College of Business and LAIOB celebrate 10 years of partnership, student success

Ten years ago, LAIOB began a partnership with Ohio University with a bold vision.

The goal was to create an executive education experience that would open global opportunities for international professionals and strengthen the connection between Brazil and the United States.

That vision began to take shape through the support of Scott Wright and others at Ohio University’s College of Business, who recognized the potential of a partnership built on shared values and a commitment to developing global leaders. Together, they launched the very first program with just eight students—a small but meaningful beginning that laid the groundwork.

Over the past decade, the program has grown far beyond its modest start.

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Nearly 4,000 students have benefited from the program already

Nearly 4,000 students have traveled to Athens, Ohio, to participate in one of four academic tracks—Management, Corporate Finance, Strategic Marketing Management, or Project Management. Each cohort brings diverse professional backgrounds, new perspectives and a strong desire to learn, creating a dynamic and multicultural classroom environment.

This growth has been made possible not only by the strength of the partnership but also by the dedication of countless Ohio University faculty members and professional staff. Their expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to student success have shaped the curriculum, enriched the learning experience and helped create a welcoming environment that supports students both academically and personally.

For LAIOB, Ohio University is more than a partner—it is a place that holds deep emotional significance.

Luísa Vilela, CEO for LAIOB, often reflects on one of the reasons LAIOB loves OHIO so much: when students arrive on campus for the first time, they look around and feel something almost magical. The historic brick pathways, the iconic College Green, and the warm, small town charm of Athens create an atmosphere that feels "straight out of a movie."

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OHIO is like a second home for the students

For many students, this is their first time in the United States, and the experience of stepping onto Ohio University’s campus becomes unforgettable. It is common for participants to describe OHIO as a second home—a place where they feel welcomed, inspired and connected long after their program ends.

This sense of belonging, combined with academic rigor and cultural immersion, is what makes the LAIOB–Ohio University partnership so powerful. Both institutions share a clear purpose: to develop global leaders who can navigate an increasingly interconnected world with confidence, curiosity and integrity.

As the partnership celebrates its tenth anniversary, LAIOB and Ohio University continue to build on a decade of collaboration, expanding opportunities for international students and strengthening the global impact of executive education.

What began with eight students has grown into a transformative program that has touched thousands of lives—and the next decade promises even more growth, innovation and shared success.

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