Michigan Global Talent Initiative

We are proud to spotlight Dr. Rehab (Ruby) Alhajjar, founder and CEO of FlowShield-Nano, who was honored with the Emerging Talent Award at Global Detroit’s #Tapestry2024 event earlier this month! ??? Ruby’s groundbreaking work in real-time water contamination detection exemplifies the incredible impact international talent brings to Michigan. With over 14 years of expertise in water microbiology and nanotechnology, she’s innovating sustainable solutions for global water quality issues while championing inclusivity and diversity in STEM and entrepreneurship. Her participation in the Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI) and Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence (Global EIR) programs has been instrumental in scaling her business and expanding her professional network. Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Ruby is a dedicated advocate for STEM diversity and creating job opportunities in underserved communities. Ruby’s inspiring story reminds us how immigrant talent drives innovation and strengthens economies. Join us in celebrating her incredible contributions to Michigan’s vibrant ecosystem! ?? ?? Learn more about her journey here: https://lnkd.in/gmvUg7_E #ImmigrantImpact #STEMLeadership #WomenInSTEM #Entrepreneurship #TalentRetention #InclusiveEconomies #GlobalEIR #InternationalTalent #Innovation #MichiganTalent #GlobalDetroit #MGTI

Michigan Soars to 8th Place for International Students, Contributing $1.45 Billion to the Economy! While celebrating International Education Week 2024, Michigan is making waves in international education! The latest from the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State's #OpenDoorsReport reveals an impressive 13.8% increase in international student enrollment, bringing the total to 38,123 students. This surge has elevated Michigan to the 8th largest state destination for international students in the U.S., up from 9th last year. These students are not only enriching our campuses with diverse perspectives but also making a significant economic impact, contributing over $1.45 billion to our state’s economy. International students are a vital part of Michigan's talent ecosystem, helping bridge the talent gap and bringing global innovation to our region. Join us in celebrating their contributions and the power of global education this International Education Week. Let’s continue to foster connections and create opportunities for these bright minds! ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d3BUN7Yb #IEW2024 #InternationalEducation #GlobalTalent #Michigan #OpenDoorsReport #USDepartmentOfState #InstituteOfInternationalEducation #EconomicImpact #MGTI

Michigan’s Global Talent Pipeline: What a New Trump Term Means for Skilled Foreign Labor With Trump now re-elected, Elizabeth Schanz of Crain's Grand Rapids Business outlines the potential challenges ahead for Michigan’s employers who rely on skilled foreign talent. The article paints a picture of what could be a difficult road for companies across the state as they brace for heightened visa restrictions, increased costs, and a return to extended processing times for H-1B visas. Here’s a closer look at some of the key insights: 1?? Higher Costs and Uncertainty: During Trump’s first term, H-1B denial rates climbed sharply, and the costs of hiring international talent skyrocketed. Crain’s highlights that this trend is likely to return, meaning Michigan businesses might have to stretch their budgets even further just to bring in the critical skills they need. Small to mid-sized companies in particular, without big legal budgets, could feel this pinch the most, potentially limiting their growth. 2?? Healthcare and Research Shortfalls: Sectors like healthcare and research are especially vulnerable to disruptions in skilled immigration. For instance, Michigan’s hospitals, universities, and research centers rely on international talent to address the state’s healthcare workforce shortages and contribute to life-saving research. As Crain’s notes, stricter visa policies would make it harder to fill these crucial roles, impacting patient care and the pace of research at a time when both are needed most. 3?? Delayed Hiring and Global Competition: We all know that timing is everything in hiring. Crain’s reminds us that under the Trump administration, H-1B processing times often stretched to six months or more. These delays not only push back hiring timelines but could deter top talent from even considering roles in the U.S. when faster options exist abroad. For Michigan employers competing globally, this could mean either losing out on skilled talent or facing pressures to move projects outside the U.S. 4?? Michigan’s Competitive Edge at Stake: Ultimately, Michigan’s ability to attract and retain international talent is key to staying economically competitive. Skilled international workers don’t just fill gaps; they drive growth, support innovation, and add resilience to our industries. If visa challenges push this talent away, Michigan’s competitive standing could take a hit. At MGTI, we’re here to support Michigan’s international talent ecosystem, working with employers to navigate the evolving visa landscape and advocating for policies that keep our state open and accessible to the world’s brightest minds. Skilled international talent makes Michigan stronger. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d84iKEYh #MichiganTalent #GlobalDetroit #H1B #ImmigrationPolicy #WorkforceDevelopment #MichiganJobs #InternationalTalent

?? We’re thrilled to be part of Global Detroit's Tapestry 2024 tonight at the Jam Handy from 6-8 PM! There’s still time to grab your tickets for this incredible event. Join us in celebrating Michigan’s Changemakers with a fantastic evening featuring delicious food from Xav’s Catering, vibrant live music by Grupo Escobar, and an inspiring message from Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer. It’s all about building connections and supporting a more welcoming Michigan! #Tapestry2024 #MichiganGlobalTalent #CelebratingChangemakers #InclusiveEconomies #CommunityImpact #WelcomingMichigan #Detroit #Nonprofit #Events #Fundraiser

Spotlight on Success: Oman Kahnal’s Journey We're excited to share the inspiring journey of @Oman Kahnal, a skilled immigrant who found his career path in Michigan through the Michigan Skilled Immigrant Integration Program (MiSIIP) with West Michigan Works! ?? Oman arrived in Michigan with a wealth of experience and skills but faced the unique challenges many internationally trained professionals encounter when entering the U.S. job market. With support from MiSIIP, Oman connected with career coaches, obtained tailored job search assistance, and received training that aligned his skills with Michigan's in-demand industries. Today, Oman is not only thriving in his career but also contributing to Michigan’s economy and community. His success is a testament to the power of programs like MiSIIP, which empower skilled immigrants to reach their full potential, bridging talent gaps and enriching our workforce. ?? If you’re an employer, partner, or a skilled immigrant, explore how MiSIIP and West Michigan Works can open doors to new opportunities! Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dDWUSpfs #MichiganTalent #ImmigrantIntegration #MiSIIP #WestMichiganWorks #WorkforceDevelopment #GlobalTalent #InclusiveWorkforce #CareerSuccess #TalentInnovation

As Michigan faces a workforce shortage, it is time to tap new talent! Michigan has 207,000 job openings and an urgent need for skilled workers. To bridge this gap, we’re teaming up with EnGen to offer FREE, on-demand English upskilling for Michigan employers, educators, and workforce partners. With 130+ career-focused English courses tailored to key industries—healthcare, manufacturing, tech, hospitality, and more—this partnership supports 123,000 working-age adult English learners in Michigan, helping them gain essential workplace skills and thrive. Learn how this opportunity can benefit your organization: getengen.com/mgti #MichiganWorkforce #TalentDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth #MGTI #EnGen

Celebrating Michigan Tech Week: A Reflection from Our Global EIR Program Manager, Ernestine Lyons We are thrilled to share insights from this year's Michigan Tech Week, presented by Michigan Founders Fund and held at the innovative Newlab Michigan Central. The event was a vibrant showcase of Michigan's thriving tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. At MGTI, we're dedicated to creating opportunities for international entrepreneurs and expanding Michigan's tech ecosystem. Events like Michigan Tech Week showcase the innovation happening in our state and strengthen the networks that support diverse founders. Join us in celebrating the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that makes Michigan a global leader in tech! #MichiganTechWeek #MGTI #GlobalEIR #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #DetroitTech #DiversityInTech #GlobalDetroit

?? Immigration & Michigan's Future: A Powerful Conversation on Stateside ?? We’re thrilled to highlight the recent episode of Stateside by Michigan Public Radio, where Global Detroit’s Executive Director, Steve Tobocman, and Gina Krause-Vilmar from Upwardly Global, joined to discuss the latest American Immigration Council report and the pivotal role immigration plays in Michigan’s prosperity. Steve and Gina delved into immigration's impact on STEM job growth, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaborations. Steve underscored key initiatives like Growing Michigan Together, spotlighting the importance of immigrants in shaping our future workforce. From earning advanced degrees to actively filling high-demand roles, immigrants are helping address Michigan’s labor needs in innovative ways. Here are some of the highlights: - Immigrants in Michigan bring immense talent and diversity, with 1 in 5 children in Michigan’s most populous counties coming from immigrant families. - SEMCA Michigan Works!, plays a crucial role in helping refugee and immigrant communities navigate opportunities. - A shoutout to Sameh Elhady, an inspiring Egyptian immigrant, featured in the report for his contributions. - There are opportunities for both political parties to embrace immigration as a means to grow our economy and population positively. Immigrants bring vibrancy, culture, and a wealth of expertise, making Michigan a richer, more dynamic place to live. Let’s continue supporting these efforts and celebrating the talents immigrants bring to our communities! ?? Catch the full episode to hear more about how immigration is vital to Michigan’s future! https://lnkd.in/g2JX2JJ5 #GlobalDetroit #Immigration #MichiganFuture #Talent #STEM #Entrepreneurship #Community

?? Join the 2024 Innovation Ecosystem Summit on November 14-15! Hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, this two-day virtual summit is an unmissable opportunity to connect, learn, and share insights with leaders across the country who are passionate about fostering innovation and inclusive economic growth. We’re excited to announce that Steve Tobocman, Executive Director of Global Detroit, will be one of the featured speakers! Steve’s leadership in equitable economic development will bring invaluable insights on building diverse, thriving communities. What’s to Expect: ? Collaborate with organizations nationwide, all dedicated to driving impact ? Dive into curated content with keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions ? Learn best practices and innovative initiatives from leading programs ? Explore strategies to help entrepreneurs access government funding and capital ? Discover creative ways to build networks that are truly inclusive ?? Dates: November 14-15 ?? Location: Online ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/duwStVTJ Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation driving innovation forward! #InnovationEcosystem #GlobalTalent #InclusiveGrowth #2024InnovationSummit

?? Empowering Global Talent in Michigan’s STEM Fields! ?? At Michigan Global Talent Initiative, we’re proud to share stories like that of Max von Wels, an impact analyst at Global Detroit who’s helping to bridge Michigan’s STEM talent gap. Through data-driven strategies, Max’s team is creating jobs, supporting startups, and boosting high-skill industries, making Michigan a magnet for international talent. With over 33,000 international students statewide, our mission is to keep this expertise in Michigan, fueling innovation and growth. Learn more about Max's story. https://lnkd.in/gzMU9Yc5 Let’s build a brighter, more inclusive future for Michigan! ???? #STEM #GlobalTalent #EconomicDevelopment #MichiganInnovation