players have an understanding of international business practices and a
workable knowledge of foreign cultures. In order for African American,
Latino, and other minority executives to succeed, they should have had
experience with various countries and cultures. In experiencing foreign
exchange programs throughout his youth, Anthony Jewett witnessed
firsthand the benefits of studying abroad for aspiring professionals.
He founded the Bardoli Global Foundation in 2006 to help minority
students gain access to the types of programs that he learned so much
from. “What we do helps to change the very fabric and face of what
America will look like and what power structure in America will look
like in the coming years,” he says.
“I did
it specifically because I noticed that every time I had one of those
six study abroad experiences, there were just so few students who
looked like me represented around the world in any particular program,”
explains Jewett. He started initially working with HBCUs before
deciding to expand to all colleges and universities. “We created a
program that was much more focused on providing international exchange
opportunities as a key to leadership and global competitiveness at the
high school level — with strategic involvement from college students.”
“Our
students return from their time abroad and they do community service
projects,” continues Jewett. “[You can] see the innovation in these
young minds … with these service projects and what it teaches them
along the way.” The experience offers a wealth of opportunities for the
students. “We’re creating the young people who will lead communities of
color in the 21st century.” –todd williams
