LAIOB partnership celebrates 3,000 graduates

OHIO's College of Business and the Latin America Institute of Business (LAIOB) recently celebrated a significant milestone: reaching more than 3,000 alumni from their executive education program. 

Since January 2016, LAIOB has partnered with Ohio University to provide Brazilian professionals with executive education through immersive, in-person programs on OHIO’s campus. Recruiting executives from across Brazil, LAIOB offers participants the chance to learn from U.S.-based faculty, blending academic rigor with practical business applications.

"We cherish our partnership with the Latin America Institute of Business,” said Dr. Jackie Rees Ulmer, dean of the College of Business. “Having over 3,000 LAIOB program alumni is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the dedication of both the College of Business Executive Education team and the exceptional team at LAIOB." 

On October 31, Ohio University and LAIOB commemorated the 3,000-graduate milestone with a banquet in Baker Ballroom. The event included a special presentation, an award to the 3,000th program alum, OHIO'S Marching 110 drumline, and a cake to celebrate the achievement.

Notable attendees included Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Donald Leo, Rees Ulmer, Program Director Dr. Janna Chimeli, Director of Executive Education Dr. Ashley Metcalf, and LAIOB leaders Andre Fauri, founder, and Luisa Vilela de Souza Fauri, CEO.

Throughout the evening, guests participated in a certificate ceremony that honored each executive in this cohort. The celebration concluded with a group photo capturing a milestone that highlights both the program’s impact and its commitment to lifelong learning.

Since its founding, the LAIOB executive program has grown from eight participants to more than 140 per session, marking it as OHIO's largest executive education initiative. 

The program happens seasonally in February, July and October and brings Latin American executives to Athens for an intensive two-week experience focused on professional development.

"This milestone of welcoming the 3,000th participant in the LAIOB-OHIO program highlights the transformative impact of international executive education partnerships in shaping global business leaders," said Dr. Gabe Giordano, associate dean of the College of Business.

The program’s structure includes morning sessions on business English and communication, followed by specialized courses in project management, management, finance or marketing. Each cohort benefits from hands-on, problem-based learning methods such as case studies and workshops. 

The LAIOB program offers more than just classroom learning; participants experience a blend of American academic and cultural life including campus events, football games and the iconic Halloween block party. These immersive activities complement their studies and create a well-rounded experience that resonates long after participants leave Ohio University.

"We get told all the time, almost every program, ‘This place feels like college in a movie,’" Metcalf said.

The mix of engaging coursework, cultural exchange and professional networking makes each session memorable and transformative.

Hosting the LAIOB program also strengthens Ohio University’s international presence. Brazilian executives gain insight into American business practices, learning new strategies and perspectives they can apply within their own industries back home.

“It helps an international audience to see the way American businesses do things, which might be similar or quite different than what they’re used to in Brazil,” Metcalf said.

The program’s success relies on extensive faculty involvement, drawing over 30 faculty members for each two-week session. Program Director Dr. Janna Chimeli oversees the academic side, coordinating faculty and managing program logistics. 

Faculty find the experience enriching; they engage with professionals who bring unique perspectives from Brazil, which sparks valuable discussions and insights.

“Every faculty [member] that does the program wants to do it again because they love the international professional crowd," Metcalf said. “Not only do they have the international experience, but they're actually working in various industries, and it makes it really interesting for faculty to be able to talk about whatever their topic is and how it's used in Brazil or how it's different from the U.S.”

This engagement allows faculty members to explore global business practices and gain insights that enrich their teaching.

As the LAIOB program celebrates this milestone, its focus remains on growth and continuous learning. Metcalf reflected on the program’s post-COVID resurgence, noting that OHIO welcomed a record 400 participants in July 2022. 

Since then, the program has maintained strong attendance with steady interest from both Brazilian executives and OHIO faculty. OHIO and LAIOB aim to expand the program’s reach and continue providing valuable executive learning experiences.

“It’s the whole experience of being together… not only developing yourself, but actually engaging for the purpose of experiential learning,” Metcalf said.