Lifelong Learning Program

Presentation:
Join the International Business Student Network and the Institute for International Business in welcoming back three distinguished IB and MSIB alumni! Allen Espinosa (Global Business Services Manager, World Trade Center Denver), Kara Warren (Program Control Analyst, Northrop Grumman), Stephanie Garnica, (Director Global Business Development, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity) will "return" to CU Denver to discuss their professional experience and career advice post-graduation. This event is a great opportunity for students to network with program graduates who have been in their shoes and come out on top. 

Speakers:
Allen Espinosa – Global Business Services Manager, World Trade Center Denver
Allen is responsible for overseeing the Global Business Services division at the World Trade Center Denver, providing global import, export, market entry and compliance consulting solutions for companies throughout the Rocky Mountain region. He has over 12 years of experience in economic development and tax consulting and has managed corporate growth projects throughout the United States for clients in the manufacturing, energy, life sciences, financial services and corporate headquarters industries, representing over $3 billion of capital investment. His responsibilities included site location analysis, financial modeling, drafting and negotiating complex agreements and documenting compliance for government programs and contracts.

Allen began his career at a global consultancy in Tampa, FL and subsequently co-founded the economic development practice at a consultancy in Texas, opening offices in New Orleans and Denver. He has a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Colorado Denver and both a Juris Doctor and Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Florida State University.

Kara Warren – Program Control Analyst, Northrop Grumman
Since graduating from the University of Colorado in 2018, Kara Warren has held several positions within Northrop Grumman Corporation. She currently works as a Program Cost Analyst on a U.S. Navy contract where her primary responsibilities are monitoring program spending, forecasting, and reporting government Earned Value Metrix.

Prior to the University of Colorado, Kara graduated from Maryville College, where she earned a BA in International Business and Economics. While completing her BA, she studied at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand. Kara served as the IBSN president while completing her Master’s degree in International Business at CU Denver.

Stephanie Garnica – Director of Global Business Development, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity Office
In her role as the Director of Global Business Development for Denver’s Economic Development Opportunity Office, Stephanie Garnica is implementing a strategy for the city to leverage and promote its’ global assets to attract foreign direct investment, increase international trade and elevate Denver’s reputation as a global hub of activity. She brings a wealth of economic development and community leadership experience to the job. Prior to her current position, Stephanie has held internationally focused roles as the Senior Manager of Air Service Development for Denver International Airport (DEN), the Director of Business Development for the World Trade Center Denver, and various roles with the Colorado Office Economic Development and International Trade. She lived and worked in Central America after graduating college and is fluent in Spanish. She has traveled and worked extensively throughout the Latin American region, Western Europe, and parts of Asia. Additional experience includes non-profit work, international logistics, consulting, and sales.

Given her deep international experience, Stephanie is involved in several globally focused initiatives in the Denver Metro area. She is a Board Member of the World Trade Center Denver and sits on the Advisory Boards of Study Colorado and the Global Affairs Program at the University of Denver’s University College. Stephanie received a Master’s Degree in International Business from the University of Colorado at Denver and an undergraduate degree in International Marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Married to a Bolivian and the mother of three kids, she enjoys raising globally minded citizens of the world, hiking, traveling and cooking.

International Business Student Network
The International Business Student Network (IBSN) is a student-run organization for CU Denver students in all majors and programs interested in international business. The club sponsors cultural dinners, networking events, international business speakers and on-line social connections through Facebook and LinkedIn. The International Business Student Network works hand in hand with UCD’s Business School, the Institute of International Business (IIB), and the international business community to provide global business opportunities for students interested in an international business career. For more information on IBSN and its events, please contact IBSN at ibsn@ucdenver.edu  

For more information please visit: https://business.ucdenver.edu/international-business-student-network-ibsn