Global Talent Summit

The Maryland Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce & the University of Maryland, College Park, invites employers to the UMD Global Talent Summit on Friday, October 23, from 9-2pm hosted at the University of Maryland.

Featuring keynote remarks from state and campus leadership, this Summit will bring together international, national, and Maryland state experts to showcase UMD’s global talent and help employers increase their understanding of the significant benefits of hiring highly skilled international students and graduates across all industries. This Summit is ideal for employers already recruiting international talent and those considering hiring international talent for the first time.

The UMD Global Talent Summit will highlight immigrants’ contributions to innovation and economic growth in Maryland, answer common questions about hiring international students, and create a productive forum for addressing the current policy landscape - what has changed, what hasn’t, and upcoming anticipated policies. Register here by Friday, October 16.

Summit Goals

Build awareness and align employers around the strategic importance of attracting and retaining international talent in Maryland.

Highlight the benefits and contributions of international talent to innovation and economic growth in Maryland and the nation.

Review administrative processes involved in hiring and sponsoring international students and graduates.

Address policy updates and changes to OPT, CPT, H-1 B, and other U.S. work authorization options.

Connect employers with UMD Career Services teams to align them with highly qualified international candidates for internships and full-time positions.

Summit Agenda

9-9:15am: Arrival & Refreshments

9:15-10am: Opening Keynote and UMD Global Talent Summit Welcome from State and Campus Leadership

10-11am: Pathways to Hiring International Students / Graduates

Moderator: Jody Heckman-Bose - UMD International Student & Scholar Services 

Panelists:

Jennifer Glass - International Student Resource Center

Joann Hartmann – NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Jonathan Grode - Green & Spiegel Immigration Law

Taylor Striar - InSpring

11am-12pm: Truths & Myths about Evolving Immigration Policies: A Session with Immigration Experts  

Moderator: Kamal Essaheb – MD Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs

Panelists:

Doug Rand - Talent Mobility Fund

Fanta Aw - NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Sharvari Dalal-Dheini - American Immigration Lawyers Association

Jeff Wasden - State Business Executives 

12-1pm: Round Table Discussions w/ panelists, legal experts, MD State & UMD Representatives including Emad Aljunaidi SVP, Chief Supply Chain & Digital Officer at Tronox and Karen Zuccardi  Ecosystem Director at Tedco

Attendees meet with experts to ask questions and learn more about international talent.

1-1:15pm: Remarks on State and National Competitiveness 

Stan Veuger - American Enterprise Institute

1:15-2pm: Lunch and Networking

3-4pm: Student-Facing Session

H1B Session for International Students: Mark Rhoads, Immigration Lawyer

Resume Book Table: Students submit their resumes virtually

UMD Career Centers & Int’l Student Scholar Services Table: Guidance for students

Join us on Fri, Oct 23 from 9-2pm to learn, connect, and help strengthen Maryland’s workforce and economy through global talent. Register here by Friday, October 16.