This is Really Happening
Japan. The home of sushi, weird game shows, anime, cosplay, samurai, gacha machines, pop idol groups, and really good public transportation. At least, as someone who has never been there, that is what comes to mind first when thinking of "Japan." Despite the fact that it's on the opposite side of the world, it seems like Japanese pop culture has had a huge influence over here in America.
Tatiana Boucher - Events Bio
Tatiana Boucher, IES Abroad Freiburg ’14, is the Marketing Specialist for Alumni Engagement for IES Abroad and is based out of IES Abroad’s headquarters in Chicago, USA.
Fluent in German and French, her career has been between the US, Germany and France working in marketing, non-traditional multilingual marketing, branding, and localization with higher education, startups, non-profits and restaurants including Learnship, the Alliance Francaise de Chicago, and Hannah's Bretzel.
A graduate of Elmhurst College, Tatiana earned her degree in International Business and German with a focus on International Business. There, she was recognized for her volunteer work and leadership with international and study abroad students with the Language Department Student of the Year Award.
When not spending time in the office, she's travel blogging, enjoying food from around the world, connecting with others from all backgrounds, and helping internationals adapt to new countries.
Brandon Lewis Williams - Events Bio
Brandon Lewis Williams is In-House Counsel of Metro Development Group in Tampa, Florida where he focuses his practice in the areas of construction, real property, business litigation, and purchase, sale, financing, leasing, and development of commercial and residential real estate projects. He is a member of The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar and is a Board Member of the Community Law Program (a nonpofit organization that provides free legal services to individuals who can’t afford an attorney).
Prior to joining the Metro, Brandon worked as a litigation attorney for a national law firm and gained international legal experience while working at Avego Abogados—a highly regarded and well-established international law firm in Madrid, Spain. He also served on the MOOC Education Innovation and Advisory Committee established by the Department of Education of La Comunidad de Madrid.
A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Brandon earned his Juris Doctor degree and Certificate in International Law from Stetson University College of Law. There, he was recognized for his volunteer work and leadership with the William F. Blews Pro Bono Award and the Stetson Law Leadership Award.
When not serving clients and spending time in the office, Brandon enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, traveling, and serving as the President of the Lewis Williams Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in honor of his late father.
Holly Rudd - Events Bio
Holly Rudd is the alumni engagement coordinator for the American University of Paris. Living and working in France for the past five years and with a background in music performance, her longstanding passion for the intersection of language, history and the arts have led her to seek intercultural experiences and thrive in international working environments. She is a proud alumna of the IES Paris French studies program and former staff member of the IES Paris BIA cente