As the leader of a non-profit seek mentorship and guidance from others that have done what you are trying to do or that have led non-profits in general. Many of the skills are transferable. I’ve found myself having conversations with individuals that have a very different mission from Global LA but have gone through the process of developing relationships locally and can provide insight to the work that I am trying to accomplish.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Terri Batch.
Terri L. Batch is President and CEO of Global LA, a 501(c)(3) public-private partnership dedicated to promoting the breadth of L.A.’s diverse business climate around the world and highlighting opportunities for foreign investment and international collaboration within the region.
Prior to joining Global LA, Batch spent two decades with the U.S. Department of Commerce, most recently as the Director of the Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) of the U.S. Commercial Service, the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA). Batch has been recognized with Bronze and Silver Medal Awards for her leadership within the U.S. Department of Commerce and was recently awarded the William E. Morton Memorial award for being a trailblazer within ITA for leading initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Thank you so much for doing this with us. Before we begin our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
The backstory that led me to Global LA is quite interesting and can be a lot to explain in a few short sentences. To keep it simple, I came to Los Angeles from Georgia 25 years ago to pursue a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Southern California in the Sol Price School of Public Policy. While at USC, I took a year to study Mandarin in Taipei, Taiwan. This was after studying Mandarin in Beijing, China while I was at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Once I returned to Los Angeles from Taiwan to finish grad school, I began working at the U.S. Department of Commerce — International Trade Administration in West Los Angeles. I stayed with Commerce for 20 years supporting U.S. companies with doing business in markets around the world. I initially focused primarily on China and Asian markets, but also led trade missions for companies to Brazil, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. I left the federal government last year to become the President & CEO of Global LA. Global LA is a non-profit that was set up by the City of Los Angeles to promote Los Angeles to a global audience and to attract foreign direct investment ahead of the upcoming mega events, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. This organization was established to proactively tell LA’s story and attract businesses to the region in key industry sectors that include cleantech and sustainability, biotech and life sciences, aerospace and defense, advance manufacturing, distribution and logistics, and entertainment and technology. These are key sectors that represent a strong ecosystem that foreign companies can utilize to leverage the U.S. market and beyond. Los Angeles stands at a strategic crossroad between Latin American and Asian markets and companies can use this region to access markets for an increased global presence.
Can you tell us the story behind why you decided to start or join your non nonprofit?
I joined Global LA because I see this as a once in a generation opportunity to bring impactful economic development to the City of Los Angeles and the region. The benefit of hosting the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games can have lasting impact that helps bring development to communities that have long been overlooked and underinvested in.
Can you describe how you or your organization aims to make a significant social impact?
Global LA was established to promote Los Angeles to an international audience to attract foreign direct investment into the city and region. Foreign direct investment (FDI) serves as a catalyst for economic growth, infrastructure enhancement, and human capital development in local communities, improving economic prospects and quality of life.
Without saying any names, can you share a story about an individual who was helped by your idea so far?
Attracting foreign direct investment doesn’t happen quickly. It’s a process that requires consistent messaging, presence and hands on support. I have only been in this position for a year, so the story is still being written. During this time, I have interacted with many foreign companies that are interested in establishing a presence in Los Angeles and I continue to engage them. I have met foreign companies in several ways. This summer I represented Global LA at the Select USA conference in Washington, DC as part of the California Delegation organized by the California Governor’s Go-Biz office and I also organized a promotional event in Paris, France before the start of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Global LA plays an important role as we can connect interested companies to the local ecosystem that can support them when they arrive and integrate them into the business community. A great example of a company that I am currently working with is a well-known French entity that is interested in bringing a well-established trade show to Los Angeles. This trade show will not only help bolster the industry that it represents, but also bring visitors and the U.S. ecosystem together with European players in this space. I am hopeful that this company will establish its presence in LA and bring about the many benefits of hosting a large-scale trade show for their industry sector.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Yes. There are three things that community, society and politicians can do to support this effort:
- There are only a handful of entities that exist to do this work, and it is important that entities like Global LA are provided consistent funding to support investment into our local communities. We all need to be reinforced with support from government at all levels to attract investment to our areas. Because LA is a global city and many businesses are doing global business by default, strong services at the city, county, and even state level that support businesses with engaging in the global economy is critical.
- With so much negative media targeted at our region, leaders and government officials need to consistently talk about the benefits of doing business in Los Angeles and all that this city has to offer as a global city. We need to highlight why this is a desirable place to not only do business, but also to live and thrive. It is important that people at all levels of government and private and nonprofit sectors speak positively about this region and the benefits of having a presence in Los Angeles and the southern California region.
- For too long we have relied on the factors that attract individuals and companies to this region, like the weather, quality of life, etc. But, to remain on the cutting edge of many technologies and the future of growth, our elected officials need to show a commitment to the continued growth of California and make it attractive for companies to make Los Angeles their home. It will be important to create incentives that make it easier for foreign companies to establish themselves and create local jobs.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
I believe that leadership comes in many forms and is manifested at different times and levels. Leadership is something that can be done with or without a title. Prior to becoming the President & CEO of Global LA, I was considered a leader in the federal government at the U.S. Department of Commerce, however, my title and rank did not reflect that. Leadership is articulating a clear mission and a purpose that the masses don’t necessarily see or understand. Leadership is also the ability to motivate others to get behind an idea that is not obvious or fully developed.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things A Person Should Know Before They Decide to Start a Non-Profit”. Please share a story or example for each.
- Relationships with your target audience and supporters are key to any nonprofit making the desired impact. Make sure you have support from the constituency that you seek to influence or support.
- To the best of your ability seek to have support from individuals or organizations that can provide you with the connections and credibility that you will need when asking for funding or support.
- Make a five-year plan for your organization but be adaptable to change in case you need to pivot or find other ways to accomplish what you intend to do.
- Have a clear message and objective for your nonprofit. Without clarity it is difficult for others to get onboard to support your efforts. In Global LA’s case, is important to clearly articulate the importance of foreign investment and how it can support in the overarching goals of economic development for our communities.
- As the leader of a non-profit seek mentorship and guidance from others that have done what you are trying to do or that have led non-profits in general. Many of the skills are transferable. I’ve found myself having conversations with individuals that have a very different mission from Global LA but have gone through the process of developing relationships locally and can provide insight to the work that I am trying to accomplish.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your nonprofit? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I have a few women that I respect and admire, and I would welcome the opportunity to connect to discuss not only Global LA, but leadership and executive leadership in general for women. The ones that come to mind immediately are Michelle Obama (former First Lady of the US), Mellody Hobson (Ariel Investments), Rosalind Brewer (my Spelman sister and former CEO of Walgreens and COO of Starbucks) and Melinda French Gates (philanthropist intimately involved with empowering women in business). They are all doing important work that impacts not only women in the US but around the globe. I would love to have a conversation with any of these exemplary women and glean from their years of experience and insight walking purposefully in high places.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson” Quote? How is that relevant to you in your life?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
I always remember this quote, especially when I am interacting with individuals that may not be able to help me. I believe that the interactions that people have with us on a personal level are so important. In some instances, it can be the difference between an open or closed door. I treat everyone the same, and I never consider someone’s title as a reason to treat them with respect or not. I strive to treat everyone equally and understand that everyone has something to contribute to society, whether they are in a leadership role or not.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow me on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terribatch/.
Or Global LA at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globallosangeles/
The website for Globa LA is www.global.la. You can visit and sign up for our newsletter and even donate to the organization to keep us going to fulfill our mission.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Terri Batch of Global LA On 5 Things You Need to Know to Successfully Lead a Nonprofit Organization was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.