Programs
& Events
Mini-Course 1: Generative AI Readiness
Goal: Help students understand what generative AI is, how to use it safely, and how to think clearly about what it can and cannot do — even when internet access is limited. This beginner-friendly mini-course will strengthen your digital literacy skills through clear, practical sessions free of technical jargon.
The mini-course will take place once a week on Wednesdays at 20:00 MSK.
The course will be led by Daisy Thomas, an AI systems architect, researcher, author, and director of AI policy. Daisy holds certifications in AI ethics and foundational AI technologies from leading institutions. She is also an advocate for responsible artificial intelligence and civic education. In addition to Daisy’s expertise, the course will include guest speakers who will bring their own perspectives and insights.
Session 1: What Generative AI Can and Cannot Do
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
20:00 pm MSK
What you will learn:
What generative AI means in everyday language
Where it already shows up in daily life
What it does well and where it makes mistakes
Session 2: How to Tell When AI Gets It Wrong
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
20:00 pm MSK
What you will learn:
How to read AI results carefully
How to spot when something looks off or false
How to check if information is trustworthy
Session 3: How to Use Generative AI Safely
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
20:00 pm MSK
What you will learn:
How to use AI tools for helpful, safe tasks
What information not to share
How to make their own personal AI rules
Register:
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Make Me Care. A Crash Course In Telling Stories Brains Can’t Resist
Jocelyn Brady studies the wild organ in your skull—and the stories it tells to survive.
She’s the founder of Scribe, a strategic narrative consultancy, and the creator of StoryScience®, a brain-based approach to storytelling that helps people communicate with more clarity, creativity, and humanity. Her work spans global brands, think tanks, and stages—writing for CBS, developing behavior-change programs for Nike and Prudential, and training leaders, scientists and creators across five continents.
She also co-hosts MAD Warfare, a podcast with a cognitive neuroscientist about the psychology of influence and the stories that shape what we fight for—and what we fall for.
Born in Canada, raised in Hawai‘i, and now based in Portland, Oregon, Jocelyn lives with her cat Sookie, who doesn’t care what she does for a living as long as dinner’s on time.
Join Jocelyn on Mondays at 21:00 MSK to both learn theory of storytelling and practice everything hands on!Session 1: This is Your Brain on Story. In this session, we’ll expose how your brain uses story to make sense of the world—and how to use that power on purpose. You’ll learn how to scan for salience (the brain’s favorite shortcut) and apply it instantly with a tool you can use for any message, story, or idea you ever want to share.
Session 2: How to Sell Anything to Anyone. Maybe you really want that new job. Or a raise. Or someone to invest in your idea. This session breaks down how people actually make decisions—and how story helps them get there. You’ll learn a simple storytelling move that shifts your message from “why should I care?” to “YES, I’m in.”
Session 3: The Most Powerful Story of All. We’ve talked about how story shapes the world around us. Now we’ll look at the story inside your head—the one that defines what you believe you can do, ask for, or even say out loud. You’ll learn how to spot the stories that are keeping you stuck, and practice rewriting them in a way your brain actually believes.
Register:
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Mentorship Program - Cycle 1
The Connexions Alumni Mentorship Program (CAMP) is designed to pair up more experienced professionals among U.S. alumni from Russia, wherever they may reside in the world, with mentees who are eager to learn, expand their networks, and develop skills that can drive positive change in their careers and communities. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to share your expertise, offer guidance, and make a lasting impact on fellow alumni. As a mentee, you gain valuable insights, set personalized goals, and build relationships that support your personal and professional journey.
Mentor Training Sessions: Building Strong Foundations for CAMP
In May and July 2025, Connexions Network hosted two foundational trainings to prepare mentors for their roles in the Connexions Alumni Mentorship Program (CAMP). On May 13, Shaz Akram, founder of HerPivot and former Deputy Director of the Fulbright Association, led an interactive session focused on building strong, supportive mentor-mentee relationships. The training addressed the goals of mentorship, the importance of setting expectations and boundaries, and how to guide mentees through active listening, feedback, and trust-building. Whether new or experienced, mentors left with practical strategies for effective, empowering engagement.
On July 1, Antonina Vinogradova, ICF-certified coach, facilitated a deep-dive training on the core principles of impactful mentorship. With two decades of coaching experience, she guided mentors through structuring sessions, setting clear agreements, and navigating common challenges. This session, full of practical value and community spirit, equipped participants with skills to support mentees with purpose and confidence.
We’re excited to see how CAMP continues to unfold and look forward to the meaningful connections.
Digital Skills for the Network Age. A Beginner’s Guide
This beginner-friendly course will help you develop your digital literacy skills. Each session will be easy to follow, practical, and free of technical jargon. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and all of them will be answered.
The course will take place once a week on Wednesdays at 19:00 MSK. Participants who attend at least seven out of the eight sessions will receive a certificate of completion.
The course will be led by Daisy Thomas, an AI systems architect, researcher, author, and director of AI policy. Daisy holds certifications in AI ethics and foundational AI technologies from leading institutions. She is also an advocate for responsible artificial intelligence and civic education. In addition to Daisy’s expertise, the course will include guest speakers who will bring their own perspectives and insights.
Wednesday, September 3: The Digital World Around Us
Explore how the internet functions as an ecosystem, and learn how every online action leaves a trace in your digital footprint.
Wednesday, September 10: Privacy & Security Basics
Learn what personal data is, why it matters, and how to spot common digital risks with simple tools like strong passwords and safe browsing habits.
Wednesday, September 17: Communication in the Digital Age
Discover the differences between private and public communication online, and why tone, culture, and context matter more than ever.
Wednesday, September 24: News & Trust
Understand how fake information spreads and gain tools to tell the difference between credible content and emotional clickbait.
Wednesday, October 1: Introduction to AI
Meet the AI that already shapes your daily life, from filters to recommendations, and explore how these tools learn from patterns.
Wednesday, October 8: AI-Generated Content Awareness
Spot deep fakes, fake voices, and synthetic media, and understand why recognizing AI-made content matters for safety, trust, and truth.
Wednesday, October 15: Digital Identity & Reputation
Build awareness of how you appear online, and learn how to shape a digital presence that reflects both safety and intention.
Wednesday, October 22: The Future of Digital Life
Look ahead to smart tech, automation, and AI assistants, and reflect on how to stay balanced, curious, and future-ready in a fast-moving world.
Register:
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Digital Skills for the Network Age - ROUND 1
This course, hosted by Daisy Thomas, equips participants with essential digital literacy skills. Daisy Thomas is an AI systems architect, researcher, author, and director of AI policy. Daisy holds certifications in AI ethics and foundational AI technologies from leading institutions and is an advocate for responsible artificial intelligence and civic education.
All registered participants who attend and complete at least 80% of the course will be eligible to receive a certificate of recognition. The first set of workshops took place successfully in Spring 2025, and now the series continues. Join the upcoming sessions:
Digital Skills Workshop 4: Tech & Ethics IRL | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 7 PM MSK
Not everything digital is harmless - and not everything ethical is obvious. In this live session, we’ll tackle the real-world consequences of life online: AI ethics, deep fakes, data privacy, social media choices, and what it means to be a responsible digital citizen in your personal and professional life. Walk away with your own ethical playbook and a sharper eye for spotting red flags in the tech around you.
Digital Skills Workshop 5: Your Digital Footprint & Online Reputation | Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 7 PM MSK
Every click leaves a trace - and your digital footprint can shape how you're seen by employers, clients, and even algorithms. In this session, we’ll break down what your online presence is really saying about you, how to take control of it, and how to clean up or build up your reputation across platforms. Think of it as personal branding meets digital hygiene.
Digital Skills Workshop 6: Critical Thinking in a Clickbait World | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 7 PM MSK
Algorithms want your attention. Misinformation wants your trust. In this session, we’ll sharpen your digital instincts to cut through the noise - learning how to spot bias, fact-check content, and think critically about what you see (and share) online. It’s not just media literacy - it’s survival skills for the attention economy.
Digital Skills Workshop 7: Outsmarting the Hack and The Future of Digital Ethics & Security | Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 7 PM MSK
Phishing emails. Fake login pages. "Urgent" messages from your boss. Social engineering attacks rely on human error, not just technical flaws. In this session, you’ll learn how to spot the tactics scammers use to manipulate trust, how to defend yourself and your team, and how to build a culture of cybersecurity awareness that sticks.
From AI surveillance to biometric data to the next wave of cyber threats - tomorrow’s tech brings new risks and new responsibilities. In our final session, we’ll also explore what’s coming next in digital security and ethical tech use, how to prepare for it, and how to stay grounded in your values while the digital world keeps shifting.
Register:
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Global Leadership Webseries
This global leadership series, offered once a week on Mondays, is designed to cultivate leadership skills for the modern world. Participants will develop clarity of purpose, build strategic habits, and grow through challenges. Each session explores a core leadership principle through the lens of real-world experience and personal growth.
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Series Duration: 1 month, 1 session per week
Number of Webinars: 4 webinars, 1.5 hours each
Session 1: Vision
Monday, June 2 | 11:00 AM Eastern time
Many people dream of being “successful” - whether that means wealth, recognition, or influence - without truly understanding what that success looks like for them or why they desire it. In this session, participants will work on defining their personal destination and aligning their goals with authentic purpose.
Session 2: Planning for Success
Monday, June 9 | 11:00 AM Eastern time
Achieving goals is a long and challenging journey. This session emphasizes intentional planning and personal responsibility. Participants will consider how aspects such as mindset, relationships, family dynamics, health, nutrition, and time management all contribute to long-term achievement.
Session 3: Failing Forward - Perseverance
Monday, June 16 | 11:00 AM Eastern time
Jennifer shares candid stories of the many times she failed, including significant public and personal setbacks. Her message: failure is not something to fear, but a tool to propel growth. This session will help participants reframe failure as part of the leadership journey and develop resilience in the face of challenges.
Session 4: Legacy
Monday, June 23 | 11:00 AM Eastern time
What happens after you’ve reached your goals? This closing session explores how to lead with integrity and intention. Participants will reflect on how to build a legacy, remain grounded in values, and continue evolving as leaders while contributing meaningfully to others.
About the speaker:
Jennifer Jo Cobb is a professional race car driver, team owner, and accomplished motivational speaker. She began racing at local tracks in 1991 and spent 19 years pursuing her dream before competing full-time at NASCAR’s top levels. She is one of the few women to achieve a Top 10 finish in NASCAR’s highest divisions and holds the land speed record as the fastest woman in a stock car at over 223 mph.
In addition to her racing career, she founded Driven2Honor in 2011, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring women in the military, and in 2020 became Executive Director of Driven Diplomacy, a not-for-profit organization focused on promoting dialogue through motorsports and leadership outreach.
A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Jennifer speaks internationally on perseverance, overcoming adversity, teamwork, and business strategy.
Global Leadership Webseries
This global leadership series, offered once per month on Fridays, is designed to cultivate leadership skills for the modern digital economy. Participants will develop strategic thinking, decision-making, and team management abilities while exploring leadership models that address the unique challenges faced by leaders in diverse communities.
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 6 months, 1 event per month
Number of Workshops: 6 workshops, 1-2 hours each
KEY TOPICS:
Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Managing Remote Teams and Digital Workforces
Leadership Challenges in the Digital Age
Building Inclusive and Resilient Teams
Registration will open soon!
Global Leadership Webseries (4 of 6)
This global leadership series, offered once per month on Fridays, is designed to cultivate leadership skills for the modern digital economy. Participants will develop strategic thinking, decision-making, and team management abilities while exploring leadership models that address the unique challenges faced by leaders in diverse communities. Registration for each session is required to be able to attend.
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 6 months, 1 event per month
Number of Workshops: 6 workshops, 1-2 hours each
KEY TOPICS:
Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Managing Remote Teams and Digital Workforces
Leadership Challenges in the Digital Age
Building Inclusive and Resilient Teams
Global Leadership Webseries (3 of 6)
This global leadership series, offered once per month on Fridays, is designed to cultivate leadership skills for the modern digital economy. Participants will develop strategic thinking, decision-making, and team management abilities while exploring leadership models that address the unique challenges faced by leaders in diverse communities. Registration for each session is required to be able to attend.
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 6 months, 1 event per month
Number of Workshops: 6 workshops, 1-2 hours each
KEY TOPICS:
Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Managing Remote Teams and Digital Workforces
Leadership Challenges in the Digital Age
Building Inclusive and Resilient Teams
Cybersecurity Bootcamp: Securing Our Digital Future
From March 11, 2025 through June 3, 2025, the Cybersecurity Education Bootcamp meeting once weekly on Tuesday for two hours. Register below to receive the Zoom link and ensure you are eligible to receive a certificate.
This course is designed to provide in-depth, hands-on knowledge and skills in cybersecurity, preparing participants to secure information systems, protect digital assets, and promote cybersecurity awareness. It includes both foundational knowledge and advanced cybersecurity practices.
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 12 weeks
Number of Sessions: 12 sessions, 1 session per week for 2 hours each
Total Training Hours: 24 hours
CORE MODULES:
Digital Landscape & Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Understanding and Mitigating Cyber Threats
AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Security
Cybersecurity in Emerging Technologies and Space
Leadership and Governance in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Ethics and Global Collaboration
Incident Response, Digital Forensics, and Crisis Management
**CERTIFICATE ELIGIBLE UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION**
Global Leadership Webseries (2 of 6)
This global leadership series, offered once per month on Fridays, is designed to cultivate leadership skills for the modern digital economy. Participants will develop strategic thinking, decision-making, and team management abilities while exploring leadership models that address the unique challenges faced by leaders in diverse communities. Registration for each session is required to be able to attend.
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 6 months, 1 event per month
Number of Workshops: 6 workshops, 1-2 hours each
KEY TOPICS:
Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Managing Remote Teams and Digital Workforces
Leadership Challenges in the Digital Age
Building Inclusive and Resilient Teams
Digital Skills for the Network Age
Beginning January 13, 2025 and running for 8 weeks, this course will equip participants with essential digital literacy and prep them for the more intensive cybersecurity education course beginning in March 2025. All registered participants who complete and attend at least 80% of the course will be eligible to receive a certificate of recognition. Please register below to receive the Zoom link and secure your spot!
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 8 weeks
Session Details: 1 session per week, each lasting 1 hour, total 8 sessions
Total Training Hours: 8 hours
KEY TOPICS:
Introduction to Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity
Digital Footprint Management
Secure Communication Practices
Social Engineering and Human-Centric Cyber Threats
Register
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Register 〰️
Digital Skills for the Network Age
Beginning January 13, 2025 and running for 8 weeks, this course will equip participants with essential digital literacy and prep them for the more intensive cybersecurity education course beginning in March 2025. All registered participants who complete and attend at least 80% of the course will be eligible to receive a certificate of recognition. Please register below to receive the Zoom link and secure your spot!
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 8 weeks
Session Details: 1 session per week, each lasting 1 hour, total 8 sessions
Total Training Hours: 8 hours
KEY TOPICS:
Introduction to Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity
Digital Footprint Management
Secure Communication Practices
Social Engineering and Human-Centric Cyber Threats
Register
〰️
Register 〰️
Digital Skills for the Network Age
Beginning January 13, 2025 and running for 8 weeks, this course will equip participants with essential digital literacy and prep them for the more intensive cybersecurity education course beginning in March 2025. All registered participants who complete and attend at least 80% of the course will be eligible to receive a certificate of recognition. Please register below to receive the Zoom link and secure your spot!
TRAINING TIMEFRAME:
Total Course Duration: 8 weeks
Session Details: 1 session per week, each lasting 1 hour, total 8 sessions
Total Training Hours: 8 hours
KEY TOPICS:
Introduction to Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity
Digital Footprint Management
Secure Communication Practices
Social Engineering and Human-Centric Cyber Threats
Register
〰️
Register 〰️
Global Leadership Webseries
Global Leadership Webseries 1, featuring Kevin Koym, CEO of Tech Ranch Austin, and William Smith II of the Texas International Education Consortium.