Georgia State Invites Atlanta’s Business Community to Help Shape Global Leaders

Georgia State University (GSU)’s Office of International Initiatives (OII) is inviting the Atlanta global business community to participate in upcoming high-profile events, support innovative programs and help shape the next generation of global talent.  

OII strives to bring together members of the Atlanta international community with GSU to pursue mutually-beneficial programs.  As such, OII welcomes Global Atlanta readers to learn more about GSU’s international activities and connect with globally minded students, faculty and alumni through the following events: 

1. International Education Year and Global Homecoming 

GSU is celebrating the 25th anniversary of International Education Week all year with signature events throughout the fall and spring semesters. For business leaders looking to build relationships with globally-minded students, faculty, and alumni, multiple events during this celebration offer a chance to tap into GSU’s diverse international talent pool and align with global education initiatives. 

On Nov. 14, OII coordinated GSU’s first Global Homecoming event, a new addition to the university’s annual homecoming festivities. The event highlighted GSU’s growing international network, offering alumni and business leaders a chance to engage with the university’s global initiatives.  

The homecoming event included a Global Career Expo and World Language Day, featuring food trucks, cultural displays and networking with GSU’s international organizations.  

With over 3,000 international students from more than 150 countries, GSU is a resource for global talent. The Global Career Expo gives businesses the opportunity to scout internationally minded students who are future innovators in global business.

2. Faculty International Research Engagement (FIRE) Speaker Series  

Throughout the academic year, OII hosts a speaker series that feature faculty from various disciplines presenting their international research and collaborations. Topics thus far have included Rap Narratives from Atlanta to Marseille, Atlanta Educators Exploring Afro-Brazilian Culture, and Tourism in Contemporary Spain.  

The Global Atlanta community is welcome to attend these free events on GSU’s campus to connect with faculty involved in international projects and explore areas of mutual interest. Find more information here. 

3. Black Men in Global Leadership Summit

In February 2025, OII will partner with the non-profit, Leaders of the Free World, to host a half-day summit focused on providing access to global opportunities and diversifying the global leadership landscape for Black men across U.S. institutions.  

As part of this event, the international business community is invited to speak with students about the importance of global experience and foreign language study to one’s career success.  

For more information about opportunities to participate in this event, contact Jennifer Evanuik, OII senior director. 

The Future of International at Georgia State 

With a new strategic plan in place, OII is laying the groundwork for an even stronger emphasis on global engagement at Georgia State University.  

The recent appointment of a new Assistant Provost for International Initiatives will help guide the office in achieving ambitious five-year goals. These include ensuring that all GSU students have access to at least one high-impact global experience – whether through study abroad, virtual exchange or the Global Scholar Distinction Program – and positioning OII as a hub of global engagement and intercultural education for GSU faculty, students, staff, alumni and the broader Atlanta community. 

Specifically, OII aims to provide programming that directly supports students’ career success and their development as future global leaders.  

The office has already been active in preparing GSU students for success in a globalized world through initiatives like the Free Passport Program, which has provided more than 1,500 students with U.S. passports since 2021. The university was recognized for this initiative, receiving the 2022 IIE Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education for widening access to international education. 

GSU student Shirley Ortega, who participated in the GSU-Mexico City: Global Capital of the Americas study abroad program, said, “Studying abroad offers an amazing chance for personal, academic, and professional development… The academic side is top-notch, with courses and learning opportunities you won’t find back home. Plus, making connections worldwide can open up doors for future collaborations and career paths.” 

Welcoming international visitors to GSU’s campus also provides opportunities for students to develop cross-cultural perspectives and collaborate in diverse team settings. For instance, GSU annually welcomes cohorts of foreign Fulbright scholars and Young African Leaders through the Mandela Washington Fellowship program to its campus.  

These high-profile exchange programs including community engagement components, further deepening ties between the global academic and business communities.  

Get Involved with GSU 

One of the OII’s most exciting initiatives is its Study Abroad Scholarships Crowdfunding Project, a targeted campaign to raise funds to allow GSU students from all backgrounds to participate in high-impact international experiences. The office has already raised 62 percent of its goal, thanks to a generous challenge donor who matched a $3,000 milestone. OII is hoping additional donors will help meet its $10,000 target before Dec. 20.

As Atlanta continues to attract international business and investment, supporting this initiative is a way to make a lasting impact, says Elaine Guillot, OII’s manager of marketing and PR. 

“We want to ensure that GSU produces globally competent graduates. By funding study abroad scholarships, we are helping students become future leaders who will ultimately shape the global business landscape,” Ms. Guillot asserts. “Supporting this initiative is an investment in the future of Atlanta’s workforce.” 

OII is working to elevate GSU’s reputation among international companies and community leaders. By showcasing the university’s community impact, reinforcing partnerships and highlighting the real-world value of international education, OII aims to generate awareness and grow opportunities. These include connecting students to career opportunities and building alumni networks that emphasize the return on investment of a globally focused education. 

• To support GSU scholarships for study abroad programs, consider contributing to the Crowdfunding Project at impact.gsu.edu before Dec. 20. 

The Office of International Initiatives offers numerous ways for Atlanta’s international business community to get involved through partnerships, student internships or event collaborations.  

For more information about GSU’s international programs and how to get involved, visit international.gsu.edu. 

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