A Reflection on the 2023 International Education Summit
On December 7th, the World Affairs Council had our 17th annual International Education Summit which welcomed over 200 participants from local schools within Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. We are excited to share that the summit was a huge success thanks to the amazing work of the workshop facilitators and the endless dedication from our volunteers. Noel Ifeanyi Alumona sent us a virtual keynote address inspiring students to make a difference while Tanner Yess of Groundwork Ohio River Valley continued on the message in his own address. Our community partners, La Soupe, Art Equals, Last Mile Food Rescue, Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub, Green Umbrella, and Groundwork Ohio River Valley hosted interactive, hands-on workshops focused on the UN Global Goals. This experience provided students an opportunity to understand how global issues, such as climate change, impact our local community and how young people can make a difference within their communities.
Here’s what a student had to say about it:
“I used to think [sustainable development goals] was a school thing and now I think it’s more global with actual real world situations that affect us though we can help prevent such events.
Some of our community partners were also at our Richard Lauf Career Fair. Other booths included Blue Ocean Solids-a company dedicated to safer and more sustainable water treatment products; the Catalytic Fund–a financial company that invests in community revitalization projects; and Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Regional Youth Leadership–a development program for high school juniors and seniors. On top of NKU Admissions and Education Abroad being present, Miami University’s study abroad program also participated. The career fair gave students the opportunity to seek out different possibilities to shape their near future. From careers, leadership development, and how to customize their future education. Students were also given the opportunity to tour NKU’s campus. 
To further broaden the students’ career prospects 20 local professionals donated their time as speed networkers, discussing their international background and travel. Encouraged to ask about the career paths of the volunteers, students found the most fulfillment in listening to the stories they shared. With the post-secondary transition being a point of stress for most young people, hearing about (the often non-linear) paths people have taken in life reassures students that the path to making a difference can be versatile and explorative. The speed networking event was a favorite amongst many who attended the summit.
Here’s what some students had to say:
“I liked the speed networkers because we could get real insight about globally focused careers and how we can get involved in them.”
“I used to think that there weren’t many international or global focused jobs and now I know that there are many options and ways to get involved!”
Ending out the day, 4 high schools won our inaugural Richard Lauf Global Studies Grant: Winton Woods, Holmes, St. X. and Aiken High School. Each school had to develop a project that met one of the UN Global Goals. Congratulations to each of these schools who won!
Our Director of Education (and Holmes High School alum) Melissa McDonald, closed out with some words of her own. Part of what makes IES so special is McDonald’s undying passion for education and career development for young people. One could hear it within her speech, months long event planning, and on-ground action throughout the day. Beyond the summit itself, her passion manifests throughout our yearly events.
It is a universal experience for all young people to worry about the uncertainty of the future. However it is a more persistent concern now more than ever. But with events such as this young people learn about the ways they can make a difference within their own communities and on a global level. Making a decision about one’s educational or career path is not linear and one can work towards making a positive impact, if they so choose.
The International Education Summit would not have happened if not for our community. Thank you to those who participated in the Richard Lauf Career Fair and Speed Networking event. We are extremely grateful for everyone who participated in the Summit. Inspiring students to make a difference within their own community and the world at large.
As we move into the New Year, we reflect on the ways to make IES better, while continuing to use what works.
