia\, where Honorary Consul Monika Vintrlikova\, a manufacturing executive based in Georgia\, is set to work with the ambassador\, ​CzechTrade and other agencies to roll out the red carpet for Georgia-based companies. \n\n\n\nFeatured Speakers\n\n\n\nBriefing: In conversation with Global Atlanta’s Trevor Williams  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmbassador Miloslav Stasek\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanel Discussion: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMonika VintrlikovaHonorary Consul of the Czech Republic\, CEO at Albaform\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPJ BainCEO at PrimeRevenue\nPJ Bain is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Atlanta-based financial technology leader PrimeRevenue. PJ has three decades of experience in global and international business and has been involved as a founder\, investor\, board member\, and executive in software and technology firms supporting enterprise clients in the areas of supply chain\, accounting\, financial technology and payment platforms. \n\n\n\nA member of the Forbes Technology Council\, PJ is a frequent speaker and author on topics such as leadership\,entrepreneurship\, international business and global supply chains. PJ has extensive experience in capital formation\, fundraising\, mergers & acquisitions\, divestitures\, strategic planning\, marketing\, sales\, technology development and value creation. \n\n\n\nHe is actively involved in charitable\, civic and community initiatives on both a regional and national level. PJ serves on the Membership Committee for the Atlanta Rotary\, is a member of the Host Committee for Goodwillof North Georgia Battle of the Biz! Gala\, sits on the Board of Directors at Leadership Atlanta\, Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School-Atlanta.PJ is actively involved in mentoring start-up and technology business executives\, sitting on the Advisory Councilfor Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Atlanta Growth Collective\, both economic development initiatives of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce\, where he also serves on the Board of Directors. PJ and his familyare frequent supporters of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta\, the Shepherd Center\, and several other philanthropic organizations and foundations. \n\n\n\nAn Atlanta native\, PJ was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni for the College of Engineering byhis alma mater\, The Georgia Institute of Technology\, where he received a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering Degree and was a walk-on member of the varsity football team. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDavid BridgesVice President\, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute\nB. David Bridges is the Vice President for the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. EI2 is the largest\, oldest\, and most successful economic development organization at any university in the country. It is home to 11 economic development programs which (1) build and scale startups\, (2) grow existing small and medium sized enterprises\, including manufacturing firms\, and (3) energize ecosystem builders (communities\, governments\, universities\, and non-profits). These programs serve the State of Georgia\, with programmatic reach across the Southeast region\, the United States\, and five continents around the world. Bridges concurrently serves as the Director of the Economic Development Lab (EDL) within the Enterprise Innovation Institute. EDL works with communities in Georgia on projects such as workforce development\, fiscal and economic impact analyses\, strategic planning\, and downtown redevelopment. This lab also works locally and globally conducting innovation policy research and implementing innovation ecosystem building projects with 23 countries around the world. \n\n\n\nSince joining the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1994\, Bridges has worked in various practice areas serving manufacturing firms\, national labs\, international governments\, and innovation ecosystems. He has been a Principal or Co-Principal Investigator on over $20 million in grants and has authored\, co-authored\, or significantly contributed to over $40 million in winning proposals. Bridges has won over 100 proposals from U.S. federal agencies\, plus universities\, governments and non-profits from around the world. He is a Principal Research Faculty member and a frequent lecturer and key note speaker in China\, South Africa\, and across Latin America on nascent\, innovation ecosystem building. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining EI2\, he was a general management consultant and a brand manager at three consumer package goods companies. Bridges has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University and a Master of Science in Marketing from Georgia State University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet the inside track on VIP access to the following Events in Brno\, Czech Republic:  \n\n\n\nMay 28-30: International Defense and Security Technologies Fair \n\n\n\nJune 10-12: Urbis: Smart Cities Meetup — green energy\, mobility\, circular economy and more \n\n\n\nOct. 7-10: International Industrial Fair — meet with companies from 40+ countries​\, including Ukraine\, which is using the fair to vet key partners for future rebuilding initiatives \n\n\n\nSponsored By:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/briefing-with-czech-ambassador-miloslav-stasek/ LOCATION:Arnall Golden Gregory\, 171 17th Street NW\, Suite 2100\, Atlanta\, GA\, 30363\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Cybersecurity,Czech Republic,Defense,Europe,Export,Featured,Industry,Manufacturing,Market expansion,Networking,Security,Supply Chain,Trade,Ukraine ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Hon-Consul-of-Czech.png ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.7915659;-84.3937732 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Arnall Golden Gregory 171 17th Street NW Suite 2100 Atlanta GA 30363 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=171 17th Street NW\, Suite 2100:geo:-84.3937732,33.7915659 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T130000 DTSTAMP:20260513T011455 CREATED:20241120T181618Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T142049Z UID:10040497-1738150200-1738155600@www.globalatlanta.com SUMMARY:Consular Conversations OTP: Germany DESCRIPTION:We’re taking our Consular Conversations luncheons OTP! \n\n\n\nJoin Global Atlanta on January 29th for a special edition of our Consular Conversations series presented by Miller & Martin and hosted by Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Gwinnett\, featuring Melanie Moltmann\, Consul General of Germany in Atlanta. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will include a one-on-one interview with the Global Atlanta Managing Editor\, Trevor Williams\, followed by a moderated audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nNon-Member Ticket: $30Gwinnett Chamber Member Ticket: $20German-American Chamber Member Ticket: $20Global Atlanta Passport Holder: FREE \n\n\n\nOur Featured Speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMelanie Moltmann\,Consul General of Germany in Atlanta \n\n\n\nPresented by:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted By:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From the archive: URL:https://www.globalatlanta.com/event/consular-conversations-otp-germany-2024/ LOCATION:Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce\, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy\, Duluth\, GA\, 30097\, United States CATEGORIES:Business,Diplomacy,Economic Development,Europe,Featured,Germany,Trade ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.globalatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/Global-Atlanta-Passport.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Global Atlanta":MAILTO:events@globalatlanta.com GEO:33.9923995;-84.0918882 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth GA 30097 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy:geo:-84.0918882,33.9923995 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR