Alumni from Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business will speak at the 10th annual Global Opportunities Conference on Friday, April 13 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm in the Plemmons Student Union on Appalachian State University's campus.
The conference and luncheon are free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, visit goc.appstate.edu/registration.
This year's conference, themed Alumni Spotlight: See the World Through a Global Lens, will focus on the importance of a global mindset in doing business for good.
Keynote speakers include Appalachian alumni with degrees in international business, management, accounting and computer information systems, who work in global tech investment, international video and media production, international not-for-profit management and corporate social responsibility.
Matt Cottrell '01 is the senior regional director for Africa with Samaritan Purse's Operation Christmas Child. Cottrell and his team of 12 full-time staff and 20 part-time staff lead more than 3,000 volunteers on 509 teams throughout 41 countries, making an impact on nearly 4 million children each year in Africa. Cottrell earned his degree in business management from Appalachian.
Sarah Freed '09 is an international economic development leader dedicated to addressing systemic global sustainability challenges. While continuing to provide international corporate social responsibility consulting, Freed serves as manager of community impact for Uber Technologies. She earned her degree in international business and accounting from Appalachian and was awarded the university's young alumna award in 2017.
Mehdy Ghannad '99 is a producer, writer, entrepreneur and technical consultant who is dedicated to breaking down stereotypes and educating the western world on cultural diversity. He is the owner and operator of Free Road Entertainment, a production company that produces films, TV shows, web series and commercials with a primary focus on travel and culture. Ghannad, who earned his degree in computer information systems from Appalachian, was recognized by the 2015 White House Administration as one of the top 100 most important persons in the international online travel media space.
Tyler Norwood '12 is a general partner for Antler Innovation, a Singapore-based company focused on launching tech funds in Sydney, Hong Kong, Oslo, Cape Town, San Francisco, Sao Paulo and Dubai. Norwood spent the past five years in Southeast Asia, India and Europe working with top investment firms and technology start-ups. Norwood, who earned his degree in management from Appalachian, will speak from Hong Kong via video conference.
The speakers will be joined by Appalachian international business alumnus Sam Trexler '15, owner of Precision Aviation, for a luncheon panel discussion on the importance of a global mindset in today's business world.
During the luncheon, winners of the #WalkerAbroad photo competition will be announced.
The conference is hosted by the Walker College of Business, with support from the James E. Holshouser Jr. Ethics Endowment.
For more information, visit goc.appstate.edu.
About Walker College of Business International Programs
The Walker College of Business encourages students to study or intern abroad and provides resources to help students find the right fit with their academic interests. Business faculty lead a variety of short-term international programs designed to develop international business skills and intercultural knowledge. These faculty-led programs have proven to be invaluable for many students. For more information, visit international.business.appstate.edu.
Alumni from Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business will speak at the 10th annual Global Opportunities Conference on Friday, April 13 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm in the Plemmons Student Union on Appalachian State University's campus.
