Beyond Diversity: Turning Multicultural Insights into Growth Strategy
June 18 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Explore how cultural insights shape consumer behavior, strengthen engagement, and drive growth across diverse markets.
Overview:
Discover how cultural insights influence consumer behavior, strengthen customer engagement, and drive growth across diverse markets. Learn why assumptions from home markets often fail, how multicultural research and community-centered listening create stronger strategies, and how businesses can balance AI-powered insights with human understanding to better connect with customers across cultures and regions.
Schedule:
11:30–12:00 PM: Networking
12:00 PM: Lunch served
12:00–1:00 PM: Panel discussion and presentations
Speakers:
Maria De Gregorio
Maria De Gregorio is a dynamic leadership development, talent strategy, and international business professional with more than 15 years of experience designing and leading impactful programs across workforce development, higher education, nonprofit leadership, and global business environments. She specializes in leadership development, executive coaching, facilitation, organizational growth, and stakeholder engagement, helping individuals and organizations strengthen performance, build capability, and drive sustainable outcomes.
Maria is multilingual and holds a Master’s degree in International Business from UCES Argentina and a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the National University of Rosario in Argentina. She is also an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation and holds a Team Coaching Certification, bringing a strong coaching and leadership development approach to her work with professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations.
Schneidine Louis
Schneidine Louis is a Certified Global Business Professional with more than eight years of experience in international trade, diplomacy, and investment. Currently serving as Director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Schneidine works closely with small and mid-sized businesses across Southwestern Illinois to support global expansion through export counseling, international market research, and strategic guidance. This work includes close collaboration with regional trade organizations and government partners to help companies navigate international markets and identify new export opportunities.
Prior to joining SIUE, Schneidine served as Diplomat and Vice Consul at the Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta, managing diplomatic initiatives, bilateral engagements, and communications with government, business, and community stakeholders throughout the Southeast region of the U.S. Additional experience includes investor relations and startup development, with a focus on supporting emerging technology companies in capital raising and organizing international investor engagement initiatives.
Schneidine holds a Master of International Business with a concentration in Global Supply Chain and Logistics from Georgia State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Diplomatic and Consular National Academy in Haiti.
Thanh Nicolas
Thanh G. Nicolas is the founder and principal strategist of Saint Louis Marketing (STL MKT), a boutique consultancy specializing in market research, marketing operations, and strategy. Separately, she works with executive leadership on communications and operational strategy through an independent engagement. With a decade of experience on both the agency and client sides between Vietnam and the US, her work spans insurance, senior living, higher education, nonprofits, and professional services.
A two-time MDMC speaker and Fulbright Association Conference presenter, she has researched consumer behavior across US markets and most recently presented on market research and cultural intelligence, with particular focus on Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-rising economies.
Outside of work, Thanh is a mom of two, a community volunteer, an AI advisory board member, and a marketing communications mentor. She is also a member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce St. Louis and is based in St. Louis.
About the Venue:
Oh London is a modern dining destination known for its elevated cuisine, stylish atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality. The restaurant offers a unique culinary experience featuring thoughtfully crafted dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and an inviting ambiance perfect for gatherings, celebrations, and special events.