When an IVLP group comes to Northwest Florida, we don’t just host them; we connect them with the people and places shaping America’s future.
In March 2026, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed 15 international leaders from the Indo-Pacific region for a five-day International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on applying artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to address challenges in journalism. The project was coordinated nationally by American Councils for International Education.
Over two programming days, participants engaged with two high school classes, leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, and the public in settings designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration. Hands-on sessions, home hospitality, and cultural activities ensured that the visit combined professional depth with an authentic local connection.
Program Highlights
- Pensacola Catholic High School
Academic, College, and Career Advisor Mary Kyte welcomed the group and accompanied them to Nikki Fukua’s AP Literature and Yearbook classes, where they observed how students are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools in an educational setting. Two visitors shared about their work in journalism with students, and all participants engaged in a roundtable discussion to exchange perspectives on ethics and the future of journalism. - Hospitality Welcome at Visit Pensacola
Darien Schaeffer, Tia Robbins, Jennifer Saba, and Madelyn Bell with Visit Pensacola, presented the visitors with souvenir gifts from the visitors center, shared fun facts, including how the city was voted the #1 beach in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and was the first European settlement attempt in what is now the continental U.S. - Community Forum with the University of West Florida’s Department of Communication
Assistant Professor Adam Blood met with participants and community members to moderate presentations and share insights into how his department is incorporating AI into education and curriculum. Four visitors shared their work with an audience of 20 local supporters, which was followed by an interactive Q&A session and networking. - The University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity and AI
Associate Director of Technology & Training Guy Garrett presented on U.S. strategies for evaluating and mitigating risks associated with AI systems, with particular attention to data accuracy, security, and regulatory considerations relevant to journalism and media organizations - Site Visit at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC)
Research Scientist Brodie Mather presented his work on AI and natural language processing, while relating these topics to applications in journalism. The group engaged in a Q&A session, which was followed by a tour of the robotics lab. Participants met with research scientists, Jared Li and Beomyeong Park, to explore their work in advanced robotics. Event Coordinator Patti Mohan set up this meeting. - Networking Session – Freedom 250: Exchange Cafe at Seville Quarter
Participants engaged in open dialogue with local supporters and members over tea, coffee, and apple pie in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Conversations centered on daily life and professional work. - Home Hospitality Dinners
Evenings spent in local homes, sharing meals and conversation, fostered understanding and built friendships that extended beyond professional connections. Thank you to Laura and Joe Boyles, Carmen Cuneo, Leigh and Kent DeSantis, JoAnne and Kenneth Roberts, Leslie and Gerry Yandle, and Liz, Basil, and Leah Yelverton for welcoming visitors and enhancing their experience in Northwest Florida.
Why It Matters
For Our Community
This program connected international leaders with Northwest Florida professionals working at the intersection of technology, media, and education. Through these exchanges, our community demonstrated how emerging tools like artificial intelligence are being applied in practical ways to strengthen communication, support informed decision-making, and prepare the next generation for a technology-driven workforce. The program also delivered direct economic benefits through local hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, while giving residents and students the opportunity to engage in timely conversations that shape the future of journalism.
For Our Nation
IVLP projects like this support U.S. priorities by highlighting the responsible use of technology, the importance of a free and credible press, and the role of innovation in maintaining a competitive edge. By engaging leaders from the Indo-Pacific region on how AI is shaping journalism, the program reinforced standards of accuracy, accountability, and resilience in the information space. These exchanges build relationships with professionals who influence media and technology sectors abroad, strengthening the environment for cooperation, information integrity, and long-term stability.
Thank You to Our Partners
We are grateful to everyone listed above and their teams who made this program possible.
Your expertise, generosity, and welcome demonstrated the best of Northwest Florida to our international visitors.
