Impact

A mentor once opened doors for Global Guru Naz Manji—now she's doing the same for Abraham Issaka, a rising junior navigating three countries and a career in finance. Their story shows how mentorship doesn't just change one career, it starts a chain that keeps going.

Dr. Aileen Nandi built a career spanning international diplomacy and global business strategy. As a Global Guru, she helped mentee Maryam Mohamed discover that a global mindset isn't about travel. It's about connecting with the diverse communities right in front of you. Read how their mentorship is shaping the future of patient care.

During a semester abroad in Italy, Michigan State student Ainsley Miller learned to meet cultural difference with curiosity instead of comparison, guided by her Open Mindset Project mentor, reinsurance industry veteran Tracey Gibbons. A simple exercise in seeking out new perspectives reshaped how Ainsley hopes to lead in her future career.

The Open Mindset Project's successful pilot cohort demonstrated strong impact, with participants reporting increased adaptability, openness, and career confidence through a globally connected learning experience designed to make global education accessible to all.

Christine Schulze has established a scholarship that funds an annual cohort of Concordia College students’ participation in the Open Mindset Project, empowering them with knowledge, skills, and attitude to make a global impact. We spoke with Christine and Gay Rawson about how the program will enhance their Concordia education and what they hope the students will learn.

10 MSU students completed the Open Mindset Project this spring thanks to alumna Stephanie Wright’s donation. Stephanie’s global career inspired her to invest in the Spartan community, allowing future leaders to learn the value of emotional and cultural intelligence in an international business context.