INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS ALLIANCE · ATLANTA, GEORGIA · 501-C4 · FOUNDED BY JENNIFER J. BARBOSA
Where the American South Meets the World —
and Builds Its Future Together
The International Friends Alliance connects international business leaders, diaspora communities, government partners, and the next generation of global leaders — activating trade, investment, and opportunity at the intersection of culture, commerce, and community.
IFA exists at the intersection of four commitments: global access, international alliance, civic alignment, and the advancement of the next generation of world-ready leaders.
International Friends Alliance · intlfriends.com
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Four Pillars. One Mission.
Advancement
IFA is committed to building the next generation of globally minded leaders through mentorship, student exchange, cultural education, and international exposure programs. Youth development and workforce advancement are core to IFA's founding mission — not a secondary activity.
Alignment
IFA partners. We serve as the civic co-partner for municipal governments and corporations pursuing international economic development — with accountability, structure, and results.
Alliance
IFA convenes. We bring government, business, and community into the same room — building the alliances that turn intention into economic reality. The Global Exchange is our flagship proof.
Access
IFA opens doors. We connect diaspora leaders, international investors, and global communities to the American South through a curated network spanning 40+ countries.
OUR REACH
40+
Countries in IFA's Network
1,000+
Businesses Connected
$100M+
In Trade & Investment Opportunities
Next Gen
Youth Leaders in Development
Built through the Global Opportunities Committee, The Global Exchange, diaspora trade missions, and IFA's international workforce development programs — serving the American South and beyond.
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Convening, Connecting, and Advancing the American South
GLOBAL OUTREACH
International Trade Missions
IFA coordinates outbound trade missions connecting municipal governments, businesses, and diaspora communities with international markets across Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Designed to generate actionable investment and partnership pipelines — not just relationship visits.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Government & Civic Partnerships
IFA partners with municipal governments and economic development authorities to design and host inbound international investor delegations, facilitate international convenings, and serve as the civic credibility layer for government-led international programs. Active partnerships at the mayoral and county commission level.
ADVANCEMENT
Workforce Development & Global Youth Leadership
IFA empowers diaspora youth to become the next generation of global business and civic leaders. Programs include entrepreneurship cohorts, mentorship with international professionals, internship pipelines connecting young people to global companies, and cross-cultural student exchange opportunities designed to build world-ready skills and networks.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Opening International Markets to the American South's Business Community
Through curated, invitation-based trade missions and sector-specific market entry programs, IFA creates structured pathways for diaspora-connected business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to access global markets — with the relationships, cultural infrastructure, and logistical support to make those trips productive. These programs are designed around IFA's 40-country network and managed in partnership with Barbosa Consulting and International Supply Partners.
TRADE MISSIONS · LATIN AMERICA & AFRICA
Colombia & Latin America Trade Mission
Curated in-market programs connecting U.S. business owners with vetted partners, government development offices, and investment contacts across Bogotá, Medellín, and Latin America's key growth corridors. Ideal for diaspora entrepreneurs, small-to-midsize businesses, and government-affiliated enterprises.
SECTOR MISSION · CONSTRUCTION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Construction & Innovation Sector Mission
For construction firms, engineers, developers, and infrastructure companies ready to expand internationally. In-market access to Latin American and African markets where U.S. construction expertise is in high demand.
INVESTMENT MISSION · WEST AFRICA & DIASPORA
West Africa & Diaspora Investment Program
Connecting diaspora investors and entrepreneurs to in-market relationships across Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and South Africa — through government investment agencies, local partners, and IFA's established African network.
3
Active International Mission Programs
40+
Countries in IFA's Business Network
10–14
Participants Per Cohort — Curated, Not Mass Market
Managed in partnership with Barbosa Consulting and International Supply Partners, LLC.
IFA 2035 VISION
A Globally Connected American South.
The Next Generation Ready to Lead It.
By 2035, the International Friends Alliance aims to establish enduring bilateral cultural, educational, and civic exchange programs with a minimum of 10 countries; launch an IFA Youth Exchange — student immersion programs between U.S. cities and international partner communities; build a formalized IFA Advisory Council of global civic and business leaders; operate a recurring global calendar of IFA flagship convening events; and create a recognized platform for diaspora communities to engage formal government and institutional structures.
REGIONAL
CONNECTIVITY
Building a Southeast-wide diaspora and international business network connecting municipalities and communities to 40+ countries.
CIVIC
AUTHORITY
Establishing IFA as the trusted civic partner for any Southeast government or institution pursuing international economic development.
GENERATIONAL
ADVANCEMENT
Investing in diaspora youth through entrepreneurship, mentorship, internships, and student exchanges — ensuring that global leadership is passed to the next generation with intention.
LEADERSHIP
Jennifer J. Barbosa
Founder & Executive Director, International Friends Alliance
Jennifer J. Barbosa is a global supply chain strategist, international business development consultant, and civic leader. She founded the International Friends Alliance to create the civic and economic infrastructure Atlanta and the American South need for the next decade of global engagement — and to ensure that the next generation of diaspora leaders has the networks, skills, and opportunities to lead.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Jennifer J. Barbosa
Executive Director, Founder & Interim President
Melissa Brew-Butler
Treasurer (Finance Oversight) / Board Director
Victoria Johnson
Board Director
Don Lloyd Williams
Board Director
Theodore Wilhite
Compliance Officer / Board Director
Damani Aaquil Medina
Board Secretary / Board Director
Shaquauna “Shaq” Teasley
Trade Expert