Creating international connections

Cultivating local innovation

Activating global potential

August 2023

CITIZEN DIPLOMACY NEWS

Expand Your World Today

In this Issue...

• Quote of the Month
• Photo of the Month
• Mixer with Ukrainian group
• Sharing a Global Perspective
• Are you a U.S. Citizen Exchange Alumni?
• Community Events
• International Opportunities
• Upcoming International Programs

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Mixer with Ukrainian Film Industry Professionals

On the evening of July 6th, the International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles hosted a unique gathering that celebrated diversity, creativity, and international understanding.

Ukrainian Film Professionals with Mikhail Gershovich, Paul Mandelbaum and Mariia Lykhtar at the Emerson College.

In collaboration with Emerson College L.A., a campus admired for its captivating architecture, ICDLA warmly welcomed a group of professionals from the Ukrainian film industry.

The Meet & Greet Mixer offered attendees a chance to mingle over drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the Emerson College Patio. The atmosphere was charged with the spirit of international dialogue, as we opened our arms to our distinguished guests from Ukraine.

During their time in L.A., they explored how to film in dangerous situations, learned about planning film festivals, and fellowship opportunities for producers. This trip gave them valuable insights and connections to enhance their work back home, where they will capture the stories of their nation's struggles and resilience.

Emerson College L.A. campus

Janet Elliott, ICDLA President (left) with Alona Tychyna

Carol Ann Warren, American Women for International Understanding L.A. Chapter Chair and ICDLA member, graced the event and introduced her guest, Alona Tychyna, a Ukrainian refugee. Carol Ann reflected, "We mixed with such interesting people, learning about the Ukrainian film industry and the efforts of L.A. filmmakers to support their counterparts back home."

Another member shared her enriching experience, "As with every ICDLA event, I left feeling cheerful, inspired, and more connected to the world. The presence of Ukrainian filmmakers, amidst their country's ongoing crisis, offered a unique perspective that news reports cannot capture."

The event also served as a platform for potential collaborations. "This ICDLA event introduced me to four new contacts, with whom I've already initiated collaborative discussions," as one of our colleagues highlighted.

Christine Peterson, Director of International & Investment City of L.A., welcomes the Ukrainian group.

The attendees also appreciated amazing food, drinks, and the special “Kyiv cake”, a famous Ukrainian dessert produced in Kyiv since 1956.

The Mixer with Ukrainian Film Industry Professionals was a remarkable success, fostering meaningful dialogue, forging new connections, and promoting a sense of global community. At ICDLA, we are proud to host such events that resonate with our mission of promoting citizen diplomacy. We eagerly look forward to more such gatherings in the future.

Sharing a Global Perspective

Empowering Global Connections: IVLP Participant's Journey in L.A.

We are thrilled to share a heartwarming testimonial from Sonia Hafaiedh, an entrepreneur from Tunisia who founded Tunisia Art & Design Week and the accelerator África Design Hub. Sonia is one of the participants in the IVLP “Women and Entrepreneurship”, a Regional Project for Africa and Haiti. Last month ICDLA had the honor to facilitate the program in L.A.

One standout experience that profoundly impacted Sonia was her visit to MudTown Farms, a project of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC). ICDLA Board Member and CEO of WLCAC, Tim Watkins, helped to arrange this meeting. Sonia witnessed firsthand their innovative approach to utilizing the farm to address social issues. This visit inspired her and shed light on the potential of agriculture as an enabler for positive change in communities.

Another remarkable moment Sonia appreciated was her visit to UCLA, where she gained access to valuable tools and resources to support her mentoring and coaching endeavors. The new culture of engaging youth through competitions, as opposed to traditional funding activities, resonated with Sonia. She realized that healthy competition fosters excellence, and progress, and ultimately leads to successful ventures.

Sonia enjoyed the breathtaking Stahl House, a monument, and a captivating case study in architecture. This visit left her in awe of the power of design and its influence on shaping spaces that resonate with people. She also shared: “Among my top highlights in L.A. I was captivated by the stunning Getty Museum and had unforgettable moments on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, where I couldn't help but feel like I was in a scene from a well-known movie!”.

The experiences Sonia shared are a testament to the transformative impact of such exchanges, empowering entrepreneurs like her to create positive change in their communities and beyond. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making the visit of women entrepreneurs an unforgettable one, from the hosts at MudTown Farms and UCLA to the vibrant cultural landmarks. Together, we are building bridges and nurturing global connections that create a brighter, more interconnected world. Let us continue our mission to foster understanding and collaboration through citizen diplomacy!

Are you a U.S. Citizen Exchange Alumni?

Did You Participate in a U.S. Government-sponsored Exchange Program?

The Office of Alumni Affairs at the U.S. Department of State is developing new opportunities for U.S. citizens who participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. ICDLA is assisting by reaching out to our Greater Los Angeles alumni.

• Career Connections Seminar: Sept 23-24, 2023, San Francisco, CA

Save the date for Career Connections San Francisco. Hosted in partnership with Global Ties San Francisco, this in-person event will feature professional development workshops and networking opportunities for U.S. Exchange Alumni. Learn More.

• Career Connections Seminar: Nov 2-4, 2023, Charlotte, NC

Save the date for Career Connections Charlotte. Hosted in partnership with the International House, this in-person event will feature professional development workshops and networking opportunities for U.S. Exchange Alumni. Learn More.

The exchange programs include, but are not limited to, these offered by the ECA Bureau. Returned Peace Corps volunteers and Boren Fellows are also qualified alumni. If you are a past participant in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program contact Kristina Yucel, kyucel@icdla.org. Whether you participated long ago or you recently completed your exchange program, we will keep you informed of opportunities such as events, programs, and grants.

Community Events

Gelato Festival World Masters

Welcome to Gelato Festival World Masters Los Angeles!

Next month Gelato Festival World Masters for North America will take place in Hollywood. You will get to see the top gelato chefs in the U.S. and Canada dream up mind-blowing recipes and compete for the highly coveted title: Best Gelato Master in North America 2023 - as voted on by experts and you!

But did you know it was an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni who founded the Gelato Festival World Masters competition? Gabriele Poli was chosen to participate in the IVLP by the U.S. Embassy in Italy when he was President of the Young Entrepreneurs Association in Florence. After his U.S. program, he returned to Italy and developed his idea to organize an event in Florence dedicated to artisanal gelato. He chose Florence for the festival because in 1559 it was there the first gelato recipe was created by artist Bernardo Buontalenti for the Medici court. Gabriele’s first festival was in 2010 and has now grown with festivals around the world. Gelato Festival is considered one of the most followed food events globally and is known to determine the best artisanal gelato in the world!

In 2020 Gabriele chose West Hollywood for his first-ever brick & mortar Gelato Festival location. His Gelato Festival shop has since moved to Ovation in Hollywood where this year the Gelato Festival World Masters North American competition will take place. 

Enter the Ovation Hollywood Courtyard to get a taste of the world's best gelato! Competing chefs have whipped up original gelato recipes, especially for the tournament, and you can cast your vote for your favorite flavor. You'll get the full rundown on each gelato - the ingredients, the production process, and the story behind the finished product. Stay until the end to find out who takes the title and gets to represent North America on the road to the World Finals in 2025!

Sat, Sun Sep 2 - Sep 3

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA

Feel The Music

“Music is the Language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life,

bringing peace, abolishing strife” - Kahlil Gibran

FREE CONCERT! LIVE STREAMED GLOBALLY!

In recognition of International Day of Peace, and in collaboration with the United Nations Association of the USA (Southern California Division) and the Rotary Action Group for Peace, this event will benefit earthquake victims in Turkey, provide assistance to refugees, support human rights in Iran, and more.

For information email: concertforpeace2023@gmail.com.

International Opportunities

Join the San Diego Diplomacy Council's private delegation October 10 - 20, 2023, for a journey through Morocco's rich cultural heritage, complicated history, and present-day realities. This carefully curated cultural exchange program will go beyond tourist corridors by engaging local scholars, public officials, entrepreneurs, musicians and artists offering in-depth commentary on the Moroccan way of life, political system, art history, architecture, and religion. You do not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an exclusive educational journey through the heart of Morocco to see first-hand what makes this country so complex and nothing less than magical.

This program will require high intensity walking on uneven and sometimes hilly cobblestone streets and stairs where an elevator is not always available. Participants must be able to walk unassisted.

The following are international guests of the U.S. government and other diplomatic organizations whose professional appointments in Los Angeles will be arranged by

International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles

AUGUST 2023

ICDLA knows it is important to maintain our connections with our international visitors beyond their programs. As such, ICDLA continues to reach out to our international alumni. If you are an Alumni who would like to share your thoughts about your L.A. experience, or if you are an ICDLA member or resource who has stayed in touch with alumni and would like to share your experience, please contact Kristina Yucel at kyucel@icdla.org.

International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles depends on its members and friends to help support its programs. If you are not an ICDLA Citizen Diplomat, please review our membership benefits here and consider joining. We need your support now more than ever! Please make a contribution today.

Editor: Kristina Yucel

Communications & Events Coordinator

Share your comments with me at kyucel@icdla.org

International Citizen Diplomacy

of Los Angeles

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info@icdla.org

www.icdla.org

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