Global Languages Leadership Meeting
The Global Languages Leadership Meeting is an invitation-only networking luncheon hosted by the Center for Urban Language Teaching and Learning at Georgia State University. Diverse industry leaders from business, non-profit, government, and education converge to forge collaborations that promote language learning and cultural competence for an emerging global workforce. This event purposes to transform our communities through an immersive discussion on emerging industry data, changing workforce dynamics, and language learning throughout the PK-16 continuum to stimulate better understandings of global, regional and industry trends. Beginning with face-to-face interaction, open conversation, and attainable action items, this event offers an opportunity for representatives behind the region’s different sectors to stay ahead of the curve in an accelerating global marketplace.
Past attendees for this event includes representatives from businesses with international initiatives, non-profit organizations, legislative committees, government agencies, non-governmental groups, and educational leadership. Examples of these participants includes the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Atlanta Public Schools, Cox Automotive, French Consulate in Atlanta, Marriot International, Office of Congressman John Lewis, Peace Corps, Telemundo Atlanta, and much more. For additional information or an invitation to the upcoming Global Languages Leadership Meeting, please contact CULTR at cultr@gsu.edu or 404 413 5683.
Why Participate?
Your participation matters to the future of your workforce and industry. While employers seek to strengthen existing relationships and move into emerging markets, the U.S. workforce continues to experience the “global skills gap” with its worldwide competitors. This disparity stems from the United States lacking skillsets such as language proficiency or cultural competency emphasized across competing workforces in other countries. Through an understanding of emerging trends related to these high demand skills, participating organizations can help lower the unemployment rate, reduce unfilled jobs, and provide future employees with the training they need in a competitive marketplace.
Furthermore, the Global Languages Leadership Meeting offers an opportunity to directly interact and grow with the community. This comprehensive community of peers will capitalize on diverse talents, experiences, and networks to achieve more together than we could separately. By participating in the Global Languages Leadership Meeting, your organization has the opportunity to join CULTR in the effort to encourage an understanding of different cultures, the study of languages, and an appreciation for diversity across our communities.
Past Topics
Rose W, Assurant
Abby T, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Niki H, MARTA
William D, Consulate General of Belgium
Maria D, Atlanta Public Schools
Sam T, World Trade Center, Atlanta
The Center for Urban Language Teaching and Learning (CULTR) held the 5th Annual Global Languages Leadership Meeting on May 17, 2019 at Georgia State University. Special thanks to all attendees for participating and helping to make this year’s Global Languages Leadership Meeting a huge success!

88
Event Attendees
Building on the previous year’s attendance numbers, Global Languages Leadership Meeting 2019 was held at larger event venue through Georgia State University’s Knowles Conference Center.
71
Organizations Across the Region


Industry Breakdown (%)
- Business/Commerce
- Chamber of Commerce
- Consulate General
- Government
- Higher Education
- K-12 Education
- Law
- Non-Profit
- Self-Employed
Top Represented Industries
Keynote
“Storytelling: Why it Matters in Marketing, in Education and in Life”

Keynote Speaker Tim Mahoney │ Chief Marketing Officer, Global Chevrolet and Global GM Marketing Operations Leader, General Motors
Building on the themes of each Global Languages Leadership Meeting, the event presentations serve to develop a deeper understanding of important topics, such as workforce readiness, language study, and global competencies. We warmly thank all of the participating organizations and speakers for the valuable discussions.
The 4th Annual Global Languages Leadership Meeting
May 11, 2018
Keynote Speaker Seema Jain │ Director, Multicultural Affairs at Marriott International
“A Culturally Competent Workforce Is Good For Your Bottom Line”
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Keynote Presentation
Q&A Discussion
The 3rd Annual Global Languages Leadership Meeting
April 28, 2017
Keynote Speaker Dr. Richard Brecht │ Co-director for the American Councils Research Center at the American Councils for International Education
“Language Supply & Demand: Building Bridges Between Educators and Employers”
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Keynote Presentation
Q&A Discussion
The 2nd Annual Global Languages Leadership Meeting
May 13, 2016
Keynote Speaker Dr. Dan Davidson│President of the American Councils for International Education
“Language Proficiency, Intercultural Development and “Contextual Intelligence”
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Keynote Presentation
Q&A Discussion
The 1st Annual Global Languages Leadership Meeting
May 15, 2015
Keynote Speaker Dr. William Rivers│Executive Director of the JNCL-NCLIS
“America’s Languages: The Language Enterprise in 2015”
Bio from Event: The Global Languages Leadership Meeting 2015 Keynote Speaker was Dr. William Rivers, Executive Director of the JNCL-NCLIS. Dr. Rivers has over 20 years of experience in culture and language for economic development and national security, with expertise in research, assessment, program evaluation, and policy development and advocacy. He chairs ASTM Technical Committee F43, Language Services and Products and the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO Technical Committee 232, Training in the Informal Sector.
Before joining JNCL-NCLIS, he served as Chief Scientist at Integrated Training Solutions, Inc., a small business in Arlington, Virginia, where he focused on strategic planning, management, and advanced technologies for language and culture programs in the public sector. While at ITS, he served in a contractor role as the Chief Linguist of the National Language Service Corps. Prior to working at ITS, he was a founding member of the Center for Advanced Study of Language (CASL) at the University of Maryland, and was a staff member of the National Foreign Language Center from 1994 to 2003.
During his career, Dr. Rivers has also taught Russian at the University of Maryland, worked as a freelance interpreter and translator, and conducted fieldwork in Kazakhstan, where he regularly returns to teach at several universities.
Are you registered or looking forward to the next Global Languages Leadership Meeting? The Attendee Toolkit is designed to support participating organization representatives before, during, and after CULTR’s Global Languages Leadership Meeting.
Before the Event
After the Event
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
*To reserve free parking, please select this preference in your online form for attendee registration. Email CULTR if your parking preferences change.
How can I find additional information or materials for this event?
Can I invite a colleague or another organization representative that is interested in attending this event?
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Email │ cultr@gsu.edu
Phone │404-413-5683
Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?
Will food be provided?
Can I update my registration information?
Email │ cultr@gsu.edu
Phone │404-413-5683