
Switch: Professional & Student Exchanges for Economic Development
This interactive panel aims to showcase the economic value of exchange programs. Conversation leaders will share insights on how international exchanges generate economic value and how they can be strategically integrated into Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) to promote trade and investment. Experts will explore ways to leverage exchanges in supporting cluster-to-cluster growth, enhancing regional connectivity, and strengthening global competitiveness.

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América Ávalos
National Manager of Education and Family Philanthropy
Coppel -
Hazel Blackmore
Executive Director
COMEXUS (Fullbright Mexico) -
Jeannette Tamayo
Associate Vice President for Workforce Development and Community Engagement
University of Illinois System -
Pato Bichara
CEO
Collective Academy -
Barrett L. Haga
Senior Advisor, Office of Private Sector Exchange Program Administration (OPA)
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of StateMODERATOR

The gallery and video will be available in November 2025.