Applications for the 2026/2027 Cohort are now open - click the button below to apply.

Registration deadline is September 15th, 2026

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The Program

The Global Leadership Program is a professional development and global engagement program of the Vermont Council on World Affairs that connects professionals across Vermont with topics, policymakers, and ideas of global significance that impact their communities throughout the state. This program is designed for Vermonters interested in global affairs with a desire to broaden their professional expertise.

The program consists of professional development workshops, discussion groups, and direct interaction with local and international experts. Participants meet monthly to develop their leadership skills, explore important international issues, and broaden their understanding of the policies and institutions impacting life in Vermont and beyond. Participants will gain valuable personal and professional connections by becoming part of Vermont’s global network, which will benefit their organization and their career advancement.

Ultimately, participants in the Global Leadership Program will be equipped with a deeper understanding of global issues and skills, positioning themselves to better support our communities in addressing global challenges and bolstering Vermont’s position as an internationally engaged state.

The 2026–2027 Global Leadership Program will meet on the following Wednesdays: October 14, November 18, January 13, February 10, March 17, April 14, May 12, and June 9.

Leadership Skills Covered

  • Developing Cultural Competencies

  • Intercultural Communication

  • Public Speaking and Persuasive Storytelling

  • Informal Leadership

  • Effecting Change in your Community

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

  • Goal Setting

  • Policy Development and Analysis

Global Topics Covered

  • US Foreign Policy and International Diplomacy

  • International Law and Human Rights

  • International Migration and Refugees

  • International Trade and Economics

  • Peace and Conflict Resolution

  • International Development and Humanitarian Aid

  • The Environment

  • Global Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Past Speaker Highlights

  • Tim Tierney

    DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS RECRUITMENT AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE, VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  • Bor Yang

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VERMONT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

  • Lewis Mudge

    CENTRAL AFRICA DIRECTOR, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

  • Yacouba Bogre

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AALV

  • Tracy Dolan

    DIRECTOR, VERMONT STATE REFUGEE OFFICE

  • Elizabeth Shackelford

    AUTHOR AND FORMER US DIPLOMAT

  • Mark Redmond

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SPECTRUM YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

  • Fmr. Lt. Gov Molly Gray

    FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF VERMONT

  • Jonathan Pinckney

    SENION RESEARCHER, PROGRAM ON NONVIOLENT ACTION AT THE UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE

  • Joe Wiah

    DIRECTOR, ECCD MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTER

  • Kyle Ferrier

    FELLOW AND DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, KOREAN ECONOMIC INSTITUTE (KEI)

  • Mark Oettinger

    Partner, Montroll, Backus & Oettinger

  • Chris Powell

    CEO, ThinkMD

  • Blain Newtown

    COO, Beta Technologies

  • Bryn Sakagawa

    Senior Health Development Officer, USAID

  • Miranda Rivers

    PROGRAM SPECIALIST, PROGRAM FOR NONVIOLENT ACTION AT THE UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE

  • Kristen Graf

    Global Director of Environmental & Social Responsibility at Darn Tough

  • Jared Ordway

    Peace Practitioner

  • Adrian Chrobot

    PhD, Political Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, DC

Alumni from Diverse Businesses & Organizations, including: