Walker College of Business Global Opportunities Conference

Happenings at the 2012 Global Opportunities Conference, April 13, 2012

As global connections increase, so does social and economic interdependence between countries. Economic stability, immigration and environmental degradation are all issues that transcend national boundaries and require cross-national solutions. Our students are uniquely positioned to participate in creative solutions to such daunting global issues. How can the skills students are learning be used to implement and support initiatives that will benefit those who need help most? The theme of the 2012 conference was “The Business of Building a Better World” and speakers and panelists shared their insights into ways that individuals can make a difference on an international level.

During the morning panel sessions, students who had participated in service projects in Vietnam, Uganda, Malawi and Brazil, shared their experiences abroad. Representatives of locally-based international non-profit organizations World Camp, Stand as One, Peace Corps and ACT-Globetrotters, connected students with their projects and encouraged them to make a difference. The luncheon speaker, Mr. Matt Ellingson of Samaritan’s Purse, spoke on the power of the average individual who commits to serve in meeting the world’s needs.

The keynote speaker, Ms. Isabel Richardson of the Madras Christian Counsel of Social Service in Chennai, India, shared about her work to stop human trafficking and rehabilitate its survivors. She also spoke of the educational program she oversees for children who made their living gathering recyclables from the dumping grounds. She was accompanied by Anand, one of the children who has been served through their educational programs. Anand and Alexander, a social worker with MCCSS, performed traditional Indian dancing for attendees.

In the afternoon, students networked with locally-based international non-profits and on-campus international organizations, learning about internship opportunities serving abroad.

Photos from the 2012 conference are now on-line.

Looking ahead:

2013 Global Opportunities Conference, tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 12.