The EVP is the MVP: The Exchange Visitor Program is the Most Valuable Program (Virtual Only)
In-person session offerings are on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited.
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Brought to you by: SHRM J-1 VIsa Sponsorship Program
SHRM's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Team explains how the J-1 exchange visitor program can be used as a business solution for talent needs. They provide information on what the program is, what it cannot be used for, and share insights from current host companies and exchange visitors sponsored by SHRM.
This session is available virtual only.
Gennady Babankov, J.D.
Gennady Babankov, J.D. is a Manager of SHRM Exchange Visitor (J-1) Program. Babankov oversees two private sector exchange programs for foreign trainees and interns and helps develop, implement, and promote SHRM benefits portfolio for global mobility and immigration members.
Babankov has more than 20 years of experience building and managing global education and training programs for students and professionals. He has experience in teacher training, study abroad, cross-cultural training, and language acquisition, and has directed field operations in Russia, Central Asia, Middle East, and the Caucasus.
Prior to joining SHRM in 2019, Babankov managed several education and training programs sponsored by the federal government, including the Flagship Overseas Language Program (U.S. Department of Defense), Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program (U.S. Department of State), and the Open World Program (Library of Congress).
Babankov earned his J.D. degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University, and a bachelor’s degree from the Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia.
Babankov has lived in the United States since 1994 and currently resides in Fairfax, VA.
Lindsay Bongi
Ms. Bongi is the Senior Specialist, Exchange Visitor Program, working with SHRM’s intern and trainee program participants and sponsor organizations. Ms. Bongi comes to SHRM with years of experience assisting young professionals and host companies in the J-1 intern and trainee visa sponsorship process. She has been involved with the Exchange Visitor program since 2012 and in her free time, counsels and monitors J-1 high school exchange students and host families as a Local Coordinator. In addition to her work in international exchange, Ms. Bongi previously has also created a Department of Labor registered culinary apprenticeship program and has experience teaching Talent Management Training and Train the Trainer courses. Her background is in financial reporting and accounting and she spent the early part of her career working for companies such as JPMorgan and America Online. Ms. Bongi earned her MS in School Counseling from Long Island University and her BS in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.
Jerrika Andersen Edwards
Ms. Jerrika Anderson Edwards is SHRM’s Exchange Visitor Program Senior Coordinator and ARO. Jerrika came to SHRM with more than five years of experience in international education and professional exchanges. After receiving her Bachelor's degree from Scripps College, Jerrika lived in Senegal, South Korea, and China. Jerrika's professional experience includes working as an English language teacher, working with the J-1 intern and trainee program, and most recently working with J-1 and F-1 students. Jerrika completed a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning from The George Washington University in 2022. She is excited to apply her skills and experience to the SHRM team.
Kimberly Nguyen
Ms. Kimberly Nguyen is the newest member of SHRM's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program team. As Senior Coordinator and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), she works to support the needs of the intern and trainee programs. Ms. Nguyen comes to SHRM with 4 years of experience in international exchange and program administration. She previously administered the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to hundreds of participants across multiple time zones and professional disciplines. Prior to this, she completed a fellowship at the Business Council for International Understanding. Ms. Nguyen holds a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Delaware. She is fluent in Spanish and lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina while volunteering in the Maquinista de Savio province.
