Invitation to the UMD Global Talent Summit 10/23/26
September 29, 2026
The Maryland Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce & the University of Maryland, College Park, would love to invite the LifeSpan Network, the Beacon Institute, and any of your relevant employer partners to the UMD Global Talent Summit on Friday, October 23, from 9-2pm hosted at the University of Maryland.
Featuring keynote remarks from Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor, Aruna Miller, & University of Maryland President, Darryll J. Pines, this Summit will bring together international, national, and Maryland state experts to showcase UMD’s global talent and help employers increase their understanding of the significant benefits of hiring highly skilled international students and graduates across all industries. This Summit is ideal for employers already recruiting international talent and those considering hiring international talent for the first time.
The UMD Global Talent Summit will highlight immigrants’ contributions to innovation and economic growth in Maryland, answer common questions about hiring international students, and create a productive forum for addressing the current policy landscape – what has changed, what hasn’t, and upcoming anticipated policies. Register by Friday, October 16.
Summit Goals
- Build awareness and align employers around the strategic importance of attracting and retaining international talent in Maryland.
- Highlight the benefits and contributions of international talent to innovation and economic growth in Maryland and the nation.
- Review administrative processes involved in hiring and sponsoring international students and graduates.
- Address policy updates and changes to OPT, CPT, H-1 B, and other U.S. work authorization options.
- Connect employers with UMD Career Services teams to align them with highly qualified international candidates for internships and full-time positions.
Summit Agenda
9-9:15am: Arrival & Refreshments
9:15-9:30am: Opening Keynote w/ MD Lieutenant Governor, Aruna Miller
9:30 – 10am: UMD Global Talent Summit Welcome w/ UMD President Darryll J. Pines
10-11am: Pathways to Hiring International Students / Graduates
- Moderator: Jody Heckman-Bose – UMD International Student & Scholar Services
- Panelists:
- Jennifer Glass – International Student Resource Center
- Joann Hartmann – NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- Jonathan Grode – Green & Spiegel Immigration Law
- Taylor Striar – InSpring
11am-12pm: Truths & Myths about Evolving Immigration Policies: A Session with Immigration Experts
- Moderator: Kamal Essaheb – MD Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
- Panelists:
- Doug Rand – Talent Mobility Fund
- Fanta Aw – NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- Sharvari Dalal-Dheini – American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Jeff Wasden – State Business Executives
12-1pm: Round Table Discussions w/ panelists, legal experts, MD State & UMD Representatives including Emad Aljunaidi SVP, Chief Supply Chain & Digital Officer at Tronox and Karen Zuccardi Ecosystem Director at Tedco
- Attendees meet with experts to ask questions and learn more about international talent.
1-1:15pm: Remarks on State and National Competitiveness
- Stan Veuger – American Enterprise Institute
1:15-2pm: Lunch and Networking
3-4pm: Student-Facing Session
- H1B Session for International Students: Mark Rhoads, Immigration Lawyer
- Resume Book Table: Students submit their resumes virtually
- UMD Career Centers & Int’l Student Scholar Services Table: Guidance for students
Join us on Fri, Oct 23 from 9-2pm to learn, connect, and help strengthen Maryland’s workforce and economy through global talent. Register by Friday, October 16.