15 results for author: GPC Consulting


LBSCA commemorates sister city Menton, France, with Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Reception

On Thursday, Nov. 16, members and friends of the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association (LBSCA) gathered in celebration of the city’s bond with Menton, France. The evening featured a delightful wine reception highlighted by the release of Beaujolais Nouveau French Vintage. Attendees enjoyed delectable French cuisine provided by Moulin Café, and an enchanting performance by French Cabaret singer April Walsh. Front Row, (L-R): Pat Kollenda and Maggie Hempen; Back Row, (L-R): Karyn Philippsen, Michele Monda and Sergio Prince The LBSCA extends heartfelt appreciation to all those who attended and contributed to the success of this celebration. ...

Statement on Recent Tensions in the Middle East

Dear Fellow Citizen Diplomats, The Sister Cities International network includes 28 U.S.-Israel and 5 U.S.-Palestinian sister city partnerships, with many having already celebrated decades of mutually beneficial exchanges and cooperative activities. These partnerships have helped build understanding and peace by creating grassroots connections between communities. Many U.S. cities have sister cities agreements with Palestinian and Israeli cities. As tensions have risen in recent weeks between Israel and Hamas, Sister Cities International hopes that citizens of all countries keep in mind the principles of citizen diplomacy that have made sister ...

State Representative Announcement

Sister Cities International Proudly Welcomes Two Distinguished State Representatives to Its Ranks Washington, D.C. November 9, 2023 — Sister Cities International (SCI) is delighted to introduce two individuals who have recently assumed the vital roles of State Representatives. Dr. Christine Warnke has taken on the role of representing the District of Columbia, while Mary Zunick is now the State Representative for Arkansas. As integral members of SCI's nationwide team, our State Representatives are at the forefront of advancing our mission and network. Their responsibilities encompass nurturing the growth of our membership network, providing ...

7 for 70

We have some exciting news! Sister Cities International is proud to announce 7 for 70, an initiative in partnership with the United States Department of State and the White House National Security Council. 7 for 70 commits to creating seven new Sister City relationships in the Pacific Islands by 2026 in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Sister Cities International! The 7 for 70 will strengthen ties between the United States and Pacific Islands nations through new partnerships and promoting cultural understanding. Recently, we had the honor of meeting delegations from 18 Pacific Island countries to explore new partnerships. A special thank ...

Denver Sister Cities International Appoints Sacha Francois Heppell as New Executive Director

Denver, CO – Denver Sister Cities International is pleased to announce Sacha Francois Heppell as its new Executive Director. Heppell has an impressive history of fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange, making him well-suited to lead the organization in its mission to strengthen global relationships and promote cultural understanding. Heppell has been extensively involved with Denver Sister Cities International, resulting in a multitude of exchange programs spanning city officials, high school students, jazz musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, craft brewers, and culinary experts. He played an integral role in orchestrating a ...

Sister Cities International’s 2023 Durham Summer Leadership Meetings Press Release

SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES THE 2023 SUMMER LEADERSHIP MEETINGS IN DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA. Washington, D.C. (August 3, 2023) – Sister Cities International (SCI) wrapped up the Summer Leadership Meetings in Durham, North Carolina, which were hosted by Sister Cities of Durham at the Self-Help Credit Union Temple Building in Downtown Durham. From July 26-28, Sister Cities leaders were able to attend the Annual Business Meeting, sit in on board and committee meetings, and participate in the second-ever SCI Academy. The main theme of the summer leadership meetings this year was economic development, with the Sister City Academy session ...

A New Beginning for US-Africa Relations Sister Cities International Africa Summit

by: Ellen Israel Goldberg More than 500 delegates from around the world gathered at the Sister Cities International (SCI) Africa Summit in Cape Town from February 20-24, 2023. This volunteer non-profit citizen diplomacy organization, established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, seeks to unite individuals through projects that further peace and mutual understanding. The summit's theme, "Transforming SCI Africa: Honoring Traditions, Creating New Partnerships", saw sessions that touched on a range of subjects: business, education, sustainability, women’s leadership, sports diplomacy, culture, and humanitarian initiatives. Special ...

Acacia WoodsChan

I am a multicultural, multilingual unofficial sociologist of the people, travel professional and innovative instructor..  Through leveraging educational, sociocultural and global institutions, I have been able to travel to more than 30 countries, and believe in the growth that comes with immersive experiences that challenge our own perspectives and assumptions.  I am a global educator, entrepreneur and grassroots organizer with a passion for language, culture and people.  I own a local travel company, Ethnic Ties Travels, which facilitates international travel for underrepresented communities in addition to operating local, culture-based tours in ...

Alix Desulme

Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D, affectionately known as the “People’s Councilman”, started his political career in 2009 when he was first elected in a city-wide election for city clerk. He made history as the first Black City Clerk of the City of North Miami. He held the distinction as the youngest and the first Haitian American elected City Clerk in the United States of America. In 2015, he was elected to the North Miami City Council, representing District 4.  In September 30, 2015, the North Miami City Council unanimously approved the NOMI Golden Silver Senior Program proposed by Councilman Desulme, which provides a safe place to socialize, ...

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER SHINZO ABE