Become a
Global Scholars Diploma Speaker
Inspire the Next Generation of Global Leaders
with Year 2 Global Scholars at a Global Career Event
"As a public servant, I believe we all have a responsibility to help the next generation see the many ways they can make a difference in their communities. It was an honor to serve as a Career Speaker for the Global Scholars Diploma Program and share my own journey in local government, the lessons I've learned, and the importance of leading through service. I hope our conversation encouraged students to think beyond what they know today, embrace a global perspective, and recognize that meaningful careers are built by creating opportunities and making a positive impact in the lives of others."
-Damika Withers
Through the Global Scholars Diploma, students in Central Ohio are exploring cultures, investigating complex global issues, and discovering how every career has the potential to make an impact beyond local communities.
You can help bring these lessons to life. Whether you've built an international career, have a unique cultural perspective to share, or work on issues that connect communities around the globe, your experiences can inspire students to think differently about the world—and about their place in it.
Join our growing network of speakers and help students see what it means to become engaged global citizens.
Interested in Sharing Your Story?
Complete our Speaker Interest Form to join our network of Global Speakers.
What Does Being a Speaker Look Like?
The speaker portions of our events are designed to be engaging, conversational, and interactive.
Most events include eight to ten guest speakers representing a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and professions. Students rotate between speakers in a "speed networking" format, spending approximately 15–20 minutes with each group. This allows every student to hear multiple perspectives throughout the event.
For events with fewer speakers, discussions may take place in moderated panel formats followed by student questions. Rather than giving a formal presentation, we encourage speakers to share personal stories, discuss their experiences, answer questions, and engage students in meaningful conversation.
You may participate in one event or multiple events throughout the school year depending on your availability. No teaching experience is necessary—just a willingness to share your story and connect with students.
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Why Become a Speaker?
Your experiences can have a lasting impact on how students view the world and their future.
As a speaker, you will:
• Inspire future global leaders
• Help students connect classroom learning to real-world experiences
• Encourage curiosity and critical thinking
• Expand students' understanding of careers and cultures
• Join a community of professionals committed to global education
Many of our speakers tell us they leave inspired by the thoughtful questions and enthusiasm of our students. We hope you'll join us in helping the next generation become informed, compassionate, and globally engaged citizens.
Speaker Opportunities - Our Three Themes
Culture shapes how we see the world, communicate, solve problems, and build relationships. Students learn directly from individuals who share their lived experiences, traditions, identities, and perspectives.
Whether you've immigrated to the United States, lived abroad, maintain strong cultural traditions, or regularly work across cultures, your story can help students develop empathy, curiosity, and intercultural understanding. We're looking for speakers who can help students understand the diversity of experiences that make up our global community.
Global Issues Speakers:
Today's challenges rarely stop at national borders. Climate change, public health, food security, human rights, technology, migration, education, and economic development all affect communities around the world. Students benefit from hearing directly from people working to understand and address these issues.
Whether you're a researcher, nonprofit leader, healthcare professional, policy expert, educator, entrepreneur, or advocate, your expertise can help students understand both the complexity of global challenges and the opportunities to create meaningful solutions.
Global Careers Speakers:
Every career has a global dimension. Whether you work in manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, finance, logistics, technology, education, agriculture, government, or the arts, chances are your work connects with people, products, ideas, or organizations around the world. Students often imagine that "global careers" only include diplomats or international travelers.
We want to show them that global thinking is valuable in every profession. By sharing your career journey, you can help students understand how global competence—including communication, cultural awareness, collaboration, and adaptability—is an asset in any workplace.
About the Global Scholars Diploma
The Global Scholars Diploma (GSD) is CCWA's flagship high school leadership program, serving students across Central Ohio through a three-year experiential learning journey.
Rather than learning about global topics solely through textbooks, students engage directly with professionals, community leaders, and individuals whose lived experiences bring global learning to life.
Throughout the program, students explore three interconnected themes:
Year One – Build Awareness Students begin exploring global cultures, issues, and careers while developing curiosity about the world around them.
Year Two – Build Skills Students strengthen their communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and intercultural competencies through workshops, discussions, and interactions with professionals.
Year Three – Take Action Students design and implement community projects that address global challenges through local action, demonstrating the leadership skills they have developed throughout the program.
Our goal is simple: to prepare students to become thoughtful leaders who understand that local actions often have global impacts.
https://columbusworldaffairs.org/program-training/global-scholars-diploma/
About the Columbus Council on World Affairs
The Columbus Council on World Affairs (CCWA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a globally engaged Central Ohio. We believe that understanding the world—and our place in it—is essential for building stronger communities, workplaces, and future leaders.
Through educational programs, professional development, international exchanges, and community partnerships, CCWA connects people across cultures and perspectives. Our work empowers individuals of all ages to develop the knowledge, skills, and curiosity needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Our Impact
Every year, the Global Scholars Diploma connects hundreds of students with professionals and community leaders from across Central Ohio.
Together, we help students:
• Develop cultural understanding and empathy
• Build confidence communicating with people from different backgrounds
• Explore careers with global connections
• Better understand today's most pressing global challenges
• Discover ways they can create positive change in their own communities
By partnering with local professionals, educators, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations, we create meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and civic life.