The Orientalist Express Podcast

Global Minnesota offers a wide-range of programs in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement in Minnesota. Their efforts include major public events with international dignitaries, grassroots foreign policy discussion groups, K-12 education programs, international student outreach, and international Professional Exchanges. Overseeing all of these programs is Global Minnesota’s Program Director.

On this episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from Erin Hart as she discusses her first four months in this role. Her career spans several tours as a Foreign Service Officer, as well as leadership positions at several nonprofit organizations in Minnesota. She joined to talk about her experiences, program highlights, and what to expect from Global Minnesota throughout this year.

Erin Hart in Oman (Beginning at 1:17)

Kabul City Initiative

Global Minnesota Events

Professional Exchanges

Discussion Groups

K-12 Education Programs

The State Department has a growing number of career tracks and entry points for a variety of professionals. Diplomats in Residence are available to answer questions and share insight with those interested in joining the State Department.

On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from the Diplomat in Residence for the Midwest region, Susan Falatko. She joins to talk about her time in the foreign service, the Diplomat in Residence program, and how to get a job in the Foreign or Civil Service.

State Department Careers

Talent Network Sign Up

On January 31, Global Minnesota hosted the popular annual event, the U.S. Foreign Policy Update. In this event, Diplomat in Residence and retired career Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson discussed the latest foreign policy developments, trends, and challenges facing the U.S. this year. His insightful and wide-ranging discussion included topics like the repercussions from the ongoing war in Ukraine, concerns facing China’s economy, renewed conflicts in the Middle East, and ongoing global struggles for peace and security.

This episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast is a follow-up conversation with Tom Hanson featuring questions that were submitted during the event.

Event Recording: 2024 U.S. Foreign Policy Update

Global Minnesota Membership

In 2022, Global Minnesota was delighted to host Fellows from the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) in Minnesota as part of our Professional Exchanges Program. One such visitor was Luis Villaherrera, who is fighting for democracy and human rights in El Salvador.

He joined The Global Minnesota Podcast to talk about his Minnesota experience with the YLAI program, his recent Obama Scholars award, and the important work he is doing to advance government accountability in Central America.

YLAI Program

Obama Scholars Program

Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges

Upcoming Event: Global Social with YLAI Fellows

TRACODA

The Daily: El Salvador

The Little Prince

Global Minnesota Gala

On this episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from Katherine A. Brown, President & CEO of Global Ties U.S.  She joins to talk about the national Global Ties Network, their upcoming National Meeting and Advocacy Day in early March, Citizen Diplomacy Day on February 16, and how these professional exchange programs benefit communities throughout the United States and around the world.

Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges

Global Ties U.S.

Global Ties Network

Global Ties Community Impact Study

Podcast Episode with Leorian Ricardo

State Department Alumni Exchange Program

Upcoming Event: Global Social with International Visitors

In the Classroom Connection program, international visitors teach sessions on their country’s culture and language in a fun and interactive format that sparks the curiosity of our youngest learners. Marzia Saleem is one of this year’s Humphrey Fellows from Pakistan and recently volunteered at Anne Sullivan Elementary School in the first grade classes of Whitney Newbauer and Amanda Davey.

On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from Marzia, Whitney, and Amanda as they share their experience bringing the world to Minnesota classrooms!

Classroom Connection Program

Humphrey Fellow Marzia Saleem

On this episode, Nicholas is joined by Sasha Nicolle, founder of the nonprofit Emanate International and currently the Advancement Officer for the local nonprofit Lift Up the Vulnerable (LUV). They are an international NGO working primarily in Sudan and South Sudan to prevent the trafficking and oppression of vulnerable children and women. Sasha also appeared on a previous podcast episode a couple years ago which focused on Emanate International and the critical need for us to change the way we think about international development. She has joined today to talk more about LUV, the status of international development in Sudan and South Sudan, and why international development is important for us here at home.

LINKS

Lift Up the Vulnerable

LUV Event

The Case for Foreign Aid

Emanate International Podcast Episode

Power of Community to Affect Change

Earlier this year, Global Minnesota had the honor of welcoming the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Algeria, and Bahrain, Ronald Neumann, for an in-depth public conversation about the critical need to modernize the State Department. He provided a comprehensive summary of ways in which we can better support our diplomats abroad, and the implications of this important work here at home. You can catch that recording here.

On this episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear Ambassador Neumann continue the conversation about his diplomatic career, careers in the foreign service, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as an Ambassador.

Event Recording: Modernizing America’s Diplomacy

Ambassador Neumann Bio

American Academy of Diplomacy

America’s Other Army (Book)

American Diplomat (Podcast)

The General and the Ambassador (Podcast)

Earlier this year, Global Minnesota had the honor of welcoming the former U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Kathleen Doherty, for an in-depth public conversation about the unique situation of this divided Mediterranean island. She provided an excellent summary of the static conflict in this region and what it means for all of us here at home, as well as the wider world abroad. You can catch that recording here.

On this episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear Ambassador Doherty continue the conversation about her diplomatic career, careers in the foreign service, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as an Ambassador.

Event Recording: Cyprus in Context

Ambassador Doherty Bio

On this episode, hear from one of last year’s YLAI Fellows who recently returned to Minnesota to showcase his new projects as part of the State Department’s Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund. Leorian Ricardo is Creative Director at Moro Studio, an arts and publishing studio that is leading the development of the comic book industry and providing professional opportunities for young talent and new, underrepresented voices in the Dominican Republic. He shared his comic book workshops called “Be the Superhero of Your Own Story” at local schools including Gideon Pond Elementary, Nova Classical Academy, and Risen Christ Catholic School and spoke with next generation creators at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design.

Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges

YLAI Program

CDAF Fellowship

Moro Studio Website