It's been almost a week since the International Visitor Program staff returned from the 2023 Global Ties Conference in Washington, D.C. and the excitement has yet to subside. Meeting with the national network of colleagues and discussing the future of the International Visitor Leadership Program has inspired and rejuvenated local efforts to continue bringing the world to Colorado Springs!

Staff reported that this conference was a wonderful opportunity to network with and learn from career professionals. During their time, they explored ways to increase the program's diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), learned effective project management skills, and gained exposure to professional development paths and so much more!

Aaron Esparsen, International Visitor Program Intern, shared that the most fulfilling activity was Advocacy Day. A day when representatives from programming agencies around the country travel to the Capitol and meet with their congressional staffers to advocate for the International Visitor Leadership Program.

"We expressed the importance of [the International Visitor Leadership Program], the impact it has on our communities, and how their efforts in Congress can enhance our outreach," Esparsen said. "The staff of both offices expressed their enthusiasm and support for IVLP and are eager to see the program grow."

"I learned so much and am immensely grateful for the amazing connections made at the Global Ties [2023 National Conference]," Esparsen concluded. "I feel inspired and excited to pour my new knowledge into benefiting our community!"