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February 2025, NewsletterLetter from the Director
I am sure many of you share my concerns over the current “pause” on all funds for federal programs. We don’t know yet how it will affect us long-term but we are moving ahead, at this point, GTABQ is in a solid position, and we can sustain our work in the short-term.
From there, we will see but I do know, we will always stay true to our mission and seek to promote peace and cooperation between nations.
I think the universe is issuing us all a challenge, calling on us to demonstrate kindness, tolerance, and optimism. To stand up for what we believe in and fight to support the freedoms and advancement of all peoples. Thank you for your tremendous support of our work, we can’t do it without you!
“Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” —George Addair
We are thrilled to present our new Program Officer, Rosa Soriano Ynfante!!
Rosa completed a master's degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Sciences and Management from New Mexico Highlands University, where she was recognized as Graduate Researcher of the Year in 2023. Her research focused on the socioeconomic aspects of biochar adoption in northern New Mexico, reflecting her interest in the intersection of social sciences and environmental solutions. Her foundation in sustainable development began at Zamorano University in Honduras, where she completed her bachelor's degree. This international education fostered her commitment to promoting harmonious relationships between people and nature.
Originally from Constanza, Dominican Republic, Rosa brings a multicultural perspective shaped by her experiences living, studying, and working across the Americas. Through exploring approximately 13 countries, she has enriched her understanding of diverse cultural approaches to environmental stewardship and community development.
Rosa's expertise spans program management, partnership development, and community engagement, with significant experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives and managing large-scale projects. Her commitment to global agricultural development was recognized in 2023 when she was selected to represent the Caribbean region at the Young Farmer Forum during the
Global Forum for Food and Agriculture Conference in Berlin. Throughout her career, Rosa has worked and volunteered across multiple countries, including the Dominican Republic, United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Honduras, dedicating herself to building bridges between different cultures and fostering meaningful international connections.
In her role as Program Officer at Global Ties ABQ, Rosa is eager to expand her knowledge in international exchange programs while facilitating meaningful connections between global leaders and the Albuquerque community. She brings her passion for connecting people across cultures to her professional life, combining project management experience with a genuine commitment to fostering international collaboration and understanding. When not working, Rosa can be found enjoying outdoor activities, dancing, and engaging in cultural exchanges that broaden her perspective. She remains particularly interested in exploring South America's diverse cultural heritage and Asia's rich traditions, driven by her belief in the transformative power of cross-cultural experiences.
A BIG, HUGE thank you to GTABQ member Antionette Pacheco, who did a stellar job as contract program officer over the last 2 months. She pulled together some awesome exchanges, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
This week, Government-to-Government Global Partnership (G3P) Fellow met with FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez , District Attorney Sam Bregman and other APD and Bernalillo County representatives on efforts to mitigate narcotics trafficking. G3P is technically not part of the IVLP, but the State Department’s Office of International Visitors manages it. The G3P program brings mid-level Japanese government officials to the U.S. for a one-year exchange for English study, professional meetings, and to meet Americans.
This delegation is here from January 31 to February 4. 5 Participants from Kazakhstan
During their time in the US, the project will examine the U.S. fiscal system in terms of its transparency and accountability. Participants from the Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) and the Finance Ministry of Kazakhstan will learn the role of open discussions at all stages of the budgeting process. The project will focus on the operation of the Government Accountability Office and similar state-level organizations to learn how fiscal transparency can increase the effectiveness of budgeting and spending.
Feb 4-5: Scripting Change: Women Screenwriters in Contemporary Hindi Cinema
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
· Understand the arts and cultural landscape in the United States and examine how artists and organizations are supported privately and commercially.
· Understand the role that intellectual property rights and licensing agreements play in creating a healthy business environment for artists, writers, and investors.
· Illustrate the role of governmental, non-governmental, public-private partnerships, universities, corporations, and grassroots organizations in fostering and supporting the growth of arts and cultural enterprises.
· Examine trends in financing, distribution, management, operations, promotion, and marketing.
· Explore the work of organizations and institutions that offer script and career development training, workshopping, and retreats for women and nonbinary screenwriters.
There are no dinner-hosting opportunities for this group, but members are welcome to join the group during their meetings and/or ride along on the bus! If interested, please write to: programofficer@gloibaltiesabq.org
March 2-6: Ending Gender-Based Violence, A Regional Project for the Western Hemisphere
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
· Review best practices for preventing gender-based violence;
· Discuss techniques to identify forms of gender-based abuse, report abuse, prosecute abusers, and provide assistance and protection to victims of gender-based violence;
· Improve understanding of how fostering economic opportunities, education, entrepreneurship, political participation, and leadership, can serve as tools for combating violence; and
· Examine education and outreach initiatives that focus on women’s legal rights, the responsibility of men and boys to avoid perpetuating gender-based violence, and combating trafficking in persons.
We will have dinner hosting opportunities for this group, and, as always, members are welcome to join the group during their meetings and/or ride along on the bus! If interested, please write to: programofficer@gloibaltiesabq.org
Our Speaker For Our 2025 Annual meeting is David Campbell
Here is more about him:
David S. Campbell is a New Mexico lawyer. He has worked as an attorney, city official, and development leader in New Mexico for several decades. He presently is the Executive Director of Lobo Development Corporation, working on commercial development of UNM’s land assets. Previously, he was CEO and Chief Counsel for Mesa del Sol, a master planned commercial, industrial, and residential community in Albuquerque. Campbell is a 38-year member of the NM State Bar, practicing municipal and real estate law in the private and public sectors. His government roles have included serving as Albuquerque City Attorney, Planning Director, and CAO/City Manager. Campbell retired from the U.S. Department of State as a diplomat, having served in Africa and South America, in addition to service as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. He speaks fluent French and Spanish. He is a graduate of Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, with graduate and law degrees from the University of New Mexico. He is a proud Highland Hornet. He and his wife Shelly are the proud parents of two adult children and five grandchildren.
A Big Shout-out to Our New Benefactors:
Jill Van Nortwick, John Chavez, and David His
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