New Bridge Alumni Convene in Atlanta
This fall, the Alumni of Atlantik-Brücke’s New Bridge Program had the chance to reconnect with their own cohorts as well as meet Fellows from other groups at the very first New Bridge Alumni Conference in Atlanta.
After everyone arrived in Atlanta, the conference kicked off with a welcome party hosted by Dr. Henneke Lütgerath, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Joachim Herz Foundation. Our group was joined by Meredith Steinmetz-Rodriguez, Global Engagement Manager for the City of Atlanta at the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. Their speeches served as reminders that the transatlantic partnership provides a strong foundation and that this bond will only continue to grow stronger through the inclusion of diverse voices. The local distillery serving delicious food and drinks was the perfect place to enjoy the evening in good company.
The second day started off with a round of introductions. During a “speed dating” game, the New Bridge Fellows had the chance to get to know each other while sharing their passions and talking about their proudest accomplishments. Many of them bonded over the impact that the New Bridge Program still has on their lives and careers. Afterwards, Marshall Tucker, Professional Coach and Career Strategist, led the New Bridgers through a professional development workshop on career advancement. During group discussions, the Fellows shared their personal experiences, talked about struggles with “imposter syndrome” and exchanged ideas on the most effective ways to market one’s own brand.
Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center, introduced the fellows to the different projects and initiatives led by the Carter Center. Moderated by Michael Werz, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, the group debated the responsibility and potential that institutions like the Carter Center have in addressing global conflicts and enhancing freedom and democracy worldwide.
Afterwards, the group hopped on a shuttle to the Mercedes-Benz-Stadium (home stadium of the Atlanta Falcons), where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour. During a scavenger hunt, the Fellows not only channeled their competitive energies, but also learned that the stadium is on target to become the most sustainable sports venue in the world.
The last evening of the conference was celebrated with a transatlantic Alumni reception, hosted by Dr. Eike Jordan, Chairman of the Halle Foundation at The Halle Estate. The group was accompanied by Joseph Bankoff, Chair of The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech, Matthias Hoffmann, the President & CEO at the German-American Chamber of Commerce South, State Representative Angelika Kausche and many more. The guests of honor and the Alumni exchanged ideas on the future of transatlantic relations and international collaboration.
On the final conference day, each cohort presented different Alumni engagement strategies designed to successfully implement an active Alumni network. The meeting underscored the Alumni’s motivation and dedication to continue their involvement with the Atlantik-Brücke network.
The New Bridge Alumni Conference marked the one-year anniversary of the New Bridge Program and five groups of Fellows who successfully completed the program from Washington to Berlin and Brussels. It gave us a chance to bring the Alumni together and strategize on optimizing the program’s impact in the future.