Global Minnesota Podcast: Staff Spotlight with Erin Hart

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.

Links

Erin Hart in Oman (Beginning at 1:17)

Kabul City Initiative

Global Minnesota Events

Professional Exchanges

Discussion Groups

K-12 Education Programs

Global Minnesota Podcast: State Department Careers with Susan Falatko

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.

Links

State Department Careers

Talent Network Sign Up

Global Minnesota Podcast: Foreign Policy Q&A with Tom Hanson

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.

Links

Event Recording: 2024 U.S. Foreign Policy Update

Global Minnesota Membership

Global Minnesota Podcast: Democracy in El Salvador with Luis V. Villaherrera

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.

Links

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

Global Minnesota Podcast: Citizen Diplomacy Day & IVLP with Global Ties U.S.

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.

Links

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

Global Minnesota Podcast: Bringing the World to Minnesota Classrooms

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!

Links

Classroom Connection Program

Humphrey Fellow Marzia Saleem

Sudan & South Sudan with Lift Up the Vulnerable

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

Global Minnesota Podcast: Life as an Ambassador with Ronald Neumann

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.

Links

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)

Global Minnesota Podcast: Life as an Ambassador with Kathleen Doherty

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.

Links

Event Recording: Cyprus in Context

Ambassador Doherty Bio

Global Minnesota Podcast: Empowering New Voices through Comic Books

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.

Links

Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges

YLAI Program

CDAF Fellowship

Moro Studio Website

Global Minnesota Podcast: Global Business Outlook Preview

On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from the keynote speaker for the upcoming Global Business Outlook John Pournoor. He is the CEO of Government Analytica and has 35 years of experience working at the intersection of governments and industry.

He will be presenting the top global business megatrends that will be critical to corporate success in 2024. Catch this episode to get a preview of his discussion and learn more about the can't-miss business event of the year.

Links

Event Page: Global Business Outlook

Government Analytica

Global Minnesota Corporate Membership

Global Minnesota Podcast: Crisis Negotiation and Improving Diplomacy

In October, some of Global Minnesota’s staff will participate in the International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise, a diplomacy simulation to help college students learn the negotiation process. To support this effort, Global Minnesota will host TWO free public events featuring former U.S. Ambassadors. The first features former Ambassador to Cyprus, Kathleen Doherty, on October 19, while the second features former Ambassador and Deputy Assistance Secretary of State Ron Neumann on October 30.

On our latest podcast episode, hear from the local organizer for the diplomacy simulation, retired U.S. Navy Commander Jon Olson and Diplomat-in-Residence for the University of Minnesota – Duluth Tom Hanson. They share an exclusive preview of these two upcoming diplomacy events, the current situation in Cyprus, and how Global Minnesota and the diplomacy simulation help to inform and engage the next generation of foreign policy professionals.

Episode 38: Grant Miller for Utah State House

On this episode we’re taking a deep dive into local politics. In particular, we’re going to address some very particular issues currently impacting Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the honor of being joined once again by Grant Miller. Grant is a public defender in Salt Lake City and has recently announced his candidacy for the Utah State House of Representatives for House District 24. Grant joined to discuss his campaign platform and talk through some of the issues most critical to Utah and his proposed solutions.

LINKS

Grant Miller Campaign Website

Global Minnesota Podcast: The 2023 Mandela Washington Fellows

This past month, an incredible group of emerging professionals from countries all across Africa have been visiting Minnesota as part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship program. On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from two of these impressive Fellows, Marcellin Tsihoboto and Slyvia Phaphali Adzitey about their professional careers, their time in Minnesota, and the insights they learned which will be brought back to their home countries.


Global Minnesota Podcast: Minnesota, the State Department, & World Expos

On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from Elizabeth Horst and Kin Moy, two Senior Foreign Service Officers at the U.S. Department of State who are both originally from Minnesota. They discussed Minnesota’s recent bid to host a World Expo, the role that organizations like Global Minnesota play in citizen diplomacy, and how American foreign policy affects us all right here in America’s heartland.

Special thanks to former Global Minnesota President Mark Ritchie and the entire Minnesota Expo 2027 Committee for their inspiring advocacy to bring the world to Minnesota. Though the 2027 Expo was awarded to Serbia, their incredible efforts have helped raise Minnesota’s global profile.

Subscribe to The Global Minnesota Podcast to hear untold stories of international connections each month!

Links

U.S. State Department Bureaus 

Minnesota Global Stats

Susan Falatko (Diplomat in Residence)

State Department Careers

Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges

Expo 2027

Protez Foundation (MPR Interview)

Global Minnesota Podcast: Connecting Minnesotan & Ukrainian Students

Global Minnesota recently launched a new virtual youth diplomacy program to connect Ukrainian and American high school students. In this program, students from Kyiv and Lviv, Ukraine are connecting with Edina High School students through online meetings and via social media platforms.

On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear from Edina High School teacher Lindsey Smaka and Andrii Ushytskyi from America House, Kyiv on how these young people have deepened their knowledge, empathy and understanding of one another during this difficult time in Ukraine.

Links

Public Event with Ambassador of Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch

Global Minnesota K-12 Education Program

Yulia Tymoshenko

Global Minnesota Podcast: Decarbonizing Minnesota with Business Finland

In a new series of audio conversations, Global Minnesota Marketing & Communications Manager Nick Hayen talks with some of the amazing people Global Minnesota connects with in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement. Subscribe to The Global Minnesota Podcast to catch these monthly episodes!

This episode features Marika Ollaranta and Helena Saren from Business Finland, which is dedicated to promoting Finland’s international business ties. They will be part of a delegation of Finnish businesses and the Ambassador of Finland visiting Minnesota in May focused on helping Minnesota businesses learn decarbonization best practices.

Interested in meeting this delegation in May? Contact Corporate Relations Officer Steve Riedel to find opportunities for global access and exposure to meet your company’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Global Minnesota Podcast: Global Journalism with WPI Fellows


In a new series of audio conversations, Global Minnesota Marketing & Communications Manager Nick Hayen talks with some of the amazing people Global Minnesota connects with in our mission to advance international understanding and engagement. Subscribe to The Global Minnesota Podcast to catch these monthly episodes!

This episode features two World Press Institute International Fellows, Ms. Fauziyya Tukur, a senior journalist focusing on disinformation for the British Broadcasting Corporation from Abuja, Nigeria, and Mr. Saqib Tanveer, social media editor for the Independent Urdu newspaper based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The World Press Institute was established in 1961 to strengthen and promote the founding principles and best practices of journalism. Each year, WPI brings together 10 professional journalists from all over the world and immerses them in the governance, politics, business, media, journalistic ethics, and culture of the United States. While they journey across the United States, they learn about the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. media, while engaging in the life and times surrounding them. Global Minnesota and WPI will showcase all ten of these individuals at a free Global Journalism Spotlight event at 6:00PM on March 23 at the Minneapolis Central Library.

Episode 37, USAID with John Patterson

On this episode, Nicholas is joined by guest star John Patterson. John who works at the U.S. Agency for International Development and is a founding board member and adjunct professor for the University of San Diego's new Master's of Science in Humanitarian Action program. They discuss John’s work with USAID, the link between humanitarian assistance and foreign policy, and Minnesota’s vast connections to international development and refugee assistance programs.

LINKS

University of San Diego Master’s of Science in Humanitarian Action

USAID

Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism

Food for Peace Program

Nagorno-Karabakh War

MINN 2020 Global Report

Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee)

USGLC in Minnesota

Episode 36, The NATO Expansion

Stephen and Nicholas take a deep dive into the latest NATO summit in Madrid. They discuss the importance of NATO’s invitation to bring Finland & Sweden into the alliance, the dramatic increase of NATO forces in Eastern Europe, and NATO’s new Strategic Concept which places a heavy emphasis on countering China’s aggression. They also explain the overall importance of the thawing Arctic region and American leadership during this critical time in international relations.

LINKS

Blog Post: The Return of the NATO Alliance

Blog Post: The Next Phase of the War in Ukraine

Russian Invasion of Georgia

NATO Baltic Map

NATO 2022 Strategic Concept

Quad Alliance

Blog Post: Global Policy & Climate Change (Arctic Ocean Shipping Lanes)

Blog Post: South China Sea (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)

Global Minnesota

Minnesota International NGO Network