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An Evening with Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Indiana's Global Community

The big night is almost here! You are invited to join The International Center on October 13 as we present the prestigious International Citizen of the Year award to Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts. Carlie is being recognized for her leadership in expanding the Colts’ international presence to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland through the NFL’s Global Markets Program. We celebrate her commitment to global engagement, relationship-building, and cultural exchange—work that is expanding Indiana's reach and shaping the future of sports.

Don't wait to reserve your spot! Tables and individual tickets are limited.

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Celebrate the 2026 Global Impression Award Finalists

We're excited to share the finalists for our 2026 Global Impression Award! This award recognizes an emerging global leader in Indiana whose work is noteworthy and who has already made significant contributions to our global community.

  • Dr. Jennifer Baenziger, MD - Associate Director of Education, Indiana University Center for Global Health
  • Ally Ntumba - Delegate of the Refugee Congress of the State of Indiana and founder of the Congo American Bridge
  • Diana Matzinger - Founder/Director, Belisimoda Academy Inc

Join us at the International Citizen of the Year event on October 13, 2026, where we'll celebrate their achievements and announce the winner.

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 Morris Series: Global Engagement at the Indiana Statehouse

Our James T. Morris Series cohort gathered at the Indiana Statehouse for a thoughtful session on global engagement in Indiana. The day’s discussions covered the history and current state of Global Indiana, the role of global governance at local and state levels, the fundamentals of protocol, a group case study on international relations and PR, and a guided tour of the Statehouse.

A special thank you to our distinguished speakers, Indiana State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn, Andrea Richter-Garry, President and CEO of Indy Economic Development, and Peter Kirkwood, Chief of Protocol at The International Center, for sharing their expertise, experiences, and insights.

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INTLCTR Welcomes Delegation of Korean Developers to Westfield

In partnership with Westfield Economic Development, The International Center recently welcomed Korean development leaders from PLANM, Nexia Samduk, and Heerim Architecture & Planning to the City of Westfield. The engagement highlighted Indiana's growing appeal for international business investment and served to foster meaningful global commercial partnerships.

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Carola Thomas Promoted to Senior Relocation Services Coordinator

Join us in congratulating Carola Thomas on her recent promotion to Senior Relocation Services Coordinator! Relocating to a new country is a major life event, and Carola's dedication ensures that our expatriate clients and their families receive top-tier support every step of the way. 

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Indiana Sister Cities Symposium

The International Center will host the Indiana Sister Cities Symposium on November 7, bringing together Sister Cities leaders, volunteers, and community members from across Indiana for a day of learning, networking, and idea-sharing. Led by Peter Kirkwood, Chief of Protocol at The International Center and Indiana State Representative for Sister Cities International, the symposium will explore best practices, community engagement strategies, and opportunities for cultural, educational, civic, and economic exchange. Whether you're involved in a Sister City partnership or simply interested in global connections, this event offers a chance to learn, connect, and strengthen Indiana's relationships with communities around the world.

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Join Us in Welcoming Our Fall 2026 Intern Cohort

Welcome to our Fall 2026 interns! We’re excited to have this talented group join our team as they bring fresh perspectives and a shared passion for fostering global connections right here in Indiana.


Standing, L-R:

Seated, L-R:

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Spring 2027 Internship Applications Open Now

Applications for The International Center’s Spring 2027 Internship Program are open now! We invite students and recent graduates who are passionate about international affairs, leadership development, and nonprofit work to apply. Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested.

Carmel Celebrates New Sister Cities Dedication

Community leaders gathered in Carmel for a meaningful morning to dedicate new Sister Cities street signage, proudly recognizing the city’s six international partnerships across the globe. Representing The International Center both as President & CEO and as a Carmel resident, Martin Baier delivered remarks emphasizing the power of people-to-people diplomacy in building cross-cultural understanding, lasting friendships, and global connections that extend far beyond borders.

Special thanks to Mayor Sue Finkam for her leadership and ongoing commitment to Carmel’s international engagement, as well as Andris Berzins, Honorary Consul for Latvia to the State of Indiana, Carmel’s Sister City committees, and the dedicated volunteers whose hard work makes these global partnerships truly impactful.

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Celebrating Our Newly Naturalized Neighbors

The International Center was honored to attend a recent naturalization ceremony, celebrating an inspiring milestone as 67 individuals from 33 countries took the oath of allegiance to become new U.S. citizens. Congratulations to all of our new neighbors and fellow American citizens!
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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

The Office of Protocol at The International Center and the Honorary Consulate of the Slovak Republic hosted a special flag-raising ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse to commemorate Slovakia’s National Constitution Day.

Raising the Slovak flag in the historic Statehouse served as a powerful symbol of international friendship and recognized the ongoing cultural and economic contributions of Slovak Americans across our state.

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Convene

The International Center was honored to attend the first Economic Club of Indiana's first luncheon of the year featuring Dave Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company. His insights on Lilly's continued success sparked meaningful reflection. We're especially grateful to have shared the experience with board members Dr. Hilary Kahn and Greg Stremlaw, and community partner Lee White.

Connect 

The International Center was honored to join the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) for the groundbreaking of new facilities at the future International Community Center in Indianapolis. Delivering remarks on our shared mission to elevate Indiana globally, International Center President and CEO Martin Baier reflected on the enduring legacy of Senator Richard Lugar, which lives on through BACI’s transformative work. Congratulations to BACI President & CEO Elaisa Vahnie and the Board of Directors on this incredible milestone!

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Upcoming International Events

Is your event missing from our calendar? Submit it!

 
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50th International Festival

October 1-3 | 10 AM - 9 PM 

Noblesville, IN

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A World of Flavor Awaits

October 3 | 11 AM - 4 PM

Hobbs Station

Plainfield, IN

A book and loop of film with the logo for the 2026 Iny Africa Book & Film Festival.

Indy Africa Book and Film Festival

October 3 | 10 AM - 3 PM

Central Library

Indianapolis, IN

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West Indianapolis International Festival

October 3 | 12 PM - 4 PM

Public Library, West Indianapolis Branch

Indianapolis, IN

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The Mexican and Mexican American Community in Indianapolis

October 6 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 

Online

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International Film "School for Defectors"

October 16 | 5:15 PM

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square

Indianapolis, IN

5th Annual AfroBall Indy - Bridging Cultures. Building Legacy

Annual AfroBall Indy - Bridging Cultures & Building Legacy

October 17 | 7 PM - 12 AM

Radius

Indianapolis, IN

Square logo of The Indianapolis Public Library.

Meet Your Neighbor: Afghanistan

October 22 | 12 PM - 1 PM 

The Indianapolis Public Library, Glendale Branch

Indianapolis, IN

 
Exploring Latin America-Venezuela

Exploring Latin America-Venezuela

October 24 | 11 AM - 1 PM

The Indianapolis Public Library, Glendale Branch

Indianapolis, IN

Author Chloe Gong next to two of her book jackets

An Evening with Chloe Gong

October 26 | 6 PM - 7 PM

The Indianapolis Public Library, Central Library

Indianapolis, IN

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