Learning from Each Other: Our Week with the Greenheart Global Leaders Conference
By Maria Luevano, External Relations Assistant, Amber Hayes, Work and Travel Cultural Outreach Coordinator & Molly Vidmar, High School Programs, J1 Program Manager
Last week we held our third annual Greenheart Global Leaders Conference in Washington DC. 36 participants from each of our Greenheart programs attended and were able to choose from three tracks: Social Justice, Environmental Sustainability, and International Mission Driven Business. Everyone arrived on Monday and our first stop was the White House, followed by dinner and bowling! On Tuesday and Wednesday each of the tracks had their own activities, which included: volunteering projects, panel discussions from professionals in the industry, and tours of both federal buildings and local businesses. On Thursday, our attendees visited the Department of State where they gave presentations about their experience at the conference and how they plan to continue their work in these fields. Sadly, the conference came to an end on Friday with a wonderful closing ceremony by Laura Rose and many promises to keep in touch!
Hear more from Greenheart Staff below:
“Hello! My name is Amber Hayes and I am the Cultural Outreach Coordinator at Work and Travel with CCI Greenheart. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with participants and other professionals. For the first time, The Greenheart Global Leaders Conference was open to all Greenheart international programs which meant that I had the opportunity to meet Work Programs participants, High School participants, and Americans who were traveling abroad.
I was lucky enough to be on the best team ever for the Greenheart Global Leaders Conference, Team International Business! This was a great avenue for young participants to meet with professionals related to international commerce, professionals who owned their own businesses, and even problem solve every day problems like production problems and hypothetical employee work ethic.
Some participants on the International Mission-Driven Business track wondered exactly was meant by “mission-driven.” It was not long before it was made crystal clear by our visits to remarkable organizations.
On Tuesday, our group of 10 participants visited the World Bank which is a must-see if you’re ever in the Washington, D.C. area! First off, the meeting room is super official. We all thought that we were a part of congress, ready to deliver an address!
The World Bank is an organization that helps developing countries by funding infrastructure, the economy, and education. Participants were thrilled with the notion and asked pressing questions related to worst-case scenarios and the good that the World Bank does. After our question and answer session from our representatives, we forayed to the cafeteria where we could enjoy cuisine from all over the world. It was delicious and I want to eat everything there.
From there, we made our trek (4 miles) to an artist studio that housed four artists that owned their own businesses. We talked with the founders of two organizations, Ethic Goods and Kicheko Goods, which were dedicated to helping children in the Republic of Congo as well as women in Thailand. They create beautiful jewelry and we had the opportunity to create our own design as well. None of us would describe ourselves as particularly crafty, but we did an awesome job!
After learning from two small, new and vibrant social enterprises, we learned about one of the oldest and largest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages. From humble beginnings, Ten Thousand Villages has grown to a global network of social entrepreneurs working to empower and provide economic opportunities to artisans in developing countries. We learned about the wonderful work of artisans around the world, fair trade certification, the important function of an executive board, and the challenges of recruiting volunteers.
At the Department of Commerce, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the International Trade Administration introduced us to the important work of the Department. International Trade Specialists of Canada, China, and the Caribbean explained the unique trade barriers and challenges that their regions face. We learned how trade agreements are arranged and that although trade is often ridiculed by the media, trade agreements are arranged to benefit all parties involved, and trade allows us to participate in the global market and grow our economy. The Department strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of trade laws and agreements. It works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad.
We would love to have you join us for the Greenheart Global Leaders Conference next year! Check out Greenheart International for more information on this empowering conference.”