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Creating international connections
Cultivating local innovation
Activating global potential
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May 2024
CITIZEN DIPLOMACY NEWS
Expand Your World Today
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In this Issue...
- Quote of the Month
- Photo of the Month
- International Networking Mixer
- Sharing a Global Perspective
- Are you a U.S. Citizen Exchange Alumni?
- Community Events
- International Opportunities
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Click the button below to check out our past newsletters: | |
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“It's so amazing to know how we are all the same inside and out - and somehow connected and how we come from different cultures and want the same things in life. Everyone has the same love for food and we all dance to music."
~A visitor from Pakistan in May 2024, for the project 'Bridging the Gender Divide through Inclusion of Women Entrepreneurs in Gaming, Tech, and Freelancing'
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IVLP visitors from Trinidad and Tobago visited the Internationals Network Academy at Belmont Senior High School in Los Angeles, as part of the Integration of Migrant Students and Use of Emerging Technologies in Education program. | | |
International Networking Mixer | |
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On May 7th ICDLA, together with local partner organizations, hosted an International Networking Mixer at the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills. Amidst awe-inspiring installations and thought-provoking artwork, ICDLA members and friends enjoyed the opportunity to connect with local and international professionals. Attendees also sampled a variety of drinks and enjoyed delicious nibbles from local producers. As one of the members noted, "The event was fun, I met some really interesting people, and discovered spectacular artwork I was previously unaware of.”
We were pleased to partner with the British American Business Council Los Angeles, German American Business Association Southern California, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce Southern California, US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce California Regional Chapter, United Nations Association Los Angeles, and West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on such a successful collaboration.
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Each partnering organization presented insights into their respective work, outlining their core missions and the impact they have made in their communities. One of our guests commented, "The speeches were eye-opening. I wasn't aware of the many business associations and that every city has a chamber of commerce. Now I know where to look." | |
Sharing a Global Perspective | |
Home Hospitality Highlights | |
ICDLA was proud to facilitate the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on Bridging the Gender Divide through Inclusion of Women Entrepreneurs in Gaming, Tech, and Freelancing. During their program in L.A. the IVLP participants from Pakistan had the chance to feel the warm, welcoming vibes of American hospitality. | |
L to R: Kristina Yucel, Communications & Events Coordinator at ICDLA, Annie Gul, Naureen Ashraf, ICDLA member Farah Rosier, and Kashif Taj. | |
International visitors were welcomed like family, sharing meals and stories at our members' favorite restaurants and at their own dining tables. This warm hospitality didn't just fill their plates — it bridged cultures, showing firsthand how friendship and understanding can flourish over a simple meal. Thanks to these gatherings, our members proudly showcase the best of American hospitality, promoting international understanding one meal at a time. | |
L to R: ICDLA member, Brian Frankel, Batool Aamir, Ayman Saroosh, and Janika Berridge, ICDLA member. | |
L to R: Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui, ICDLA members, Barbara and Alan Carey, Aqsa Mubeen, and Faiza Yousuf. | |
We thank ICDLA members Susan and Marvin Klein, Alan and Barbara Carey, Janika Berridge, Brian Leor Frankel, and Farah Rosier for hosting our visitors from Pakistan and showing them the American culture. By welcoming them into their homes, our members did more than offer just a meal; they sparked new friendships and broadened their own horizons, seeing the world through the eyes of emerging global leaders. | |
Bridging Communities through Journalism | |
In April ICDLA welcomed a group of international journalists to Los Angeles. As part of the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists: Research and Investigation program arranged by ICDLA, the visitors met with the team of the Los Angeles Sentinel. | |
For the last 90 years, the Sentinel has empowered a multitude through its unwavering mission of providing the Black community with “a voice speaking for itself". This leading African American-owned media outlet continues to inform households across the U.S. and beyond on vital topics pertaining to the Black experience. | |
By exploring the Sentinel's rich history firsthand, our journalists gained fresh perspectives on the vital issues impacting Black communities. We are grateful to the Los Angeles Sentinel for hosting our international journalists from Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Croatia, Ghana, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kosovo, Malaysia, Nepal, the Republic of North Macedonia, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda.
ICDLA is proud to facilitate such impactful meetings that empower and educate, fostering greater understanding and cooperation across borders.
L.A. Sentinel published photos from the meeting in the May 2, 2024, edition of their newspaper.
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Are you a U.S. Citizen Exchange Alumni? | |
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Did You Participate in a U.S. Government-sponsored Exchange Program?
Career Connections brings together U.S. Exchange Alumni and leaders in business, government, civil society, and other diverse fields to leverage their skills and networks. Programming is offered in two formats: virtual (Career Connections Global+) and in-person (Career Connections) as part of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program, which is implemented in partnership with the Office of Alumni Affairs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. ICDLA is assisting by reaching out to our Greater Los Angeles alumni.
There are two in-person events planned this year:
- June 20-21 | Washington, DC | Careers in Federal Government
The Washington, DC event occurs annually at the U.S. Department of State.
- September 26-27 | Detroit, MI
Hosted in partnership with Global Ties Detroit
To participate in Career Connections and Career Connections Global+ programming, attendees must be U.S. citizen Exchange Alumni. You will be asked about your U.S. alumni program when applying for these events.
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.
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U.S. citizen ExchangeAlumni are encouraged to sign up for the Alumni Resource Center (ARC), an online career development hub. ARC provides ExchangeAlumni with courses, trainings, and other resources to develop professional skills and abilities, market themselves, and explore careers in and outside of public service.
Click the button below to learn more.
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18th Street Arts Center announced the revival of the Santa Monica Airport ArtWalk.
Situated in one of the oldest airports in the United States, the Santa Monica Airport hosts a vibrant community of over 60 artists, creative venues, and a spirited aviation scene.
You’ll have the chance to explore over 30 local artist studios, shop unique ceramics and glassware created by Santa Monica College students, and unleash your own creativity through free artist-led workshops.
Saturday, May 18 | 1-4 PM
18th Street Arts Center Airport Campus
3026 Airport Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90405
Free & Open to the public!
RSVP Appreciated
Don’t miss what is sure to be an unforgettable art-filled day!
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International Opportunities | |
Leadership in STEM: Opportunity for High School Students |
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ICDLA is happy to share an amazing opportunity for high school students!
Applications are now open for The Experiment Digital: Leadership in STEM! Designed to connect hundreds of young people across the United States with peers in the Middle East and North Africa, The Experiment Digital prepares participants to be more civically engaged and lead change in the STEM field.
This fully funded six-week summer virtual experience teaches high school students to formulate and implement STEM projects in their local communities.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion in Leadership & Global Issues Analysis, access to the U.S. Department of State's International Alumni Network, unique project funding opportunities from the U.S. Department of State, and a $400 scholarship for summer 2025 toward participation in one of The Experiment Abroad programs around the world.
The application deadline is May 13th.
Apply now or share this opportunity with someone who might be interested.
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Editor: Kristina Yucel
Communications & Events Coordinator
Share your comments with me at kyucel@icdla.org
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© International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles. A non-profit, non-partisan organization. Partial funding is provided by the United States Department of State, the County of Los Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles. | Privacy Policy | | | | |
