Advancing an Open and Secure Digital Economy

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 April 2026, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed nineteen international leaders from Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Samoa, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Uganda, & Zimbabwe for a six-day International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on examining best practices in advancing an open internet while maintaining cybersecurity. The project was coordinated nationally by American Councils for International Education.

One of the international leaders shared a reflection on her experience, which you can read below:

One of the most meaningful parts of my time in Pensacola was experiencing the incredible warmth of its community. Coming from Argentina, I was deeply touched by how welcoming, kind, and genuinely interested everyone was in learning about our cultures and sharing their own experiences with us.

Whether during the hospitality dinner, our professional visits, or the networking café, every conversation felt authentic and enriching. Beyond the valuable professional exchanges, what made this experience truly special was the human connection—the openness, generosity, and sense of community that made us feel not like visitors, but like friends.

Pensacola showed me that diplomacy and international exchange are built not only through formal meetings, but through simple moments of kindness, curiosity, and shared conversation. I will leave with wonderful memories, new friendships, and deep gratitude for everyone who made us feel so welcome. – IVLP Participant, Agustina Ordonez

Over two programming days, participants engaged with leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, local supporters and business leaders, and higher education professionals in settings designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration. Hands-on sessions, home hospitality, and cultural activities ensured that the visit combined professional depth with authentic local connection.

Program Highlights

• • Site Visit and Tabletop Session with the University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity and AI
    Associate Director of Technology & Training Guy Garrett hosted visitors for a half-day workshop and table top cybersecurity session. The group met with representatives, including Professor and Director of Research and Innovation Dr. Guillermo Francia III, Cybersecurity Instructor Connar McCasland, and Cybersecurity Instructor and Employer Engagement Coordinator Sajida Shabanali, to discuss cyber workforce development, applied research, and public-private partnerships.
  • Freedom 250 Activity: Official Welcome to the City of Pensacola
    Former Pensacola City Council Member Maren DeWeese welcomed participants in the City Council Chambers for an interactive discussion and Q&A session about the area’s history, the local economy, and current demographics. Jeff DeWeese shared about Pensacola’s history as America’s First Settlement and the city’s pivotal role in the American Revolution.
  • Open House Night at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC)
    Participants visited IHMC for an open house night alongside members of the public to explore their robotics research during national robotics week, which was established by Congress in 2010 to bring together students, teachers and other interested parties who share a passion for robotics and technology.
  • Community Engagement Activity with Ocean Hour Florida
    The group was joined by Gulf Coast Diplomacy Board Member, Karen Kellams, and Youth Diplomat, Grace Kellams, for a one-hour shoreline clean-up to explore how volunteer-run organizations maintain public support for community beautification efforts.
  • CO: LAB Pensacola
    Director Patrick Rooney engaged with visitors to share how this incubator supports innovative entrepreneurship to sustain long-term economic growth. He was joined by Danita Andrews Senior Director of Business Retention and Expansion with Florida West Economic Development Alliance, and Lloyd Reshard of the Kukua Institute, for an interactive discussion and Q&A session.
  • Roundtable Discussion with the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business
    Assistant Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida, Joshua Hartigan, and Associate Dean of the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business at the University of West Florida, Maggie Davis shared insights on e-commerce initiatives and the digital economy, including resources, partnerships, and curricula used at the Center for Entrepreneurship.
  • Networking Session – Exchange Cafe at Seville Quarter (Freedom250)
    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 Leigh and Kent DeSantis, Karen & Mike Jurkowich, Kenneth and JoAnne Roberts, Jeannine Van Reeth, 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 brought international leaders into direct conversation with local leaders, youth, and residents. It gave our region a chance to showcase how adopting new technologies can energize and advance startups, existing businesses, and communities. Projects like this strengthen the local economy through hotels, restaurants, and transportation, while offering Americans exposure to new perspectives and demonstrating why Northwest Florida is an inspiring place for professional exchange.

For Our Nation
This IVLP project advanced the shared values of leadership and service. By connecting international leaders from the with American peers, the program fostered lasting bonds that will support engagement at home and abroad.

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.