Language and International Business Conference

Conference Information

This March, the Department of Languages will host their annual Language and International Business Conference. The conference builds on a longstanding tradition of the Language and International Business Program, creating an intersection between language learning and international business that offers a dynamic platform for growth. Designed to prepare students for international careers in an increasingly globalized business environment, the conference provides invaluable insights and connections with international companies in the region.

The conference also serves as a unique opportunity for alumni who have excelled in various professions—ranging from entrepreneurship and corporate leadership to government service and law—to reconnect and share their journeys.

This event is organized by the Language and International Business Program within the College of Arts and Humanities and sponsored by the Department of Languages, alongside multiple South Carolina-based companies.

Who Can Participate?

This event is free and open to all members of the Clemson University community.

Students majoring in business and/or any of the offered languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, will find this event an excellent networking opportunity.

What Should Participants Bring?

Students are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes for potential career opportunities and come dressed in business casual or better.

We are seeking more corporate sponsors. If you know a potential sponsor, please contact Dr. Kumiko Saito (ksaito@clemson.edu).

For questions or additional information, contact Kumiko Saito (ksaito@clemson.edu).

Logistics

Date: March 5^th, 2025

Time: 10am-4pm

Location: Hendrix Student Center at Clemson University, Ballrooms A & B

Conference Agenda

LAIB Conference 2025 Schedule

Keynote Speaker

Stepanie Kardos

Stephanie Kardos graduated from Clemson University in 2010 with a degree in Spanish and International Business. Her career has taken her around the world, with regional and global leadership roles at companies like British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Maersk. Originally from Pennsylvania, she has lived and worked in the U.S., Qatar, The Netherlands, and Germany, gaining deep insights into global business and cultural dynamics. Shortly after moving to Germany, she founded her own coaching company, where she helps ambitious professionals gain clarity and confidence to build fulfilling careers and lives.

Alumni Panel Discussion

Nicole Nissen Hewitt

Nicole Hewitt is Head of Client Experience at Wiggam Law, where she leads marketing and digital strategy, develops new service offerings, and spearheads initiatives to enhance the firm's client experience. With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, she ensures that every client interaction reflects the firm’s commitment to excellence. Nicole graduated Summa Cum Laude from Clemson University in 2006 with a B.A. in Chinese and International Business and was a member of the Calhoun Honors College. Over the course of her career, she has worked across global markets, including London, New York City, and Shanghai, helping organizations align business goals with customer needs through strategic design and operational efficiency.

Donna Murphy

Donna is an experienced Marketing & Sales Leader with proven results in growing new and existing tire and service business. Currently, Donna leads the global strategy, development and deployment of a Service Management System supporting off-road industrial products. Previous responsibilities include Service Innovation and Development, Marketing Business Segment Management, Brand Management, Global Methods and Training Management, and Sales Management. Donna has an International MBA from Thunderbird, the School of Global Management and a BA from Clemson University’s LAIB with a focus in French.

Paul Wright

Paul Wright is Project Manager in Business Operations at TD Synnex in Greenville. He graduated in Dec 2009 with Japanese and International Trade major. Prior to Synnex, he worked in sales in distribution for two Japanese companies from 2010 until 2021.

Participating Companies

AFL Global

Brianna Woodsby
Executive Director, Compliance & Governance
AFL Global

KeHE Distributors

Michelin North America

Donna Murphy, Director, Total Operating Model
Michelin North America, Inc.

Sage Parts

Jean-Paul Delaite
Chief Financial Officer
Sage Parts

Sunfiber LLC

Emily Liwen Feng
Director Business Development
Simone Ma
Director Admin & Services
Sunfiber LLC

TD Synnex

Paul Wright
Technical Project Manager
TD Synnex

Upstate International

Tracie Frese
Executive Director
Upstate International

US Engine Volve

Rick Osborn
HR Manager
US Engine Volve

Wiggam Law at Atlanta

Nicole Nissen Hewitt
Head of Client Experience
Wiggam Law at Atlanta

Previous Events:

Conference for German and Spanish International Business and Engineering: Investment in Mexico

Conference Information

In its 13th year, this conference continues a tradition in the German Program at Clemson University to promote the role and reach of German investment in our region. While German companies in the upstate of South Carolina are well known and respected as employers and corporate citizens, many are unaware of their reach beyond the U.S. and Germany. This conference will focus on German companies in our region investing and operating in Mexico.

Organized by the German Program and co-sponsored by multiple departments, including the Department of Languages in the College of Arts and Humanities and the Department of Management in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, this is an excellent networking opportunity for our students and will include a mini job fair. It is organized for students of German, Spanish, engineering, business, communications and packaging science programs. We encourage all students to bring copies of their resume. Dress is business casual or better.

This event is free and open to members of the Clemson University community.

Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Hendrix Student Center at Clemson University, Ballrooms A and B

Conference Agenda

9 a.m.: Opening remarks

9:10-9:30 a.m.: Address by Consul General of Mexico; possible welcome from the Dean

9:30-10:15 a.m.: Keynote address by BMW: Motivations and benefits of doing business in Mexico

10:30-11:30 a.m.: Panel Discussion: Representatives of German companies currently in Mexico

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch and networking

1-2:20 p.m.: Roundtable about German investment in the region and Mexico

2:20-3 p.m.: Mini job fair with German companies for internship and introductory-level jobs in their companies

Sponsorships and Contact