Switch: Professional & Student Exchanges for Economic Development

This interactive panel aimed 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 explored ways to leverage exchanges in supporting cluster-to-cluster growth, enhancing regional connectivity, and strengthening global competitiveness. Speakers: América Ávalos, National Manager of Education and Family Philanthropy, Coppel Hazel Blackmore, Executive Director, COMEXUS (Fulbright Mexico) Pato Bichara, CEO, Collective Academy Puru Trivedi, Senior Vice President, Meridian International Center Courtney Breckenridge ,Co-Chair, Illinois Innovation Network’s Education and Workforce Committee