2025 Atlanta Global Studies Symposium: Global Languages, Placemaking, and Identities
The Atlanta Global Studies Center invites faculty, students, community organizers, K-12 teachers, and the public to the 2025 Atlanta Global Studies Symposium, focusing on Global Languages, Placemaking, and Identities.
The symposium features a diverse program of panel discussions as well as a keynote address and live performance highlighting initiatives that advance global education, language learning, sustainable development, and community engagement.
Sessions will explore the role of global languages and cultural identities in placemaking efforts across various sectors. The event will conclude with a Bollywood dance performance by one of Atlanta’s leading Indian dance troupes and a keynote lecture on "Bollywood Dance, Hindi Language, and the Cultures of India." A reception will offer opportunities for networking and celebrating Atlanta’s rich global diversity.
Registration required. For more information, visit the Atlanta Global Studies Center website.
Program
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Registration & Check-In
- Check in at the tables located in the College of Law at Georgia State University. Onsite registration is also available. Enjoy breakfast, coffee, and networking before the event kicks off.
9:30 – 10 a.m. Opening Remarks & Welcome
- Opening remarks from AGSC Co-Directors Anthony F. Lemieux and Juan Carlos Rodriguez.
10 – 11 a.m. Parallel Sessions 1: Global Languages and Placemaking
Track 1: International Virtual Exchange: A Panel Discussion
- Taeko Namura (GSU) and Chizuko Wallestad (Osaka Metropolitan University)
- David Yenerall (GSU)
- Claudette Spencer (GSU)
- In conversation with their international virtual exchange partners
- Moderator: Yali Zhao (GSU)
- Dr. Chizuko Wallestad, partnering with Dr. Namura
- Prof Carol A. Oliver, SFHEA
- Dr. Tran Quang Huy, Dean of Nursing Faculty, Dai Nam University (DNU)
Track 2: Seeing Atlanta Memorials: Student Perspectives
- Amy Durrell, History Afoot Atlanta
- Eris Weiss, senior at GSU
- Jared Shanklin, sophomore at GSU
- Heather Meadows-Adamson, Communications and Engagement team member at Central Atlanta Progress.
11 – 11:30 a.m. Morning Coffee Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Parallel Sessions 2
Track 1: Global Languages and Careers
- Mark Linsky, Program Specialist for World Languages and Global / Work Initiatives, Georgia Department of Education
- John Bunting (GSU)
- Dr. Evaristo Doria (GSU)
- Anita Ninan, Dual-licensed attorney admitted to practice in Georgia, USA & in India
Track 2: SDG Futures Fellowship – Community Action Project Reports
- Moderators: Anna Santiago (Georgia Tech) & Maria Ceballos (KSU)
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Networking
1:15 – 2 p.m. Lunchtime Fireside Chat - "Leadership in Global Education"
- Consul General of the Netherlands, Jaap Verman
- Daniel Stein, University of Siegen, Germany
- Youngju Ryu, University of Michigan
- Moderator: Trevor Williams, Managing Editor, Global Atlanta
2 – 3 p.m. Parallel Sessions 3
Track 1: Mindfulness Through the Arts
- Laura Meyers, Kristan Binion, and Jenica Walcott
Track 2: The Future of the SDGs
- A workshop discussion on the future of the UN SDGs beyond 2023, and the need to design goals for achievable implementation at the local Atlanta level.
Track 3: Tackling Youth Displacement: Education, Employment, and Enterprise
- Jaap Veerman, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Obse Ababiya, Associate Director, Atlanta Global Partnerships, Emory University
- Tony Lemieux, Founding Co-Director, Atlanta Global Studies Center
3 – 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Coffee
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Parallel Sessions 4
Track 1: AGREC Showcase
- Empowering Multilingual Communities
- Decolonial Feelin’
- The Praise House Project
- Global Learning for a Lifetime
- Moderator: Obse Ababiya, Associate Director, Atlanta Global Partnerships, Emory University
Track 2
- Global Leadership Living Learning Community - Georgia Tech
- Innovative Solutions to Global Challenges - Winning project presentations
This event is generously supported by the Emory University Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives, the Atlanta Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Global Atlanta.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Keynote “Bollywood Dance, Hindi Language, and the Cultures of India”
- Introductory Remarks
- Interpretive Lecture
- Cultural Performance
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Evening Reception
- Join us for an evening reception to continue the conversation and make new connections following the keynote performance.
