Growing Global 2024: Celebrating Local Impact Through Global Talent

Over 750 attendees unite to explore regional economic growth and international partnerships

This year’s Growing Global was a huge success. The annual event took place September 25, 2024, with an attendance of over 750 guests. The theme was Global Talent, Local Impact: fueling regional economic growth.

The event kicked off with a short video featuring Dr. William Kerr from Harvard Business School. It was moderated by Debbie Monterrey from KMOX Radio. Welcoming remarks came from CEO and President of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) Rodney Crim, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page and St. Louis Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Jared Boyd.

The event highlighted some programs in St. Louis that are helping foreign-born individuals find meaningful employment and a social community of support.

“Someone who arrives in St. Louis with work experience from another country starts their job search at ground zero,” said Suzanne Sierra, assistant director of the Mosaic Project. “ The St. Louis Mosaic Project’s Professional Connector program offers warm introductions between these job seekers and local professionals to start networking toward employment that aligns with their skills. Just as important, the International Mentor Program provides 1:1 mentoring between international women and local women which helps them learn about their new hometown while building friendship and a sense of belonging.

Tim Nowak, executive director of World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC) discussed news regarding the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) team, recent company acquisitions by Zeiss and the St. Louis Mosaic Project, all on the theme of connectivity. He also introduced a new Mosaic Project challenge, the International Student Internship Challenge, which hopes to get 10 city and 10 county companies to hire an international student in a STEM field for a 2025 summer internship.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, spoke via video about the importance of having a diverse workforce and recruiting the brightest people from around the globe to be part of his company. See his remarks here.

“Sam shared how other countries use better immigration methods to open the doors to high-skilled talent, options that the US needs to consider to stay ahead in technology,” said Betsy Cohen, executive director of the Mosaic Project.

President of the WTC board of directors Andrew Walshaw introduced the recipients of the 2024 Global Ambassador Award. Winners included Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D., president and CEO of Focus St. Louis, Dr. Hadi Alhorr, Ph.D., director of the Boeing Institute of International Business at Saint Louis University, Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony, Dr. Luz Irina Calderon Villalobos, Ph.D., leading scientific executive at KWS and Sehkar Prabhakar, CEO and founder of CEdge.

A panel discussion with Andrea Faccio, President and Chief Growth officer at Nestle Purina, Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc. and Jon Baselice, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Immigration Policy discussed the importance of global talent.

“This year’s panel highlighted the importance of global talent and the workforce needs of our companies and economy. Jason reinforced the role global talent plays in continuing St. Louis’ economic momentum, while Andrea shared her own personal experience in relocating to St. Louis and now leading a global company. Jon brought a national perspective and shared his thoughts on the likelihood of policy changes to immigration laws. Together, these leaders reminded all of us that global talent builds the culture of a community and contributes to our long-term growth and success,” said Tim Nowak.

Watch the full program here.