2024 IVLP Programs
2024 Countries in Tampa Bay!
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February 11-15
"Media Capacity Building to Face Current and Future Challenges" Niger "Teach. Illuminate! Inspire!" "Educate the public to be better consumers of news. This is fake, and here is how we know. This is true, and here is how we know it's true." Kicking off our 2024 IVLP programming, Mr. Al Tompkins (above right), retired Senior Faculty, The Poynter Institute, closed his interactive workshop on disinformation and AI for these journalists from Niger by describing this enhanced role for journalists. Afterward, Al and the group autographed a Nigerien flag as a keepsake of their visit to Tampa Bay! The group also did a deep dive into how social media has impacted journalism with Dr. Casey Frechette, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism & Digital Communication, University of South Florida; engaged the techniques of investigative journalism with Mr. Mike Deeson, Founder, Deeson Media and former Senior Investigative Reporter, WTSP-CBS; learned from Ms. Yolanda Fernandez, Division Manager, Community Awareness Division, St. Petersburg Police Department, about bringing journalism techniques to public sector communication; and grilled Mr. Benjamin Kirby, Director of Communications & Community Engagement at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital about how communications differ from political campaigns to government spokespersons to business communications. |
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At the Florida State Fair! Photos by IVLP visitor
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February 13-17
"Promoting Cybersecurity I" Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Ireland, Jordan, Kuwait, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Suriname These global cybersecurity experts began their Tampa Bay program with a workshop at the new headquarters of OPSWAT (above left and center), a leader in critical infrastructure protection and trusted by more than 1,000 global organizations for providing comprehensive and scalable cybersecurity solutions to protect against malware and zero-day attacks. OPSWAT executives, led by COO Mr. Stephen Gorham, led a workshop and opened their hands-on training lab to demo a real-life cyber-attack on critical infrastructure, and hosted lunch for the IVLP visitors to talk innovative approaches to countering cyberattacks in real time. St. Petersburg Police Department Chief Anthony Holloway organized a session devoted to cybersecurity task force development, and welcomed Special Agent in Charge Mr. Robert Engel of the United States Secret Service to present a case study on a suspected cyberattack on critical infrastructure in the Tampa Bay region. Chief Holloway also brought the visitors to SPPD's Cyber-Forensics Lab. At the Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell and Mr. Justin Greenwell, Chief of Forensic Services, FDLE Tampa Bay Regional Fusion Center, brought the group to the the digital forensics lab to discuss and demonstrate cutting-edge tools and techniques for recovering data from electronic devices including cell phones, gaming consoles, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Closing out the program, USF's Global and National Security Institute (GNSI), University of South Florida – Tampa Campus, and Cyber Florida: Florida Center for Cybersecurity hosted a panel of experts and researchers for a discussion of the current state of global cybersecurity threats. The roundtable discussion was led by Mr. Jim Cardoso, Senior Director, GNSI, and Mr. Mr. James W. Jacobs, MPA, Associate Director of Policy and Partnerships, Cyber Florida. A couple of truly "Florida experiences" rounded out the program, with a visit to the Florida State Fair and a sunset sail into the Gulf of Mexico. |
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February 27-March 2
"Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Pakistan: Media Security and Freedom of Information" Pakistan Tampa Bay was the final stop for this IVLP group from Pakistan, and they dove into issues that are critical to their work as investigative journalists. Ms. Janelle Irwin Taylor (bottom left), Publisher, Southeast Politics addressed the topic of what happens when local "news deserts" lead to news controlled by special interests. Mike Deeson (bottom right), Founder, Deeson Media and former Senior Investigative Reporter, WTSP-CBS, drove home the investigative truism that "paperwork is the proof, but people are the story", and used his 50+ years as an investigative journalist to create a primer on the topic. Ms. Alanna Dvorak (above right), International Training Manager with the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN) at The Poynter Institute, conducted an in-depth workshop on best practices in uncovering and reporting on disinformation, helping the public identify truth from fiction, and using new technologies to combat disinformation. A sunset sail into the Gulf of Mexico, beautiful weather and around town cultural events rounded out their stay here. |
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March 18-23
"American Language and Multicultural Diversity" Armenia, Bangladesh, Burma, Chile, Costa Rica, Curacao, Egypt, Estonia, Hungary, India, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Poland, Slovak Republic, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Turkiye, Ukraine Arriving in Tampa Bay to attend the TESOL 2024 International Convention and Expo, this multi-regional group of TESOL professionals had a session with Ms. Janna Eveland, Assistant Director, International Student Support, USF World, who discussed how USF supports international student success from recruitment to enrollment to graduation and beyond. She also discussed navigating U.S. culture from an international student's perspective. (TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.) |
Photos by Marcelo Gandaria
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March 20-24
(Non-IVLP Exchange Program) "TESOL 2024” In Partnership with FHI 360 Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin. Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Central African Republic, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Turkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam TESOL International Association advances professional expertise in English language teaching to speakers of other languages in multilingual contexts worldwide through professional learning, research, standards, and advocacy. The TESOL International is comprised of more than 13,000 English language professionals located around the world, including language instructors, professors, and teachers, teacher educators and trainers, program administrators, coordinators, and supervisors, and students. FHI 360 brought a delegation of 91 TESOL professionals from 45 countries to Tampa for this annual conference. World Partnerships greatly appreciates the opportunity to work with FHI 360 and its outstanding delegation. |
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April 17 - 20
Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists "Research & Investigation" Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Uruguay, Venezuela "AI disrupts credibility, but journalists have an important role to play in building public trust. The cost of being wrong is way too expensive." Al Tompkins (above right), retired senior faculty from the Poynter Institute, offered a tour de force on how AI is affecting journalism and the role journalists can play in the evolving digital disruption for this group of seasoned investigative journalists from the Western Hemisphere. His workshop left this group inspired to become experts in AI and uncovering disinformation and misinformation. World Partnerships was delighted to welcome Ms. Marta Etienne, Program Officer, USDOS Office of International Visitors, and Ms. Jacquelyne Conley, Program Officer, FHI360 (seated at the Thrive DTSP piano) to close the program in Tampa Bay. |
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April 27 - May 1
"Diversity In The Newsroom" Colombia Sharing a light moment with Mr. Al Tompkins (top), retired senior faculty from the Poynter Institute, these Colombian journalists leapt into the topic of artificial intellegence and its impact on journalism, newsroom diversity...and the search for truth. Whether pointing out defects in AI-generated photos or discovering the role emotions play in AI videos, these journalists heard loud and clear that they should "stay in from of what is coming or you'll get run over!" The group also engaged in talks with WEDU-PBS and Mr.Rob Lorei, Managing Editor, Florida This Week; Dr. Casey Frechette, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism & Digital Communication, University of South Florida; Mr. Justin Garcia (left), State and Local Accountability Reporter, Tampa Bay Times; and Mr. Gabriel Cartaya, a writer for La Gaceta (the nation's only trilingual newspaper) and the publication's historian of it's century-long run. |
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May 8-14
US Department of State Special Initiative 10th Anniversary “Towards a More Safe and Secure World" Multi-Regional Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Maldives, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom In its tenth year, the U.S. Department of State’s Towards a More Safe and Secure World initiative brings approximately 70 judicial, law enforcement, and security officials to the United States each year to engage with U.S. counterparts and examine methods for upholding the rule of law, leveraging partnerships, expanding international cooperation and defeating terrorism. “Towards a More Safe and Secure World” is designed to promote global cooperation in the war against transnational crime, terrorism, and violent extremism. CLICK HERE for the Full Story! |
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July 12-18
"Climate Crisis for Weather Influencers" India "Wow, that was a cool experience!" remarked one of our weather influencers from India after a particularly thunderous evening thunderstorm, In a place where reporting the daily weather is an essential part of everyday life, where better for these weather influencers to spend a few days interacting with journalists, meteorologists, marine scientists, regional planners and climatologists than Tampa Bay?! READ MORE HERE! |
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July 31-August 8
"Advancing Leadership in Health Research, Education, and Disease Surveillance" Kazakhstan Not even 36 hours of torrential rain from Tropical Storm Debby could deter this group of Kazakh public health officials, researchers, and epidemiologists from an outstanding program in Tampa Bay! They even managed a "Sunrise Sail" (their Sunset Sail the previous evening was cancelled due to lightning!) and a World Partnerships "Dinner Diplomacy" reception at Thrive DTSP (sponsored by a grant from Global Ties U.S. and Marriott International). Thanks to Baycare St. Anthony's Hospital, the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, USF Health, USF College of Public Health, and Tampa General Hospital for their commitment to making this a valuable and memorable program. READ the Whole Story! |
"Bunny Suits" on for a visit to the new glass-walled Surgery Center at Baycare St. Anthony's Hospital!
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August 20 & August 27 (Virtual)
"Countering Disinformation and Malign Influence"
Single Country Project
"Countering Disinformation and Malign Influence"
Single Country Project
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September 13-19
"Integrated Cybersecurity Education" Indonesia "Cyber crime is becoming a component of all crime." Assistant Chief of Police Michael Kovacsev, St. Petersburg Police Department, opened the program for this group of policy officials, educators, and law enforcement officers from Indonesia. SPPD Detectives Thad Coffin and Daniel Hager led an interactive dialogue on the role of multijurisdictional task forces in investigating cybercrime, and the key role that local law enforcement plays. The group moved on to St. Petersburg College's College of Computer Information and Technology (CCIT) which offers a Certificate and A.S. Degree in Cybersecurity. These offerings are among the most rapidly growing programs at the College, and are growing exponentially as public and private sector demand for cybersecurity skills increases. IVLP participants participated in a workshop on curriculum development and the process to achieve Federal designation as a "Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity" with Mr. Jimmy Chang, Dean of Mathematics and the interim Dean of the College of Computer and Information Technology (CCIT); Mr. Adrian Tillman, Associate Professor, CCIT; Mr. Michael Gordon, Professor, CCIT; Mr. Jeff Handy, Technology Support Specialist, CCIT; John Long, Associate Dean, CCIT; Ms. Laura Malavé, Faculty, CCIT; and, Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, Vice President for Academic Affairs, St. Petersburg College. At the University of South Florida, Ms. Kate Whitaker, Associate Director of Cyber Outreach, CyberFlorida (The Florida Center for Cybersecurity) introduced the group to the statewide role played by the Center to help Florida become a national leader in cybersecurity education, academic and practical research, and community outreach and engagement. The University of Tampa was their next stop, where Dr. Alper Yayla, Director, The University of Tampa Cybersecurity Center, and Mr. Peyman Abdollahi, Cybersecurity Lab Coordinator, detailed the transformation of cybersecurity from a class at the business school to a full-fledged undergraduate and graduate degree program. The group also met Dr. Hwee-Joo Kam, and members of the “Women in Cybersecurity Club” at UT. The program closed with sessions at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub in St. Petersburg's Innovation District with private sector cybersecurity entreprenurs from Virtru Federal and from Mosse Security Consulting and Institute. |
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September 18-24
"Protecting Soft Targets Against Terrorist Attacks" Kazakhstan This law enforcement project included extensive interactiions engagement with frontline professionals whose institutions play a role in securing venues and protecting the public during major events, including parades, political rallies, theme parks and sporting events. With an overview by Assistant Chief Michael Kovacsev, the Kazakh group engaged with the St. Petersburg Police Department Special Events Unit, Criminal Intelligence and Threat Assessment Unit, and SWAT, about their roles protecting St. Pete's plentiful sporting events, parades and festivals, and Indy car racing. LTC Robert Shaefer, US Special Forces (retired) discussed advisory roles played by military special operations with their foreign counterparts during major international events. The group met with officials of the Tampa Bay Regional Intelligence Center about their mission to protect Tampa Bay's citizens, visitors, economy and critical infrastructure. Mr. Jim Previtera, senior director for team security for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, discussed security measures at the Rays stadium and travel. Special Agent in Charge, Mr. John Condon, Homeland Security Investigations met the group to discuss interagency task forces and counterterrorism. To end the program, Mr. Peter Brevi, Director of Security for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, gave an overview of security challenges in one of America's largest theme parks. |
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September 19-25
"Building the Future of Japan’s Cybersecurity" Japan September turned out to be "Cybersecurity Month" in Tampa Bay, and this IVLP project rounded out the month with practitioners, policymakers and media experts from Japan. Tampa Bay-based global cybersecurity firm OPSWAT opened the program with a breakfast and remarks by its Founder and CEO Mr. Benny Czarny, a demo at the OPSWAT cyber lab, and discussions with senior executives. In-depth discussions were also held with: Mr. Mark Dubina, Vice President of Security and Mr. Ken Washington, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Port Tampa Bay; St. Petersburg Chief of Police Anthony Holloway and his in-house cyber-experts and task force members; Mr. Todd Ferguson, Chief Information Security Officer, Raymond James Bank, Raymond James Trust, Carillon Tower Advisers and Raymond James Insurance Group; Mr. Charles Carden, General Manager, Tampa Bay Water and his senior executive team; Ms. Kate Whitaker, Associate Director of Cyber Outreach, CyberFlorida (The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida Tampa); Dr. Alper Yayla, Director, The University of Tampa Cybersecurity Center and his facultry colleagues; and Mr. Jimmy Chang, Dean of Mathematics and the interim Dean of the College of Computer and Information Technology (CCIT) at St. Petersburg College, and senior administrators and faculty. |
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September 20-25 Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists "Research and Investigation II" A Multi-Regional Project Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, Zimbabwe "Have those conversations with the public about what's real and what is not. Add value. And explain how you know what you know..." Mr. Al Tompkins, retired senior faculty from the Poynter Institute, jump-started the program for these Murrows with insights about ethics, AI in still photos and video, and strategies to uncover misinformation and disinformation in a spirited workshop! The Murrows also had sessions with: Mr. Rob Lorei, Managing Editor, Florida This Week, WEDU-TV, who examined rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democracy and the principles and laws governing the press in the United States; a 3-hour workshop with Ms. Alanna Dvorak, International Training Manager with the International Fact Checking Network (IFCN), at The Poynter Institute, to take a deep dive into the evolution, current status, and trends in journalistic investigations and research in the United States and throughout their global network of international fact-checkers. And rounding out the program, Mike Deeson Founder, Deeson Media and former Senior Investigative Reporter, WTSP-CBS, led a lively discussion on journalistic ethics, and explored unique aspects that distinguish investigative reporting from traditional journalism. |
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October 26-30
"Promoting Safety and Integrity in Customs and Border Protection" Albania This project for senior Albanian customs and immigration officials focused on US processing approaches, inter-agency cooperation, security and technology innovations. Meetings in Tampa Bay included: US Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Port Tampa Bay – Cruise Passenger Processing; DHS Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) Asylum Office; DHS CBP Tampa International Airport; DHS – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Tampa International Airport Police Department; and a virtual meeting with Ms. Campbell Dunsmore, Albania Domestic Platform Coordinator, SCA/CARE, U.S. Department of State and members of her team. |
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November 2-6
"Hidden No More" Empowering Women Leaders In STEM Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Nepal, Samoa “Hidden No More”, a special IVLP initiative inspired by the work of African-American women scientists at NASA during the Space Age (the subject of the movie "Hidden Figures"), brought women leaders from Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Nepal and Samoa to Tampa Bay for interaction with our outstanding STEM educational resources. These included the Jacobson Technical High School, Lakewood High School, the USF College of Marine Science Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls, the St. Pete Innovation District, St. Petersburg College Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, and the SPC Innovation Hub, where they met with Ms. Nicole Stott, a NASA Space Shuttle astronaut, and the renowned artists Ms.Carol Mickett and Mr. Robert Stackhouse, who transform STEM into STEAM! On November 4, World Partnerships partnered with Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship at Thrive DTSP for a "community conversation" to meet and interact with these pioneering women change-makers during the panel discussion and at the reception (Read the St. Pete Catalyst coverage here!). Special thanks to the Salvador Dali Museum for hosting these extraordinary women leaders! The Whole Story Is Here! |
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Photo by St. Petersburg Police Department
Official State Department Photo by Chuck Kennedy
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December 4 - 7
International Anti-Corruption Champions" US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) & IVLP Special Initiative Colombia, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Nepal, Panama, The Gambia, Uganda For the third consecutive year, World Partnerships was honored to welcome the "International Anti-Corruption Champions" to the United States prior to receiving their awards from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC. Seven IVLP visitors from Colombia, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Nepal, Panama, The Gambia, and Uganda engaged in a series of interactive, substantive workshops led by local and Federal law enforcement and the judiciary, all focused on the anti-corruption theme of the project Stay Tuned for the Full Story! |