KC ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Connecting Kansas City with global leaders www.globaltieskc.org KC
WHO WE ARE
Global Ties KC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for face- to-face interactions between international leaders and their American counterparts in Kansas and Western Missouri. We host 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, companies, and think tanks to promote global exchange and citizen diplomacy. Through professional meetings, shared meals, and one on one conversations, locals engage in citizen diplomacy which builds global understanding and shapes United States foreign relations “one handshake at a time.” At the same time, we also showcase the amazing diversity of public and private resources located within our communities.
For nearly 65 years, Global Ties KC has facilitated citizen diplomacy in both Kansas and Missouri, providing our local community with opportunities to interact with other cultures. We connect you to parliamentarians, students, scholars, teachers, social entrepreneurs, artisans, and government officials who visit Kansas City from over 100 different countries every year. These visitors are shaping the world to be more prosperous, equitable, and safe for future generations. TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 Who We Are
Staff and Board 15 Youth Exchange 03 of Directors
Letter from the 16 YLAI 04 Executive Director
20 Reverse Exchange 05 Exchange Resources
Success By the 22 Open World 06 Numbers Police 23 08 Home Hospitality Professionalization Community 10 IVLP 24 Connections
26 Fulbright Seminar
Barbara Dolci 27 Scholarship
2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Roger Hiatt Syed Shabbir Hiatt, LLC Cerner
Paul Weida Dilara Yilmaz Black & Veatch Planned Parenthood Great Plains René Street, Secretary American Business Cindy Brewer John Snyder Women’s Association Kiewit Dentons US LLP
Mike Drackert PJ Matulka Chris Cribb Bibb Engineering SS&C Technologies ReeceNichols Northland Parkville Bethany Spilde Kara Lineweber Rise Above International Girl Scouts of NE Kansas Paula Guinn Founder and NW Missouri MINDDRIVE
2018 STAFF Courtney Brooks Emily Xouris Sarah Martin Executive Director Program Associate, IVLP Special Program Manager
3 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends, Local families welcomed high school students from Africa and Mexico for multi-week homestay In 2018, we welcomed 489 visitors to Kansas City. programs. Dinner hosts stayed up late into the This included researchers on track to find a cure evenings conversing with new friends over coffee to cancer, Members of Parliament from multiple and dessert. At conference tables across our countries, and key decision makers in public and region, delegates and local businesses had real private sectors around the world. conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the world, politics, and their industries. I was recently reading a number of our founding documents, written back in the late 1950s. While Kansas City is rapidly becoming recognized the length of many of our programs has changed as an international hub. Many of our visitors (once upon a time, the International Visitor arrive at MCI with few expectations other than Leadership Program used to bring leaders to the baseball and barbecue. Yet, thanks to the work U.S. for upwards of three months!) the mission of our volunteers and staff, they leave pleasantly remains the same. surprised and return home with stories of our The purpose of this program is to help strong community and desire to engage with the foreigners understand the United States and world. perhaps to lose their clichés about it, and to help us understand them. Short term visitors often Thank you to our Board of Directors who provide come to the United States expecting to find only leadership in all that we do, and thank you to our material strengths but are often surprised at our wide network of volunteers. Without you, this cultural strengths. Visitors also see our heart work would not be possible. We appreciate you as an American people. Year after year, local being a part of the Global Ties KC community, and individuals go out of their way to welcome our look forward to working with you to expand our visitors to their homes, businesses, and into their impact in the years to come! lives here in Kansas and Missouri.
Courtney Brooks Executive Director Global Ties KC
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. KC
EXCHANGE RESOURCES
1 Million Cups Girl Scouts Kansas Department for Lively Paradox Science City Children and Families 10,000 Villages Global Orphan Project Madam President ScrapsKC Kansas Department of Camp 31w31 Google Fiber Administration Shawnee Mission North MCCKC Fab Lab High School After the Harvest Greater Kansas City Kansas Department of American Federation of Agriculture MCCKC Longview Shawnee Mission Agricultural Business Labor and Congress of Northwest High School Council Industrial Organizations Kansas Governmental Metropolitan Ethics Commission Organization to Counter Small Business American Public Square Greater Kansas City Sexual Assault Administration Chamber of Commerce Kansas State Capitol Arts in Prison MindDrive SnapIT Solutions Greater Kansas City LISC Kansas State University Avila University Missouri Women’s Sprint Accelerator Bernstein-Rein Greater Kansas City Kauffman FastTrac Leadership Coalition Women’s Political St Luke’s Hospital BetaBlox Caucus KC Crime Stoppers MU Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Startland News KC No Violence Alliance BikeWalkKC Harry S. Truman Institute Stratus Cleaning Presidential Library KC Southern Railway Co Black & Veatch MU Extension Office TechStars Harvesters Food Bank KC STEM Alliance Brown v. Board of MU Global Programs The Pitch Education National HCI Energy KC Women in Historic Site MU Graduate Studies The Roasterie Heartland Community Technology MU KOMU TV Station CASA Jackson County Health Center KC Youth Court The Sader Law Firm MU Undergrad Studies Center for Conflict Human Rights KCK Community College The Whole Person Resolution Commission Mud Pie Vegan Bakery KCK Police Department The Women’s Child Protection Center Innovation Partnership New Roots for Refugees Foundation Program KCMO Lang Services Childrens Mercy Dept Nile Valley Aquaponics Topeka Capital Journal Hospital Intellectual Property KCMO Police Dept Northland CAPS U.S. Attorney’s Office Chris Redmond Center of Western District of Interfaith Council KCMO Public Schools Northwest Missouri Missouri Chris Steineger State University Iron Mountain KC KCPT U.S. Trustee for MO Citizens Police Academy Office of Congressman JCCC Emergency Med- KCSourceLink Emanuel Cleaver III UMB Financial Corp City of Lenexa Tech Program KCTV5-CBS Office of Congressman UMKC Language Command and General Institute Staff College Jewish Vocational KCUR 89.3 Kevin Yoder Services UMKC Regnier Insitute Commerce Bank Kids TLC Office of the Kansas Jim A. Waits, Attorney Secretary of State UMKC RPDC Communities in Schools KKFI 90.1 FM Johnson County Office of U.S. Senator UMKC SBTDC Connecting for Good Corrections KSNT News McCaskill UN Association of GKC Connections to Success K12itc KU Applied English OneKC for Women Center United Way CrossFirst Bank Kansas Adjutant Operation General’s Department KU ASHTI Breakthrough Urban League of Cultivate KC Greater Kansas City Kansas Appleseed KU CREES Overland Park, Kansas Della Lamb Mayor Dunn US Bankruptcy Court of Kansas Association of KU Medical Center Kansas Do Good Co. Broadcasters Pennez KU School of Journalism US Equal Employment Enterprise Center of Kansas City Area Planting Peace Johnson County Development Council Kyle Smith Water.org Police Athletic League Ewing Marion Kansas City Association Lansing Correctional WDAF Fox 4 Kauffman Foundation of Black Journalists Facility Port KC Willow Domestic Federal Bureau of Kansas City Center for Leavenworth Detention Prairie Village, Kansas Violence Center Investigation Inclusion Center Project UK WTC-KC Federal Reserve Bank Kansas City Star Lee’s Summit Tribune KC Reaching Out From Wyandotte County Kansas City Startup Legal Aid of Western Within Election Commissioners Function Junction MO Foundation Roger Hiatt Office Gardner Edgerton High Likarda Kansas City, Missouri Rose Brooks Center Young Women’s School Mayor’s Office Christian Association
5 DELEGATE HOME COUNTRIES Afghanistan Finland Mauritania Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Algeria France Mauritius Senegal United Kingdom Argentina Gaza Strip Mexico Serbia Uruguay Armenia Germany Moldova Singapore Uzbekistan Australia Ghana Mongolia Slovenia Venezuela Azerbaijan Greece Montenegro South Africa Vietnam Bahrain Guatemala Morocco South Korea West Bank Bangladesh Guyana Mozambique South Sudan Zambia Barbados Honduras Namibia Spain Zimbabwe Belarus Hong Kong SAR Nepal Sudan Total: Belgium Hungary Netherlands Suriname Belize India Nicaragua Syria Bolivia Indonesia Niger Taiwan Brazil Iraq Nigeria Tajikistan Bulgaria Ireland Norway Tanzania 489 Burkina Faso Israel Pakistan Thailand Burundi Italy Palestinian Territories The Gambia EXCHANGE Cambodia Jamaica Papua New Guinea Togo VISITORS Cameroon Japan Paraguay Trinidad and Tobago Central African Jordan China Tunisia Republic Kazakhstan Peru Turkey Chad Kenya Philippines Uganda Chile Kuwait Poland Ukraine China Latvia Romania Colombia Liberia Russia Costa Rica Libya Rwanda Côte d’Ivoire Lithuania Saint Kitts and Croatia Luxembourg Nevis Cuba Macedonia Czech Republic Madagascar Djibouti Malaysia Ecuador Mali Egypt Estonia Ethiopia
43 126 EXCHANGE COUNTRIES PROGRAMS REPRESENTED
6 SUCCESS BY THE NUMBERS TOP 5 THEMES: 1 Entrepreneurship
2 Journalism
3 Human and Civil Rights
4 Education
5 Women Leaders and Women’s Issues
Countries whose representatives visited Kansas City as Global Ties delegates
2,428 7,765 KANSAS CITY HOTEL VOLUNTEER ROOM NIGHTS RESOURCE HOURS
7 HOME HOSPITALITY AND HOMESTAYS
Some of our leaders have the opportunity to live in a U.S. home, sharing meals, taking part in cultural activities, and living as a member of the family through homestays. For our groups that stay in hotels, we look to home hospitality dinners, so they can still spend time in American homes. Nothing sets the table for mutual understanding better than sharing a meal. For local hosts, this is an excellent way to exercise every day diplomacy and serve as an ambassador for our city. Shared meals and concurrent, casual conversations are often the favorite, most memorable component of our visitors’ exchange experience. The opportunity for one-on-one conversation allows for a deeper appreciation of the commonalities of life. These visits often lead to long-term friendships and offer a welcoming window for visitors during their stay in the U.S. 519 HOME HOSPITALITY MEALS SERVED COMMUNITY HOSTS AND VOLUNTEERS
HOMESTAY HOSTS HOME HOSPITALITY HOSTS Sharon Johnson and Bob Dona Robert and Vera Glywa Aengus Finnan Marian McClellan Cindy Dwigans and AJ Hoyt Bonnie and Samuel Rabicoff Marti Moore and Jak Kinsey Paul Temme & Loring Leifer Chris Cribb Mary A. Redmond Kayleigh and Justin Bearce Chris Steineger and Shari Mary Beth Sprecher Andy and Cindy Brewer Wilson Wendy and Dennis Carlton Michael Farmer Christy Chester Lisa DeAngelo and Roger Heinrich Pamela Frank Cindy and Andy Brewer Leslie and Peter Gasser Paul Temme & Loring Leifer Sabine and Timothy Green Courtney and Ben Brooks Kimball and Laura Hales Paula and Damon Guinn Debra Vesel Melissa Miller PJ and Abby Matulka Dilara Yilmaz Linda Mills Rachel Loder Marion and Kevin Morris James and Ann Greene Darin Challacombe Regina and Tarl Neitzey Jeanne Steinberg and Michael Christine Ann Hughes Bolinger Roger and Patricia Hiatt Toni Cracraft Serpil and Ahmet Taslama Carol Mundy Jodi Danziger Steve and Henna Fuller Ben and Courtney Brooks John and Barbara Loehr Paul and Holly Schenk Kara Lineweber SuEllen and Harvey Fried Mary Ripka Lance and Heather David and Suzannah Smith Halyna Fedosyuk & Illya Bronshteyn Loewenstein Toni Cracraft Paul and Karen Ballantyne Curtis and Kim Cook Laura O’Brien and David Torey and Ashley Rowlett Albrecht Kerri Draper Trudy Nepstad Lindsey and Jordan Voss Tiffany and Joel Graham Ying and Brian Zurbuchen Caleb and Juhi Kangas Lisa DeAngelo and Arlette and Terence McIff Roger Heinrich Rick and Jennifer O’Neill Terri and Russell Clement Glen and Kelli Dakan Cathy and Steve Gardner Dana and Jason Hoffmann Laurie McHenry 57 Samantha and Casey Murphy VISITORS TOOK PART Meg and Ben Richardson IN HOMESTAYS Kristin and Charles Whittington Jennifer Cacchio
9 IVLP 35 GROUPS
THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (IVLP)
More than 500 IVLP alumni have gone on to serve as Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging leaders in a variety of fields experience this country
NATIONAL SPONSORS firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. The IVLP is designed to build mutual understanding Cultural Vistas between the U.S. and other countries through carefully designed CRDF Global FHI 360 visits that reflect the participants’ professional interests and support Global Ties U.S. U.S foreign policy goals. Program participants are either established Institute of International Education or potential foreign opinion makers in government, public policy, Meridian International Center media, education, labor, the arts, and other key fields. Mississippi Consortium for International Development U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs World Learning
10 HUMAN RIGHTS 7 PROGRAMS
For decades, human rights across the world has been a priority VISITORS for United States foreign policy strategies. The IVLP is the most 55 tangible and effective U.S. tool in advocating for human and civil COUNTRIES rights through the empowerment of communities to address 35 their own issues.
Advocacy and Awareness Promoting Peace and Uganda traveled to Kansas City to learn about local efforts to Human rights advocates on three Security combat trafficking in persons. different program from across Women leaders throughout the Visitors and Kansas City-based the world explored the role world assembled to learn how advocates shared their learnings and organizational structure of various policies and programs and insights on how to assist associations, NGOs, and religious have helped prevent extremism trafficking victims and encourage organizations in advancing among young, stabilize international cooperation. U.S. civil rights, LGBTI rights, communities, and empower freedom of speech, and access women. Visitors included the Child Protection and to education. Through site visits first female Mayor of Tabina Parental Rights and meetings, the delegates and the Chief of Staff for the gained an understanding of Office of the Governor from the This May, five professionals contemporary human and civil Province of Maguindanao. The working to protect women and rights issues in Kansas City and advocates returned to their local children’s rights in Indonesia met how local government and non- communities better prepared in Kansas City through Global Ties profit organizations are helping to advocate for disadvantaged KC. The professionals examined to address them. populations. U.S. child custody laws, assessed legal and social welfare advocacy Combatting Trafficking in for victims of domestic violence, Persons and learned about protective services, social workers, and Visitors from Ecuador, Jamaica, advocacy organizations working Moldova, Mongolia, the for child protection in the United Netherlands, Thailand, and States.
11 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
As a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and business hub, Kansas City is often asked to host a large number of programs each year that focus on entrepreneurial empowerment and business development. Through these programs, Global Ties KC works hard to put Kansas City on the world map as a viable economic partner for businesses across the world. This is accomplished through community events, networking opportunities, business meetings, collaborative sessions, and workshops. Every year, dozens of influential, global business leaders leave Kansas City with an a heightened interest to choose the heartland as a future trade or business partner.
I was delighted to meet with other organizations and to speak with the children. Sharing experiences and information on the effective22 methods in developing systems “ in child protection and sexual violence is something I really wanted to gain in my visit. This visit I considered very successful.” Eka Rahmawati, Indonesia
12 Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Chile In September 2018, Global Ties KC welcomed 50 women entrepreneurs from across the globe, as part of a Department of State Exchange Alumni Program. These women were re-selected by their embassies to participate PROGRAMS in a follow-up IVLP cohort, due to their impact in their communities. Science and Technology The Women Alumni Program is a powerful tool in connecting women Entrepreneurship entrepreneurships throughout six continents. March 11-14, 2018 Through this program, Kansas City welcomed back Daniela Salas from NGO Management in the United Chile. Daniela is the founder and CEO of Rhizomics Biotech, a company States working on sustainable agriculture. She first visited Kansas City in March 17-21, 2018 2017 on a WeAmerica’s IVLP program. Ms. Salas aspires to influence Women and Entrepreneurship the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chile. She is in the early stages of April 17-21, 2018 implementing a new program to help universities and the private sector Women Entrepreneurs: Alumni as work together and provide support for budding scientific entrepreneurs, an Economic Multipliers initiative that does not currently exist in Chile. September 18-21, 2018 Social Entrepreneurship in the Solving the Transportation Problem in India United States May 22-26, 2018 In India, John Shyam campaigns for road safety solutions in Tamil Nadu for Analog and Digital Labs, a research and development organization WEAmericas Program for Women focusing on road traffic engineering and city surveillance solutions. The Entrepreneurs June 9-13, 2018 company produces state-of-the-art traffic signal equipment and better traffic management solutions, which are being implemented in several Promoting Cross Border Trade parts of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The company also designed the Cooperation September 6-11, 2018 “Emergency Corridor” to regulate traffic signals in the path of an emergency vehicle. During his program in Kansas City, “Social Improving Bankruptcy Mechanisms to Encourage Economic Growth Entrepreneurship”, he had the opportunity to speak to an September 20-25, 2018 audience of 40 Kansas Citians on his experience in Kansas City and the obstacles he faces in India. Women in Entrepreneurship December 5-9, 2-18
I visited a very lovely, welcoming family. It felt like we had known each other for a long “ time, and we separated with difficulty. It was great.” Kambouli Lielo Kombate, Togo 13 3 PROGRAMS EDUCATION 19 VISITORS 8 COUNTRIES
Education in the Digital Age English Language Teaching The U.S. Higher Education February 8-12, 2018 and U.S. Culture System Six visitors from Egypt, Liberia, March 21-25, 2018 April 25-28, 2018 Nigeria, Palestine, Ukraine, and Ten higher education Three professionals from the Uzbekistan learned about the new professionals from Ecuador Ministry of Research Technology and current technological trends explored themes of cross- and Higher Education of Indonesia in education. They assessed how cultural education practices met with higher education new technologies impact student and inclusive cultural learning. professionals at Avila University, learning, examined partnerships They also discussed teaching University of Missouri-Kansas between educational institutions methodologies, and how English City, and Kansas State University and private business, and learned language teaching varies between to learn about the U.S. higher about teacher training and vocational, college readiness, education system and explore continuing education. Interactive and U.S. citizenship preparation programs and services for meetings allowed visitors to purposes. The professionals also international exchange students. experience the same hands-on had the opportunity to experience learning experiences Kansas City local Kansas City culture by offers to its young population. visiting museums and a jazz lounge.
Wow! I loved the city of Kansas. Even though the weather was not good, the people of “ Kansas are warm and amazing people. It’s a city where I will come back for holidays.” 14 PROGRAMS
VISITORS
JOURNALISM
Journalism is a hot topic within current issues, which translate into foreign policy initiatives throughout the world. Three Global Ties KC programs in 2018 worked to promote quality reporting in 13 countries. Each visitor met with key Kansas City reporters and journalists, so that counterparts can exchange best practices and benefit from mutual exchange. Each visitor learned about the rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democracy, in addition to the impact of digital media. While print media might be hurting, these programs allow experts to discuss how to navigate changing markets and demographics. Visitors also discussed the role of media as watchdogs of governments, in order to promote good governance throughout the world.
EDWARD R. MURROW INTEGRITY IN COUNTERING PROGRAM FOR JOURNALISTS: DISINFORMATION MEDIA RESPONSIBILITY IN JOURNALISM AN AGE OF DISINFORMATION
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 6, 2018 SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 4, 2018 NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 4, 2018
AUSTRALIA, CHINA, COTE D’IVOIRE, GUYANA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KAZAKHSTAN LITHUANIA, MEXICO, THAILAND, AND VIETNAM MONTENEGRO, THAILAND
15 STUDENTS & 35 MENTORS
EXCHANGE 2 PROGRAMS
YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Over July and August, Global Ties KC hosted 35 students and COMMON PROGRAM ELEMENTS: student mentors on two Volunteer activities Meetings with leaders different exchange Introduction to local of various non-profits, government enterprises and community programs organizations Teambuilding and Leadership Training Immersive cultural experience through placements with local host families
PAN-AFRICAN JÓVENES EN ACCIÓN YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM PROGRAM July 21-August 2, 2018 August 8-21, 2018 Financial Literacy Leadership Development and Social Entrepreneurship 14 18 2 STUDENTS STUDENTS ADULT MENTORS
from Mexico from Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa
16 STUDENTS & MENTORS
My time in Kansas City taught me to dream big, without limits. I am determined to always “ improve myself, and never give up. Dulce – Jovenes en Accion 2018
Both Kansas City and my host family were full of generous and caring individuals. They were always “ ready to answer questions, share experiences, take me on excursions, and serve as a source of encouragement.” Olabisi – PAYLP 2018
17 YLAI PROGRAM
YOUNG LEADERS OF THE AMERICAS INITIATIVE
For a full month, Global Ties KC welcomed fourteen young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean as part of The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), which is a U.S. Department of State initiative that invites 250 competitively-selected visitors to engage in leadership and entrepreneurial fellowships at businesses and civil society organizations across the U.S. Each mutually beneficial fellowship placement strengthens ties throughout the region and contributes to a new entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Americas. 2018 marks the third year in a row that Global Ties KC brought this program to Greater Kansas City.
2018 YLAI PARTICIPANTS
Alejandra Jeugmans (Guatemala) provides robotics workshops, robotics and administrators to facilitate payments, Placement: Bernstein-Rein competitions, and entrepreneurship fairs create timetables, and organize Alejandra is the Co-Founder of Grupo for children and youth in Juárez. recordkeeping. TOA, a company that provides digital tools and marketing for Medium and Gisele Leon Brandon (Peru) José Filho (Brazil) Small Enterprises and services for Placement: Water.org Placement: Stratus Cleaning increasing B2B sales. Gisele is the Senior Project Manager and José is the co-founder of Zelar Soluções, Vice-President of CAPA Peru, a non-profit a company that provides the perfect Carlos Martos (Colombia) organization that implements sustainable combination of caring for people and Placement: HCI Energy projects in the Peruvian Amazon. CAPA their environment, at home or at work. Carlos is the Co-Founder and Chief Peru aims to positively impact the quality His business focuses on respect for labor Operation Officer of Sun Supply, a of life of people through projects include rights, proper wages, and professional photovoltaic solar energy company. Sun fish farms, education, and access to training in this informal market. Supply designs and installs solar energy drinking water and sanitation services. systems focused on three solutions: Madeline Mollinedo Alvino energy savings, bringing energy to rural Jayme Hoyt (Trindad & Tobago) (Bolivia) areas, and construction of sustainable Placement: Pennez Placement: Connections to Success cities. Jayme is the Marketing Director for Madi is the co-founder of WeMujer, an SmartTerm, an Education Management organization that seeks to empower Daniela Tapia Duran (Mexico) Platform that addresses the lack of women through training and financial Placement: KC STEM Alliance education technology in schools within support. WeMujer’s main mission is to Daniela is the Co-Founder of EduRobótica the Caribbean, making it easier for use available technology and develop Juárez, a non-profit organization that students to learn, teachers to teach, timely tools to solve critical social parents to follow their child’s education, problems.
18 Maximiliano Casal (Uruguay) therapies, growth factors, and Tatiana Rodriguez Moreira Placement: Bestway International biomaterials for animals. (Paraguay) Max is the co-founder of Nowports, Placement: Emily Mattingly a platform to improve freight Renata Albertim (Brazil) Tatiana Rodriguez Moreira is the Tati management, real-time tracking, and Placement: Rose Brooks is the Director of the Department of support with daily communication in Domestic Violence Shelter Digital Dentistry at the Esthetic Center companies that import & export freight. Renata is the co-founder of the social in Paraguay, a dental and medical impact startup Mete a Colher, a spa, specializing in facial and body Miguel Falconi (Ecuador) platform for supporting women who aesthetics. Placement: Project United Knowledge suffer from abusive relationships in Miguel is the Founder and Chief Brazil. Through the app women can Vladimir Vásquez (Nicaragua) Executive Officer of ARCIS, a company communicate with each other and offer Placement: Connecting for Good that provides talks and trainings emotional support to those who are in Vlad is a journalist and the Director for young executives to help their an abusive relationship, as well as job of Terabyte Nicaragua, the first digital professional development through placement and legal support. media company in Nicaragua focused improving their skills in sales, customer solely on technology. Terabyte’s mission service, user experiences, NLP Shane Brown (St. Kitt’s & Nevis) is to provide Nicaraguan people with programs, empathy skills, and business Placement: Do Good Co. tech education and online security. environment. Shane is the owner of SKN VILLAGE, Terabyte also aims to teach journalists which is dedicated to satisfying the how to manage digital media. Priscilla Ortiz (Costa Rica) fashion forward style of millennials, and Placement: Likarda through virtual shopping, trendy gears, Priscilla is a veterinarian and the and revolutionary pricing. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ICM, a pioneer company offering cutting-edge treatments like cellular
19 AMERICANS TRAVELING ABROAD
Not only does Global Ties KC bring the world to Kansas City, we provide avenues for Kansas City community members to travel internationally to foster global cooperation. The YLAI Reverse Exchange program allows professional hosts to visit former fellows in their home country to continue professional collaboration, develop strategic partnerships, and expand their professional networks. This year, four Kansas City hosts participated in the Reverse Exchange. In April, Kelsey Carlstedt of the By Grace Foundation visited former fellow Nayleen Quintero in Panama. Kelsey and Nayleen discussed worldwide “addiction to a good sale” and the impact of the Fashion Revolution, knowing who made your clothing and how much it should cost. Kelsey also had the opportunity to speak with beauty pageant contestants, shop owners, clothing designers, sustainable fashion professors, and social media influencers about major issues in the fashion industry. Both women are continuing the Who Made Your Clothes campaign in their respective countries. In June, Neelima Parasker of SnapIt Solutions went to Bolivia to visit former fellow Andrea Salazar. Neelima enjoyed speaking with Bolivia’s tech entrepreneurs, software engineers, major tech corporations, and small business owners. Neelima also had the opportunity to meet Cochambamba’s mayor, Bolivian city managers, and a variety of community leaders. Of her visit, Neelima stated “the country has tremendous potential and hardworking, passionate people”.
In October, Bethany Spilde of Evolving Leaders/Rise Above International visited former fellow Monique Lemos in Brazil. Bethany and Monique continued working on Monique’s app Vocaflix, designed to help young Brazilians with career decisions. Bethany spoke with women entrepreneurs about social and emotional intelligence as it impacts career choices. Bethany also had the opportunity to experience how Brazilian public schools allow students to create their own learning environments by paint murals in the classrooms. While in Bahia, Bethany was honored to be interviewed by the region’s largest newspaper Jornal Cerreio.
21 OPEN WORLD From July 26 - August 1, five Ukrainian parliamentarians met with regional congressional members to better Open World has been forging lasting positive relationships understand American democratic institutions. between emerging and established leaders in the former Soviet Union and their American counterparts since 1999. They presented to the community at a “Doing Program participants have a range of diverse backgrounds, Business with Ukraine” event in the pursuit of and they come to the U.S. with the purpose of gaining a better establishing more economic ties between our understanding of American democracy and the rule of law countries. in the U.S. They are introduced to best practices in critical areas like sustaining NGOs, tackling corruption, promoting an From November 2 - 10, five journalists from independent judiciary, and so much more. This program is an important, cost-effective investment by the U.S. government in Ukraine visited Kansas City as part of the Open the advancement of democracy, the building of civil societies, World program to learn more about ethical and creating a better world for all of us. This is people-to- reporting. Through meetings at KU, KCKPD, people exchange at its best. American Public Square, a local high school, and many others, the visitors now better understand how ethical reporting can benefit a community.
22 POLICE PROFESSIONALIZATION PROGRAM FOR MEXICO
In April, a group of ten Mexican professionals in Security and Crime Prevention came to Kansas City for the Police Professionalization Exchange Program. This program focused on community policing and public engagement. Visitors met with the KCMO PD Patrol Bureau, KCK PD Community Policing Office, AdHoc Group Against Crime, Police Athletic League of Kansas City, and the KC No Violence Alliance. Visitors learned strategies to foster relationships and build trust within the community, such as regular attendance of Neighborhood Watch meetings, community partnerships for anti-crime efforts, community collaborations for focused deterrence, active support systems for victims of violent crimes, and youth mentoring programs for positive police interactions.
23 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
During the month of April, Kansas City was home to ten professionals from institutes, incubators, and businesses across Belarus for the Entrepreneurship Education and Training program. Delegates met with local, state, and federal government organizations, local colleges and universities, incubators and collaborative workspaces, and a variety of small businesses. This program included a trip to the Hallmark Visitor’s Center, where delegates learned about the building of a billion-dollar company from the ground up. Other program topics included: fostering critical thinking and innovation in youth, strategic business planning, the importance of women within business, impact of “ entrepreneurial education, and the benefits of programs that expand opportunities in entrepreneurship.
10 22 36 DELEGATES DAYS MEETINGS
24 Each meeting was like a puzzle piece, and by now we have assembled the whole picture of the “ entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Kansas City metropolitan area.” – Alexey Iskortsev
The entire program has been incredibly insightful. I am “ touched by the generosity of our host family.” – Aliaksandr Kaputsin
As a university lecturer, I am delighted to meet so many American counterparts. My American col- “ leagues are incredibly open and generous. They are ready to share their programs, curriculums, syllabi, and teaching strategies. I will collaborate with U.S.- based educators in the future.” – Anna Vetelkina
25 VISITING FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS ENRICHMENT SEMINAR
From March 18-21, Global Ties KC hosted and implemented programming for a group of 90 visiting Fulbright Scholars who came to KC for a seminar on the theme of innovation and entrepreneurship.
From March 18-21, 2018 a group FEATUREDof ninety visiting SPEAKERSFulbright Scholars were in Kansas City for a seminar on the Scott Wagner, KCMO Mayor Pro Tem theme of innovation and entrepreneurship, hosted Adam Arrendondo, CEO of Kansas City Startup Foundation and implemented by Global Ties KC. Speakers were These PhD’s Sameeksha Desai, Director of Research at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and globalcommunity leaders leaders fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystems Joe Reardon, CEO of the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce comeand from today’s an array changemakers of in Kansas City, including representatives fields, and took part in this Sally Williams, UMKC SBTDC from: the Kansas City Mayor’s Office, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, program as an interdisciplinary Jill McCarthy, Senior Executive KCADC program.KCADC, During KC their Chamber time in Kansasof Commerce, Rick Women’s Usher, Assistant Foundation, City Manager Commerce for Entrepreneurship Bank, & Small Business KCMO City Hall City, they discussed topics such as increasing and the UMKC Small Business and TechnologyKendall Development Seal, Vice President Center. and General They Counsel discussed Women’s workplace motivation, communication skills, fostering topics such as increasing workplace motivation, Foundationcommunication skills, fostering inclusivity inclusivity in the workplace, and financing techniques Doug Dressler, Managing Director Sprint Accelerator in the workplace, and financing techniques for innovative ventures. This seminar aimed to for innovative ventures. This seminar aimed to increase Danny O’Neill, Founder and CEO Roasterie Coffee attendees’ leadership skills through coaching and increase leadership skills in attendees through coachingNicole and Price, sharing Chief Exective of best Officer practices of Lively by Paradoxproven sharing of best practices by proven professionals. professionals. Participants also had the opportunity toBethany network Spilde, with founder fellow and ChiefScholars, Possibilities participate Officer of Participants also had the opportunity to network with Evolving Leaders fellowin a community scholars, participate service activity, in a community and have service dinner in theWeston home Bergmann, of a local Lead volunteer. Investor of Beta Blox activity, and have dinner in the home of a local volunteer. Chris Widenmann, Commerce Bank Ari DeGrote, Community and Program Manager at Sprint Accelerator Martha McCabe, Executive Director at KC STEM BARBARA DOLCI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
The Barbara Dolci International Studies Scholarship is awarded to a high school student planning a career in international affairs or public service. The scholarship is intended to fund continued studies in an international field, study abroad, student research, international service, or overseas travel for humanitarian aid. This year’s recipient was Grayson Goyer, a high school student from Olathe North with a recent passion for engaging with the world’s many peoples and cultures, and creating positive interactions that build strong connections amongst such different people. After reading J. William Fulbright’s “Arrogance of Power”, Grayson was inspired to look at the international world and exchange programs in a new way. This new perception was further developed when he met Sho, an exchange student from Japan that taught him while there are differences, there are just as many similarities between their two countries. Now, Grayson’s ultimate goal is to be a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State. The challenge of constantly working on international relations for a country he loves isthe biggest draw as a Foreign Service Officer. We wish Grayson all the best with COMMUNITY EVENTS his future endeavors. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
In addition to serving as homestay and home hospitality hosts, community members have the opportunity to interact with Global Ties KC programs at events hosted throughout the year. This includes our annual celebration, YLAI dinner, summer potlucks, coffees, and group happy hours. KC BUILDING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS SINCE 1954
Please contact Global Ties KC:
Like to help us build a more peaceful and [email protected] prosperous world through Citizen Diplomacy and or 816.421.4242 International Exchange? www.globaltieskc.org There are many opportunities to get involved, including several ways to volunteer as homestay, dinner, or professional hosts. Global Ties KC also offers several levels of corporate sponsorships.