Welcome and Opening Plenary

Monday, October 20, 2025

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST

Moderator(s)

MV

Mario Vela (he/him/his)

Assistant Vice-Provost of Career-Engaged Learning & Executive Director of the University Career Center
UT San Antonio

Panelist(s)

Joshua Kahn (he/him/his)

Associate Director of Research and Public Policy
NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers)
TB

Tracey Bradley (she/her/hers)

Assistant Vice Chancellor
Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR)
Alejandro Filloy

Former Director, Latin America
Amazon
Salil Pande

Founder and CEO
VMock Inc.

Pathways to the Global Workforce: A Dialogue Across Sectors

Kick off the CIGL Conference with an engaging panel on the future of work and the critical role global learning plays in preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce. This Opening Plenary brings together a powerful panel of voices—including a representative from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)—who will share the latest data on career readiness trends, as well as global and local employers, and career services leaders and higher education leaders.

Together, these cross-sector experts will explore how institutions, employers, and career professionals can better align their efforts to equip students with the global skills and experiences needed to thrive. This session will set the tone for two days of learning, collaboration, and action, focusing on building a more connected and career-relevant future for education abroad.