Spotlight Presenters at NAFSA 2019

Throughout the week, special guest speakers will discuss important trends and issues within and beyond the field of international education.

Deborah Santiago

Tuesday, May 28, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Serving Students: Access, Inclusion, and Equity with a Latino Lens
Serving students—especially Latino students—requires intentionality in addressing strengths and needs informed by disaggregated data, improved with evidence-based practice and guided by leadership commitment. This presentation will share a perspective and experiences from institutions committed to building communities where post-traditional students thrive.

Ian H. Solomon, JD

Wednesday, May 29, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

The Art and Science of Cooperation
Negotiation is our most important tool for navigating a world of competing ideas and priorities. Ian will discuss his work in international education and diplomacy and share the lessons he learned in building partnerships across the globe. Drawing on insights from economics, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, law, politics, and art, he will offer practical advice on cooperation and negotiation best practices in both professional contexts and our personal lives.

Aimee Ansari

Wednesday, May 29, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

When Disaster Strikes: How We Can Help Using Language and Communications Technology
Earthquakes, fires, tsunamis. During these crises, responders often can’t send messages, people can’t share their needs, and those abroad are left wondering how they can make a difference. International educators and students are uniquely placed to help – connected, multilingual, and fluent in communications technology. Translators Without Borders’ Aimee Ansari will explore how to help when disaster strikes.

Christopher Richard O'Shaughnessy

Wednesday, May 29, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Learning from Third Culture Kids to Shape Global Leaders
Third Culture Kids grow up amidst multiple cultures with a high degree of transition and mobility. They possess valuable traits that are becoming ever more essential as society moves closer to their experience. We’ll look at ways to foster those skills in others focusing on areas like increased empathy, international awareness, and cross-cultural communication.

Anisa Mehdi

Thursday, May 30, 9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Walking Through Walls: Travel, Talk, and Trespass
Growing up Arab American in New York City I learned shame and pride. In Spain it was loneliness and excellence. Reporting taught me polite persistence. Directing the Abraham Path Initiative, I practice patience. What to do with the ever-emerging barriers? Take a walk with me, and let’s share some secrets.

Vishakha Desai, PhD

Thursday, May 30, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Reclaiming the Global in Education
In the age of populist nationalism and glaring income inequalities, all things global have come under attack. Publications declaring the demise, failure, or slowing down of globalism abound. However, global trends, ranging from climate change and migration of people to instantaneous communication, make it clear that we need to prepare for continued interdependence and interconnectedness of the world. On these topics we will discuss the new possibilities for rethinking global education, with a focus on both intellectual framing and pedagogical possibilities.

Jeanne Batalova, PhD

Thursday, May 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

The Global Race for Talent: Implications for Immigration and Immigrant Integration Policies
Recognizing that skills are central to competitiveness and economic growth, governments, employers, and universities strive to expand their talent pool through international migration. Admission of skilled newcomers has to be combined with their economic and social integration. Dr. Batalova will describe global trends, challenges, and opportunities of highly skilled migration.

Gwen Young, JD

Friday, May 31, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Global Women’s Leadership: Pathways, Positions and Power
Ensuring that women sit at every decision-making table and make up 50% of leadership positions in government worldwide requires knowing where we are today. The Global Women’s Leadership Initiative Index (GWLI) is the first of its kind to measure women’s leadership and show which levers we can move to ensure women rise to leadership positions at the local and national level and across all sectors of governments across the globe. Ms. Young will discuss key takeaways from the GWLI to inform and empower women leaders around the world.

Alfredo Corchado

Friday, May 31, 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Homelands
The border is not just a geographical place, but a mindset. It’s not a no-man’s land over run by criminals in need of a wall to separate us from them. The border is a peek into the future. Join us for a conversation with Alfredo Corchado, a renowned author and reporter, about the epicenter of our homelands, the border.