Global Ties Arizona

?? Give the Gift of Global Connection this Upcoming Giving Tuesday! ?? On December 3rd, your support can help Global Ties Arizona continue to create opportunities that bring the world to our community and our community to the world. By donating, you’ll help fund initiatives that foster cross-cultural understanding, inspire youth leadership, and empower women to connect and grow globally. Your generosity directly supports: ?? Worldly Women Collective: A dynamic group that unites globally-minded women in Phoenix, fostering personal and professional growth through meaningful connections and shared experiences. https://lnkd.in/gBtbQBBD ?? Young Diplomats Program: Empowering Arizona high school students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive as leaders in an interconnected world. https://lnkd.in/dzpA7Jbf ?? GTAZ Community Events: Bringing international experts and local professionals together to create lasting relationships and promote cross-cultural exchange right here in Arizona. https://lnkd.in/gB-35yBv Help us continue these impactful programs and make a difference this Giving Tuesday! Donate Today! ???? https://lnkd.in/gYhApdpY #GivingTuesday?#GlobalTiesArizona?#Empowerment?#YouthLeadership?#CrossCulturalConnections?#WorldlyWomen . . . . . . . . Barry Wong, JD Christina Mercado-Gonzalez David Sprentall Joacim Mattisson Nicole Hollenbeck MBA Kate Conway Hilen Cruz [ee.len] Emilio Gaynor Sapna Gupta Suzanne Lawrence David Luna Eric McIntosh, MBA MaryAnne R. Alexandria Van Haren, MGM, C.M. Melissa J. Bethany Bennick Marty Day Richard D. Fincher Hank Marshall Alpha Muluh Michael Patterson Daniel Schweiker MacArthur Stant Luke Wenz David Wilson

??? We’re thrilled to be featured in the Exchange Matters article series by Global Ties U.S.! The piece, Setting the Table for Diplomacy, highlights the power of dinner diplomacy in fostering meaningful global connections through shared meals and conversations. Global Ties Arizona was proud to host a reception on September 13th to welcome 16 law enforcement professionals from around the world as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project, “Policing in Multicultural and Multifaceted Communities.” The evening, held at the home of our Associate Vice Chair David Sprentall and Karen Beckvar, brought together international delegates, local law enforcement, and community leaders to exchange perspectives on the balance between crime prevention and protecting civil liberties. Through these impactful gatherings, we continue to strengthen ties between Arizona and the global community. Read the full article to learn more about how dinner diplomacy is building bridges worldwide! ?? https://lnkd.in/gB9JBkmF

?? Join the Conversation on Combatting Human Trafficking ? Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 4th, and tune in to the virtual IVLP Impact Awards Alumni Discussion Series: Combatting Trafficking in Persons, presented by Meridian International Center. ?? This virtual webinar highlights inspiring IVLP Impact Awardees who are leveraging their exchange experiences to combat human trafficking through innovative solutions and impactful advocacy. ??? Event Details: ?? Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 ? Time: 7:30–8:30 AM MST ?? Register here to join virtually: https://lnkd.in/gfKCnTh2 #IVLP #CombattingTrafficking #GlobalImpact #CommunityAction

Earlier this month, Global Ties Arizona proudly hosted the?Edward R. Murrow Multi-Regional Project: Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation II?as part of the?U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).?Emerging media professionals from around the world came together to explore strategies for detecting and combating disinformation, the transformative power of investigative journalism, and ways to promote public awareness of misleading information. This program provided participants with opportunities to examine the challenges posed by disinformation, exchange best practices for ethical journalism, and explore how a free press can serve as a cornerstone of democracy. Through discussions with journalists, NGOs, academics, and government agencies, the delegation worked to identify innovative solutions and strengthen global networks dedicated to responsible reporting. A special thank you to Dr. Joshua Garland, and Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University and the Humphrey Fellows for engaging with the group and sharing valuable insights. We are proud to have implemented this program in partnership with the American Councils for International Education. #EdwardRMurrow #IVLP #GlobalTiesArizona #MediaResponsibility #CombatingDisinformation #JournalismMatters #CitizenDiplomacy

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Worldly Women Collective at our Annual Holiday Party on December 10, 2024! ??? Join the ladies of the Worldly Women Collective, a program of Global Ties Arizona, for an evening of fun, reflection, and connection as we gather to celebrate the holidays and all of the memories made together in 2024. Held at the Hidden Track Bottle Shop, this festive event will feature a beautiful grazing table filled with delicious cheeses, charcuterie, salads, and more, paired perfectly with wine and holiday tunes. As a special treat, Hidden Track Wine Bar will offer exclusive discounted holiday gift packages, making it the perfect opportunity to check off your shopping list while celebrating with friends. ?? Hidden Track Bottle Shop & Wine Bar ? 5:30-7:30 pm ??? Get your ticket today and join us in celebrating a fantastic year and bright days ahead with the Worldly Women Collective! https://lnkd.in/gt86B3vM #WorldlyWomenCollective #PhoenixEvents #WomensEvent #EventsforWomen

Last night, the Worldly Women Collective hosted an inspiring evening in partnership with the Thunderbird School of Global Management to honor #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth. The event showcased the extraordinary contributions of Native American women and introduced Project DreamCatcher, a program that empowers tribal women entrepreneurs from the Hualapai, Tohono O'odham, San Carlos Apache, White Mountain Apache, and Navajo tribes. The gathering brought together voices that reflected strength, leadership, and a deep respect for tradition. Dr. Mary Sully de Luque, as moderator, shared thought-provoking insights on leadership and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of integrating cultural values into modern practices. Gloria Gomez of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council recounted her entrepreneurial journey, offering a personal perspective on the transformative impact of the DreamCatcher program. Candace H., Director of Tribal Relations at Arizona State University, illuminated the enduring connection Native women hold to the land and their communities, underscoring the values that guide their leadership. The evening was filled with celebration and meaningful connections, as stories of resilience and vision sparked engaging conversations. The event highlighted the pivotal role Native American women play in shaping their communities and fostering positive change far beyond their own. As Native American Heritage Month continues, we remain inspired by the legacy, leadership, and traditions of Native women. Let us continue to honor and celebrate their stories. ? See more photos from the event here: https://lnkd.in/g3RaPbdb

?? Exciting news! Registration for the #GlobalTies2025 National Meeting is officially OPEN! Join us February 18-21, 2025, in downtown Washington, DC, for the premier annual gathering of #PublicDiplomacy leaders and supporters. This year’s theme, “Stronger Alliances, Stronger Communities,” highlights the incredible impact of #InternationalExchange programs in advancing U.S. national security and strengthening communities and workforces here in the U.S. This year’s meeting is guided by the leadership of our very own Kristin Allen, President and CEO of Global Ties Arizona, who serves as the 2025 Global Ties U.S. National Meeting Chair. Her dedication to fostering cross-cultural connections is shaping this pivotal event! Don’t miss your chance to connect with the #IVLPCommunity and discover how exchange programs foster global understanding and local impact. ?? Register now: gties.us/2025NM #StrongerTogether #GlobalTies

???? Global Ties Arizona Hosts Virtual Conversation on Drought Preparedness and Resilience Last week, we had the privilege of hosting a virtual meeting as part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for a delegation from Syria, focused on Drought Preparedness and Resilience. The group included NGO executives, environmental engineers and water management professionals, all dedicated to addressing water sustainability challenges in their communities. We were honored to feature experts from the Central Arizona Project (CAP)-- Don Crandall, Orestes Morfin, and Deanna Ikeya -- who shared their insights on managing one of the most critical water systems in the U.S. CAP delivers Colorado River water to nearly 6 million people in Arizona through its 336-mile aqueduct system. They highlighted: ? Drought preparedness strategies to protect urban, agricultural, and environmental sectors. ? Efforts to improve water storage, conservation measures, and infrastructure management. ? Innovative solutions for reducing water loss from evaporation and leakage. ? Programs promoting efficient water use among consumers, industries, and agricultural partners. This exchange fostered meaningful dialogue, connecting Arizona’s water experts with Syrian professionals to share strategies for building resilience in arid regions worldwide. ???? We’re proud to support global collaborations that inspire innovative solutions for shared challenges. ?? #GlobalTiesArizona #IVLP #WaterResilience #DroughtPreparedness #CAP #ExchangeMatters

Our recent?Annual Board?Retreat was a reflective and impactful moment of connection and growth, bringing together our Board of Directors and?Advisory Board?to celebrate our achievements?this year, envision the future, and strengthen our mission. Our board members?are?instrumental in driving both local and global impact. They?share their expertise to guide our programs, support efforts to grow Global Ties Arizona’s reach and visibility, and amplify?our work by sharing it through their networks and communities. Their efforts have helped us build stronger connections, enhance our initiatives, and expand our influence. We were especially honored to welcome Peggy Parfenoff, Nonprofit Consultant and former CEO of WorldChicago, as our special virtual speaker. Peggy shared invaluable insights to guide our organization's growth and development. Additionally, Karen Beckvar, Nonprofit Leadership Facilitator, led us through impactful training sessions and collaborative exercises designed to strengthen our teamwork and enhance organizational effectiveness. As we look toward 2025, we’re inspired by the vision, dedication, and leadership of our board?and advisory board?members. Together, we’re paving the way for even greater impact in Arizona and around the world.?#GlobalTiesArizona #BoardRetreat #Leadership #LocalImpact #GlobalConnections

??? Worldly Women Book Club: A Morning of Magic, Pastries, and Powerful Characters This past Saturday, our Worldly Women Book Club gathered?for our final book club discussion of the year?over coffee and morning pastries to dive into Isabel Allende's?The House of the Spirits. The discussion was as rich and layered as the book itself. We explored the strong female characters whose stories serve as the backbone of this multigenerational tale, unraveling the archetypes that add depth and complexity. From the unyielding matriarch Clara to the fiercely independent Alba, these women represent resilience, intuition, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. We also delved into the backdrop of political upheaval in Chile, marveling at how Allende's storytelling wove history with the personal struggles of the Trueba family. The portrayal of societal and political tensions brought to life the larger forces shaping the characters' world. Of course, we couldn't overlook the?magical realism?that permeates the novel, blurring the lines between the mystical and the mundane. Whether it was Clara’s supernatural gifts or the spirits that lingered through generations, the magical elements enriched the narrative and reminded us of the power of imagination in understanding life’s complexities. A big thank you to everyone who joined the conversation! We left feeling inspired, connected, and ready to embrace a little magic in our own lives?as we come up on the holiday season and look to the year ahead. A BIG thank you to the Element by Westin at SkySong for being our host venue for our book club this year! Special thanks to Rebecca Potter for her partnership! Have you read?The House of the Spirits??What are your thoughts? Share your favorite character or moment in the comments below! #WorldlyWomenBookClub #MagicalRealism #IsabelAllende #WomenWhoRead #TheHouseOfTheSpirits