Letter from the Director
The merry month of May is upon us! And we’ve got LOTS going on!!
First off, a warm welcome to our latest team member, Inas El Ouazguiti. Inas comes to us as a referral from a member who hosted her father during an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2016. During his visit, he decided to enroll his daughter at the Menaul School where she graduated in 2020. She just completed her B.A. at the University of South Florida in Computer Science with a focus on Data Science and Automation. We were looking for some help in implementing data impact reports and well…just proves what Nadeem Aslam said in The Wasted Vigil, “Pull a thread here and you’ll find it’s attached to the rest of the world.” Read more about Inas below.
And speaking of threads being attached, I’m honored to announce our two new Board Members, Chris Ferrara, Assistant Head of School at Menaul School, and Kelley Tredwin, co-owner of Altalune Wealth Advisors. Both have extensive travel histories and love being connected by our global thread. Absolutely thrilled to have their talents, expertise, and commitment to supporting international exchange in our Enchanted City! Bienvenue à Board!!
Lastly, we’ve got four groups coming this month:
- May 4 -31: 6 Fellows will be staying in ABQ for 4 weeks under the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program. These amazing emerging leaders hark from Austria, Kosovo, Georgia, No. Macedonia, Slovakia and Switzerland and have been partnered with mentors in their field to share insights and best practices towards the development of their initiatives. See more below.
- Then, 3 groups under the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) are coming:
- May 5 – 11: 7 participants under the program Tourism in Iraq
- May 15 – 18: 4 participants under the program Transparency in Government
- May 23 – 29: 12 participants under the program Business
Most will have dinner hosting opportunities for members and with all, members are always welcome to tag along in meetings. We’ll be sending out emails but please let us know if you’re interested by writing us at info@globaltiesabq.org! We’ll also be hosting a picnic on Saturday, May 25, with the YTILI fellows and IVLP program Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development II. Bring food, drink, games, curious minds, and join us for the fun! Flyer sent to members and more below.
So, we’re weaving away and thanking all of you for your contributions to the beautiful tapestry we make!
Warm regards,
Melora
April 24- 30: Promoting Human & Civil Rights in Minorities Communities
This multi-regional group visited Santa Fe and Albuquerque to delve into pressing social issues and inspiring community initiatives. From engaging with dedicated advocates at The Life Link to witnessing the vibrant cultural preservation efforts at the Santa Fe Indian Center, they gained profound insights into homelessness, cultural empowerment, and the intersection of faith and social justice. Meeting with visionary leaders at AIO and learning about empowering advocacy at NM Dream Team/Center, they discovered the transformative power of community-driven solutions. Amidst exploration of our rich cultural heritage, they reflected on the invaluable lessons learned, highlighting the importance of collaboration and grassroots initiatives in fostering positive change.
Visitor Highlight
Introducing Constantin Grosch from Germany! Constantin comes from Hamelin, situated along the Weser River, known for the legendary tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. He’s a fervent advocate for disability rights and improving public transport accessibility. Despite mighty challenges, he’s emerged as one of Germany’s pioneering state parliament members, championing change and inclusivity every step of the way.
During his time with Global Ties ABQ, Constantin delved into New Mexico’s natural wonders, finding peace in its tranquil landscapes. He engaged with various organizations including the NM Department of Workforce Solutions Human Rights Bureau, the New Mexico Dream Team, and American Indians for Opportunity, among others. A highlight of his visit was attending the Gathering of Nations, the largest Native American pow-wow with over 780 tribes from North America, offering him a unique insight into the resilience of marginalized communities. He aims to infuse his work in Germany with the same spirit of resisting external influences, drawing inspiration from the native communities’ approach here.
At Global Ties ABQ, we’re privileged to collaborate with leaders like Constantin who drive positive global change. Let’s continue bridging cultures and nurturing understanding for a more inclusive and fair world!
- May 6-11: Tourism Sector Development – Project for Iraq
Project Goals are:
-
-
- Examine governmental support for tourism development and legal frameworks for tourism operation.
- Explore successful models of thematic tourism; Identify innovative investment models to support tourism enterprises; and Share best practices for tourism marketing and branding.
-
Members! Dinner Hosting opportunities May 9th or May 10th, 7 participants, contact info@globaltiesabq.org if interested.
- May 15-18: Transparency and Accountability in Government – Project for Congo
Project Goals are:
-
-
- Examine the tangible benefits of transparency and anti-corruption efforts on economic development and building trust in public authorities.
- Explore the role of citizens, media, academia, and civil society in fostering transparency and accountability in government
-
- May 23-29: Business Entrepreneurship – A multi-regional project
Project Goals are:
-
-
- Illustrate the role of governmental, non-governmental, public-private partnerships, universities, corporations, and grassroots organizations in fostering and supporting business creation and growth
- Demonstrate the impact of U.S. small businesses on the local, regional, national, and global economies
-
Members we will contact you when more hosting opportunities arise