Global Ties Miami

Global Ties Miami had the privilege of meeting virtually with the office of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26). As a Chariman of the US House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Rep. Díaz-Balart plays a crucial role in funding U.S. foreign policy initiatives and international engagement. For many years we have been meeting with his office and have felt the support and guidance of Gisselle Reynolds, his Legislative Director. We're grateful that Ms. Reynolds always keeps the door open for our discussions on how IVLP positively impacts our South Florida community. There is no better feeling that knowing the best and the brightest are working on our behalf as constituents.

For over 20 years Global Ties Miami has called FL-27 home in Coral Gables and there is no greater pride we have than speaking with the office of our Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar about the hundreds of international leaders we bring into her district every year. During the meeting we also highlighted the jobs, local businesses such as hotels and transportation companies, and livelihoods of constituents that our programs support. In her position on the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, we are grateful to Rep. Salazar and her team for the pivotal role they play in shaping our foreign policy priorities. Thank you Sean Smith, Legislative Assistant, for meeting with us and to Charles Austin Johnson, Foreign Policy Advisor, for his continued support. We appreciate the work that they do on behalf of FL-27 and our country at large!

Last month, our international visitors had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Liz Rebecca Alarcón and Mr. Pedro Sevcec from 1140 AM Radio Station. They discussed the vital role of a professional, free, and responsible press in sustaining democracy. The visitors were guest speakers on the "La Milenial y el Milenario." Their discussion provided our visitors with a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities faced by the media in today’s global landscape. We are grateful to Liz Rebeca Alarcón and Pedro Sevcec for sharing their valuable insights into the power of media and its crucial role in preserving democratic values.

Thank you to the office of Senator Rick Scott, member of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate Committee on Armed Services, Committee on Homeland Security, and United States Senate Committee on the Budget, for welcoming the WorldOrlando & Global Ties Miami teams for a meaningful discussion on the 5:1 Return on Investment of the IVLP in our State. In 2023, Global Ties Miami, along with our four counterparts in Pensacola, Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando transformed $568,555 in federal dollars to $2,899,371 in additional economic contributions in Florida. We could not create this economic impact without continued support from our congressional representatives! A special thank you to Stephen M., Senior Staff Assistant, for meeting with us, and sending our warmest regards to Sarah Salas, Legislative Assistant, and Dr. Paul J Bonicelli, PhD, National Security Advisor to Senator Rick Scott.

Last month, our international visitors engaged in an insightful session with Leland Lazarus, Associate Director of National Security Policy at the FIU Jack D Gordon Institute for Public Policy. Leland, a recognized expert in China-Latin America relations, led a deep dive into the scope of Chinese influence in Latin America, offering valuable perspectives on national security, governance, and the geopolitical dynamics at play. Leland’s impressive career includes roles at U.S. Southern Command and as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State, where he focused on U.S.-China relations and national security. His insights into the intersection of policy, strategy, and international diplomacy have shaped our understanding of China’s growing influence in Latin America. Thank you, Leland Lazarus, for sharing your extensive expertise and helping our visitors grasp the complexities of international relations and security issues in the region.

Our team had the privilege to meet with the office of Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs. As a member of this key committee, Rep. Frankel helps shape funding decisions that impact U.S. foreign affairs and global engagement. We are thankful for the opportunity to discuss the financial and diplomatic impact of our international exchange programs locally. Thank you to Jennifer Miller, Foreign Policy Advisor, for an informative meeting, guidance and continued support!

We were excited to host a delegation from Türkiye last month, focusing on enhancing their search and rescue capabilities in the event of earthquakes and mass casualty events. The group of emergency planners and firefighters from Istanbul delved into US Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) protocols, learning about the tools, training, and partnerships that make swift disaster response possible. Their first meeting took place with the City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force II, led by Fire Captain Erik Sanchez. The meeting covered FL-TF2’s collaborations with FEMA and the State of Florida, as well as their experiences responding to high-profile disasters like 9/11, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the Surfside collapse in 2021. A heartfelt thank you to Captain Erik Sanchez and the FL-TF2 team for their valuable insights and for sharing their extensive training programs, which ensure readiness for any disaster. These conversations are vital for strengthening global cooperation in disaster response efforts.

Last month, our visitors had the chance to meet with Christopher Todd, Executive Director of the Airborne International Response Team (AIRT), and learn about the growing role of drones in urban search and rescue operations. AIRT’s DRONERESPONDERS program supports over 8,000 emergency services organizations globally, helping to enhance their capabilities in managing complex emergencies. Mr. Todd shared his vast experience in integrating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into public safety efforts. He also discussed the importance of collaboration between drone operators, emergency responders, and the community in maximizing the potential of drones for good. The visitors gained valuable insights into how drone technology is used to save lives, restore critical infrastructure, and support disaster recovery efforts. A heartfelt thank you to Christopher Todd for his time and expertise, and for the impactful work AIRT continues to do in the field of emergency response. It’s inspiring to see how technology like drones can revolutionize disaster management.

Last month, our visitors had the opportunity to meet with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Florida Task Force-1 (FL-TF1) to discuss their impactful work during and after disasters. FL-TF1 is a critical team that operates 24/7 and is prepared to respond to both local and national emergencies, often working alongside FEMA and other agencies. The team shared their extensive capabilities, including search and rescue operations in collapsed structures, providing medical care to trapped victims, and offering communications support using advanced satellite technology. They discussed their K9 units and other on site services they provide. With a cache of 50,000 pounds of equipment, FL-TF1 is fully equipped to manage the aftermath of major disasters, including hazardous materials surveys and structural stabilization efforts. A huge thank you to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) for their time and for sharing their invaluable expertise in disaster response. Their work is vital to the safety and well-being of communities across the region, and the insights they provided are sure to have a lasting impact on the group’s understanding of urban search and rescue. Special thanks to Lieutenant “Obie” Obed Frometa for coordinating this meeting.

Global Ties Miami is on the Hill in DC! Our team met with Carlos A. Giménez, Representative for Florida's 28th congressional district, serving on the Committee on Armed Services and Committee on Homeland Security. We are thankful for the opportunity to advocate for continued support for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The IVLP strengthens national security by building alliances and expertise to address global threats. As Global Ties Miami generates an 8:1 return on investment of federal dollars, we look forward to continue making an economic impact and foster international collaboration. Together, we’re building global connections that strengthen diplomacy and our communities! Thank you to Patricia Clarke for meeting with us!