On April 7, 2026, bwtech was honored to host a distinguished delegation from the U.S. Department of State‘s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) with participants representing 18 countries. In partnership with the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI), this visit brought together global leaders to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and international collaboration.
The afternoon was filled with insightful exchanges:
- A Warm Welcome: David Di Maria, Ed.D., UMBC’s Vice Provost for Global Engagement, and Aaron Miscenich, Executive Director of bwtech@UMBC, kicked off the session by highlighting UMBC’s commitment to global connectivity.
- Empowering Entrepreneurs: Marjie Cota, Director of Entrepreneurial Services, shared an overview of bwtech’s Signature Programs, including the Global Gateway Program, which helps international companies land in Maryland and expand in the U.S. market.
- Keynote Insight: Francis M. Hult, Graduate Program Director, TESOL, at UMBC, for his fascinating keynote on sociolinguistics, discourse studies, and education, offering the group a deep dive into the power of communication in a globalized world.
The participants’ day wrapped with a walking tour of the beautiful UMBC campus, showcasing the vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives. It was an inspiring reminder that while we may come from different corners of the globe, our shared goal of fostering innovation and leadership knows no borders.
