SCHEDULE
11:00 a.m.
Welcome/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Lieu Nguyen
Global Leadership Advisory Group Chair
“Realtors® are professionals without borders, blending cultures and business practices every day to provide the best experience for our clients. Here in Northern Virginia we have a unique opportunity to share our diverse and highly coveted region with the world. Join us as we explore the international flair of our community and learn how to elevate Realtor® success on a global scale.”
11:30 a.m.
Session 1: Mapping Out the Northern Virginia Investment Landscape
Nathan Edwards
Regional Director, Research
Cushman & Wakefield
As regional director, Edwards is responsible for leading a team of analysts in commercial real estate markets across the East Coast. Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield, Edwards served as Manager of Real Estate for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
Session 1: Your Passport to U.S. Immigration and Visas
Mo Ali Syed
Principal Attorney
Syed Law Firm, PLLC
Syed has vast experience with non-immigrant and immigrant visas, including H-1B, PERM, E1/E2 treaty traders and investor visas, and more. Syed graduated cum laude from the University of Rochester in 1997, and received a J.D. from George Washington University Law School in 2000.
José E. Latour
Founding Partner
LatourLaw
Latour immigrated from Cuba to the United States, attending the University of Florida for both a bachelor's degree and a law degree. After graduating from law school, Latour was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the State Department as a diplomatic and consular officer. He has over 25 years of expertise in advising private international clients on global investments and international migration.
1:00 p.m.
Session 2: Lend Your Clients a Hand: Your Lending Questions Answered for Foreign Investors
Sumeeth Theruvath
Sales Manager
LoanDepot
Theruvath pursued a career in the mortgage business in order to assist clients with one of the most important financial decisions. Sumeeth enjoys developing long lasting relationships with his borrowers and industry partners. He also takes on a mentor role, helping other loan consultants grow their businesses.
Session 2: Keep Your Client's Money Safe Across Borders
2:00 p.m.
Session 3: Navigating Tax Implications for International Clients
Michael T. Westwick
Tax Manager
Stitely & Karstetter, PLLC
Westwick has come from a traditional tax and financial planning background. He double majored in accounting and finance from Shippensburg University. Licensed as a CPA and a Financial Advisor, he has the career goal to join finance knowledge with tax work to “Deliver the highest and safest returns, given the client’s risk tolerance, while paying the least amount in taxes.”
Sara Rodriguez
Chief Executive Officer
Titan Title
In addition to CEO of Titan Title, Rodriguez has been on the Board of Directors for NAHREP, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals®, for nearly over five years, and was president of NAHREP in 2016. She also worked roles as Counsel and Principal for Ekko Title for almost eight years.
Session 3: Setting International Students Up for Success: NOVA's World-Class Education
Dana Kauffman
Director of Government Affairs
Northern Virginia Community College
Kauffman has served as Director of Government Affairs since 2008, where he works with state and local government leadership in the funding, location and planning of capital projects and the support of major workforce initiatives. Prior to his work with Northern Virginia Community College, he served as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for three terms.