Brain Bite Break: The Power of Cultural Exchange - J-1 Visa in the Context of Global Workplace
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You may know that about 300,000 foreign visitors travel to the Unites States to study and work every year via the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. But do you also know that this public diplomacy program that facilitates cultural exchange between the United States and other nations can also be an attractive option for employers? The trainee and intern J-1 visa categories help American companies develop talent training pipelines, improve workplace culture, and promote company’s brand abroad. Join the SHRM J-1 Visa Team to learn more!
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.
Katie Rudolph
As SHRM’s Exchange Visitor Program Compliance & Engagement Specialist, Ms. Rudolph works directly with SHRM’s intern and trainee program participants and host organizations to coordinate and administer the J-1 visa process and the program logistics. She has over 15 years of experience with international exchange program management, social media outreach, and strategic planning and development. Prior to SHRM, Ms. Rudolph worked as the program manager at Alfred Friendly Press Partners, a J-1 visa sponsor organization, and supported international education and study abroad programming at the International Student Exchange Program in Washington, DC. She earned her MA in European studies from Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands and her BA in history from University of the South in Tennessee. She also spent several years studying and later, working in France.
Jeena Usmani
Ms. Usmani joined the J-1 Visa Team in August 2021. Since 2017, Jeena served SHRM members and staff in several roles, such as the Customer Care Representative and Accounts Receivables Assistant. Jeena brings to the team excellent customer service skills, knowledge of SHRM membership base, international experience, and cross-cultural awareness. Jeena was born in Afghanistan and speaks Dari, Pashto, Hindi, Urdu, and Spanish. She graduated from a high school in Baton Rouge. LA, and holds a SHRM Essentials of Human Resources Certificate.