World Trade Center Institute

Our team is getting ready for the holiday season! Too soon? 🎄🧑‍🎄⛄️

On October 25, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee welcomed 34 esteemed public officials, academics, and security analysts from NATO and aspiring member countries to the Maryland State House in Annapolis.

This diverse group of delegates visited Washington D.C. and Maryland in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State for the momentous event, "The Enduring Legacy of Collective Defense: 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization." This gathering underscored the vital significance of collective defense and NATO's pivotal role in ensuring global security over the past 75 years.

The session brought together notable figures, including Maryland Adjutant General Janeen Birckhead, U.S. State Department representative Sandy Jacobs, and WTCI board member Bruce McIndoe, President of McIndoe Rick Advisory. The agenda featured an engaging Q&A session centered around the upcoming 2024 NATO Summit and the intricacies of foreign policy decision-making.

Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead emphasized the Maryland National Guard's commitment to NATO's vision: "Through three decades of professional military exchanges with partners like Estonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, we have proudly contributed to NATO's mission of peace, stability, and security."

Participant Stefan Popescu from Romania expressed his appreciation: "I was impressed by the warmth and openness with which we received by Lt. Governor Miller and Secretary of State Lee and all their collaborators. We noted the state of Maryland's interest in the geopolitical challenges to NATO and the will to support a strong commitment of the U.S. alongside its allies. In Annapolis, you made us feel part of a family, and we will keep this feeling and pass it on when we each arrive in our countries. Thank you!"

Let's celebrate the remarkable partnership fostered by the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the Meridian International Center, and the invaluable support from the State Department!

Ever wondered what it takes to be the next CEO of a family business? 🤔

Join us for our latest episode of the World Lens podcast, where we chat with Ryan Polakoff, the next CEO of Nexterus (and WTCI member). He's been prepping for this moment his whole life, and he's spilling the beans on what it really takes to take over the reins.

Listen now: https://loom.ly/Ina9S9E

Succession Planning with Nexterus by World Lens by WTCI Working at a family business can be tough. Taking over the family business? Even tougher. But Ryan Polakoff, the next CEO of Nexterus (and WTCI member) has been preparing for this moment his whole life. Join us for an inside look at what it takes when it's time to take the reins.

Yesterday, we had an unforgettable evening at Sagamore Spirit's Baltimore distillery. Our Inside Series Happy Hour gave our members an exclusive look at how farm-to-table practices revolutionize rye whiskey.

Ryan Norwood, VP of Sagamore Spirit, gave a presentation about the company's commitment to sourcing local grains and crafting exceptional spirits. Afterward, we were led on a guided tour of the distillery's waterfront property, where we witnessed the whiskey-making process firsthand.

Of course, no visit to Sagamore Spirit would be complete without a happy hour. We enjoyed complimentary cocktails and chatted with the experts about their innovative approach to whiskey production.

It was a night filled with delicious drinks, fascinating insights, and great company. Thanks again to Sagamore Spirit for hosting!

Are you ready to navigate the complexities of AI? 🤖

Join us for the AGILE Global Innovation Series: AI at a Crossroads on November 7th. This exclusive event will explore artificial intelligence's latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. New developments happen in the world of AI seemingly every day, and businesses, large and small, need to know how to navigate the changing dynamics.

Attendees will learn the ethical implications of AI, its impact on global business, and the future of work from our panel of experts:
▪️ Jason Michael Perry, Sr. Advisor of Corporate Innovation & Technology, WTCI
▪️ Alex Goranin, Partner, Duane Morris LLP
▪️ Seema Alexander, Co-founder & President, Virgent AI
▪️ Steve Shapiro, SVP of Artificial Intelligence in Assessments, Prometric

Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights and network with other professionals eager to get ahead of the constantly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

Register now: https://loom.ly/K2hdIYs
(This event is free and open to WTCI members only.)

AGILE Global Innovation Series Cybersecurity, climate change, and supply chain are just a few of the pressing issues facing executives at globally minded businesses today. During our AGILE Global Innovation Series, experts from the Mid-Atlantic dive into these issues and more to discuss the solutions they are using to navigate ou...

Get ready for a culinary adventure at the State of the Ports! 🌎🍴

Our Global Flavor Showcase is bigger and better than ever, with a variety of delicious small bites and drinks from local restaurants.

Network with industry leaders and hear from Secretary Paul Wiedefeld and Mark Schmidt from Ports America Chesapeake as they discuss the future of maritime.

Don't miss out! This event always sells out, so secure your spot now: https://loom.ly/JcMHwrE

State of the Ports

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Know a high school student passionate about global affairs and international business? Their transformative journey starts here!
We’re thrilled to announce that applications for the next Albrecht Fellowship cohort are now open! 🎉

The Albrecht Fellowship at WTCI is an incredible opportunity for young leaders to dive into international business, diplomacy, and cross-cultural learning.

✨ Why Apply?
▪️ Develop essential leadership skills
▪️ Build a robust network of peers and mentors
▪️ Give back to the community and earn service hours

This could be the opportunity of a lifetime! For more info, visit https://loom.ly/-Npf_lw.

Albrecht Fellowship for High School Students Help future leaders jump-start their global careers

Our CEO, Eddie Resende, sat down with Jeff Cochran of Shapiro Negotiations Institute to discuss the art of negotiation and how leaders can use it to drive success.

Leadership isn’t just about giving orders – it’s about mastering the art of negotiation. Jeff Cochran, Partner at SNI, joins Eddie Resende, CEO of World Trade Center Institute , for a powerful discussion on how leaders can drive success while ensuring others feel valued in the process.

Watch the full interview to discover Jeff’s insights on building leadership through negotiation: https://wtci.org/Resource-Library-Post/A-Conversation-With-a-Master-Negotiator

We are back for Season 2 of the World Lens podcast! 📣

On this new episode, we catch up on everything that went down over the summer with our hosts Michelle Evans and Bruce McIndoe. From the Paris Olympics to exploding pagers, we’re back to look at what’s happening in the world through a global business lens.
Listen in now: https://loom.ly/cyV6MRg

Back to School with Bruce by World Lens by WTCI Welcome to Season 2 of the World Lens Podcast! I’m sure nothing significant happened during the summer break, right? Stalwart co-host Bruce McIndoe is back to chat about some of the major news stories we missed. From the Paris Olympics to exploding pagers, we’re back to look at what’s happenin...

This week, our Global Engagement team was thrown for a loop with an impromptu International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) group of 22 women through the Institute of International Education (IIE) for a Women and Entrepreneurship project. These inspiring women, each representing a different country, were initially scheduled to go to Tampa. However, with the devastating hurricane, plans shifted, and we were more than happy to step in.

Our visitors had the opportunity to visit the SEW BROMO Fashion Innovation Hub at the Baltimore Innovation Center to learn more about the revitalization of the Needle Trades sector. Stacy Stube, Founder of SEW BROMO and Director of the MICA Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship, highlighted to the women that Baltimore embodies impact-driven fashion, emphasizing the "Baltimore Hustle" that our entrepreneurs embody.

Thank you to our member company, Maryland Technology Development Corporation - TEDCO, for taking the time to identify and explain how we prioritize entrepreneurship in Maryland and how TEDCO supports it. Thank you to those at the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs for allowing our visitors to draw on your experience about investments, industry standards, and trade.

To learn more about how your company can get involved with our Global Engagement programs, visit https://loom.ly/IA-C8yE.

Global Engagement The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) finds and coordinates professional development and cultural opportunities for IVLP participants who come to Maryland. We have been doing so since 1989, for approximately 700 people a year. We also curate similar experiences on a fee-for-service basis.

People ...

Ready for a fresh take on the State of the Ports & Global Flavor Showcase? 🚢

We've upgraded to a new venue: the stunning Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET)! Get ready to savor a global culinary adventure. Our Global Flavor Showcase features local restaurants serving delicious dishes from around the world.

Join us for the State of the Ports address by Secretary Paul Wiedefeld and Mark Schmidt, President & CEO of Ports America Chesapeake. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities.

Don't miss out! Register now before the tickets are gone: https://loom.ly/JcMHwrE

November 20, 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET)
701 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
$50 Members | $95 Non-members

State of the Ports We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. We use Google Analytics and other services to track and report website traffic. For more information on how Google Analytics handles user da...

As proud ecosystem partners of Kennedy Krieger Institute, we’re excited to announce their upcoming Neurodiversity in the Workplace Conference.

Head to Washington, D.C., from Oct. 27-29 for a transformative event focused on improving employment outcomes for the neurodiverse workforce.

Learn from industry leaders, network with like-minded professionals, and gain valuable insights into creating inclusive workplaces that embrace neurodiversity.

Register now: KennedyKrieger.org/NDW24

The Climate Crisis: Working Together for Future Generations

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a special International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) group from several regions in Africa to highlight the U.S.'s commitment to addressing the effects of climate change.

Our visitors spent the morning at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology to learn about the factors that affect water quality and contribute to the climate crisis. They also had the opportunity to meet with the Waterfront Partnership and learn more about the Healthy Harbor Initiative by touring the Harbor Wetlands, the oyster garden, and the Pierce's Park rain garden. The visit was capped off with a visit to the infamous Mr. Trash Wheel, demonstrating its role in mitigating marine debris and improving water quality.

A special thank you to FHI 360, Eric Schott and Taylor Armstrong at the IMET, Donzell Brown, co-founder and Executive Director of Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative, and Allison Blood, the Environmental Program Manager at Waterfront Partnership, for taking the time to meet with our group.

Stay up to date on all things WTCI! Join our email list to access exclusive events, content, and more directly to your inbox.
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Join Our List! Get the latest information about the Maryland Innovation Lab
and all our programs by signing up for our mailing list below.

AI at a Crossroads? 🤯 Join us for the relaunch of our AGILE Global Innovation Series on November 7!

Our new Senior Advisor of Corporate Innovation & Technology, Jason Michael Perry, will lead an expert panel on how AI is reshaping the business landscape.

Meet our panelists:

✨ Steve Shapiro (Finetune, Prometric): AI wizardry in education and workforce training.
✨ Seema Alexander (Virgent AI): Scaling businesses with AI-powered strategies.
✨ Aleksander Goranin (Duane Morris): Navigating the legal complexities of AI.

We hope to see you at the World Trade Center in Baltimore on November 7. Doors open at 4 PM, and a panel discussion and networking reception will follow.

Register now: https://loom.ly/K2hdIYs

AGILE

Last week, through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the Meridian International Center, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of phenomenal women leaders from the Near East and North Africa.

Together, we delved into the world of social change movements and gained valuable insights into the incredible work of organizations like the Center for Hope, led by the passionate Executive Director Adam Rosenberg. We were deeply moved by the wisdom shared by Amy Blank, Commissioner of the Baltimore County Commission for Women, Sabrina Jones, Chairwoman of the Baltimore County Commission for Women, and Steven Rivelis, CEO of Campaign Consultation, Inc. - Entrepreneurs for Social Change. Their unwavering commitment to fostering peace and security is truly uplifting.

Is your high school student interested in making a global impact? 🌎

The World Trade Center Institute's Albrecht Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for curious, engaged students to explore international relations, diplomacy, and global issues.

Benefits:
✨ Network with industry leaders
✨ Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
✨ Gain valuable experience in the global arena

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates.

Learn more and apply: https://loom.ly/-Npf_lw

Don't miss this chance to ignite your student's passion for global citizenship!

Albrecht Fellowship for High School Students Help future leaders jump-start their global careers

Join us on November 20 for the State of the Ports & Global Flavor Showcase!

Once a year, leaders from the Mid-Atlantic come together at our State of the Ports & Global Flavor Showcase to learn about the challenges and opportunities at Maryland's ports.

Attendees will:
▪️ Sample wines and food from around the world at the Global Flavor Showcase
▪️ Learn about key challenges impacting international trade at our breakout sessions
▪️ Network with the influential leaders driving economic growth in our region
▪️ Hear the State of the Ports address directly from Maryland's Secretary of Transportation

The evening will be one you don't want to miss!

Registration is now open, and tickets are $50 for WTCI members and $95 for everyone else. Get your tickets now before they sell out: https://loom.ly/58tCGdI

State of the Ports & Global Flavor Showcase Once a year, leaders from the Mid-Atlantic come together to learn about the challenges and opportunities at Maryland's ports while tasting some of the world's finest wines and cuisines.

Don't miss out on all of our upcoming events! Visit wtci.org to learn more!

Last Friday, we hosted International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and IVLP at IIE DC delegates from nine European countries at Soccer Without Borders, Esperanza Center, and Global Refuge. The group learned about these organizations' incredible work to support immigrant communities. From providing essential legal services and healthcare to offering educational opportunities and a safe, welcoming space for youth, these organizations are making a real difference.

We want to thank Carson McFadden, Ryan Gitonga, Matthew Dolamore, and Andrea Bryant, who gave us a firsthand look at how these organizations positively impact the community.

Yesterday, we were honored to host the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) group in Baltimore for a day of enlightening and impactful programming focused on "Policing and Leadership in Multifaceted and Multicultural Communities."

During the morning session, the delegates engaged in constructive and meaningful discussions with members of the Baltimore Police Department, including Shannon Sullivan and Lt. Alfredo Cadis-Burgos. They explored the department's ongoing reforms, comprehensive training programs, and community engagement initiatives, which included foot patrols and public integrity processes. Additionally, the group had the opportunity to delve into the rich history of the BPD at the museum and even observed a live "Use of Force" hearing, gaining valuable insights into real-world policing situations.

In the afternoon, former U.S. Marshal Johnny Hughes shared his profound expertise, focusing on community policing programs such as 'walk the blocks engagement,' 'community night-out,' and youth fellowships/athletics to foster improved relationships between law enforcement and the community.

The day was enlightening, filled with insightful dialogue and exchanging ideas to enhance policing in diverse communities worldwide.
Learn more about our Global Engagement programs by visiting: https://loom.ly/IA-C8yE

Global Engagement The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) finds and coordinates professional development and cultural opportunities for IVLP participants who come to Maryland. We have been doing so since 1989, for approximately 700 people a year. We also curate similar experiences on a fee-for-service basis.

People ...

There are less than three weeks remaining to submit a business or organization for the 50th Annual Mayor's Business Recognition Awards. Submit your nomination today at https://loom.ly/Am2xF8A. The Baltimore City business community, Greater Baltimore Committee, and Mayor Brandon M. Scott will celebrate the winners at a reception this December.