Season 2 Episode 34 Foreign Direct Investment with Visiting Fellow Ellen Lenny- Pessagno Host Kasie Whitener, Clinical Assistant Professor Guest: Ellen Lenny-Pessagno, Sonoco Visiting Fellow, Folks Center for International Business Ellen Lenny-Pessagno was hosted in September as a Sonoco Visiting Fellow by the Folks Center for International Business. A former U.S. diplomat and Albemarle executive, she recently joined Veracity Worldwide, a leading global risk advisory firm specializing in critical minerals, the energy transition, and advanced technology. With over 20 years of experience across Latin America and Europe, Ellen has deep expertise in international trade policy, sustainability, and government engagement. At Albemarle, she served as Global Vice President for External Affairs and Sustainability and as part of the Energy Storage (Lithium) leadership team, following her role as Country Manager in Chile. A frequent speaker at international forums such as the UN Global Compact Leadership Summit, she was named one of the “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” (2020) and Executive of the Year by Chile’s Antofagasta Industrial Association (2021). Topics include: South Carolina fifth ranked state for Foreign Direct Investment Governments critical role in protecting and facilitating flourishing economy Government layoffs in crucial areas of knowledge needs International relationships large role in commerce Who’s looking out for overseas investments? Regular citizens 401ks and IRAs in foreign investments Necessity in understanding social and geopolitical contexts for long term investment projects USC’s student representation in Chile Importance of critical minerals Entrepreneurial opportunities in renewable energy space Current administrations investment in equity of MP materials Modern technology’s dependence on lithium batteries and critical minerals To learn more about Sonoco Visiting Fellows Program, click here. To learn more about Ellen Lenny-Pessagno, click here. Photo Courtesy: Folks Center Moore Impact is a product of the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. For episodes, notes, and links visit sc.edu/moore
