CONFERENCE GLOBAL LEARNING
Cultivating Authenticity in an Interconnected World
Saturday, April 5, 2025
International Center
GLOBAL LEARNING CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
8:30–9:30 a.m. Check-in, Refreshments, Headshots
9:30–10:45 a.m.
10:45–11:45 a.m.
Conference Welcome – Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean, UC Davis Global Affairs; Gary S. May, Chancellor, UC Davis
Keynote Address – Maritza Davis, Vice President of Experiences & Social Responsibility, Sacramento Kings
Concurrent Sessions:
1. Weaving Stories: A Tapestry of Experiences, Dreams and Purpose
2. Identity Crisis: A Pathway to Authenticity
3. (Re)Discovering Self: Exploring Identity Abroad
11:45 a.m.–12:35 p.m. Lunch – International Center Outdoor Patio
12:45–1:45 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions:
1. Transforming Global Experiences into Career Fulfillment
2. Post Graduation Opportunities for U.S. Citizens
3. Category is…Grand Brand Glam: Werk Your Professional Persona
1:45–2:30 p.m. Exhibitor Fair
2:30–3:45 p.m. Career Skills Plenary
Ken Barnes, UC Davis Career Center
Claudio Castaneda, Manager of Partnerships, DA Global
3:45–4:00 p.m. Refreshment Break
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Structured Networking Sessions:
• Global Health, Science, Technology and Engineering
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Education, Community Development and Nonprofits
• Public Service, International Development and Government
5:00–5:30 p.m.
Closing Ceremony: Informal Networking, Raffle and Refreshments
KEYNOTE SPEAKER MARITZA DAVIS
Maritza Davis, Vice President, Experiences and Social Responsibility, The Sacramento Kings. As Vice President of Experiences & Social Responsibility for the Sacramento Kings, Maritza Davis blends business strategy with community impact, leading initiatives in health, education, social justice and sustainability. She advises executives, coaches and players on leveraging the power of sports to drive meaningful change. With the NBA and Sacramento Kings as global brands, Davis leads initiatives that extend beyond the court, using sports as a catalyst for civic engagement, equity and innovation. She has helped shape programs that influence communities worldwide, demonstrating how business and social responsibility can create lasting impact. An entrepreneur who launched her own company in her early 20s, Davis applies an entrepreneurial mindset to purpose-driven experiences that resonate on a global scale. Her expertise in experiential events and activations continues to fuel her passion for creating transformative connections. A Sacramento State alumna, Davis exemplifies how business innovation and social responsibility intersect—transforming industries and communities alike.
CAREER SKILLS PLENARY
This plenary will focus on professional skill development and effective networking strategies. Learn how to transform your experiences into impactful networking opportunities by asking thoughtful questions, initiating conversations and refining essential social skills. Discover how to apply transferable skills to diverse career paths and build meaningful professional connections.
Ken Barnes is an assistant director at the UC Davis Career Center, and sees students interested in a variety of areas including international opportunities, student employment and liberal arts and business. He graduated from UC Davis with a BA in Political Science, and is an active member of the Robla School District Board of Education. He is also an accomplished sci-fi author.
Claudio Castaneda, Manager of Partnerships at DA Global, possesses a unique blend of global experience and diverse skill sets. With nearly a decade in Italy, he gained a deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and transferable skills through art history and visual arts studies at CSUS and NABA, Milan. His career includes roles in the art sector, educational technology and business, focusing on DEIB initiatives.
10:45–11:45 a.m.
WORKSHOP 1: IDENTITY SESSIONS
1
Weaving Stories: A Tapestry of Experiences, Dreams and Purpose
Location: International Center 3119
Join us for an interactive and inspiring session where we will explore the impact of reflection and global learning to shape your future career. Through a storytelling activity, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and dreams.
2
Identity Crisis: A Pathway to Authenticity
Location: International Center 1206
This introspective session invites you to begin developing authentic personal mission statements. We will refer to concepts such as radical self-honesty, acceptance, and humility and start to identify the ways we exhibit and internalize big picture ideals like inclusivity and equity within our daily lives.
3
(Re)Discovering Self: Exploring Identity Abroad
Location: International Center 1211/1213
In this session, students will consider how their identities shape their global learning experiences and what they may learn from these experiences. Reflection will allow students to determine how to create spaces of belonging, how to maintain global perspectives and how to leverage what they learned abroad in their personal, academic and professional pursuits.
After each session, scan the QR code below to complete an evaluation.
WORKSHOP 2: CAREER SESSIONS
1
Transforming Global Experiences into Career Fulfillment
Location: International Center 1204
You know that your global experiences have been transformative, but have you fully unlocked their potential? In this dynamic, hands-on workshop, you will unpack your global experiences and learn to leverage them to make intentional career decisions that align with your values and aspirations.
2
Post Graduation Opportunities for U.S. Citizens
Location: International Center 2119
Are you looking to go overseas after you graduate? This session will showcase opportunities sponsored by the U.S. government — Peace Corps, Fulbright and more. Learn about the application processes, benefits and what each program is like. Open to U.S. citizens only, per the programs’ eligibility requirements.
3 Category is…Grand Brand Glam: Werk Your Professional Persona
Location: International Center 3119
Step into the spotlight and craft a personal brand that turns heads! This interactive workshop will help you define your unique professional image—think signature look, website aesthetics, brand colors, business cards, and more. Whether you're launching your career, leveling up, or rebranding, you'll leave with the confidence and clarity to show up as your most authentic, polished self.
MAKING CONNECTIONS: NETWORKING EVENTS
Join our interactive networking sessions, where you will get to speak with diverse professionals in a variety of fields. This is a great opportunity to learn more about different career paths, meet like-minded students and connect with professionals.
Scan QR code to view professional bios
1
Business and Entrepreneurship
Location: International Center 1206
Sarah Burckhardt
Program Manager, Swissnex in San Francisco
Claudio Castaneda
Manager of Partnerships, DA Global
Mike Hower
Founder & Principal Consultant, Hower Impact
Jaclyn A. Kirkwood
Program Director, Clutch
Thaleon Tremain
CEO and Co-Founder, Pachamama Coffee
2
Education, Community Development and Nonprofits
Location: International Center 1211/1213
Ana K. Celis
UC Davis Fellow, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Chris Foxall
Department of Community Response, City of Sacramento
Ray Green
Program Officer, The Center at Sierra Health Foundation
Ximena Ospina, Ed.D.
International Educator
Bill(y) Robertson-Geibel
Assist. Professor & Assoc. Director of Experiential Learning, UC San Diego
Find professionals and peers from your preferred field by checking out the stickers on their nametags. Each color represents one of these areas:
Business and Entrepreneurship
Education, Community Development and Nonprofits
Global Health, Science, Technology and Engineering
Public Service, International Development and Government
3
Global Health, Science, Technology and Engineering
Location: International Center 1204
Shakira Bandolin
Director of Global Health, UC Davis Health
Sandra Perez
Former Director, UC CA Program Access to Care
Koen Van Rompay
Founder, Sahaya International
Christopher Pavia
Geospatial Information Systems Manager, EP Carbon
4
Public Service, International Development and Government
Location: International Center 3119
Alfred Boll
Executive Director, UC Davis
Global Learning Hub
Kathleen Fullerton
Assoc. VP and Director of State Government Relations, University of California
Lynette Hall
Community Engagement Manager, City of Sacramento
Jolynn Shoemaker
Director, UC Davis
Global Affairs
Sierra Woodruff
Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State
DIAMOND TIER
SILVER TIER
A special thanks to the Global Learning Conference committee members, presenters, panelists and networking professionals!
