Indianapolis, Indiana – Ivy Tech Indianapolis is set to bring global expertise and innovation directly to its students, faculty, and staff through the 2026 Global Leadership Speaker Series, now entering its fourth year. The series, which is virtual and free for the Ivy Tech community, will feature two distinguished leaders: Hang Loi, a renowned inventor and longtime 3M executive, and Cemre Ulker, a top diplomat engaged in global policy and leadership development.
The series is supported by a grant from Circle of Ivy, Ivy Tech’s philanthropy circle, highlighting the college’s commitment to delivering high-impact, transformative learning experiences for its community. “We are thrilled to welcome leaders of this caliber to our virtual campus,” said Gerald Maki, coordinator of Global Education at Ivy Tech. “Hang Loi and Cemre Ulker bring distinct yet complementary perspectives—from innovation and industry leadership to international collaboration and professional engagement. Their experiences will offer valuable insights for students, faculty, and staff across disciplines.”
Hang Loi will kick off the series on Wednesday, February 25, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ET) via Zoom. Loi’s career spans more than three decades at 3M, where she held multiple leadership roles including Global Supplier Relationship Manager. She has led the commercialization of advanced optical films for consumer electronics and reflective technologies that enhance pedestrian safety in low-light conditions.
An accomplished inventor, Loi holds seventeen U.S. and international patents and has been recognized with numerous awards for technical leadership. She was also featured in an exhibit at the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Beyond her corporate achievements, Loi is a passionate advocate for STEM education and community colleges. She has hosted podcasts exploring the student experience in community colleges and organized scholarships through the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Scheduling Loi’s presentation during National Engineers Week 2026 aligns the event with a national focus on engineering innovation, education, and career pathways. It will give students and faculty an opportunity to explore the latest trends in engineering and innovation while gaining insight from a leader who has successfully bridged corporate success and public engagement.
The series continues with Cemre Ulker, who will present on Monday, April 6, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ET) via Zoom. Ulker serves as the representative of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) to the United Nations Department of Global Communications. In this role, she supports international initiatives and forums focused on policy dialogue, leadership development, and institutional collaboration.
Ulker’s work also includes the annual Global Youth Leadership Program, which connects students from around the world for structured virtual engagement with global institutions. She previously served as a faculty member with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and has received the Her Hero Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York City Bar Association. Ulker holds a master’s degree in Human Rights from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Her presentation coincides with IvyMosaic: A Celebration of Language, Culture, and Creativity, a weeklong campus event highlighting writing, global expression, and intercultural learning at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. Students, faculty, and staff attending Ulker’s talk will have the opportunity to explore the connections between diplomacy, leadership, and international collaboration within a global context.
Both talks are designed to be interactive and accessible, providing Ivy Tech participants with a rare chance to engage directly with leaders at the forefront of their fields. Attendees can ask questions and learn from the experiences of professionals who have shaped innovation and global policy.
“By hosting leaders like Hang Loi and Cemre Ulker, we aim to inspire students to pursue their own paths in leadership, innovation, and global engagement,” Maki said. “These events complement Ivy Tech’s broader mission to equip students with skills, knowledge, and networks that will help them succeed in a complex, interconnected world.”
Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution, is the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it serves students across Indiana through numerous campuses as well as online programs. The college offers associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and workforce training that aligns with community needs.
Through initiatives like the Global Leadership Speaker Series, Ivy Tech fosters opportunities for students to gain exposure to global industries, diplomacy, and innovation. These experiences provide practical knowledge, inspire career ambition, and complement the college’s academic offerings. By connecting students to thought leaders, Ivy Tech encourages a culture of learning that extends beyond the classroom and into real-world applications.
For Ivy Tech students, participating in these events offers more than exposure to successful professionals; it also provides actionable insights that can shape career decisions. Students in STEM fields, international studies, business, and other disciplines will benefit from learning about Loi’s engineering innovations, commercialization experience, and mentorship efforts, as well as Ulker’s expertise in international collaboration, leadership development, and diplomacy.
As part of Ivy Tech’s commitment to accessibility, both presentations are free but require advance registration. Participants can join from anywhere in the state, ensuring that even remote students can take advantage of these unique learning opportunities.
The Global Leadership Speaker Series exemplifies Ivy Tech’s broader approach to education—one that combines academic excellence, workforce preparation, and engagement with global leaders. By creating spaces where students, faculty, and staff can interact with innovators and diplomats, the college strengthens its community while preparing students to thrive in a globally connected world.
Whether exploring the latest developments in engineering or examining international policy frameworks, attendees of the 2026 series can expect an enriching experience. With Hang Loi and Cemre Ulker, Ivy Tech continues to provide transformative learning opportunities that highlight innovation, leadership, and the power of collaboration.
