The latest news, programs, and events from The International Center.
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This Week: 2025 Annual Meeting at Newfields
Don't miss the opportunity to attend The International Center's 2025 Annual Meeting! This special event will celebrate The Center's anniversary, unveil plans for the year ahead, and announce the next International Citizen of the Year. The meeting will take place at Newfields on March 6, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. As an added bonus, guests will have the opportunity to receive complimentary professional headshots, courtesy of Chapital Photography and tour the museum with free admission (excluding Lume). Space is limited, so be sure to register today!
Applications for the next cohort of The International Center’s Global Leadership Series are now open! From March 1 through April 30, professionals looking to enhance their global leadership skills can apply for Indiana’s only international leadership development program. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and connections needed to thrive in an interconnected world—apply today or share with someone who might be interested!
The International Center was honored to welcome distinguished visitors from Abomey-Calavi, Benin, including Georges Leroux, President of Benin Diaspora USA. Hosted by Peter Kirkwood, Chief of Protocol and Indiana State Representative for Sister Cities International, the visit focused on key areas of collaboration, including arts and culture, decentralized government, and higher education exchange. Discussions highlighted opportunities for cultural engagement, governance insights, and academic partnerships, reinforcing the value of international connections. The International Center looks forward to fostering continued collaboration and strengthening ties between Indiana and Benin.
IVLP: Education in the Digital Age
The International Center was honored to host twelve distinguished visitors from around the world as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focused on Technology Innovators: Education in the Digital Age. The delegation explored digital learning and education initiatives across Indiana, including visits to the Indianapolis Central Library, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and Indiana University Bloomington. They engaged with local leaders from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Indiana Department of Education, Ivy Tech Community College, and the University of Indianapolis' Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) to discuss innovative strategies in education and technology. The visit concluded with a tour of the Indiana Statehouse and home hospitality experiences, highlighting the power of international exchange and citizen diplomacy. Thank you to all our partners and volunteers for creating a memorable experience for our visitors!
Save the Date: Loving Day 2025
The International Center is proud to once again partner with former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Pacers Sports & Entertainment to host our Annual Loving Day event. Held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, June 7, this special event honors the landmark Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court decision that legalized interracial marriage. Join us as interracial couples and their families share heartfelt stories celebrating love and unity.
Korea Business Workshop Series
On February 16th, The International Center's Korea Indiana Partnership kicked the Korea Business Workshop series in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College in City of Kokomo. This new program is designed to assist Korean businesses with topical discussions on supporting and growing their businesses in Indiana. Thank you to StarPlus Energy, Sangsin Indiana Incorporated, Jaewon America, soulbrain MI, and NexPlus Indiana for joining us!
Marian University German Student Visit
The International Center was pleased to host Marian University Indianapolis' Business German class, along with Associate Professor Wendy Westphal and Assistant Professor Michael Martin. During their visit, we explored Indiana’s global connections, with a special focus on the strong business relationships between Germany and Indiana. It was a great opportunity to discuss international engagement and the impact of global partnerships on the state’s economy.
Living up to the Mission:
The International Center is a catalyst to inform, convene, and connect public, private and civic global objectives in Indiana.
Inform:
This Black History Month, The International Center honored the legacy of Willa Mae Thomas, whose 25 years of dedication to welcoming international students to Indianapolis created a lasting impact on countless lives. Read more about Ms. Thomas' work in our blog post.
Convene:
The International Center proudly celebrated Yujin Seong at the Work+Learn Indiana 19th Annual Impact Awards Luncheon, where she was nominated for "Work-Based Learner of the Year" for her role as Korea Project Coordinator, supporting efforts to establish two new electric vehicle manufacturing plants in the region.
Connect:
While in Washington, D.C. for the annual Global Ties conference, The International Center team had the pleasure of connecting with board member Ambassador Lee Feinstein, President of McLarty Associates. It was a great opportunity for a meaningful conversation on international engagement and the Center’s impact in Indiana and beyond.
Upcoming International Events:
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