Celebrating the Impact of Our 2024 Summer Interns

At Global Ties Sacramento, our summer internship program is an essential part of our mission to connect Sacramento to the world through impactful international exchange programs. This summer, our three dedicated interns played a crucial role in welcoming 89 international visitors and contributing to nine successful exchange visits as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Each Intern brings a unique set of skills and experiences that align with our mission of connecting Sacramento with the world and promoting mutual understanding.

Meet our Summer 2024 Interns

  • Benjamin Delfino joined as our Diplomacy and International Exchange intern from May to August 2024. A senior at University of Southern California (USC), majoring in International Relations, his volunteer community experience and passion to make meaningful experiences made him an asset to our International Exchange team.  Benjamin brought his passion for public diplomacy to life this summer.

Reflecting on his experience, he shared:

“Global Ties Sacramento has provided an incredible internship opportunity for me this summer as I helped implement their IVLP programming. As I reflect upon this time, I see the growth I’ve made as a professional and global citizen and recognize the invaluable skills I’ve gained that will help me as I begin to build my career. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to strengthen my knowledge of public diplomacy and the impact programs such as IVLP has on the visitors, the local community, and the foreign policy goals of the United States. I enjoyed my time with all the delegations the most as we were able to compare our cultures, lifestyles, and experiences, along with discussing current events throughout the world and here in the United States. Creating those connections and having a more personal understanding of other cultures has been the greatest aspect of this internship.

  • Mia Mark joined us as our Diplomacy and International Exchange intern from June to August 2024. A senior at Occidental College, double majoring in Diplomacy and World Affairs and Spanish, her Biliteracy in Spanish and international experience interning in Argentina was incredible valuable in our programming efforts.

Mia brought enthusiasm and insight into her internship, forging meaningful connections with international professionals and exploring the diverse sectors in Sacramento. She reflected:

“ The Global Ties Sacramento Internship has provided me with fundamental experience in my International Relations journey. Meeting with the International Visitor Leadership Program participants is by far the most rewarding part of the position. I have had the opportunity to talk politics with Civil Judges from Pakistan, share music recommendations with psychologists from Türkiye, and discuss the South American economy with investigative journalists from Brazil. I have also been exposed to so many professional resources and business models in the Sacramento Area, which has given me key insight into the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The networking skills and connections I have made are so valuable as I had the chance to put my academic skillset into practice with participants from all over the world.”

  • Mia Golden joined us as our Diplomacy and International Exchange intern from June to August 2024. A Rising senior at Rio Americano High School, her experience as a president in mock trial was instrumental in program development.

Mia’s contributions to IVLP programming exemplify the power of curiosity and determination. She shared:

Working to implement the IVLP as an intern with Global Ties Sacramento has been an incredible learning experience. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with delegations of wonderful, accomplished international visitors and local professionals. I’ve enjoyed learning about the differences between the systems of government, justice, and disaster response in the United States and in nations abroad. I was also surprised to learn about the wonderful organizations and resources located in my hometown when researching and drafting proposals. My time with Global Ties Sacramento has motivated me to continue to seek out ways to learn about international relations, foreign policy, and citizen diplomacy, as the experience of meeting with international professionals has been incredibly enriching and is something I hope to continue in my education and beyond.

A Bright Future Ahead

We are proud of Benjamin, Mia Mark, and Mia Golden for their dedication and contributions. They have not only supported our mission but also embodied the core values of international exchange: fostering understanding, building connections, and shaping global citizens.

We look forward to seeing their continued impact on their studies, careers, ands beyond. Thank you to our 2024 interns for making this summer an unforgettable chapter at Global Ties Sacramento.  

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IVLP Highlight: Diversifying University Partnerships – A Multi-Regional Project

In October 2024, Global Ties Sacramento proudly hosted 23 higher education professionals from across the globe as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The focus of this visit was “Diversifying University Partnerships,” and the group engaged in vital discussions surrounding diversity, inclusion, and partnerships in U.S. higher education, with particular emphasis on expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Visit to Sacramento State University

A standout moment of the visit was the group’s meeting with Sacramento State President, Dr. J. Luke Wood. During this meeting, the group explored potential collaborations and partnerships between their institutions and Sacramento State. This conversation highlighted the university’s dedication to serving a diverse student body and its ongoing efforts to foster global educational partnerships.

Sacramento State was chosen for this program due to its role as a model of inclusion in higher education. The university is a recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and Black-Serving Institution, as acknowledged by the California State Assembly. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion made it the perfect host for a delegation focused on expanding global educational opportunities.

Sacramento State President, Dr. Luke Wood, warmly welcomes the group to the university.

A Global Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The delegation’s visit to Sacramento State included meetings with the Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development (ORIED), where delegates learned about the university’s initiatives to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship on campus. They also visited key resources like the Dreamer Resource Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, which exemplify Sacramento State’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. These centers partner with local businesses and organizations to offer internships, job training, and cultural programming that help students thrive both academically and professionally.



Representatives from the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED) meet with visitors at Sacramento State.
The group gathers for a photo with representatives from the Dreamer Resource Center.


A visitor from Egypt presents gifts to three student advisors from the Dreamer Resource Center who are part of the DACA program.

Expanding Conversation: Sierra College

In addition to Sacramento State, the delegates visited Sierra College, where they were introduced to the California community college system. Sierra College representatives shared insights into student demographics and local partnerships that promote workforce readiness through internships and job training opportunities.

Building Future Global Educational Partnerships

One of the key outcomes of the IVLP visit was the signing of Memorandums of Cooperation (MOCs) between the visiting institutions and Sacramento State. This significant step formalizes the shared commitment to global collaboration and paves the way for future academic partnerships that will benefit students and communities worldwide.

The visit concluded with a reflection session led by Sarah Olson, Director of Global Partnerships at UC Davis Global Affairs. The session provided delegates an opportunity to reflect on their experiences, exchange ideas for future collaborations, and solidify their commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation in higher education globally.

This impactful IVLP visit not only highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in U.S. higher education but also demonstrated the power of global cooperation in shaping the future of education. As the higher education professionals return to their home institutions, they carry with them new perspectives and opportunities for fostering international collaboration in higher education.

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Celebrating the 2024 IVLP Impact Awardees

In partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Meridian International Center proudly announces the third cohort of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Awards Initiative. This year, 120 distinguished IVLP alumni from 101 countries have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to addressing global challenges through innovative community impact projects.

These awardees are spearheading initiatives that reflect the core values of IVLP—fostering global collaboration and tackling critical issues such as women’s empowerment, global entrepreneurship, countering violent extremism, combating disinformation, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, strengthening democracies, and advancing STEM education. Awardees receive up to $5,000 USD in funding to bring their projects to life.

Impact

Since its inception in 2022, the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative has supported nearly 600 alumni worldwide, enabling them to implement projects that leverage the knowledge and connections gained during their U.S. exchange experience. These projects have strengthened the global IVLP network and driven lasting changes in communities across the globe.

This year, Global Ties Sacramento is proud to celebrate the achievements of seven IVLP alumni who have been honored with the 2024 Impact Awards. Here are their inspiring projects:

Meet Our 2024 IVLP Impact Awardees

Yohanan Yokamo (Ethiopia)


IVLP: Developing University Partnerships: Connecting African Universities with HBCUs (October 2023)

IVLP Impact Award Project: Strengthening Democracy and Promotion of Good Governance Bootcamp for Selected Young Leaders in Hawassa City Administration, Ethiopia


Yohanan is leading a series of workshops on democratic governance in Ethiopia, aimed at educating youth leaders about democratic practices and human rights.

Osazee Isonarae (Nigeria)


IVLP: Advancing an Open, Reliable, and Secure Digital Economy (November 2023)

IVLP Impact Award Project: SafeCyber Community Initiative

 
Osazee is spearheading a cybersafety initiative in Nigeria, promoting cybersecurity and digital literacy for youth and small businesses through workshops and training sessions.

Valentina Battista (Italy)


IVLP: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (January 2024)

IVLP Impact Award Project: Women Innovation Forum


Valentina is leading the Women Innovation Forum, a project designed to enhance female entrepreneurship by connecting women entrepreneurs with industry leaders and investors through a unique networking format.

Ivanovic (Croatia)


IVLP: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (January 2024)

IVLP Impact Award Project: Future Crossroads: Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp


Ivan is running a youth entrepreneurship bootcamp in Croatia, helping high school students connect with mentors to develop and launch their own startups.

Jussi Leponiemi (Finland)


IVLP: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (January 2024)

IVLP Impact Award Project: Accelerating Technology Transfer from Research to Business in Northern Finland


Jussi is leading a project focused on tech transfer in Finland, bridging the gap between successful research and commercialization to foster innovation.

Lella Violet Halloum (United Kingdom)


IVLP: Promoting Inclusivity in STEAM (February 2024)

IVLP Impact Award Project: Full STEAM Ahead: Spark, Connect, Rise


Lella, a professional at IBM, is working to boost STEAM awareness and engagement in underserved UK communities through workshops, meetings, and roundtable discussions.

Anastasiia Klonova (Sweden)


IVLP: Promoting Inclusivity in STEAM (February 2024)

IVLP Impact Award Project: Spark – Empowering Youth in Underserved Communities through STEAM Workshops


Anastasiia is empowering underserved youth and refugee women in Sweden by providing STEAM-focused education through newsletters and after-school workshops.

These exceptional alumni are a testament to the power of international exchange and the lasting impact of the IVLP. Their work embodies the vision of the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative, creating solutions that inspire positive change worldwide.

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IVLP Highlight: U.S. Electoral Process for Young European Leaders

In March 2024, Global Ties Sacramento hosted 13 international professionals from Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, and Spain. During their visit they explored the ongoing U.S. primary elections, policy formulation, fostering party cohesion, and implementing secure and transparent election procedures.

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Open World Homestay Opportunity

Seeking overnight homestay hosts for for Open World delegation from Azerbaijan in late September

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Community Reception for Leaders Working ‘Towards a More Safe and Secure World’

This May, Global Ties Sacramento hosted an International Exchange Community Reception in our beautiful back yard. This event aimed to connect our local community with twelve distinguished visitors from various African and Caribbean countries who were participating in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for project titled, “Towards a More Safe and Secure World – Cooperative Efforts in Combating Transnational Crime.”

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IVLP Climate Initiatives from 2023

This Earth Day, we reflect on our impactful strides in environmental stewardship with three remarkable climate initiatives from last year. Read on to learn about the journey visitors from El Salvador took to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, South Korean visitors met with the CA Air Resources Board to discuss bridging nations for a greener future and a group from Chile met with the Yurok Tribe in Eureka, CA to learn about indigenous leadership and management of protected areas.

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Exploring Educational Resilience Following Natural Disasters

In collaboration with Meridian International Center and the Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State, Global Ties Sacramento implemented the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project for Türkiye entitled, Educational Resilience Following Natural Disasters. In February 2023, Türkiye was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, leaving a profound impact on its communities, which is why six professionals from Türkiye embarked on a transformative journey to delve into the realm of Educational Resilience Following Natural Disasters during their professional exchange program in the U.S. This IVLP from Türkiye, comprising professionals from diverse backgrounds including education, public health, and project management, sought to understand how communities in the United States navigate the complexities of post-disaster educational recovery.

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IVLP Impact: This Bridge Called Woman Book Collaboration

It’s international Women’s History Month and we’ve seen a lot of beautiful stories reflecting on the global impact of female voices and actions. In 2019, through an IVLP exchange, Global Ties Sacramento was honored to connect a group of female writers and artists from Uganda and the United States. The meeting inspired an impressive collaboration over the next several years and resulted in a book.

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Intern Spotlight: Valentina Suarez

Valentina Suarez, an International Relations major with a minor in Political Science currently attending Sacramento State, is the newest Diplomacy and Communications Intern to join the Global Ties Sacramento team in 2024.

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