The International Center is proud to lead Indiana’s first and only global leadership development series.

About

The James T. Morris Global Leadership Series, named for the late Jim Morris, is a five-month professional development program designed to enhance cultural knowledge, foster collaboration, and cultivate globally minded leadership. Through an interactive and immersive curriculum, participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, hands-on learning experiences, and networking opportunities with esteemed global leaders.

Each of the five sessions is carefully crafted to provide a unique perspective on what it means to be an effective global leader. Participants will gain:

  • A Deepened Understanding of Cultural Competency – Explore the nuances of cultural intelligence and learn strategies for effective cross-cultural communication.
  • Insights into Global Leadership Across Sectors – Discover how leadership varies in corporate, humanitarian, and governmental organizations, with real-world examples and case studies.
  • Opportunities for Meaningful Connections – Engage with a diverse network of established and emerging leaders from across Indiana, building relationships that extend beyond the program.

The Morris Series equips participants with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of international leadership, empowering them to make a lasting impact in their respective fields.

Participants that successfully complete the Morris Series are eligible for credit towards Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s PhD in Global Leadership program! Learn more about the program incentives here.

2025 Cohort Pictured Above

2026 Cohort

Kayla Byrd

Manager of Natural Helpers and Immigrant Support
Immigrant Welcome Center

Danielle Coulter

Vice President
Dant Advocacy Inc.

Natasha Dow

Director of International Alumni Engagement
Indiana University Alumni Association

Cody Fenimore

Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
Office of Governor Mike Braun

Mollie Flook

Marketing & Communications Manager
The International Center

John Haden

Faculty Development Lead
Ivy Tech Community College

Ryan Hoepner

Director, Corporate Partnerships & Sales
Indy Eleven

Okara Imani

Culture and Operations Associate
The Indianapolis Foundation

Stephanie James

Director, Central Indiana Women’s Business Center
Indy Chamber

Maxwell Johnson

Director, Content Communications & Digital Marketing
Indy Eleven

Sarah Koch

Assistant Administrator of Clinical Operations
Marion County Health Department

Malgorzata Koltuniuk

Events & Rentals Manager
Indy’s Global Village Museum

Erin Larkin

Manager, Development Strategy & Legislative Affairs
Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Claudia Mendez-Perkins

Lending and Community Development Program Officer
Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Neysa Meyer

Executive Director
Putnam County Community Foundation

Brian Richardson Jr.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Community
Indiana University

Brian Smith

Senior Vice President – Global Commercial Banking
Bank of America

Irina Sorrels

CEO & Executive Director
Tu Refugio Seguro

Ramatou Soumare

Associate Attorney
Dentons

Rochenide St Preux

Founder and CEO
Akor Languages & More

Nick Summers

Airport Technician Supervisor
Indianapolis Airport Authority

Phil Wagner

President
Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation

Billy Wells

Chief Growth Officer
Financial Center Credit Union

Aaron Yoder

Senior Manager of Workforce Strategies
Ascend Indiana

2026 Program Details

The 2026 James T. Morris Global Leadership Series program dates are as follows:

  • August 7
  • September 4
  • October  9
  • November 6
  • December 4

Each session will feature distinguished speakers who are leaders in the international community, offering valuable insights and expertise. Throughout the series, participants will explore key topics essential to global leadership, including:

Who Should Apply?

The James T. Morris Global Leadership Series is designed for Hoosier leaders in globally focused roles who are eager to expand their cultural knowledge, enhance their leadership skills, and connect with both local and international professionals. Ideal candidates include established and emerging leaders from diverse industries such as academia, economic development, law, corporate business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Each year, the program attracts a dynamic cohort of professionals representing Indiana’s globally interconnected business and civic communities. If you are looking to strengthen your cultural competency, engage in meaningful discussions on global leadership, and build a network of influential peers, this program is for you. Click here for a recap of last year’s series.

Pricing & Scholarships

Tuition for the James T. Morris Global Leadership Series is subsidized by the generosity of our sponsors to $1,190 per person.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, The International Center is proud to offer full and partial sponsorships to select applicants. Sponsorships are limited and very competitive.

Our Sponsors

How to Apply

Those interested in applying should complete the online application form. Applications for the next cohort will open in spring 2027.

Our Alumni

Click here to see our past alumni.

Have Any Questions?

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