Three Months Out

Posted under: IVLP By /

Al-Amir Mohssen, second from left, leads volunteers in a clean up day as part of Let's Do It Egypt.

In his capacity as Project Manager of the Sustainable Development Program at the Industrial Modernization Center in Cairo, Mr. Al-Amir Mohssen manages projects that focus on entrepreneurship and micro, small and medium enterprise development that support young entrepreneurs working across Egypt. He frequently volunteers for youth initiatives and is interested in learning about a broad variety of youth engagement strategies in the U.S. in addition to programs to encourage young entrepreneurs.

Continue  

Program Theme Spotlight: Foreign Trade and investment

Posted under: IVLP By /

Three visitors at a family-owned “pop-up” camper business in Sacramento, where they discuss the with the owners the company’s global marketing strategy.

With the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other pending trade agreements in the headlines, and as states across the country compete with one another for foreign investment and global export markets, IVLP projects in these fields are on the rise.  The increase of projects on this theme is a reflection of U.S. foreign policy interests and a recognition that global commerce has an impact on a myriad of domestic policy issues. In preparing proposals for projects about trade and investment, Meridian and its implementing partners consider a number of policy priorities that are affected by the globalization of commerce.

Continue  

Finding Common Ground in East Lansing

Posted under: MCCD By /

The Education Wing and Courtyard at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum in East Lansing, MI. (Image Courtesy of the Eli and Edyth Broad Art Museum)

Past Forward: Contemporary Art from the Emirates is the first and largest touring exhibition of Emirati art in the United States. Michiganders can find it on display at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on-campus at Michigan State University through October 18. This exhibition offers visitors perspective on the impact of rapid economic development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the rich heritage of the Emiratis, and the struggle to maintain a balance between seizing a bright future and honoring traditional roots. Continue  

OH! Columbus – As a Visitor

Posted under: IVLP By /

A view of Columbus

I had never met an Inspector General before and honestly before the meeting I had to research what the role’s responsibilities included. His office was at least 30 stories up the Rhodes State Office building and outside the windows I could make out the finer details of the LeVeque Tower. Roman fasces and art deco figures set in glazed white terra-cotta tiles lined its walls. It was designed to be a foot taller than the Washington Monument. During my travels around Columbus the building had served as my landmark and it was remarkable to be at the same height as it now.

Continue