International Day of Education – Speakers
International Day of Education
Monday, January 24 – 9:00 am Central Time
Memory Banda
Girls’ Rights Activist, Malawi
Memory Banda is a Malawian girls’ rights activist who led a national grassroots campaign to ban child marriage in Malawi. Banda became involved in advocacy after her younger sister was forced into marriage at 11 years old. Banda joined local organizations Girls Empowerment Network (Genet) and Let Girls Lead and began talking to other girls about their experiences in sexual “initiation camps.” She collaborated on a storytelling project called “River of Life,” where girls share their experiences, their dreams, and the challenges they face through art, storytelling, and poetry. The project was adopted into an advocacy campaign and helped bring about the ban on child marriage in 2015. Banda continues to advocate for girls in countries where child marriage still exists. She has been named a Rise Up girl leader and is in her sophomore year of college in Malawi.
Uri Camarena
Business Consultant Director, MEDA
Uri Camarena, a native of Mexico, received a BS from the University of Minnesota followed by an MBA from the University of Saint Mary’s in Minnesota. Uri has 30 years of UPS diversified corporate experience with a strong background in operations, communications, public relations and learning and development. For years, he participated in multiple international start-up projects in Europe and South America. Locally, Uri managed a number of departments for UPS. One of them was the UPS Foundation where Uri was able to expand the philanthropic efforts of the organization and allowed him to be involved in many community and charitable causes. Currently, Uri works as Director of Business Solutions for the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) a non-profit organization where he has served for 12 years. Uri has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design). He is a member of the LEDC board of Directors, serving as Secretary for The Board, and chairing the Credit Committee. Uri also serves on the Minnesota State Arts Board, where he is starting his third year of service.
Shawn Edwards
Entrepreneur
Shawn Edwards learned about the power of international education in high school, and has been a passionate advocate for making sure that young people, especially students in high school, need the eye-opening experience of travel and living inside of another culture in order to more fully understand themselves and the broader community. As a successful entrepreneur in Minnesota’s food scene, Shawn has a unique story on how he came to international experiences in high school and their transformative power.
Amanda Ellis
Executive Director, Asia Pacific, Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation at the Global Futures Lab, ASU
Former UN Ambassador Amanda Ellis currently serves as Executive Director, Asia-Pacific for the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation and Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks for the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. She is co-chair of the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge, launched by the UN Secretary General, the President of the World Bank and the Council of Women World Leaders in 2018 to promote inclusive entrepreneurship. Previous roles include New Zealand’s Head of Mission and Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, inaugural Ambassador for Women and Girls and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to Francophone Africa. Ellis played a key role in New Zealand’s successful UN Security Council bid, subsequently serving as co-chair of the UNSC High Level Working Group on Humanitarian Access into Syria. From 2010-13 as Deputy Secretary International Development and the first woman to head the New Zealand Aid Programme, Ellis was responsible for an annual budget of over $0.6 billion. Prior to this, Ellis was Lead Specialist in the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Group at the World Bank Group in Washington D.C., where she managed the World Bank President’s Global Private Sector CEO Leaders Forum and led the Doing Business gender research project which created “Women, Business and the Law.” While at the World Bank, she worked with the Economist Intelligence Unit to create the Women’s Economic Opportunity Index. Ellis also founded the International Finance Corporation’s gender program, where she developed the first lines of credit for women entrepreneurs in Africa delivered through local banks. In the late 1990s, she served in senior executive roles at Westpac Banking Corporation in Australia, including as Head of Women’s Markets and National Manager Women in Business, growing a new business rapidly to over half a billion dollars in annual revenues within just three years.
Norman Gu
General Manger, Hormel Foods China
Norman Gu is the General Manger at Hormel Foods China. In current role, he oversees China strategy, M&A, business development and daily operation including three production sites in China, two Hormel® process meat plants and Skippy® peanut butter plant. Norman started his career with Hormel since 2003 as Regional sales manager in Shanghai. In 2006, he moved to Beijing Hormel as sales director, responsible for sales, marketing and logistics for North China. After two years, he relocated back to Shanghai and in charged national Foodservice business. He was named VP of sales & marketing and responsible for both Foodservice & Retail since 2014. At that time Hormel acquired Skippy® brand, he deeply involved Skippy® China business integration. He was promoted to current role in 2016. He received an MBA from Remin university of China. In 2020, he completed the Executive Development Program at CEIBS. He served as Co-chair of Food, Agriculture, Beverage committee at Amcham Shanghai and currently serves as Board of Governor at Amcham Shanghai.
Shawntera Hardy
Co-Founder and Chief of Strategy, Civic Eagle
Shawntera Hardy is co-founder and chief of strategy for Civic Eagle, a national consulting firm that uses technology to promote better democratic outcomes for people and their communities. She was formerly commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Prior to serving as DEED commissioner, Hardy was deputy chief of staff in the office of Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, where she worked on a wide range of policy and operational issues. She also helped lead the governor’s efforts to diversify state government and expand economic opportunity for Minnesotans of color and Minnesotans with disabilities.
Anousheh Karvar
Delegate of the French Government to the ILO’s Governing Body, and Labour & Employment Task Officer to the G7 and G20
Anousheh Karvar is the Delegate of the French Government to the ILO’s Governing Body, as well as the Labour & Employment Task Officer to the G7 and G20. She currently chairs the Global Partneship against Child labour, Forced labour, Human traffickig and Modern Slavery (Alliance 8.7). She was formerly Deputy Director of the Minister of Labour’s cabinet (2016-2017), Social Counsellor to the President of the Parliament (2017-2018). In 2012, she joined the General Inspectorate for Social Affairs, the French Government audit, evaluation and inspection office for health, social protection & labour policies, as a Senior Officer and Head of Labour and Employment Section (2013-2016). She holds a Ph.D. in History and Sociology of Science, at the University of Paris.
Runa Khan
Founder and Executive Director, Friendship
Runa Khan, an Ashoka fellow and Schwab Foundation social entrepreneur, is the Founder and Executive Director of Friendship. an Ashoka fellow and Schwab Foundation social entrepreneur, is the Founder and Executive Director of Friendship. Friendship was founded drawing upon Runa Khan’s wide range of practical experiences of teaching, setting up small businesses, tourism, and communication among others. She is a published author with eight books, six on pedagogy and two on children’s stories. She is the Board Member of Global Dignity and Country Chair of Global Dignity Bangladesh and the Founder of Friendship International that is working in four European countries, fundraising and building relationships for Friendship in Bangladesh. Her work is based on simple logic, empathy, respect, deep sense of justice and innovation. She received several international awards and recognition, including Green Award by Positive Planet (2016), Schwab Foundation’s Social Entrepreneur Award (2012), IDB Award for contribution toward Women in development (2008), Rolex Awards for Entrepreneurship (2006), and Ashoka Fellowship (1994).
Satish Kumar
Founder, Schumacher College, India-UK
Editor Emeritus, Resurgence & Ecologist, Founder, Schumacher College, India-UK, Peace-pilgrim, life-long activist and former monk, Satish Kumar has been inspiring global change for over 50 years. Aged 9, Satish renounced the world and joined the wandering Jain monks. Inspired by Gandhi, he decided at 18 that he could achieve more back in the world, campaigning to turn Gandhi’s vision of a peaceful future into reality. In his early 20s, Satish was inspired by the British peace activist, Bertrand Russell who was arrested aged 89 at an anti-nuclear demonstration. This prompted Satish’s peace pilgrimage from India to Moscow, London, Paris and America. Walking with no money and depending on the kindness and hospitality of strangers, Satish delivered a humble packet of ‘peace tea’ to the leaders of the four capitals of the nuclear world. Now in his 80s, he has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration, social justice and spiritual fulfilment. Satish served as the editor of Resurgence magazine for 43 years, making him the UK’s longest-serving editor of the same magazine. This acclaimed publication has been described by The Guardian as the ‘spiritual and ecological flagship of the environmental movement’. During his time as editor, Satish founded , an educational charity for social and environmental justice that seeks to inform and inspire change. Satish now serves as editor-emeritus of magazine and continues to contribute to each bi-monthly issue of this much-loved publication. Satish has also been the guiding spirit behind a number of other internationally respected ecological and educational ventures. He co-founded Schumacher College in South Devon where he is a Visiting Fellow. In his 50th year, Satish undertook another pilgrimage – again carrying no money. This time, he walked 2,000 miles to the holy places of Britain, a venture he describes as a celebration of his love of life and nature.
Anthony MacKay
CEO & Board Co Chair, National Center on Education and the Economy, Australia
Anthony Mackay has advised organizations, governments and school systems on every continent and is a leading voice in global education research and development. He is an expert advisor to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education (IBE) and a council member of Asia Society’s Center for Global Education. Mackay moderates the annual International Summit on the Teaching Profession and the Global Education Industry Summit and facilitates key debates at the events of the World Innovation Summit on Education (WISE). He is also the Chair of the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER); Deputy Chancellor of Swinburne University, Melbourne; Senior Fellow, Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne; and Deputy Chair of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Before joining NCEE, Mackay was the CEO of the Centre for Strategic Education in Australia. In 2016, Mackay began serving as senior advisor to the NCEE and former president and founder, Marc Tucker. In January of 2019, Tucker and the NCEE Board of Trustees selected Mackay as the second president and CEO of NCEE.
Monica McFarlane
Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service: Export Counseling and Assistance
Monica McFarlane Scott is a Senior International Trade Specialist in the Minneapolis office of the U.S. Commercial Service, helping Minnesota companies export their products and services. Monica is the local specialist covering Agribusiness, Travel and Tourism and Publishing, and also services the south western counties of Minnesota. Prior to joining the Minneapolis team, Monica worked in the D.C. headquarters of the U.S. Commercial Service and served as a country manager providing support and oversight to the Commercial Service offices located throughout the Western Hemisphere. Monica received her B.A. in Political Science from Howard University and earned her M.A. from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.
Meredith McQuaid
Associate Vice President and Dean of International Programs, University of Minnesota
Meredith McQuaid is Associate Vice President and Dean of International Programs for the University of Minnesota system, where she promotes the global dimensions of teaching, research, and engagement across all colleges and campuses of the University. She works with the president, vice presidents, chancellors, deans, faculty, and staff to create global opportunities; expand international and interdisciplinary components of teaching, research, and public engagement activities; recruit and support international students, faculty, and staff; and facilitate development of critical interdisciplinary and international partnerships important to the University’s strategic plan. Before entering academia, Meredith practiced immigration and civil litigation law in Minneapolis. She serves on the board of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) and is a past president of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the largest nonprofit professional association dedicated to international education.
Dr. Phil Noble
Founder, World Class Scholars
Phil is founder of World Class Scholars – an innovative project that creates global classrooms with real time online educational and cultural exchanges. It will launch globally in Oct. 2021 at Dubai Expo 2020 world’s fair. Beginning in 1994, Noble was an early pioneer in using the internet and new technologies in the civic sector – media, politics, government, NGOs, foundations and education. As an entrepreneur, he has started six digital companies and NGOs. He is a veteran of over 350 public affairs projects and political campaigns in 40 states and 32 countries including work with over two dozen political parties and campaigns to elect the head of state in 15 countries. Among his clients are the World Bank, Metropolis, Papandreou Foundation, ABC News, International Crisis Group, Reuters, Amnesty International, The BBC, Bertelsmann, AOL Time Warner, Al Watan, Star Media and others. His government clients include the United Nations, European Union and European Parliament, the national governments of Australia, Greece, United Kingdom, United States and the cities of Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Stockholm. Noble has been a guest lecturer at over 30 colleges and universities in the US and internationally. He held teaching and advisory positions with a variety of universities and their academic publications at George Washington University, University of Southern California, University of Amsterdam, University of Athens and others in South Carolina and Georgia. He was a Resident Fellow of the Institute of Politics of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Guadalupe Quintero
Director of Community Partnerships, Minnesota State University Mankato
Guadalupe Quintero is the Director of Community Partnerships at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In her current position, she serves as a liaison between the University/Diversity and Inclusion division and ethnic communities in Minnesota. In her previous position as Director of the Center for Latina/o Affairs, she developed programs to encourage and motivate Latina/os to pursue educational opportunities and increase their access to higher education. Guadalupe is an active member of the Global Education and Study Away Council (GEAC) at Minnesota State Mankato, and has traveled multiple times to Latin American countries to establish student and faculty exchange programs. She has been a founder and co-founder of multiple bilingual and bicultural educational programs for Latina/o youth and women empowerment in Southern Minnesota. Guadalupe’s exceptional work has been recognized by the YWCA with the Women of Distinction award, the Minnesota State University, Mankato, “Outstanding Advisor of the Year” and “Latina Leader of the Year” awards. She also received the BIHA (Black Indian Hispanic and Asian) Award of Honor for her commitment and dedication to the Latina/o Community, the Minnesota Rural Futures Award and the Ohtli Award of honor, the Ohtli Award recognizes and honors Latina/o leaders whose efforts have contributed significantly to the wellbeing, prosperity and empowerment of Mexican communities abroad.
Dr. Mamphela Ramphele
Co-President Club of Rome, South Africa
Mamphela Ramphele is Co-President of the Club of Rome since 2018. She has been a student activist, medical doctor, community development activist, researcher, university executive, global public servant and is now an active citizen and a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Previously, Dr Ramphele was Vice-Chancellor of UCT, one of four Managing Directors of the World Bank in Washington, DC and Leader of Agang SA, a party for all South Africans which won two seats in the national elections in 2014. She was also Chairperson of Gold Fields, Circle Capital Ventures (Pty) Limited, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and Director of Medi-Clinic Corporation Limited and Remgro Limited and founder of the Open Society Foundation for South Africa and the Citizens Movement. Dr. Ramphele authored several books and publications on socio-economic issues in South Africa. She has received numerous awards for her work for disadvantaged people in South Africa and elsewhere.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs
Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University
Jeffrey Sachs is a world-renowned professor of economics, leader in sustainable development, senior UN advisor, bestselling author, and syndicated columnist whose monthly newspaper columns appear in more than 100 countries. He is the co-recipient of the 2015 Blue Planet Prize, the leading global prize for environmental leadership, and has twice been named among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential world leaders. Professor Sachs served as the Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University from 2002 to 2016. During that time, he led a university-wide organization of more than 850 research scientists and policy experts in support of sustainable development, championed the Masters of Development Practice (MDP) program, which is now offered at 30 universities around the world, and helped to introduce the PhD in Sustainable Development at Columbia University. He was appointed University Professor at Columbia University in 2016 and also serves as Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development and Professor of Health Policy and Management. He is Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the Sustainable Development Goals, and previously advised both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the Millennium Development Goals. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis in Laxenburg, Austria. Professor Sachs is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on economic development, global macroeconomics, and the fight against poverty. His work on ending poverty, overcoming macroeconomic instability, promoting economic growth, fighting hunger and disease, and promoting sustainable environmental practices has taken him to more than 125 countries. Over the past thirty years, he has advised dozens of heads of state and governments on economic strategy in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He was among the outside advisors to Pope John Paul II on the encyclical Centesimus Annus and currently works closely with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences on issues of sustainable development. Prior to his arrival at Columbia University in July 2002, Professor Sachs spent over twenty years as a professor at Harvard University, where he served as the Director of the Center for International Development and the Galen L. Stone Professor of International Trade. Sachs was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1954. He received his B.A., summa cum laude, from Harvard College in 1976, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1978 and 1980 respectively.
Anoushka Sinha
Founder/CEO, Roshan Bharat, India
Anoushka is a biology student and a STEM enthusiast and loves to work with anything related to science, whether it is observing specimens or conducting research on fruit flies or developing an app to make specimens of hydraulic bridges. Due to her inquisitive nature, Anoushka is always searching for new ways to solve existing problems that lead her to become a social entrepreneur of various platforms, some of them being Roshan Bharat, ScholarBack and GirlLytical. An ardent fan of music since a young age, Anoushka started her musical journey at the age of 4, formally trained for years and gave various stage performances and won accolades on national level. She used her love for music to do fundraisers for underprivileged children. She worked as one of the youngest Rj’s in the ministry of Telecommunications and Broadcasting managed 90.8 FM and led a successful show advocating and spreading awareness about important topics for the children relating to health and hygiene, nutrition and more. Anoushka has been a passionate advocate for children’s education for a long time. She started off by teaching underprivileged kids in her community and school, working in NGO’s, and finally starting her own platform to help them attain the SDG-4 for quality education.
Thabani Sinkula
Senior Director Finance, CWT
Thabani Sinkula is a Senior Finance Director at CWT, one of the world’s leading digital travel management companies. Thabani has 20 years of diversified corporate finance experience, including roles with Ford Motor Company, General Mills, Mars, and Cargill. She received an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and an BA in East Asian Studies from Bryn Mawr College. Thabani is currently a Trustee at Bryn Mawr and has been a member of the finance committee at Global Minnesota since 2017.
Dina Storey
Head of Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020 Dubai
As Head of Sustainability Operations at Expo 2020 Dubai, Dina Storey leads the development and implementation of the World Expo’s sustainable event management strategy. Dina’s current focuses include sustainable development and integration of sustainability into both the built environment and operations. Her mandate is to ensure that the Expo meets and exceeds its sustainability commitments both locally and globally. This includes planning for event and legacy, stakeholder and market engagement, and communications and awareness campaigns designed to extend Expo 2020’s sustainable impact beyond the boundaries of its physical site. Dina is a LEED-certified sustainability expert with more than 16 years of public and private sector experience. Her expertise enables her to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions that help Expo 2020 achieve its sustainability goals. Dina has a BSc in Chemical Engineering, an MBA in international Business, and a Masters in Sustainability Management from Columbia University NYC. She has worked for the United Nations, a number of global consulting firms as well as the City of NYC and the Earth Institute. She has written a number of articles and spoken on a number of platforms with a focus on the intrinsic value of sustainability as a driver for economic development.
Ertugrul Tuzcu
Distinguished Service Professor, St. Thomas University, Opus Business School
Ertugrul Tuzcu is a Retail Industry Executive currently consulting with Target and Select Comfort Co. He is the Former President and COO, National Lifetouch School Studios and the Past Chair of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Tuzcu graduated from the University in 1978 with a graduate degree in Industrial Engineering. Upon graduation, Ertugrul joined Dayton’s as an industrial engineer. He held positions in Finance, Distribution, Human Resources, Merchandising, and was Executive Vice President Stores for Marshall Fields and Macy’s. He is currently a Distinguished Service Professor at the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas MBA Program. Originally from Turkey, Ertugrul and his wife, Karen, were Honorary Chairs for Global Minnesota’s 2012 Gala celebrating Turkey. Their daughter Zeynep is currently attending University of Minnesota. Ertugrul’s hobbies include traveling, sports, reading, and music. Ertugrul chaired the Global Minnesota Board from 2017-2019.
Okechukwu Ukaga
Assistant Dean, University of Minnesota Extension
As Assistant Dean, Dr. Okechukwu (Okey) Ukaga engages diverse stakeholders to determine program needs, and to plan, implement and evaluate programs. He is also the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for University of Minnesota Extension. He previously served as a Regional Sustainable Development Partnership Executive Director. He has also been an Extension Professor of Sustainable Development with the University of Minnesota Extension, as well as an adjunct Professor of Environment and Sustainability Studies in the Geography Department at the University of Minnesota – Duluth, and a member of the University of Minnesota Senate. Before coming to Minnesota, Dr. Okey Ukaga served as the Managing Director of the International Institute for Sustainable Development at Colorado State University for five years. In that capacity, he managed a variety of sustainable community development projects and worked with organizations and people from countries in Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East. He has also previously worked/taught at Penn State University and Florida A & M University. He received a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Extension Education, from Penn State University. Dr. Ukaga has served and continues to serve on important domestic and international project teams. Examples include the USA State Department’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, USA Association for Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Transformative Regional Engagement (TRE) roadmap national committee; Executive Board of the Minnesota Evaluation Association, Minnesota Sea Grant College, and Consortium for Sustainable Village Based Development; to name a few. He also served as a member of a Kettering Foundation funded national (USA) task force on the practice of public scholarship in land-grant institutions; is a member of a European Union funded international working group on evaluation of sustainable development; and a consultant for the United States Agency for International Development Agribusiness Development Program (ADP) training in South Africa.
Robbyn Wacker
President, St. Cloud State University
Dr. Robbyn Wacker was named as St. Cloud State University’s 24th President, an appointment began July 1, 2018. Dr. Wacker served as a leader and academic administrator at the University of Northern Colorado with a variety of responsibilities and leadership roles for over 20 years. She has served as dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences and an assistant vice president for graduate education, research and extended campus. She served as Provost for over 6 years, providing collaborative leadership, and investment in the university’s academic, research, international partnerships, and student success programs.
Melati Wijsen
Founder, Youthtopia, Indonesia
Melati is a 20-year-old full-time changemaker and movement builder. She has founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her younger sister and has been leading the movement driven by youth since 2013 at the age of 12. She has also started the people movement One Island One Voice and the social enterprise, Mountain Mamas. Melati has spoken on world stages such as TED and the UN and has also been selected as FORBES top ten most inspiring women in the country. She graduated from high school one year early and has since been honored by TIME as part of the annual list of most influential teens in the world along with CNN Heroes Young Wonders and FORBES 30 under 30. Recently, Melati has co-chaired the World Economic Forum GPAP committee, sat on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize, and has had her film, Bigger Than Us, premiere at the 74th Cannes Film Festival 2021. Today, Melati has launched her new company, YOUTHTOPIA, which is all about youth empowerment through short and meaningful peer to peer programs and providing them the tools they need to be changemakers. Melati believes that young people can accelerate change and her vision is to make YOUTHTOPIA the go to platform for young people to learn about frontline skills.
Sri Zaheer
Dean, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
Srilata (Sri) Zaheer became the 12th dean of the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota on March 8, 2012. During her tenure as dean of the Carlson School, Sri launched a Military Veterans Initiative to help servicemen and women transition from military to business careers, resulting in the Carlson School being named the number one Military Friendly business school in the nation. Sri has increased the business community’s engagement with the school, resulting in a wealth of new experiential learning opportunities for students, and has overseen the introduction of new degrees in business analytics, supply chain management, finance, and new programs in partnership with Tsinghua University in Beijing and Tongji University in Shanghai, as well as online degrees and certificates. Sri holds the Elmer L. Andersen Chair in Global Corporate Social Responsibility and her research focus is on international business — a topic on which she has published extensively. She is a Fellow of the Academy of International Business, and a former Consulting Editor of the Journal of International Business Studies. In 2018, Zaheer received the PwC Strategy& Eminent Scholar Award, for lifetime achievement in scholarship from the International Management Division of the Academy of Management. Prior to academia, Zaheer worked for multinationals such as Tata Consultancy Services and Sandoz (India) Ltd. She also reported on politics and business from India and Nigeria for Business International. These experiences have provided the foundation for her research in international business, as well as leading the Carlson School’s engagement with the corporate community. Sri serves on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, where she is currently serving as chair. She previously served on the boards of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), Greater Twin Cities United Way, the Guthrie Theater, and the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Gabriela Zelaya
Global Education Team Leader for the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce Global Education Team
Gabriela Zelaya is the Global Education Team Leader for the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce Global Education Team, a position she has held since 2014. In this role, she manages U.S. Commercial Service Education Team programs that assist U.S. educational institutions with promotion and recruitment efforts. She also oversees U.S. Commercial Service collaboration with partners both domestically and abroad. With more than 15 years in the field, Gabriela was recently honored as Silicon Valley’s “40 under 40” recognizing her as an up-and-coming leader in Silicon Valley for her leadership, community work, and impact in her respective field. Gabriela led the creation of Study California to promote international education opportunities in the state, and is co-creator of USA: A Study Destination, a national engagement to promote the United States as the premier study destination. Gabriela received her bachelor’s degree in political science/law and society from the University of California, Riverside and master’s (honors) from the University of Miami.