One To World’s Conversations with World Leaders program is a series of face-to-face meetings with CEOs, philanthropists, civic leaders, and other influential New Yorkers. They wish to engage Fulbright students in an exchange of ideas and life stories.

This March, we invite interested Fulbright students to meet Esther Benjamin, CEO and Executive Director of World Education Services of World Education Services.

Esther Benjamin has been a global executive in the public, private, and civil society sectors over 25 years. She has led programs in over 100 countries worldwide. Esther is currently CEO and Executive Director of World Education Services, Inc., a non-profit social enterprise that evaluates and advocates for the recognition of international education qualifications. Esther was SVP for Global Public Affairs at Laureate Education, Inc., the global leader in providing access to high quality, innovative institutions of higher education. She was integrally involved in Laureate becoming the largest certified B Corp in the world, and the first Public Benefit Corporation to IPO on any stock exchange globally. She was previously Laureate’s CEO for Africa Operations and CEO of Monash South Africa, Laureate’s first university in Sub- Saharan Africa, with nearly 4,000 students from every country in Africa.

Esther served in President Obama’s Administration as Associate Director for Global Operations for the Peace Corps. She was a member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service and a Presidential Appointee. She oversaw Peace Corps programs in nearly 80 countries. Following the 2008 elections, she served on the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team. She was Executive Director for Resource Development at the International Partnership for Microbicides, a global biotechnology organization developing products for women in developing countries to protect themselves from HIV. In 1999, President Clinton appointed Esther a White House Fellow. In this capacity, she worked with Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman on international policies and programs. In 1994, Esther was appointed United Nations Humanitarian Affairs Officer, responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid in Somalia. Esther earned master’s degrees from American University in International Affairs and Applied Economics. In 2009, she was awarded American University’s Cyrus Ansary Medal, the highest university honor for public service, as well as the Outstanding Alumna Award by the School of International Service, where she serves on the Board of Advisors. She is a Trustee of North Central College, where she was a College Scholar and earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English.

Please RSVP below. This is an application-based program. Only students accepted by email may RSVP. DO NOT SIGN UP UNLESS YOU RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM LEA AS YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THIS PROGRAM WITHOUT THAT CONFIRMATION EMAIL.

One To World’s Conversations with World Leaders program is a series of face-to-face meetings with CEOs, philanthropists, civic leaders, and other influential New Yorkers. They wish to engage Fulbright students in an exchange of ideas and life stories.

This March, we invite interested Fulbright students to meet Clarke Murphy, Former CEO of Russell Reynolds.

Clarke Murphy is a leadership expert who advises many of the world’s leading companies and investors on leadership strategies that fuel profitable growth and value for all stakeholders.

As the former CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates from 2011 to 2021, he spearheaded a purpose-driven approach to business and led the firm through its greatest period of growth. In his new WSJ-bestselling book, Sustainable Leadership: Lessons of Vision, Courage, and Grit from the CEOs Who Dared to Build a Better World, Clarke tells the stories of dynamic business executives who are using their position to solve the most complex social and economic challenges of our time.

Since 2021, Clarke has co-hosted the award-winning Redefiners podcast, interviewing courageous leaders who are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to deliver extraordinary results. He is a guest lecturer at Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Darden business schools. His insights have also featured in Bloomberg, WSJ, The Economist, and Financial Times.

Clarke is a board member of Carnegie Hall, New York City Ballet and a Senior Fellow of the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), advising MPP in their mission to share information among leaders of the seven hard-to-abate industries in reducing carbon.

Please RSVP below. This is an application-based program. Only students accepted by email may RSVP. DO NOT SIGN UP UNLESS YOU RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM LEA AS YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THIS PROGRAM WITHOUT THAT CONFIRMATION EMAIL.

Are you curious to learn more about the education system in the US from the perspective of higher education? Are you interested understanding the difference between 4-year institutions and community colleges, as well as the workforce development programs that exist at these institutions? You’ll have the opportunity to visit a community college and hear from three higher education professionals as they offer some background about their respective institutions, as well as their transfer program partnership at this informative session. The event will take place in the Financial District in Lower Manhattan at one of Borough of Manhattan Community College’s campuses.

During this event, you will hear from:

• Eli Cohen, Deputy Director, International Student Recruitment & Marketing at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
• Paul Shively, Director of BMCC Language Immersion for International Students, CUNY Language Immersion Program and others, Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY
• Kim Vo, Assistant Director of Admissions, Recruitment & International Outreach/DSO at Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY

This is also a great opportunity to meet with and connect with your fellow Fulbright grantees and other international students and scholars! There will be a Q & A at the end so come prepared with questions!

This Fulbright Enrichment activity is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE), and One To World.

Are you interested in networking with professionals and other business-minded international students?

Join us for our 2nd discussion at the Harvard club with two experts in the corporate governance fields!

Ali Taatian holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Stevens Institute of Technology, with a research focus in Corporate Finance. Following graduation, he worked for two years at KPMG as a Financial Engineer in the Complex Securities group. He currently serves in the Investment Banking division at BNP Paribas, where he has spent the past three years leading the migration of Fixed Income valuation tools to AI-enabled automated systems. His research has been published in reputable academic journals, including The Financial Review.

Robert Jackson is the Nathalie P. Urry Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, where he directs the Jacobson Leadership Program in Law and Business and leads major initiatives in corporate governance and finance. His scholarship has appeared in leading publications including the Journal of Finance, Journal of Law and Economics, and Harvard Law Review. Nominated by the President and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, he served as a Commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2017 to 2020, where he was a leading voice for investor protection, market transparency, and evidence-based policymaking. His research has helped inspire bipartisan legislation addressing insider trading, market fairness, and modern securities regulation.

As experts in corporate governance, Ali and Robert will speak on the importance of responsible corporate management and best practices in the field. They will share their professional experiences in the business and academic world and facilitate a conversation on this important topic that impacts all of us consumers, professionals, and global citizens. There will also be an opportunity for networking with the speakers and other attendees, as well as refreshments.

Attending this event is also an opportunity to qualify for a scholarship of up to $750!

To apply, please submit an essay here of no more than 900 words, answering the question: “What is the number one corporate governance issue in your home country and how would you address it?” There is a first-place prize of $750, and a second-place prize of $500, made possible by the Harold S. Geneen Charitable Trust. Please note, you MUST attend at least one session to qualify for the scholarship.

The application for the scholarship deadline is: Monday, May 4th at 10:00AM EST. (There will be 1 more session on April 24th with 2 different speakers)

What’s the longest walk you’ve ever taken?

Join Shorewalkers for an unforgettable urban trek—a 32-mile (51.5 km) journey around the entire perimeter of Manhattan! This challenging yet rewarding adventure will test your endurance and determination as you stroll at a steady pace, taking in breathtaking waterfront views. With over 3,000 walkers from around the world, it’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow adventurers while rediscovering NYC from a whole new perspective.

The Great Saunter follows Manhattan’s shoreline, showcasing the diverse neighborhoods that shape the island. The journey begins and ends at the historic Fraunces Tavern on Pearl Street in Lower Manhattan. Registered participants will receive an official Great Saunter bib, hat, map, and pin, and those who complete the full route will be awarded a Finisher Certificate! While finishing the entire walk is encouraged, you’re welcome to go at your own pace and stop whenever you choose. Be sure to bring water, extra socks, snacks, and lunch to stay fueled throughout the day.

This event is sponsored in part by Angel Marzan in honor of his mother Elizabeth Marzan, a lifelong stalwart for voting rights, workers’ rights, and affordable housing. Mr. Marzan and his sister, Jessica, will also be walking the Great Saunter and invite our students to come out and see NYC at 3 miles per hour!

Spots are limited, so be sure to secure your ticket today!

One To World’s Cultural Cuisine is back! Get together and enjoy New York’s vibrant restaurant landscape on a student budget. Whether you are a dedicated foodie, especially interested in one cuisine, or simply looking to make new friends and spend the evening with a group of students, you are encouraged to join us for our first dinner of the new year!

We will be dining at a restaurant called Saperavi. It offers authentic Georgian cuisine in New York City! As read on their website: “Our fresh and delightful dishes bring the comforting vibes of our country, Georgia, to your table. Join us for a simple yet delicious culinary journey”. The manager of the restaurant will be present to tell us more about each dish.

Our dinner will be family-style, so everyone will be sharing the dishes. The restaurant has created a menu for our group to sample a variety of their food, and it has several vegetarian options.  It will include:

Starters:

• • Georgian salad with walnuts
  • Assorted Pkhali (vegetable spreads)
  • Beef, Spinach and Cheese and Mushroom Khinkali (the DE-LI-CIOUS Georgian dumplings)

Baked classics:

• Imeruli (Georgian cheese-filled bread)
• Lobiani (Georgian stuffed bread)

Main courses:

• Potato and Mushroom Ojakhuri
• Shkmeruli (chicken Tabaka with creamy garlic sauce)
• Chicken skewer
• Lobio (red beans stew)

Join us for a hearty and comforting Georgian meal!

Please note that all program fees are nonrefundable

Experience one of America’s most beloved pastimes with One To World at Yankee Stadium, where the New York Yankees will face the Los Angeles Angels in an exciting home game this April. Baseball holds a special place in U.S. culture, and attending a live game offers international students a unique window into American traditions, community spirit, and sports fandom.

Group tickets make this event an easy and fun way to connect with international students from colleges and universities throughout the New York area while enjoying a legendary New York sports venue. No prior knowledge of baseball is required! Just come ready to cheer, socialize, and take part in a true American experience. We will have some staff present to explain a bit about how the game works.

Please note that all program fees are nonrefundable