IVLP Alumni Spotlight: The Financial Phoenix – Bankruptcy and Growth

Posted under: IVLP By /

Dr. Radovic (second from left) and fellow IVLP participants charge Wall Street

When thinking of bankruptcy, images of personal failures, bad management, or fraud often come to mind. However, some experts argue that bankruptcy should be perceived as a financial rebirth. Economists at the World Bank conclude that “effective bankruptcy laws that allow viable firms to reorganize and unviable ones to liquidate or be sold is a necessary condition for growth.” The U.S. has an extensive code of laws that cover financial death and rebirth for individuals, small businesses, and corporations but many other countries do not. To share how U.S. Bankruptcy law can help businesses grow, the State Department’s International...

Continue  

IVLP Alumni Spotlight: Overcoming Fears through Exchange

Posted under: IVLP By /

Mr. Gotevbe revisited to the U.S. to attend the Global Ties Diplomacy Begins Here Summit in Charlotte, NC

In 2015, Mr. Victor Gotevbe of Nigeria attended the multi-regional IVLP, “American Youth: Inspiring Leadership and Civic Engagement.” At the time, he had been serving as the Administrative and Human Resources Manager at a national newspaper, however his experience inspired him to become much more. “I eventually left the lucrative job in April of 2017 after 17 years with the organization. It was quite emotional but the entrepreneur in me wanted more and basically helped me conquer the fear of the unknown.” Mr. Gotevbe’s American experience had a major impact on his personal growth, such as taking part in...

Continue  

Public Diplomacy Supports the Rule of Law

Posted under: IVLP By /

Kosovo Law Institute’s Betim Musliu and Hyrije Mehmeti

Corruption, an abuse of power for private gain, threatens democracy, depletes national wealth, and undermines public trust.  It’s a global problem plaguing even the youngest republics, like Kosovo.   The U.S. Department of State reports that Kosovo suffers from endemic government corruption and one of the Kosovo’s think tanks reports its judicial system is considered among the most corrupt.  Continue  

IVLP Alumni Spotlight: Promoting Accountability & Transparency in Civil Society

Posted under: IVLP By /

Rewati Dhakal addressing the 1st National Philanthropy and Fundraising Conference, which was organized by the National Center for Philanthropy and Development, which he founded.

IVLP Alumni Spotlight features U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni as they reflect on the impact of the program and how it has affected their work and lives.   Here we spotlight, Mr. Rewati, Dhakal from the Nepal, whose work focuses on institutional transparency, accountability and good governance.  Visitor: Mr. Rewati Dhakal Title:  Executive Communication and Resource Mobilization Officer, Youth Vision Country of Origin: Nepal Itinerary: Washington, DC; New York, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Salt Lake City, Utah IVLP Project: Transparency and Accountability in State and Local Government   What have you been up to since...

Continue  

Paying It Forward: Lessons Learned from My IVLP

Posted under: IVLP By /

IVLP participants Asim Ayub and Sadaf Usman enjoying a lovely meal at Home hospitality in Portland Oregon with MP Mills and Amie Abbot

In July 2018, Ms. Sadaf Usman, Director of For a Cause, participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program project for Pakistan: “Strengthening Civil Society- Building Community Resilience Against Violent Extremism'”. She and her colleagues visited Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Kalamazoo, MI; and Detroit, MI to connect with organizations working to prevent and counter violence through community-focused programs. Below she reflects on her experience. As part of the IVLP on “Strengthening Civil Society- Building Community Resilience against Violent Extremism,” I found the 3-week experience to be quite enlightening and educational. The rise of conflict based on race,...

Continue