Juan Gonzalez Honored as the 2025 International Citizen of the Year

The 2025 International Citizen of the Year event was a memorable evening, honoring Juan Gonzalez, Market President at KeyBank, for his leadership in banking and extensive community involvement. On October 16, Indiana's vibrant international community, local leaders, and Juan’s friends, family, and colleagues came together to celebrate his impact.

Thank you to everyone who made this evening unforgettable!

Sarah Myer Named 2025 Global Impression Award Recipient

At the International Citizen of the Year celebration, Sarah Myer, Chief of Staff & Strategy at Indiana Sports Corp, received the Global Impression Award in recognition of her leadership as an emerging global leader.

The Global Impression Award, established in 2018, honors emerging leaders who are demonstrating success in their profession, directly impacting the global community within Indiana, and whose work has a considerable impact on a vision for an Indiana that is a vibrant place to live and work while valuing all cultures.

Congratulations also to our finalists, Modupe Adewunmi, Director of Coalition Building at Patchwork Indy, and Sakura Fuqua, Immigrant Outreach Program Specialist at Indianapolis Public Library!

2025 Morris Series Cohort Gathers for Third Session, Global Good

The third session of the Morris Global Leadership Series focused on the concept of Global Good. The day began with Tisha Galarce, Chief Talent and Development Officer, who discussed her role at the Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) and IndyPL's role within our community. The cohort shared a family-style, traditional Ethiopian meal while visiting Axum Ethiopian Restaurant. This was followed by a presentation from Hannah Vos, PhD candidate at the IU Lilly School of Philanthropy, on the landscape of philanthropy both in the US and globally. This session allowed the cohort to explore the various types of giving and philanthropy, how their significance and role in society vary across cultures, and how to engage in global good to be better global leaders.

Empowering Organizations Through Cultural Education and Professional Development

The International Center’s Training Team had a dynamic October, delivering customized cultural education and professional development programs to organizations across Indiana and beyond.

MIBOR

The International Center produced a training for MIBOR, assisting central Indiana realtors on cultural considerations and best practices when working with international and immigrant clients.

Kiwanis International – U.S.–Philippines Cross-Cultural Communication

The Center facilitated an interactive session for Kiwanis International, exploring communication and leadership styles between U.S. and Filipino teams to assist with the planning and delivery of Kiwanis' 2026 International Convention in Manila.

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

For MISO, The Center delivered a program on Intercultural Communication and Cultural Values Comparisons, equipping team members with tools to navigate cultural differences across their diverse workforce and international connections.

Indianapolis Colts

Ahead of the Indianapolis Colts' November 9 game in Berlin, The Center provided a cultural training to support European fan engagement and a pre-departure briefing for the Colts staff and cheerleaders.

Indiana Delegation Heads to Berlin with The International Center & Indiana Germanic-Business Council

The International Center, in collaboration with the Indiana-Germanic Business Council, is leading a delegation to Berlin, Germany from November 5 to 9 to strengthen partnerships and promote international collaboration.

The group includes leaders from business, education, nonprofit, and government sectors, all working to expand economic and cultural ties between Indiana and Germany. The visit will feature meetings with German executives and officials, as well as panels and networking events designed to cultivate new opportunities for collaboration.

The trip will conclude as the Indianapolis Colts face the Atlanta Falcons at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, celebrating global connection through sport.

The International Center Marks 15 Years of Support for IU Indianapolis’ International Festival

On October 9, IU Indianapolis hosted its annual International Festival at the Campus Center, celebrating cultures and communities from around the world. The event brought together students, faculty, and visitors to explore global traditions through food, music, and cultural displays.

The International Center's complete United Nations Flag Collection transformed the IUI Campus Center into a vibrant global gathering place, symbolizing unity and cultural exchange. This year’s festival held special significance, marking 15 years of partnership between The International Center and IU Indianapolis in bringing the world’s flags to campus for cultural celebration and education.

Special thanks go to Peter Kirkwood (Chief Protocol Officer) and Abby Fenchak (International Diplomacy Intern) for coordinating the flag installation, and to Garth Eberhart (SVP of Operations and Chief of Staff) and Abby Fenchak for representing The Center at the information table throughout the day.

Their efforts helped create a colorful and engaging environment for all who attended, reinforcing The International Center’s mission to connect Indiana to the world.

95 New Citizens Welcomed at Naturalization Ceremony

On October 10, The International Center was honored to attend a Naturalization Ceremony held at Indianapolis International Airport, where 95 individuals from 43 countries officially became U.S. citizens.

The event highlighted the beauty of diversity and the shared commitment to community that strengthens Indiana and the nation. Board Member Emerita Jill McKinney of Butler University delivered heartfelt remarks and presented a U.S. flag to the eldest new citizen, Kanakasabai Balasubramanian, marking a special moment of unity and pride.

Representing The International Center were President and CEO Martin Baier and intern Atiya Smith, whose presence underscored the organization’s ongoing support for programs that celebrate inclusion and cross-cultural connection.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all who took the Oath of Allegiance and officially joined the U.S. citizen community.

The International Center Supports Historic Sitting Volleyball World Cup in Fort Wayne

From October 12–18, Turnstone Center, in partnership with World ParaVolley (WPV), Visit Fort Wayne, and the City of Fort Wayne, proudly hosted the 2025 WPV Sitting Volleyball World Cup. This was the first time this prestigious event has ever been held in the United States. Nearly 400 athletes, officials, and delegates from 15 countries gathered in northeast Indiana for a week of competition and camaraderie.

The International Center was honored to support the opening ceremony with event coordination and flag support. Team members Cassidy Davis and Karolina Dubkacova provided on-site assistance, helping ensure a world-class welcome for this historic occasion.

Celebrating Diversity in the Arts: ISO presents the Sphinx Series

The International Center is proud to spotlight a powerful partnership between the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) and the Sphinx Organization, a national leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in classical music.

This season, the ISO’s Sphinx Series will feature multiple performances highlighting talented artists of color and works by international and historically underrepresented composers. The collaboration begins on November 5, 2025, and continues with concerts scheduled in February, March, and April 2026, each offering audiences a chance to experience world-class performances that celebrate cultural richness and representation in the arts.

Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at this meaningful partnership, including an upcoming interview with ISO representatives about how these performances are helping shape a more inclusive future in classical music.

 Morris Series Alumna Dr. Rhonda Hinkle Named to National Fulbright Screening Committee

Congratulations to Marian University’s Executive Director of Global Engagement and 2024 Morris Series Alumna, Dr. Rhonda Hinkle, who has been selected to serve on the National Screening Committee (NSC) for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Dr. Hinkle, who also oversees Marian’s International Student Success program, will be a member of the committee for India Teaching Assistants, helping to review and rate applications, collaborating with fellow experts in a rigorous selection process to identify and recommend semi-finalists for consideration in host countries.

The International Center is a proud supporter of the Fulbright Association, with staff members Dr. Kristie Johnson (Fulbright Scholar - China 2006) and Neelam Patel serving on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Chapter.

Living up to the Mission

The International Center is a catalyst to inform, convene, and connect public, private and civic global objectives in Indiana.

Upcoming International Events

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