A N N U A LR E P O R T

DETROIT

2018

globaltiesdetroit.org

Connecting Detroit with global leaders

WHO WE AREGlobal Ties Detroit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts international exchange programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other governmental organizations, universities, and think tanks that promote global exchange and citizen diplomacy.

2018 STAFF

Marian ReichExecutive Director

Melanie GrundSpecial Programs

Marley WardOperations

Melissa WandreiPrograms

Summer BarakaPrograms

Brenda ArbeláezPresidentPALS INTERNATIONAL

Jaclyn AssarianAssociate Director, International ProgramsWayne State University

Fay BeydounExecutive DirectorAmerican Arab Chamber of Commerce

Ed ClementeCommissionerLiquor Control Commission State of Michigan

Eriola FishmanInternational Business Services SupervisorAutomation Alley

Pam LaversDeputy County ExecutiveMacomb County

Ann Mandelbaum Mann, PhDEducator, AdministratorHispanic Education for Lifeskills Project (HELP)

Mariana Martinez, MPAChief of StaffOffice of Council Member Raquel Castañeda-López

Cathey Maze, PhDVice Chancellor for Academic AffairsOakland Community College

Sanja Savic-BerhamovicBusiness ConsultantInvest KOREA (KOTRA)

Jaspreet SinghDirector of Supply Chain ManagementDTE Energy

Irene SpanosDirector of Corporate and Foundation RelationsOakland University

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HONORARY BOARD

We connect Detroit with global leaders: introducing influential international professionals and changemakers to their Detroit counterparts and forging lasting relationships. These interactions and resulting partnerships become powerful tools to address and solve some of our biggest global challenges.

The organization also promotes Detroit and the metropolitan region as a center of world commerce and culture. We connect internationally minded Detroiters with each other and with global leaders through events, programs, and exchanges.

Barbara Browne Michigan Hall of Justice

Ahmad Ezzeddine, PhDWayne State University

Frederick W. HoffmanHonorary Consul of Germany in Michigan

Matthew KasleKasle Family Foundation

Lady Susan Willis-ReickertCap Ferrat International

Sam YonoAmerican Iraqi Business Group

02 Who We Are

03

04Letter f rom the Pres ident and the Execut ive Director

05 Annual Dinner

06Exchange Resources

Board of Directors and Staff

08 Success By the Numbers

10

11 YLAI

12 Intens ive Exchanges

IVLP

15

16 Cont inuing Engagement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

18 Events

How to Get Involved

BOARD OFFICERS

PresidentFrancine PeguesConsultant

SecretaryAntoine DubeauclardPresidentMedia Genesis

1st Vice PresidentSteve RybickiPresidentInfinity and Ovation Yacht Charters

TreasurerFaris AlamiFounder/CEO ISM, Inc.

Vice President of MembershipLeslie Wagner, PhDPsychologist

Asst. Secretary/TreasurerJonathan QuarlesPresident/CEOThe BTL Group, LLC

Suehaila AmenCommunity Leader

Fouad AshkarDTE Energy

Ars N. Atisha, Esq.Law Offices of Ars N. Atisha

Amy ButlerMichigan State University

Chief Ronald HaddadDearborn Police Department

Bernadette Lussier, Esq. ARaymond Network

Peter Provenzano, Jr., CPA, CGMAOakland Community College

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOARD SERVICE

Sponsors19

32

DETROIT

DETROIT

Global Ties Detroit is pleased to acknowledge that this An-nual Report is funded in part by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, under the authority of the Fullbright-Hays Act of 1961, as amended.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your support of Global Ties Detroit and your service as a Citizen Diplomat in 2018. Through person-to-person interactions -- conversations, shared meals, homestay experiences, and more -- leaders from around the world understand the values, culture, and way of life in our United States and specifically here in southeast Michigan. You and your fellow volunteer Citizen Diplomats make a positive impact on international relations by “building bridges” through the expertise, insights, hospitality, and friendship that you share with visiting delegations. Once more, we thank you.

Global Ties Detroit welcomed nearly 800 established and emerging leaders from more than 120 nations to Detroit in 2018, a record number of visitors. These international dignitaries and delegates included U.S. Department of State-sponsored professional exchange visitors, Fulbright scholars, business leaders and entrepreneurs, government officials, educators and administrators, and civil society Fellows.

And what a year it has been!

● Detroit was selected to host the opening forum of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), a fellowship program that brought 250 rising professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean to our city to experience and learn about the impact that entrepreneurship has made in Detroit’s revitalization.

● In the fall we launched a pilot outbound exchange program to Belarus that reunited Detroit and DC-based program staff, professionals, and homestay-hosts with USAID-sponsored Community Connections and U.S. Department of State-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni. Our U.S. delegation presented in Minsk (Detroit’s “Sister City”) on Detroit’s social enterprises and witnessed the great importance and lasting impact that the exchange experience has had for the program participants.

● Another highlight was our signature event in June, the Annual Silent Auction and Dinner, sponsored by DTE Energy with support from Oakland County and Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters. It connected more than 200 globally-minded supporters and friends at the Ford Avenue Piquette Plant. It was a wonderful night to celebrate Citizen Diplomacy in Detroit.

We look forward to working with you in 2019 and beyond: building bridges, connecting people, and improving our world together.

Warm regards,Francine Pegues, President, Board of DirectorsMarian Reich, Executive Director

Francine PeguesPresident,Board of Directors

Marian ReichExecutive Director

Global Ties Detroit is pleased to acknowledge that this Annual Report is funded in part by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, under the authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, as amended.

"In an era of bluster and bombs, citizen diplomacy is a builder of bridges."- Madeleine Albright, U.S. Secretary of State (1997-2001)

ANNUAL DINNER 2018

54

Friends and supporters of Global Ties Detroit dined and danced the night

away at our signature event, the Annual Silent Auction and Dinner sponsored

by DTE Energy with support from Oakland County and Infinity and Ovation

Yacht Charters and held at the remarkable and historic Ford Piquette Avenue

Plant. The engaging Sandra Svoboda of WDET emceed the 200-person event

at which Katherine Brown, PhD, the President and CEO of Global Ties U.S., was

the featured speaker. She reminded everyone gathered that “We Are Diplomacy”

and that together we can build bridges, connect people and improve our world.

6 7

DINNER/HOME HOSPITALITY HOSTS

Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Sue Ahlstrom

Mr. and Mrs. Faris and Lara Alami

Ms. Marley Barnes

Dr. Mark Baskaran

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Marilyn Bilotti

Mr. and Mrs. Mel and Nena Chudnof

The Eddy-Tsaregorodtseva Family

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Tennille Glas

Ms. Melanie Grund

Ms. Jumana Judeh

Ms. Judy Kebl

Dr. Shakil Khan

Ms. Anne Kuhnle

Mr. and Mrs. Steven and Alice Lepsetz

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lorca and Marian Reich

Ms. Tonya McNeal-Weary

Mr. and Ms. George and Ann Mann, PhD

Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Jennifer Marten

Ms. Claudia Nickel

Ms. Francine Pegues

Mr. Billy Toll and Ms. Suzanne Rossi

Mr. and Ms. Jerrold and Dale Rubin

Mr. Steven Rybicki

Dr. and Mrs. Alvin and Harriet Saperstein

Mr. Andrew Smith and Ms. Heather Nguyen

Mr. Moshe Tzalel and Ms. Barbara Peitsch

Mr. and Ms. Alan and Leslie Wagner, PhD

Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Muntaha Yono

FELLOWSHIP WORK HOSTS

Bamboo Detroit

City of Hamtramck

Detroit City Councilwoman Raquel Castañeda-López

Detroit Experience Factory (DXF)

Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC)

Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP)

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Green Light Go

HYPE Athletics

Innovate 3D

International Strategic Management (ISM), Inc.

Media Genesis

Oakland University | Global Engagement Program

OneMacomb

Ponyride

Rebel Nell

TechWorld Language Solutions

The BTL Group, Inc.

Wayne State University | Anderson Institute

EXCHANGE RESOURCES

ACCESSACCESS Growth CenterACLU of MichiganAl-Ikhlas Training AcademyAlternatives for GirlsAmerican Arab Chamber of CommerceAmerican Center for MobilityAmerican Human Rights CouncilAmerican Muslim CenterArab American and Chaldean Council (ACC)Arab American National MuseumArab American NewsArab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC)Automation AlleyBahiya Fawaz, CPABalkan American Community Center (BACC)Barbara Boldt Global Communications, LLCBarbara Pietsch ConsultingBeaumont DearbornBoll Family YMCABon Bon BonCampaign to Take on HateCatholic Social Services of Washtenaw CountyCity of Detroit | Board of EthicsCity of Detroit | Chief StorytellerCity of Detroit | Health DepartmentCity of Detroit | Mayor’s Office of Mobility InnovationCity of Detroit | Mayor’s Office of Workforce DevelopmentCity of Detroit | Project Green LightCivil Engineering SolutionsCivillaCoalition of Labor Union Women | Detroit ChapterCommunity Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD)Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganCouncil of Ethnic Chambers of CommerceCultureSourceDally in the AlleyData Driven DetroitDearborn Police DepartmentDelta AirlinesDesignCoreDetroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC)Detroit Free PressDetroit Future CityDetroit Greenways CoalitionDetroit Institute of Arts (DIA)Detroit Interfaith Outreach Network (DION)

Detroit Lions CharitiesDetroit Marshmallow CompanyDetroit Parent NetworkDetroit Pistons FoundationDetroit Police DepartmentDetroit Red Wings FoundationDetroit Regional ChamberDetroit Regional LGBT Chamber of CommerceDetroit Republican Field OfficeDetroit River International Wildlife RefugeDetroit Riverfront ConservancyDetroit Technology Exchange (DTX)Detroit Tigers Foundation Detroit Tour ConnectionsDetroit U.S. Export Assistance Center Detroit Venture PartnersDetroit Wayne County Port AuthorityDeveloping K.I.D.SDisability NetworkDr. Ratna Babu ChinnamDTE EnergyEast Michigan District Export CouncilFBI | Detroit Field OfficeFirst StepFord Motor CompanyFordson High School Forgotten HarvestFreedom House DetroitGeneral Motors Company (GM)George P. Mann & AssociatesGhafari Associates, LLCGlobal DetroitGreat Lakes Women’s Business CouncilGreatLakesNow.orgGreen GarageHenry Ford CollegeHuda ClinicHuda Urban GardenHuron River Watershed CouncilIndustrial Control RepairInstitute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan DetroitIntertek-PSIInvest DetroitIOSixIslamic Center of America (ICA)Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook LaunchGoodLawrence Technical University Little Caesars ArenaLittlefield ChurchLUCK, Inc.M-1 RailMacomb County Elections Department

Madonna UniversityMai Family ServicesMarx Layne & Company Maurice and Jane Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social JusticeMay MobilityMichigan Association for Female Entrepreneurs (MAFE)Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentMichigan Department of Civil RightsMichigan Department of Health and Human ServicesMichigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)Michigan HIDTAMichigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA)Michigan Muslim Community CouncilMichigan Office for New AmericansMichigan Roundtable for Diversity and InclusionMichigan Sea GrantMichigan State Representative Abdullah HammoudMichigan State Representative Cara ClementeMichigan State Representative Stephanie ChangMichigan State Senator Steven BiedaMichigan UnitedMiller Canfield, PLCMission ThrottleMITESOLMitten CrateMoGo DetroitMosaic Youth Theatre of DetroitMTRAC Innovation Hub for Advanced TransportationMuslim American Youth Academy (MAYA)Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC)Muslim Center DetroitMuslim Family ServicesMuslim Unity CenterNEIdeasNeighborhood Service Organization (NSO) Youth Initiatives ProjectNeutral ZoneNew American Leaders NextEnergyOakland Community College | Workforce DevelopmentOakland County Clerk’s OfficeOakland County Economic Development and Community AffairsOakland County Sheriff’s DepartmentOakland Entrepreneurial

AllianceOakland University | ESL InstituteOffice of Michigan Representative Robert WittenbergOffice of U.S. Senator Gary PetersOne Detroit Credit UnionPatronicityPlanetM Landing ZonePlunkett Cooney Attorneys & Counselors at LawPreservation DetroitProcess Control & Instrumentation, LLC (PCI)Procurement Technical Assistance Center Project Safety NetPurcell Interiors, LLCRandolph Career Technical CenterRashida Tlaib for CongressRecovery ParkRock VenturesRoyal Oak Model UNSaga MarketingSakinah HouseSamaritasSchoolcraft CollegeSCORE MichiganSER Metro-Detroit Jobs for ProgressShinola DetroitSiena Literacy CenterSix Rivers ConservancySmall Business Development Center (SBDC)South Wayne County Regional Chamber (SWCRC)Southeast Michigan Council of Government (SEMCOG)Southwest Detroit Community Justice CenterSouthwest Economic SolutionsSpecs Howard School of Media ArtsSt. Clair Fisheries Research StationStantecTechTownTejara Business Development CenterThe Carr CenterThe Henry FordThe PlatformTower ConstructionTransphere Inc.U.S. 19th District Court - DearbornU.S. Bankruptcy Court | Eastern District of MichiganU.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)U.S. District Attorney’s Office | Eastern District of Michigan

U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) | Michigan District OfficeUnemployment Insurance Agency (UIA)United Automobile Workers (UAW)University of Detroit Mercy | Intelligence Analysis ProgramUniversity of Detroit Mercy | Religious Studies ProgramUniversity of Michigan | Athletic DepartmentUniversity of Michigan | Center for Sport and Social Responsibility University of Michigan | Energy Institute Battery LabUniversity of Michigan | McityUniversity of Michigan | Office of Technology TransferVillage of Lake OrionVista MariaWarmilu, LLCWashtenaw County Human Trafficking CourtWayne County Prosecutor’s OfficeWayne County SAFEWayne County Sheriff’s Office WDET 101.9 FMWestern International High School WJBK Fox 2 NewsWomen’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro-Detroit (WISDOM)WSU | College of EngineeringWSU | Department of Global StudiesWSU | Mike Ilitch School of BusinessWSU | Office of International ProgramsWSU | Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor & Urban AffairsWSU Muslim Student Association (MSA)WTVS Detroit Public Television (DPTV)WXYZ DetroitYMCA Interim House

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES

DETROIT

$519,438HOTELREVENUE

58EXCHANGEPROGRAMS

5,718 VOLUNTEER RESOURCE HOURS

2868 HOTEL ROOM NIGHTS

T O P 5 C O U N T R I E SPALESTINIAN TERRITORIES (38)COLOMBIA (32)IRAQ (28)CHINA (25)RUSSIA (22)

8 9

Afghanistan: 7Albania: 10Angola: 1Antigua and Barbuda: 1 Argentina: 14Armenia: 1Aruba: 1 Australia: 10Austria: 2Azerbaijan: 5Bahamas: 3 Bahrain: 1 Bangladesh: 2Barbados: 4 Belarus: 11Belgium: 1Belize: 6Benin: 1Bolivia: 11Bosnia and Herzegovina: 3Botswana: 2Brazil: 20 Brunei: 1Bulgaria: 4Cambodia: 1 Central African Republic: 5Chile: 12China: 25Colombia: 32 Congo: 8Costa Rica: 13Côte d’ivoire: 1Croatia: 1Cyprus: 1Cuba: 1 Curacao: 2

Czech Republic: 1Djibouti: 1Dominica: 1 Dominican Republic: 6Ecuador: 18Egypt: 6El Salvador: 10 Estonia: 12Ethiopia: 1Gambia: 1Germany: 12Ghana: 3Greece: 6Grenada: 2 Guatemala: 12Guyana: 3 Haiti: 9 Honduras: 12Hungary: 2India: 4Indonesia: 16Iraq: 28Israel: 11Italy: 8Jamaica: 11Japan: 1 Jordan: 1Kazakhstan: 7Kosovo: 1Lebanon: 4Liechtenstein: 1Lithuania: 1Macedonia: 1

Malaysia: 2Malta: 2Mauritania: 1Mexico: 21Mongolia: 12Morocco: 1 Mozambique: 2Myanmar: 1Nepal: 1New Zealand: 1 Nicaragua: 12Niger: 1Nigeria: 3Norway: 1Pakistan: 20Palestinian Territories: 38Panama: 9Paraguay: 7 Peru: 16Philippines: 10Portugal: 4Romania: 1Russia: 22Rwanda: 1Saint Kitts and Nevis: 2Saint Lucia: 5 Saint Maarten: 2

Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines: 1 Saudi Arabia: 7Senegal: 1Serbia: 1Singapore: 1 Slovakia: 2Slovenia: 5South Africa: 6South Korea: 14South Sudan: 1Spain: 3Sri Lanka: 1Sudan: 1Suriname: 5Sweden: 3Switzerland: 1 Taiwan: 3Tanzania: 3Thailand: 1 Trinidad and Tobago: 16Tunisia: 1Turkey: 7Uganda: 11Ukraine: 5

United Kingdom: 12Uruguay: 8Uzbekistan: 8Venezuela: 20Vietnam:1Zambia: 1Zimbabwe: 1

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

DELEGATESA N D F E L L O W S

786*

LIST OF COUNTRIES AND # OF DELEGATES (128):

Total:

SUCCESS BY THE NUMBERS

I N T E R N A T I O N A L A N D N A T I O N A L S P O N S O R S :

American Councils for International EducationAtlas Corps CRDF Global Cultural VistasFHI 360Global Ties U.S.

Graduate School USAInstitute of International Education (IIE) Meridian International CenterMississippi Consortium for International Development (MCID)Open World Leadership CenterPalestine Polytechnic University

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) BelarusU.S. Consulate General Lahore, Pakistan U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

Office of English Language ProgramsOffice of International Visitors

World Learning*including Fulbright Scholars and YLAI Opening

THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (IVLP)

Interested in meeting amazing emerging leaders? Contact Global Ties Detroit to get involved!

Nearly 350 emerging and established leaders from around the world experienced the richness and diversity of American political, economic, social, and cultural life in metro Detroit in 2018 through the IVLP, concurrently exchanging knowledge and ideas with professional counterparts.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Since 1940, the IVLP has

strengthened U.S. engagement with countries around the world through short-term visits to the United States. Current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand

and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Here in Detroit, visitors are afforded the opportunity to network and share best

practices with local leading voices in more than 50 fields, centered on topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, immigration, education, economic

development, public health, security, and more.

For the third year in a row, Global Ties Detroit stepped up as a City Hub for the State Department’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), but this year we were excited to also be named the Opening City for the entire program. The opening convened 250 social and business entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean, State Department officials and representatives from other exchange organizations in Detroit for a lively and robust opening summit.

Global Ties Detroit was pleased to showcase some of the best and brightest of Detroit such as: Alex Clark of Bon Bon Bon who joined a panel on scaling up your business; Eric Thomas from Saga Marketing who spoke to the group about the importance of storytelling for their brand; Jeff Donofrio from Mayor Duggan’s Workforce Development team who offered insight into the collaboration between entrepreneurs and government.

Twelve Fellows remained in Detroit, representing 11 countries and participated in month long Fellowships with diverse Work Hosts who saw the intrinsic value in being part of such a global program. They helped to make this experience possible because without them YLAI could never accomplish its goal of helping Fellows transform their societies and contribute more fully to economic development and prosperity, security, human rights and good governance in the hemisphere.

YOUNG LEADERSOF THE AMERICAS

INITIATIVE (YLAI)

The BTL Group, Inc. | Rory Craig Richard Walker, Jamaica

Detroit Experience Factory | Ricardo Martinez, Nicaragua

DHDC | Charity Cantave, St. Maarten

Downtown Detroit Partnership | Sofia Zuniga, Costa Rica

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses | Mónica Hernández

Green Light Go | Sirius Torijano, Colombia

HYPE Athletics | Nyus Alfred, St. Lucia

Innovate 3D | Alex Piñeda Malagon, Mexico

ISM, Inc. | José Rivero

Media Genesis | Kyle Zuniga, Belize

Ponyride | Carla Levy, El Salvador

Rebel Nell | Ignacia Nuñez, Chile

"I was able to see Detroit, a city that had faced economic challenges and problems, and how it began solving those issues for remarkable turnaround.” - Mohammed Al Fityan, Iraqi International Trade Delegation

These hosts stepped up to practice Citizen Diplomacy and helped to make this experience possible for Global Ties Detroit and the Fellows

from the following countries:

The YLAI program also offers the possibility of a reverse exchange with the U.S. based Work Host traveling to the home country of their Fellow to continue their project. Since 2016, six Detroit Work Hosts have been awarded Reverse Exchanges and we look forward to learning which hosts from 2018 will win awards!

11

348 2018 IVLPDELEGATES

47 2018 IVLP PROGRAMS

TOP 5 THEMES: TOP 5 RESOURCES

Community Resilience

Trade and Economic Development

[Sustainable] Transportation, Infrastructure and Mobility

Global Security and Transnational Crime

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development

1

2

3

4

5

Dearborn Police Department

U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan

TechTown

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

ACCESS

1

2

3

4

5

30 DAYS IN DETROIT

12 2018 YLAIDELEGATES

COMMUNITYCONNECTIONSFor the fourth consecutive year, Global Ties Detroit welcomed a Community Connections cohort from Belarus. Ten community development professionals spent three weeks in Metro Detroit exploring the theme of Civic Involvement in Local Communities. This intensive program includes interactive meetings and workshops, action planning, cultural activities and living with homestay families. A favorite highlight is Belarus Cultural Night when the exchange participants treat their hosts and Global Ties Detroit members to a delightful evening of Belarusian food, culture and traditions. A special thank you to Irina Jesionowski, Irina Burrous and Judy Kebl for their dedication to this project every year.

10ACTION PLANS

15 CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

22 PROFESSIONAL

MEETINGS

INTENSIVEEXCHANGES

Global Ties Detroit’s special programs allow for longer-term and

intensive professional exchanges which often include homestays,

action planning workshops, dinner diplomacy and day hosting. These

intensive exchanges offer an opportunity for volunteers and delegates

to spend significant time together and get to know one another more

deeply; ensuring their new bonds continue long after everyone has

returned home.

OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP PROGRAMFour delegates from Chechnya, Russia explored Interfaith Relations and Communities including meetings with religious leaders and academics in Metro Detroit. New this year, the participants presented on the culture and history of their region to Wayne State University’s Russian Culture Class. As powerful as their meetings and cultural excursions were, the greatest impact was from the homestay experience. Yet again, Global Ties Detroit’s dedicated homestay hosts illustrated the meaning of hospitality.

PALESTINE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITYIn partnership with the University of Michigan and the Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC), Global Ties Detroit welcomed 38 technology students from Palestine Polytechnic University to Ann Arbor and Detroit where they participated in professional development opportunities and several days of job shadowing. They explored Metro Detroit’s extensive entrepreneurial ecosystem and also a rich cultural program involving a Detroit scavenger hunt, museums, start-up visits, and sporting events.

32HOMESTAY

NIGHTS

12 PROFESSIONAL

MEETINGS

24STUDENT

INTERACTIONS

38 DELEGATES

33 JOB SHADOWS

63RIDE-SHARES

TESOL EXCHANGETen English language educators and administrators from Angola, Botswana, China, Djibouti, Russia, and Rwanda took part in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) exchange programming in southeast Michigan and then traveled to Chicago to attend the TESOL International Conference. There, they met alumni from the Detroit 2017 cohort and shared lessons learned from their respective programs. Global Ties Detroit was pleased to offer support to the returning alumni and inspired to watch the two cohorts exchange insights and best practices.

6ACADEMIC

RESOURCE MEETINGS

28INTERLOCUTORS

100sOF NEW

LESSON PLANS

12 13

Year after year, visitors and volunteers find the personal connections made during exchanges to be the most memorable and meaningful parts of their time in Michigan. From sharing your home for an intimate dinner or a longer stay, to accompanying a delegation on a trip to an apple orchard or sporting event, to mentoring a fellow professionally -- volunteers make meaningful and rewarding connections with guests in a variety of ways.

HOW TO GETINVOLVED

HOMESTAY HOSTINGBy welcoming a visitor during their stay in Detroit, you can truly bring the world to you. Guests will share their unique perspectives and professional backgrounds while spending time in your home, and are eager to learn about life through your eyes. In sharing your home with a guest, you can bring a global perspective to your door.

WORKPLACEThroughout the year there are many programs that require workplace interactions ranging from a meeting in your office to discuss best practices to a four week Fellowship where you work closely with a Fellow on a specific joint project and hopefully win a prestigious Reverse Exchange to their home country. Your organization will benefit from having a global perspective from an emerging leader.

CULTURAL HOSTINGThe visiting delegates want to explore the best of what Detroit has to offer -- including our sports, art, music, and restaurants. We always welcome volunteers interested in adding a personal touch to the program by attending museums, sporting events or the like with the delegation.

INTERNSHIP The Global Ties Detroit team works year-round with talented undergraduate interns. Interns support the programming and administrative work of the full-time staff, interact with our Board and delegations, and undertake projects of their own design to enrich their professional experience during their months spent with Global Ties Detroit.

DINNER DIPLOMACYInterested in becoming a Dinner Diplomat? Here’s what you should know:

It’s easy!Dinner hosts are asked to make space and provide a meal only for as many guests as they can comfortably accommodate. The Global Ties Detroit team will work with you to make sure you are prepared to welcome visitors into your home.

It’s fun!A meal is a low-pressure way to socialize and share with a new group of people. Guests bring their experiences and appetites to your house.

It’s rewarding!Hosting a dinner is an easy way to connect with a diverse group of emerging leaders, many of whom have not been to the U.S. before. Having them in your home for a meal is a great opportunity to build connections that can cross borders and last a lifetime.

Our guests are such wonderful representatives of their countries. We always learn more from them than they learn from us!

— Jim & Py Wolfe

Want to get involved?Reach out to our office at mail@globaltiesdetroit.org or (313) 638-1626.

A heartfelt thank you to:

RUSSIAN BUSINESS LEADERSRussian Business Leaders (RBL) was a new fellowship program for Global Ties Detroit this year. Five outstanding Russian entrepreneurs spent three weeks embedded in local organizations learning the latest in best practices in management and business development, while living with globally-minded homestay hosts. They participated in professional development opportunities as well as volunteer and enrichment activities. These young leaders arrived in Detroit during the unique Dream Cruise weekend, for an immediate immersion into Motor City culture.

60FELLOWSHIP

DAYS

110 HOMESTAY

NIGHTSOF CLASSIC CARS

PROFESSIONAL FELLOWS PROGRAM (PFP) | YOUNG SOUTHEAST ASIAN LEADERS INITIATIVE (YSEALI)Six Fellows from Belarus, Malaysia, Myanmar, Ukraine and Vietnam joined Global Ties Detroit in 2018 through the Professional Fellows and YSEALI programs. These innovative community leaders and entrepreneurs stayed with local families for the duration of their four week program and worked full time at local companies and organizations. They also experienced American culture, celebrating Halloween at a costume party and enjoying much of the best that Detroit has to offer!

120FELLOWSHIP

DAYS

186 HOMESTAY

NIGHTS

200+TRICK-OR-TREATERS

1000s

14 15

Kim BertzBreanna BetancourtKaitlynn CesarekGeena George

Susana HernandezLuke HodgsonSunny NaybergBenjamin Olsen

Morgan RoteAya SalmanChelsea Szilagyi

16 17

CONTINUINGENGAGEMENT

Global Ties Detroit led a pilot outbound exchange program to Belarus that reunited Detroit and DC-based program staff, professionals, and homestay-hosts with USAID-sponsored Community Connections alumni. Our U.S. delegation presented in Minsk (Detroit’s “Sister City”) on Detroit’s social enterprises and witnessed the great importance and lasting impact that the exchange experience has had for the program participants throughout the country, including in Brest, Gomel, and Grodno.

BELARUS OUTBOUND

REVERSE EXCHANGES

YLAI REVERSE EXCHANGESColombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, St. Kitts and Nevis

As part of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) the Work Host and the Fellow are encouraged to apply for one of 45 Reverse Exchange spots. The winning projects bring the Work Host to the home country of their Fellow where they continue working on their project and growing their relationship. This year Bon Bon Bon (Colombia), Recovery Park (Trinidad and Tobago), Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (Honduras), and The BTL Group (St. Kitts and Nevis) were all awarded Reverse Exchanges by the State Department.

RUSSIAN BUSINESS LEADERSGlobal Ties Detroit Executive Director Marian Reich and Lex Zavala from Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) were awarded reverse exchanges through the Russian Business Leaders program. Marian spent time in Kaliningrad, Moscow and Kazan while Lex stayed busy in Moscow presenting on Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as on the city’s revitalization through innovation and social enterprise. The exchange provided the opportunity for closer connections and appreciation of Russian culture.

BOARD AND STAFF ENGAGEMENT

TASHKENTBoard Treasurer Faris Alami traveled to Tashkent, Uzbekistan at the invitation of an IVLP alumni where he participated in an entrepreneurship conference and built lasting networks with Uzbek entrepreneurs.

SINGAPOREJonathan Quarles, Global Ties Detroit Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the Board, was invited by Global Ties U.S. to keynote the YSEALI Summit in Singapore. He also served as pitch coach to two winning teams.

BOGOTÁThrough continued communication and relationships with YLAI alumni in Colombia, Global Ties Detroit Special Projects staff member, Melanie Grund traveled to Bogotá to develop a research project about healing for women of armed conflicts.

Through engaged Citizen Diplomats, we can build bridges of peace. This year was full of continuing engagement with program alumni, reverse exchanges, speaking and workshop opportunities, and a first ever Global Ties Detroit outbound exchange program. Look for exciting new outbound opportunities in 2019!

DETROIT

OUR SPONSORS

Arab American National Museum

Atheneum

Bon Bon Bon

Chef Adam Hightower, LLC

Chef Bernard Parks

Common Pub

Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown

Detroit Experience Factory

Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

Detroit Music Hall

Detroit Opera House

Detroit Zoo

Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel

El Moore

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce

Greektown Hotel and Casino

The Henry Ford

Hilton Garden Inn

Mr. Frederick W. Hoffman, Honorary

Consul of Germany in Michigan

Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters

The Inn on Ferry

ISM, Inc.

La Feria

Lot 40

Maggie’s Organics

Ms. Marion

Christiansen

Ms. Melanie L. Grund

Mercedes Benz Financial Services

Michigan Opera Theatre

Hon. Suzan Mouzi, Consul General,

Consulate General of Lebanon in Detroit

The Peacock Room

Pewabic

Pink Elephant Events and Products L3C

Preservation Detroit

Mr. Jim Stokes and Mr. Fred Hoffman

Mr. Walter Wegmueller,

President, Consular Corps of Michigan, Honorary Consul,

Consulate of Switzerland

Please contactGlobal Ties Detroit: mail@globaltiesdetroit.org or 313.638.1626

ANNUAL DINNER SILENT AUCTION DONORS

EVENTS 2018

18

Global Ties U.S. National Meeting - FebruaryConnecting with colleagues from across the country, Global Ties Detroit’s team highlighted the important programming coming out of Detroit while connecting with officials from the U.S. Department of State to learn more about its diplomatic priorities.

Membership Meet & Greet - MarchGlobal Ties Detroit members enjoyed an evening of lively conversations and unique insights with emerging leaders from Trinidad and Tobago and Kazakhstan over appetizers and drinks at Common Pub in Midtown Detroit.

Networking Reception at Miller Canfield - AprilThe Law Firm of Miller Canfield graciously hosted an IVLP International Security delegation from Europe together with Global Ties Board and supporters at their beautiful downtown offices overlooking the Detroit River. What a great opportunity to connect, learn and unwind.

Annual Dinner - JuneSponsored by DTE Energy with support from Oakland County and Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters, Global Ties Detroit Board leaders, membership, and friends explored the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant over drinks and dinner, enjoying an exciting silent auction and engaging speaking program.

“Continents Uncorked” - JulyThanks to Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters for sponsoring a Global Ties Detroit fundraiser and social event! Volunteers, staff, and visiting delegates danced the night away on a dinner cruise on the Detroit River with an international food and wine theme.

Belarus Cultural Night - JulyEmerging leaders from Belarus concluded their month-long Community Connections program by gathering at the home of Mel and Nena Chudnof where they graciously shared their cultural traditions in the form of food, crafts, music and more.

Fulbright Dinner - AugustAs a highlight of their Wayne State University Fulbright Gateway Orientation, more than 80 Fulbright scholars from around the world enjoyed dinner diplomacy at the homes of generous volunteers prior to departing for their two-year academic residencies at universities across the U.S.

YLAI Opening - SeptemberThis year, Detroit played host to the Opening Summit of the State Department’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). Global Ties Detroit resources and our Executive Director were featured as speakers to the 250 delegates as they began their month-long fellowships in cities across the U.S.

Halloween - OctoberExecutive Director Marian Reich and her husband Daniel hosted a Halloween dinner party for the Professional Fellows from Europe and SE Asia, their host families, and Global Ties Detroit Board. The international visitors were delighted to pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters, a first-time experience for all of them!

Global Ties: Diplomacy Begins Here Summit - NovemberThe Global TIes Detroit team connected in Miami with colleagues from across the country to share best practices on programming, make connections and be inspired to collaborate to expand our impact.

Design Detroit - November Global Ties Detroit proudly provided sponsorship for the Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit’s annual Design Dare event.

Holiday Membership Gathering - DecemberCelebrating a banner year of programming and growth, the Global Ties Detroit staff and Board hosted members, friends and volunteers at Kiesling Detroit to mark the accomplishments of 2018 and toast to the year ahead. A special thank you to Ms. Nicole Fernandez Gatti for capturing so many great moments in 2018!

GTD Annual Dinner

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