Global Ties San Francisco

???? On this United Nations International #ForestDay, we celebrate #MuirWoods and our work bringing global changemakers to its towering redwoods — where over 500 delegates once gathered during the first #UN conference in San Francisco to shape a more #peaceful world. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gnePwE7d

Excited to welcome John Shea as the new President & CEO of World Trade Center Northern California and our Bay Area diplomacy arm, Global Ties San Francisco! We look forward to his leadership, guiding WTCNC into its next chapter of growth and global impact. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Kevin Mather for his many years of dedicated service to our organization and wish him all the best in his retirement!

At Global Ties San Francisco, we bring the world to the Bay Area through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other exchanges. These programs strengthen U.S. global influence, advance #ForeignPolicy objectives, build economic prosperity, and foster international collaboration on critical issues. But right now, we — and many other implementing partners nationwide — are facing serious challenges. What was described as a temporary 15-day pause on U.S. Department of State grant disbursements has now stretched into 26 days and counting — with real and immediate consequences for our organization and colleagues, the economy, and U.S. public diplomacy. ?? Our programs are effectively on hold, disrupting the 650+ international visitors we host annually and stalling critical relationship-building efforts. ?? So far, this pause over the past three weeks has already resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue for local Bay Area hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, stores, and entertainment or cultural venues. ?? This funding freeze undermines the #IVLP and other critical people-to-people exchange programs that have proven to be an effective and low-cost diplomatic tool, which delivers an 11:1 return on the federal investment while fostering global partnerships that benefit us all. In the San Francisco Bay Area alone, our modest federal funding of ~$230,000 enables us to generate over $1.1 million for the local economy each year. Without these funds, our impact and the benefits to our communities and the nation are at risk. ?? Join us in urging Congress to take action. Submit a message to your elected officials through the Global Ties U.S. Action Center: https://lnkd.in/gmDZVKfC. Note: If using the pre-filled message, personalize paragraphs 1, 2, and 6 where indicated, or remove the placeholder text. If you’re based in the Bay Area, you can use our customized draft here: https://lnkd.in/gHRVPUFn. Every voice matters. Help us keep these vital programs running. #InternationalExchange #PublicDiplomacy #GlobalEngagement #FundExchangePrograms #FundingFreeze #ExchangeMatters #SaferStronger #CitizenDiplomacy #Community Global Ties U.S. World Trade Center Northern California

Thank you for an incredible internship experience last fall! Some of my most memorable highlights are: ?? Gaining insights on ceasefire initiatives during a meeting with Law Enforcement and Security Exchange Program (LESEP) participants from Mexico ???? Exploring economic hubs in the Bay Area with German delegates while discussing American foreign policy ?? Connecting with 30+ professionals and international visitors through GTSF's Dinner Diplomacy event It was truly rewarding to contribute to the work of #CitizenDiplomacy and witness firsthand how international exchange can strengthen global connections ?? Looking forward to following GTSF's continued efforts in bridging communities and building partnerships worldwide!

Big thank you to our Global Ties San Francisco intern Karin Krisdiva for all her hard work this past fall! ?????? Her academic and professional journey reflects her passion for exploring the intersections of global affairs and economics, with a focus on how economic policies shape international trade, development, and sustainability. Karin is dedicated to building a career that promotes #InternationalCooperation and drives equitable economic growth. Learn more about her here: https://lnkd.in/g978RHzS

Dear Katja Bo?i? , I couldn’t have written better myself. It was a real privilege and honour to be a part of this unique International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for #Slovenia. It was extremely valuable, insightful and fun, being chaperoned by best visitor liasons Jena Mélan?on and Ashi Fachler. Many thanks to the organizers, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy Ljubljana, especially to Jenny Eisenberg, Andrew Nissen, Jasmine Rihane and Alannah Crandall. Thanks also to all the Slovenian colleagues that became friends: Andreja ?abec, Benjamin Josar, Katja Bo?i?, Matej Zalar, Mateja ?ivec, Nejc Novak, Pavel Smodek, Primo? Damjanovi?, Rok Habinc.

? I am deeply honored to be invited for the second time to participate in the impactful International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). My journey with IVLP began in 2010 when I had the privilege to attend the program titled 'U.S. Financial System and the Global Economy' – an experience that left a lasting impact on my professional and personal growth. This time, the unique on-demand IVLP program entitled 'Venture Capital Investment and Regulation: Learning from the U.S. Model', specifically designed for #Slovenia, took place from December 1 to 11 across the iconic cities of New York, Washington, and San Francisco. The program offered an exceptional opportunity to engage with inspiring professionals, explore vibrant ecosystems that have powered some of the world’s most transformative industries, and gain invaluable insights into investment models and regulatory frameworks in the U.S. venture capital sector. One of the key objectives of this project was to foster connections between professionals in Slovenia and the U.S., encouraging the adoption of U.S. best practices in venture capital industry to elevate Slovenia’s entrepreneurial landscape. It also aimed to strengthen trans-Atlantic business ties and collaborations. I am sincerely grateful to the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy Ljubljana for granting me the opportunity to participate in this remarkable program. My heartfelt appreciation goes to our liaisons, Jena Mélan?on and Ashi Fachler, for their unwavering support, insightful guidance, and genuine dedication throughout this transformative journey. A special thank you also to Jenny Eisenberg (U.S. Department of State), Andrew Nissen and Jasmine Rihane (Meridian International Center), and Alannah Crandall (Global Ties San Francisco) for their exceptional efforts in organizing and flawlessly coordinating this unforgettable initiative. For me it was a truly enriching experience that reshaped my understanding of venture capital and broadened my perspectives, not only because of the knowledge gained and opportunities presented but also due to the positive energy, proactiveness, and collaborative spirit of my fellow participants - Primo? Damjanovi?, Matej Golob Matzele, Rok Habinc, Benjamin Josar, Nejc Novak, Pavel Smodek, Andreja ?abec, Mateja ?ivec, and Matej Zalar. This incredible professional exchange program reaffirms the importance of fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange as cornerstones of progress and innovation. #IVLP #VentureCapital #Leadership #Innovation #GlobalCollaboration #Entrepreneurship

?? We are excited to partner with San Diego Diplomacy Council to promote their next #CitizenDiplomacy outbound exchange trip to #Cuba, taking place from March 31 – April 4, 2025. Registration is on a first come, first served basis — so register soon to reserve your spot! Final payment is due by January 15. For more info, see below or visit https://lnkd.in/gcVj-yNC

Our parent organization, the World Trade Center Northern California (WTCNC), is seeking its next President/CEO! As the largest nonprofit in Northern California dedicated to #InternationalBusiness and subnational #diplomacy, #WTCNC has an annual budget of $700,000+, offices in Sacramento and San Francisco, and a talented team of six. This is a unique chance to drive the strategic vision of an organization committed to advancing global connections and fostering international collaboration. Interested in making a global impact? Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gSekEFVk #LeadershipOpportunity #GlobalDiplomacy #InternationalBusiness #Trade #InternationalTrade #SacramentoJobs

??? What an incredible night! On September 24, Global Ties San Francisco hosted a #DinnerDiplomacy event, welcoming 20 international visitors on the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and 35 local community members. ?? It was an evening full of meaningful conversations, delicious food from LA MEDITERRANEE, and greater awareness of our global engagement opportunities! ????? Attendees shared insights and stories about their experiences with international exchange or travel and cross-cultural engagement. One such reflection: “It speaks to one shared humanity… Communication with cultural spice is the best!” ???? Thank you to Marriott International and Global Ties U.S. for supporting this unforgettable event. We’re committed to expanding access to global engagement opportunities right here in the Bay Area, ensuring more people in our community experience the profound impact of cross-cultural interactions. #InclusiveDiplomacy #CitizenDiplomacy #IVLP #PeaceThroughTravel