GSLS in Review: 2020

The 6th Annual Global Student Leadership Summit (GSLS) was held prior to the 8th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference on July 29-31st. This year, we welcomed a cohort of 47 student leaders representing 34 different colleges and universities across the US and abroad, as well as a significant number of recent graduatesStudents adjusted their schedules this year to join us virtually. They joined us from their bedrooms, family homes, and even from work. One of our students showed up despite a tropical storm in Puerto Rico and a lack of power. Our students were determined to learn and committed to the GSLS experience. We are so proud of everything our students were able to unpack and explore together.

GSLS provides a much needed space for diverse study abroad alumni to find community in one another while unpacking their experiences abroad. In particular, this year we discussed the difficulty of having to navigate entering the workforce amidst a global pandemic and how our identity has shown up since returning from a global program. Participants had the opportunity to engage with over 30 professionals who dedicated their time to sharing their personal and professional stories with our GSLS students.

We kicked off GSLS with an inspiring welcome, by CEO and Founder Andrew Gordon who challenged our students to use their experiences to ignite change in our current landscape. Featured speaker, Malcolm Glenn, Director of Public Policy at Better.com created a casual space to share his diverse work experience and answer questions about figuring out your path and glowing with the flow as opportunities present themselves.

It was an honor to once again host this unique re-entry opportunity for diverse students from universities and colleges across the country. We look forward to gathering again with our students soon!