New Americans in Southern Utah Symposium | GOEO & Utah Tech

8:30-9:00 a.m.

Check-in and breakfast

9:00-9:10 a.m.

Welcoming Remarks

Natalie El-Deiry, Director of Immigration | Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

A message from Governor Spencer J. Cox 

Courtney White, President | Utah Tech University

9:10-9:30 a.m.

Keynote Address

Bassam Toudy Salem, Founder & CEO | Mindshare Ventures 

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Research Briefing on New Americans in Southern Utah 

Micaela McConnell, Senior Policy Associate | American Immigration Council

Presenting the latest research on New Americans in the southernmost counties of the state, the American Immigration Council will highlight the changing demographics of the area while sharing the economic contributions New Americans make that are vital to the area's growth. 

Moderator: Josh Smith, Immigration Policy Director | Center for Growth & Opportunity at Utah State University

10:30-10:40 a.m.

Break

10:40-11:30 a.m.

The Business Imperative for Immigration Solutions

Jennie Murray, CEO | National Immigration Forum

The National Immigration Forum's Jennie Murray will present the business imperative for investments in an immigrant workforce and how immigration advances our country and economy when we bolster the skills and career pathways that meet businesses’ operational needs. Murray will highlight the federal immigration policy solutions and bring an industry perspective on the impacts on business.

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Recruiting & Retaining Internationally Trained Professionals

Anson Green, Technical Consultant | World Education Services Skilled Immigrant Integration Program 

Utah is leading the way in economic growth, and with that comes increasing demands for skills and talent to help businesses thrive. Anson Greene, Technical Consultant with World Education Service, will share the best practices in recruiting, retaining, and upskilling internationally trained professionals for businesses looking to expand talent strategies to include an immigrant workforce.  

12:20-1:00 p.m.

Lunch 

New American Voices Student Panel

Aspiring leaders from Utah Tech University's student body will share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges New American students experience integrating into campus life in university settings. The panel will highlight refugee, immigrant, and international student perspectives.

1:00-1:50 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

1. Welcome Corps on Campus 

Laura Wagner, Director of Refugee Student Initiatives | Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education 

Olivia Issa, Program Lead | National Association of Systems Heads (NASH) 

This session will highlight a new federal sponsorship program designed to expand opportunities for refugee resettlement through partnerships with college campuses. 

Moderator: Mario Kljajo, Director of State Refugee Services | Utah Department of Workforce Services 

2. Building a visa sponsorship program 

Jeff Joseph, Immigration Attorney | Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL)

This session will cover the nuts and bolts of how to start, build, and row an immigration sponsorship program from a leading corporate immigration law firm, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL), serving U.S. and global companies worldwide.

1:50-2:00 p.m.

Break

2:00-2:50 p.m.

Magnify Utah 

Claudia Loayza, Planning & Policy Engagement Coordinator | Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs 

The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs has created Magnify Utah, a learning and resource hub for Utah's people, places, and stories. It provides statewide information and resources to support individuals seeking community connections. In this presentation, you'll learn how Magnify Utah can help celebrate Utah’s growing and expansive story and retain the vibrancy each Utahn brings to the state.

2:50-3:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks 

Colette Cox, Outreach Manager | Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity