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Integrating Global Learning in Career Development: VCU Globe Speaker Series
By: Sydney Lowrey, Communications Intern
VCU Global Education Office
Contact: nctinsley@vcu.edu
(804) 828-6463
Richmond, VA (January 15, 2026) - Students, faculty and staff recently gathered for the second lecture of the VCU Globe Speakers Series, a globally-focused co-curricular experience offered through the revived Global Learning program, VCU Globe. The Speakers Series is designed to bring professionals with international or cross-cultural experience into conversation with the campus community. The goal of the initiative is to help students see how global perspectives can impact leadership, career development and understanding between cultures. The lecture was coordinated with the celebration of International Education Week held in November 2025.
Stephanie Tignor, executive director of global learning, explains that the series gives students a chance to meet people whose careers and learning have been shaped by their global experiences. She described the program as “an opportunity to network and learn from people in the community who have unique stories about their global learning journeys.” She shared that by hosting a speaker series here at VCU, the Global Education Office wants to “create a space where students can explore global challenges and see themselves as part of working towards solutions, while also learning about study abroad and other campus global engagement opportunities." At each lecture, lunch is provided to attendees to create a sense of community among students engaged in VCU Globe.
The featured speaker, VCU Humphrey Fellow Lorato Koosaletse, shared her lecture, “From Botswana to VCU: A Journey of Healing, Leadership, and Impact.” With more than two decades of experience in addiction treatment and community-based health services, Koosaletse spoke about her facilitation of establishing Botswana’s first rehabilitation center and about the lessons she has carried with her into global leadership work. During the conversation, Koosaletse reflected on how the Humphrey Fellowship has shaped her experience in the United States. She explained that her time at VCU has expanded her understanding of American systems while also showing her how much of her expertise transfers across borders. “There’s a lot of transferable information—what I already know is still applicable here,” she said. She added that while adjusting to communication styles in the U.S. has been one of her bigger challenges, she has found comfort in the similarities between addiction treatment work in both countries.
Throughout the event, students stopped by a mini study abroad fair where faculty shared information about upcoming spring break programs. Tables highlighted opportunities in Portugal, Spain and other destinations planned for 2026. The fair added another layer to the event, providing students a chance to picture themselves abroad while reinforcing GEO’s goal of making global learning accessible to all students. Together, the speaker series and the study abroad fair gave students a chance to explore global education opportunities, ask questions, and reflect on how international experiences could benefit their own lives.
The VCU Globe Speakers Series offers students, faculty and staff the chance to hear from professionals whose global experiences have shaped their careers. The next speaker in the series will be Arturo Saavedra, MD-Ph.D., interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, who will present the lecture, "Lessons from GlobalWork that Have Informed and Impacted My Professional Career," on February 6, 2026. Those interested in attending may register for the event on RamsConnect. Following, the next lecture will occur on March 27, 2026.
These events provide an inspiring opportunity for the VCU community to explore the power of global learning and its impact on personal, academic and professional growth. For more information and to register for the upcoming lectures, visit VCU Globe Speaker Series for the schedule.