Entrepreneur.com called Cleveland one of the country’s “top five unexpectedly thriving startup scenes.” The visitors of this program are previous alumni of State Department exchange programs that have been important advocates for women’s entrepreneurship and economic inclusion. Through this program, the group will explore the social, economic, and cultural, and political factors of American private enterprise as well as successful methods of business development. The participants from Chile, Czech Republic, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Rwanda, and Uruguay will discuss how their involvement in previous exchange programs has helped them to succeed and find new ways to do so.

International Visitor Leadership (IVLP) Program

Each year, over 300 professionals from around the world visit Northeast Ohio through IVLP. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, these visitors have been identified by U.S. embassies as emerging leaders in their fields. Over 50 Nobel Laureates and 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government are alumni of this program.

By connecting with foreign leaders we strengthen Northeast Ohio’s commercial, cultural, and educational ties with the rest of the world. For more information, contact Katie Ferman, Program Officer, at kferman@ccwa.ccwa.org or click here. To get involved as a Citizen Diplomat, click here.