Global Talent Webinar, 2/5/2026

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host an employer-facing webinar on Thursday, Feb. 5 focused on how organizations can more effectively recruit, hire and retain global talent, with a specific emphasis on international students and early-career professionals.

This webinar is designed for HR and talent professionals responsible for recruiting and onboarding early-career talent, individuals supporting hiring managers through complex hiring scenarios and professionals focused on improving retention outcomes for international and globally sourced talent. The session brings together legal and university experts to translate complex hiring landscape into practical, employer-controlled actions. 

This webinar will focus on:

• Increase understanding of the current international student talent pipeline 
• Share best practices for hiring global talent 
• Provide practical strategies to support the retention of global talent 
• Reinforce the value of employer-university partnership as the hiring landscape evolves 

Panel experts include:

• Tabatha Carney, Director of Graduate Business Career Services, Iowa State University 
• Natalie Schreffler, Assistant Director Graduate Career Services, University of Iowa 
• Kailey Blazek Naranjo, Immigration Lawyer, Dentons Davis Brown 
• Neil Westin, Attorney, Nyemaster Goode, PC
• Jenae Sikkink, SVP of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies, Greater Des Moines Partnership (Moderator)

The webinar will remain principle-based and practical, avoiding legal advice while increasing employer confidence and readiness.