Global Ties Arizona

Global Ties Arizona "Citizen Diplomacy: One Handshake At A Time"

www.GlobalTiesArizona.org

Global Ties Arizona is part of the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership program. We arrange professional activities and home hospitality in the metropolitan Phoenix area for foreign dignitaries who are sponsored by the US Government to visit the United States in order to facilitate the exchange of ideas, values and cultures - one handshake at a time.

🌍 Celebrating the Power in Partnership: Empowering Arizona Communities & Advancing Global Solutions with Salt River Proj...
07/01/2025

🌍 Celebrating the Power in Partnership: Empowering Arizona Communities & Advancing Global Solutions with Salt River Project (SRP)

At Global Ties Arizona, partnership fuels our mission—connecting local Arizona leaders and community members with global changemakers to advance solutions for a more sustainable, secure, and interconnected world. One of our strongest partners in this effort is Salt River Project, whose long-standing commitment to international exchange helps shape conversations around global challenges like water security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

🌎 In 2024, SRP helped foster meaningful international dialogue by welcoming 33 visitors from Japan, Iraq, and Chile through two U.S. Department of State initiatives: the International Visitor Leadership Program and the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program. These cross-cultural exchanges provided opportunities for global leaders and Arizona stakeholders to share ideas, build connections, and collaborate on solutions to challenges that transcend borders.

Their dedication to cultivating the next generation of globally-minded leaders is also evident through their consistent support of the Young Diplomats Summer Institute, an initiative they have proudly backed for the past three years. Each conversation held, each perspective shared, and each investment in youth leadership helps move Arizona—and the world—forward.

SRP also helped make our Dining for Diplomacy: Lunar New Year celebration earlier this year possible—a vibrant evening of cuisine, cultural performances, and global connections. The event not only celebrated the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year but also welcomed participants from the U.S. Department of State’s Volunteerism and Civic Action, further intertwining cultural celebration with international exchange and showcasing how America—and Arizona—embraces and honors diverse global traditions.

We’re proud to celebrate Salt River Project and thank them for their continued leadership in sustainability, education, and international collaboration.

The Worldly Women Collective Book Club gathered over the weekend for a deeply moving book club discussion centered aroun...
06/30/2025

The Worldly Women Collective Book Club gathered over the weekend for a deeply moving book club discussion centered around We Do Not Part by Han Kang. The novel, known for its haunting beauty and emotional complexity, explores themes of separation, memory, grief, and the lingering echoes of the past. Much of our conversation touched on the uniquely Korean concept of “Han” — a cultural expression of unresolved sorrow, loss, and longing that is woven throughout the novel and resonates on a universal level.

We were especially grateful to have two of our fellow book club members, originally from South Korea, share their personal reflections and cultural perspectives, adding invaluable depth to the conversation. Their insights helped illuminate not only the cultural layers of the book but also the shared human experiences that transcend borders.

A special thanks to Global Ties Arizona Board Member, Suzanne Lawrence, for so graciously hosting us in her home. The beautiful spread of homemade cooking and baked goods she prepared made everyone feel welcome and created the perfect setting for meaningful conversation and connection.

As always, the Worldly Women Collective Book Club reminded us of the power of gathering in community — to share perspectives, challenge our thinking, and appreciate the beauty of diverse experiences. Thank you to all who joined us for this memorable morning!

🌍💜 Happy International Women’s Day from the Worldly Women Collective! 💜🌍This morning, ladies of WWC gathered to celebrat...
03/08/2025

🌍💜 Happy International Women’s Day from the Worldly Women Collective! 💜🌍

This morning, ladies of WWC gathered to celebrate the day through the art of expression—painting! 🎨✨ Led by fellow Worldly Woman, Tere Derbez (artist, author, and coach), we put paintbrushes to canvas, embracing creativity, fellowship, and a moment of calm in our busy lives.

Here’s to the power of women lifting each other up, finding beauty in every stroke, and continuing to inspire change across the globe. 💪🌎💙

📚 The Worldly Women Collective kicked off our first book club of 2025 with a powerful discussion on “The Incredible Even...
02/15/2025

📚 The Worldly Women Collective kicked off our first book club of 2025 with a powerful discussion on “The Incredible Events in Women’s Cell Number 3” by Kira Yarmysh—a gripping novel about a young woman navigating life in a Russian detention center, exploring resilience, solidarity, and survival.
Our conversation focused on how women, despite different backgrounds, come together in unity to endure challenging environments. We also reflected on themes of oppression and resilience, with attendees sharing perspectives shaped by their own experiences and upbringings in different societies around the world. A thought-provoking start to the year!

Thank you to Worldly Woman, Mandana Nabizadeh, for leading our discussion!✨



The Worldly Women Collective, a program of Global Ties Arizona, is a dynamic community that brings together globally minded women to engage in meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, and professional growth. Through book clubs, networking and speaker events, we foster connections, amplify diverse voices, and empower women to make an impact locally and globally. 🌍✨

At the heart of impactful volunteerism is the ability to engage, uplift, and create pathways for progress. At our recent...
02/12/2025

At the heart of impactful volunteerism is the ability to engage, uplift, and create pathways for progress. At our recent Lunar New Year event, we had the privilege of honoring an organization that embodies the spirit of volunteerism—Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC). They were recognized with the J. Lester Shaffer Award for Outstanding Volunteerism as Organization of the Year, and we were delighted to have President & CEO Alicia Nunez accept the award on their behalf.

Chicanos Por La Causa has been instrumental in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting global leadership in . Since the return of in-person International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchanges, CPLC has hosted 143 international visitors across 15 delegations, covering vital topics such as civic engagement and entrepreneurship.

Their contributions extend beyond hosting delegations, including powerful discussions with organizations like the CPLC Action Fund, De Colores Shelter, and Prestamos WBC, where they’ve demonstrated a deep commitment to creating stronger, more resilient communities. CPLC has also been a steadfast partner to Global Ties Arizona, supporting the YLAI / Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative and the Worldly Women Collective.

By nurturing both local and international communities, CPLC is setting a powerful example of how organizations can create lasting, global impact.

Join us in celebrating Chicanos Por La Causa and their tireless commitment to volunteerism and the positive change they continue to inspire! 🎉👏

🐍 Global Ties Arizona rang in the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable evening of cultural celebration, community bui...
02/04/2025

🐍 Global Ties Arizona rang in the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable evening of cultural celebration, community building, and volunteer recognition. MC Lin Sue Flood, Director of Community Engagement at Hospice of the Valley, led a night that brought together community leaders, international visitors, and dedicated volunteers.

We were honored by words from our presenting sponsor, Diego Espinoza of Salt River Project, and supporting sponsor, Kylie Kennelly of HonorHealth, both highlighting the power of global collaboration. The evening featured vibrant performances, including a traditional Lion Dance, Chinese classical dance, and Vietnamese folklore dance, plus an interactive Chinese calligraphy experience.

Special moments included the welcoming of the Volunteerism & Civic Action delegation, visiting through the U.S. Department of State's IVLP, and their reflections on Lunar New Year traditions in Singapore and Taiwan. We also honored City of Phoenix leaders Rita Marko and Rick Gerrard with a U.S. Department of State Special Recognition for their commitment to international engagement.

The night culminated in the J. Lester Shaffer Award for Outstanding Volunteerism:
🏆 Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) – Organization of the Year 🏆 Florian (T.) Nguyen – Individual Volunteer of the Year.

A huge thank you to Great Wall Cuisine for the incredible nine-course banquet and to our Lunar New Year Dinner Committee for making this celebration possible. Wishing everyone prosperity in the Year of the Snake!

Click here to see event photos: https://www.globaltiesarizona.org/gtaz-news/3ftofb8bic8s2iw3jksxrybjjnvj7w

Last week, we held our Q1 Board of Directors meeting, officially transitioning to our new executive officers for 2025:🔹 ...
02/04/2025

Last week, we held our Q1 Board of Directors meeting, officially transitioning to our new executive officers for 2025:
🔹 Chair: Christina Mercado-Gonzalez
🔹 Vice Chair: David Luna
🔹 Secretary: David Sprentall
🔹 Treasurer: Joacim Mattisson
🔹 Immediate Past Chair: Barry Wong

We also welcomed four new board members who bring a wealth of experience and passion for global engagement:
🌟 Jeffrey Garza Walker
🌟 Karin Jimenez
🌟 Andrei Railean
🌟 Michael Zientek

We are grateful to all of our members of the 2025 Board of Directors:
Hilen Cruz, Emilio Gaynor, Sapna Gupta, Nicole Hollenbeck, Suzanne Lawrence, Eric McIntosh, MaryAnne Riodique, Lexie Van Haren!!!

Together, we reviewed our 2025 goals and are energized for a year of impactful global connections, leadership, and continued growth. Here’s to strengthening Arizona’s ties with the world! 🌎

Learn more about Global Ties Arizona by visiting our website



(1) Pictured left to right: Kristin Allen, President and CEO; Michael Zientek, Karin Jimenez, Christina Mercado-Gonzalez, Eric McIntosh, Hilen Cruz, MaryAnne Riodique, Jeffrey Garza Walker, David Luna, Suzanne Lawrence, Sapna Gupta, Andrei Railean, Barry Wong, Emilio Gaynor. (2) Immediate Past Chair Barry Wong, “passes the gavel” to incoming Chair of the Board, Christina Mercado-Gonzalez.

We were delighted to host our colleague and partner, Rogelio Cerezo, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)Team...
01/24/2025

We were delighted to host our colleague and partner, Rogelio Cerezo, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)Team Lead for Institute of International Education (IIE) during his visit to Arizona. He joined us for our Lunar New Year celebration to help us give a recognition to our partners at Phoenix Sister Cities on behalf of U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors for their years of service to the IVLP and partnership with GTAZ and IIE. He also spent some time visiting with our team at the GTAZ office and learning about our local resources.

Thanks for your visit and partnership, Rogelio!

Meet the Global Ties Arizona Board of Directors!Introducing Sapna Gupta, Assistant to the Deputy Director at the Maricop...
12/31/2024

Meet the Global Ties Arizona Board of Directors!

Introducing Sapna Gupta, Assistant to the Deputy Director at the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and a valued member of the GTAZ Board of Directors. Sapna’s expertise and dedication have been pivotal in building bridges between GTAZ and local government, creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

Sapna has supported and facilitated professional visits to MAG for International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegations, helping to expand our local resource network and further enhance the program’s impact. Beyond this, she has gone above and beyond by hosting IVLP delegations in her home, where her family warmly welcomes global leaders for enriching conversations, and by actively participating in our events and programs.

Her involvement with initiatives like the Young Diplomats Program reflects her commitment to inspiring future leaders and fostering global understanding.

We are grateful for Sapna’s leadership, generosity, and steadfast commitment to advancing cross-cultural connections. Join Sapna in making a global impact—learn how you can get involved by visiting the

Global Ties Arizona recently hosted our final delegation of the year—a group of Indigenous-Chilean leaders visiting th...
12/20/2024

Global Ties Arizona recently hosted our final delegation of the year—a group of Indigenous-Chilean leaders visiting through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The program focused on how Indigenous entrepreneurs integrate cultural values and sustainable practices to promote economic inclusion, adapt to climate change, and drive impactful growth in socio-environmentally vulnerable regions.

Through engaging discussions and local site visits, the participants explored innovative strategies that empower indigenous-led businesses to protect natural ecosystems, strengthen local communities, and thrive in competitive markets.

A special thanks to the following organizations and individuals for meeting with the group: Heard Museum, Salt River Project, the Indigenous Community Collaborative, City of Tempe’s Office of Sustainability, Native American Business Economic Development Center (NABEDC), Local First Arizona, Leo’s Cuisine, wildflower wurld, and Freeport-McMoRan’s Foundation DreamBuilder program created in partnership with Thunderbird For Good.

We also want to thank our gracious home hospitality hosts for welcoming the group into their homes for dinner: David & Hilda Luna; David Sprentall & Karen Beckvar; Carrie Sackett; and John Sellers & Margaret Swantko.

We are proud to have implemented this program in partnership with the Meridian International Center.

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Worldly Women Collective at our Annual Holiday Party on December 10, 2024! 🎄✨Join ...
11/30/2024

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Worldly Women Collective at our Annual Holiday Party on December 10, 2024! 🎄✨

Join the ladies of the Worldly Women Collective, a program of Global Ties Arizona, for an evening of fun, reflection, and connection as we gather to celebrate the holidays and all of the memories made together in 2024. Held at the Hidden Track Bottle Shop, this festive event will feature a beautiful grazing table filled with delicious cheeses, charcuterie, salads, and more, paired perfectly with wine and holiday tunes.

As a special treat, Hidden Track Wine Bar will offer exclusive discounted holiday gift packages, making it the perfect opportunity to check off your shopping list while celebrating with friends.

📍 Hidden Track Bottle Shop & Wine Bar
⏰ 5:30-7:30 pm
🎟️ Get your ticket today and join us in celebrating a fantastic year and bright days ahead with the Worldly Women Collective!

It was an honor to be a part of this multi-regional Global Public Health Challenges project as part of the International...
05/22/2024

It was an honor to be a part of this multi-regional Global Public Health Challenges project as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in March.

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Global Ties Arizona offers opportunities for Arizonans to participate in Citizen Diplomacy – One Handshake at a Time – through interactions with International Visitors from virtually every country on Earth. We offer Professional and Educational Exchange Programs, Events, Exercises in Civil Dialogue, Discussion Groups, Speaker Engagements, Global Cafés, Film Screenings, and other efforts that promote Citizen Diplomacy.