Global Crossroads Conference 2025

The International Center at The University of Texas at Dallas is proud to host the first annual Global Crossroads Conference on Friday, September 5, 2025.

The state of global affairs, marked as it is by complex geo-political tensions and socio-economic challenges, calls us all to come together to foster partnerships, share strategies, develop people-to-people connections, and sustain inspiration to keep advancing global engagement.  

Agenda

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• Josephine Khamisi Vitta, J.D., Senior Director, Immigration Programs, International Center, UT Dallas
• Dr. Juan González, Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Dean of Graduate Education, UT Dallas
• Dr. Inga Musselman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, UT Dallas

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At the Global Crossroads – Where are We Today and How Do We Innovate and Connect Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration 

• Jennifer Hilton Montero, Ph.D., Senior Director for International Initiatives, International Center, UT Dallas 
• Raj Daniels, President, US INDIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DFW 
• Kathryn A. Cassidy, President & Chief Operating Officer, Altair Global 
• Susan Harper, Consul General, Canada: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas 

In a world increasingly shaped by the convergence of human creativity, commerce, technology, and diplomacy, this moderated plenary session brings together thought leaders from across sectors to explore how interdisciplinary collaboration can address both local and global challenges. Anchored in the theme of the Global Crossroads Conference, the panel will delve into the evolving role of higher education in preparing future leaders, the impact of emerging technologies beyond AI, and the importance of keeping innovation human-centered and inclusive. Through dynamic dialogue and moderated questions, panelists will share insights on navigating global business complexities, fostering international collaboration, and cultivating future-proof skills for a rapidly changing world. 

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Track 1: Diplomacy

International Center, DGAC Ballroom C

Sub-national Diplomacy Panel

• Jennifer Hilton Montero, Ph.D. Senior Director for International Initiatives, International Center, UT Dallas
• Amanda D. Clark, PhD, Director, Initiative for Civic Leadership, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Political Science
• Karl Ho, Professor of Instruction and Director of UTD Taiwan Studies Initiative
• Rizwan Sheikh – Member, Texas Steering Committee – Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of Texas

In this session, we will explore subnational diplomacy, as well as the impact and things happening in Dallas because of these relationships. Our university engages in developing international partnerships that encourage diplomacy between countries at a subnational level, and encourages foundational relationships that filter upwards. These connections give more global mobility to companies, faculty, and students to and from the United States. In this session we will tease out what subnational diplomacy is, the forms it can take, and the benefits we are seeing at the university and community level. In addition, the Q&A will encourage participants to explore how they can engage in subnational diplomacy. 

Consular Panel 

• Jennifer Hilton Montero, Ph.D. Senior Director, International Initiatives
• Susan Harper, Consul General, Canada: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
• Fernanda Leyva, Consul, Consular Affairs, General Consulate of Mexico in Dallas
• Other representative(s) from our regional consular corps

In this session, representatives of the consular corps in Dallas and the Texas region will share their perspectives about the continued importance of subnational diplomacy and building people to people bridges across borders. This moderated panel will explore the current global political context as it effects our local diplomats representing their countries, the issues they face and trends they see in subnational diplomacy amongst the consular corps, as well as how strengthening our local global ties can help support a stronger local global community going forward. 

Track 2: Creative Approaches to Loneliness, Disconnection, and Community Building

Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, ATC Lobby

• Professor xtine burrough
• Dr. Paula Cuellar Cuellar, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Christine Veras, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Katrina Rushing, Associate Professor of Instruction

As the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s report outlines, technology has a major impact on social connections, including a displacement or reduction in the quality of in-person interaction. Technology can also foster alternative pathways for community development, providing access to chosen information and emotional support systems. This Track of the Global Crossroads Conference addresses the global/local issue of loneliness and community building through the innovative and collaborative projects of Bass School faculty.

Syntonic Refuge with Professor xtine burrough and LabSynthE

In community, people find and offer refuge by coming together in common practices such as hugging and holding hands. Syntonic Refuge is an intimate social engagement that explores the importance of refuge for survivors and the act of surviving. By visualizing heartrates, the project discloses ways that bodies harmonize with the environment and co-regulate.

This project is a quiet meditation on connections between survivors and the refuge we can create between our bodies in the aftermath of division or trauma. As barriers divide people, this project requires collaboration. The shawl is a bridge for bodies negotiating space.

Voices that Heal: The Transformative Power of Oral History with Dr. Paula Cuellar Cuellar

This presentation delves into oral history as a powerful tool for self-discovery, agency, and healing. By sharing their life stories, narrators often embark on a profound journey—one that allows them to make sense of their experiences, assert control over their narratives, and release long-carried burdens of trauma. For many, especially those whose voices have been historically excluded or ostracized from official records, speaking in an oral history interview is their first opportunity to be heard and acknowledged. These testimonies not only validate the narrators’ lived experiences but also enrich our collective memory with perspectives that challenge dominant historical accounts. The process becomes transformative: for narrators, it offers recognition and a reframing of their lives. For society, it opens access to truths that deepen our understanding of history and humanity. By preserving these voices, oral history fosters empathy, inclusivity, and a richer, more authentic record of the past.

Creative Collaboration: Music & Animation with Dr. Christine Veras and Dr. Katrina Rushing

In this presentation, we explore the intersection of music and animation as a catalyst for student creativity and interdisciplinary learning. Building on our past collaborative projects, we demonstrate how pairing musical composition with animated storytelling can foster emotional engagement to showcase meaningful causes such as Mental Health awareness. In this session, participants will discover our collaborative process that bridges music and visual narrative. We will share practical strategies, lessons learned, and insights for educators, artists, and facilitators seeking to cultivate meaningful partnerships across disciplines.

Track 3: Economic Development

Naveen Jindal School of Management, Room 11.305

• Dr. Gaurav Shekhar, Senior Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs

Mapping Our Economic Future
The first session would be a collaborative deep dive into where we stand today. Together, we’ll conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis of our local economic landscape. You’ll work in small groups to identify our community’s unique assets, hidden challenges, and the emerging trends we can leverage for growth. The goal is to leave with a clear, shared understanding of our starting point for the next decade.

• David Whitley, Principal at DRW Planning Studio

From Ideas to Action
Building directly on the insights from our first session, we’ll pivot from analysis to action. You’ll learn powerful frameworks like Public-Private Partnerships and creative strategies to build effective initiatives. In our main workshop, your group will design a tangible project—complete with key partners and first steps—to address a specific challenge or opportunity identified in Session 1. We’ll conclude with a series of energetic pitches to share these innovative ideas and ignite momentum for the future.

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Sustaining Global Engagement: From Insight to Action

• Erin McKelvey, President and CEO, European American Chamber of Commerce
• Ben Kazora, President and CEO, Tanzanian American Chamber of Commerce
• Lynden Melmed, Partner, BAL, Government Strategies Team

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion focused on the practical challenges and opportunities of maintaining global engagement in today’s interconnected world. This session moves to explore tangible strategies for fostering lasting international collaboration. Our expert panelists will share actionable insights on building resilient professional networks, navigating cross-cultural communication, and developing sustainable initiatives. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to implement in their own organizations and a renewed inspiration to build a more connected global community.

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• Dr. Prabhas V. Moghe, President, UT Dallas
• Dr. Jennifer Hilton Montero, Ph.D., Senior Director for International Initiatives, International Center, UT Dallas
• Josephine Khamisi Vitta, J.D., Senior Director, Immigration Programs, International Center, UT Dallas

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Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum

Workshop Chairs

Event Partners & Sponsors

Contact Information

For inquiries or special requests, please contact us at:

JosephineK.Vitta@utdallas.edu, 972-883-4064

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at:

Reginald.Johnson@UTDallas.edu, 972-883-3900