Global Entrepreneurship Expert Named Mealman Endowed Chair of Business Leadership and Innovation

BALDWIN CITY, Kan., June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Narbeli Galindo, an expert in global entrepreneurship with more than 20 years' experience promoting Kansas City's economic development, has been appointed to the William Everett and Mary Ellen Mealman Endowed Chair of Business Leadership and Innovation at Baker University. She begins her new role on Aug. 1 at the Baldwin City campus.

For the past 5 ½ years, Galindo served as the Director of International Trade and Affairs for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. In that role, she helped identify resources for and provide advice to local companies looking to expand globally as well as to foreign companies seeking export and investment opportunities in Greater Kansas City.  

"I went from corporate to teaching, to running a business, to promoting an amazing city and its people," said Galindo, who founded Narbeli's Imports LLC in 2003. "Now I am fortunate to lead an important role at Baker University, preparing students in how to become successful international entrepreneurs."

At Baker, Galindo will engage with the Greater Kansas City business community to promote the interests of students and to teach international trade and introduction to international business courses. She will also lead the development of courses related to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of business leadership and innovation.

"Narbeli's extensive experience in local and global business development will be an asset to our community and provide exceptional learning experiences for our students," said Baker President Lynne Murray.

Galindo's international connections will benefit the Baker students pursuing real-world opportunities.

"I have the flexibility to work with many international companies," she said. "When students are looking for internships, it will be easy for me to be able to talk to companies and let them know I have a student who has an emphasis in international business or accounting."

For her efforts increasing Kansas City's visibility and vibrancy as an economic development center, she was awarded in 2018 the first World Trade Center KC Go Global KC Outstanding Economic Development Agency Award. In 2019, she was awarded the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City's Women in International Business Legacy Award.

Galindo earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Abilene Christian University and a Master of Business Administration in international marketing and management from Thunderbird School of Global Management before relocating from New York City to Kansas City in 2000 to take a senior international marketing position with Sprint. She taught business and finance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and MBA classes at Baker. Galindo has held leadership positions at Cerner, AT&T, Warner-Lambert and Pfizer.

The endowed chair was made possible by a gift from William Everett Mealman, a dedicated Baker alumnus who graduated in 1951 and is committed to education and entrepreneurial spirit. He was a longtime CEO and serves as Chairman of the Board of PBI-Gordon Corp., a medium-sized manufacturer headquartered in Shawnee, Kansas.

About Baker University
Founded in 1858 as the first university in Kansas, Baker is a private institution that educates traditional and nontraditional students through small classes, innovative instructors, and rigorous course work. Fortune 500 CEOs, New York Times best-selling authors, and Super Bowl champions all proudly claim Baker as their alma mater. The university is home to four schools: College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Education, and School of Professional and Graduate Studies. Baker offers undergraduate through doctoral programs. Learn more: bakerU.edu.

Media Contact:
Jason Hannah
Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and External Relations
Baker University
913-344-1216

SOURCE Baker University

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