Northwest Missouri State University Students Excel in International Business Project

Sept. 17, 2026
By Kaitlyn Lisko, Communication Assistant

An international business project has provided students from Northwest Missouri State University with valuable global connections and real-world problem-solving experiences.

Successful Participation in X-Culture Symposium

Mary Kush, a senior business management major from Smithville, along with graduates Madi Allen and Christian Towne, advanced to the final rounds of the X-Culture Symposium last spring through the multinational management course at the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. This seven-week program integrated students from around the world into virtual teams to tackle real business issues.

With a total of 6,165 participants from 162 universities, high-performing groups are chosen to advance based on evaluations from faculty members.

Creating Authentic Business Solutions

Towne, a Bellevue, Nebraska native, approached the project by working on a program aimed at providing international business opportunities to teens. His group’s efforts earned them an invitation to the Global Business Week Symposium in Trieste, Italy, where they collaborated closely with Modiano, Italy’s largest playing card manufacturer.

Reflecting on his experience, Towne stated, “In such a big and diverse world, it can feel tough to believe that one person can make a difference. Meeting many talented individuals from different backgrounds left me hopeful for the future.”

Recognition and Accomplishment

During the symposium at the University of Trieste, Towne’s team emerged victorious among 30 competing teams. “Standing on stage, holding a trophy alongside my teammates was surreal,” he shared. His experience underscored the importance of teamwork and commitment to client goals.

Developing Skills and Relationships

Madi Allen, hailing from Kidder, Missouri, and a recent graduate with dual degrees in business management and marketing, also celebrated her team’s success with English Helper, an Indian AI-driven English learning company.

While initially apprehensive about cultural and language differences, Allen found the project to be a personal growth opportunity. “It challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before and strengthened my leadership skills,” she noted.

The relationships formed during the project have lasted, enriching Allen’s academic journey as she pursues her MBA with a marketing emphasis.

Enhancing Global Collaboration Skills

Dr. Kyungjoong Kim, an assistant professor and mentor for the students, emphasized the necessity of collaboration in today’s global business environment. “Through X-Culture, students learn to navigate cultural differences and work together to solve real-world challenges.”

The experiences gained from these international interactions equip Northwest students with critical skills for their future careers, reinforcing the value of teamwork in an increasingly interconnected world.