By Brianna Ramsey, Communications Lead, Global Ties Detroit
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and hosted locally by Global Ties Detroit in partnership with Global Ties U.S., the Career Connections Seminar, “Revving Up Innovation in Motown” took place September 26-27, 2024. The seminar launched at the stunning Detroit Historical Society with an opening reception. This vibrant evening marked the beginning of a series of events designed to provide our U.S. ExchangeAlumni attendees with the opportunity to network with each other, international ExchangeAlumni, Global Ties Detroit board members, U.S. Department of State representatives, and NGO leaders.
ExchangeAlumni network at the Detroit Historical Museum, surrounded by an exhibit on Detroit’s automotive history. All photos provided by Global Ties Detroit
The evening featured remarks from distinguished speakers, including U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Rafik Mansour, Detroit Historical Society Director of Development Gail Busby, and Global Ties Detroit Board Chair Rosemary Max. Their insights and stories inspired attendees and highlighted the importance of global connections and understanding. A special thank you goes out to the Detroit Historical Society for hosting, and to Abu Lawrence Catering for providing the delicious spread that left everyone impressed.
The seminar continued the following day with a full schedule of programming for 40 U.S. ExchangeAlumni from the Great Lakes region and beyond. It kicked off with opening remarks from Ken Roy, Diplomat in Residence for the North-Central Region, and Christianne Malone from TechTown Detroit & Wayne State University. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from fellow ExchangeAlumni who are local leaders in Detroit on a panel about their roles as changemakers in Detroit, and the impact of Detroit’s revitalization both locally and globally. Christopher Moyer, Global Ties Detroit Board Member, moderated as Wendy Ekua (W.E.) Da’Cruz from The VGC Group, Meagan Ward from Femology, and Hajj Flemings of REBRANDX shared their experiences in navigating life in diplomacy, bringing additional invaluable perspectives to the discussion.
Attendees take in insights from our panelists (from left): moderator Chris Moyer, W.E. Da’Cruz, Hajj Flemings, and Meagan Ward.
Participants engaged in intimate breakout sessions with local organizations and U.S. Department of State representatives, diving deeper into topics related to innovation and collaboration. Deidre Smith, a Next Level exchange program alum, Emcee/Singer, and lecturer at the University of Michigan, who was also the subject of the documentary, “On My Detroit Everything,” provided further enrichment in a workshop on the power of storytelling for self-expression and community action through the lens of hip-hop.
Headshots and resume reviews were offered between sessions, and the seminar culminated with a visit to The Henry Ford Museum, showcasing Detroit’s rich history and culture.
Career Connections Detroit would not have been possible without the support of the U.S. Department of State, TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University, and Global Ties U.S.—as well as the dedicated resume reviewers and headshot photographer. The expertise and insights shared by all of the featured speakers are also appreciated for their impact on the participants.
Together, we’re not just building connections; we’re fostering innovation within our community and around the world!
Group photo of the Career Connections Detroit attendees, alongside some of the speakers and implementing staff from the Office of Alumni Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Global Ties Detroit, Global Ties U.S.