The latest news, programs, and events from The International Center.
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Celebrate World Citizen Day with Us on July 27
On Monday, July 27, we're honoring World Citizen Day: a day that celebrates individual rights, recognizes the contributions of world citizens, and reflects on what it means to be a world citizen. On this day, we’re celebrating people like you and the meaningful opportunities for global engagement you’ve helped make possible through The International Center.
This summer, The International Center invites you to take part in a Day of Giving in honor of World Citizen Day. Your support helps expand initiatives that open doors to global connection across our community. Mark your calendar! We look forward to sharing more soon.
On June 6, The International Center hosted its third annual Loving Day celebration, bringing the community together to honor love, unity, and the legacy of Loving v. Virginia,the landmark 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down laws banning interracial marriage nationwide. The event featured meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and a joyful recognition of couples and families whose relationships reflect connection across cultures and backgrounds.
We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors: Pacers Sports and Entertainment, Indianapolis Colts, and FedEx Cares. Thank you to our wonderful couples for sharing their stories and being part of this special celebration, to our guests for showing up with warmth and support, and to our vendors and community partners for helping create such a welcoming and memorable experience.
View the event photo gallery, courtesy of Chapital Photography, below.
Know an Emerging Global Leader? Nominate them for the 2026 Global Impression Award
Nominations are open now through July 31 for The International Center’s Global Impression Award! 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. To learn more about selection criteria, see past recipients, and to fill out the nomination form, visit the Global Impression Award page below.
INTLCTR CEO Advocates for Global Engagement in D.C.
The International Center’s President and CEO, Martin Baier, recently participated in the 2026 U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) Impact Forum in Washington, D.C. Baier serves on both the USGLC Indiana Advisory Committee and its Veterans for Smart Power initiative.
The annual forum convenes leaders from defense, diplomacy, development, and agriculture who share the belief that “America wins when America leads.” The event provides a platform for collaboration and dialogue on the importance of global engagement and international partnerships.
As part of the forum, Baier joined fellow participants for meetings on Capitol Hill with members of Indiana’s congressional delegation and their staff. These discussions highlighted appreciation for continued bipartisan support of international assistance programs and resources that strengthen America’s role abroad.
Expert Webinar on Doing Business with East Asia
Join The International Center for Doing Business with East Asia, a brief and informative webinar exploring Indiana’s trade and investment connections with East Asia.
The session will feature Cameron Johnson, Senior Partner at TidalWave Solutions, an Asia-focused consulting and HR firm, along with Colin Renk of The International Center and Wendy Leutert of Indiana University. Cameron will share insights on international supply chains and de-risking strategies in a post-2020 global business environment.
Indonesian Sports Leaders Visit Indiana Ahead of 2028 Olympic Games
Senior Manager of Global Programs Neelam Patel recently welcomed a delegation from Indonesia’s National Olympic Committee through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The visit, part of the “Road to LA28: U.S. Excellence in Sports Management” initiative, included the Committee’s President and focused on strengthening Indonesia’s elite sports development and international partnerships ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
During their time in Indiana, delegates engaged with Indiana University Athletics, IU Global, and IU Swimming to explore student-athlete development, high-performance training, and global collaboration in higher education. The program also featured facility tours, attendance at an Indiana Fever game, and a meeting with Indiana Sports Corp to examine best practices in sports administration, event management, and sports diplomacy. These exchanges fostered meaningful connections and laid the groundwork for future academic and athletic partnerships between Indonesia and the United States, an effort that The International Center is proud to support.
New Blog Post: Skills Emerging Professionals Need in a Global Workplace
Global workplaces aren’t just overseas anymore — they’re right here in Indiana, where emerging professionals are collaborating across cultures and perspectives every day. Our new blog explores the essential skills needed to succeed in this environment. It also highlights how The International Center supports this growth through programs like Global Competency and Cross-Cultural Training, Cultural Intelligence (CQ®) Assessments & Debrief, Culture Mapping Tools, and opportunities such as the James T. Morris Global Leadership Series, offering young professionals a clear path to thrive in today’s interconnected workforce.
New Blog Post: The Stars and Stripes at 250: Honoring America's Flag
Americans’ relationship with their flag is a unique one. As we celebrate Independence Day and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Stars and Stripes serve as a powerful symbol of our history, shared values, and the principles upon which the United States was established. Our flag flies at Rockefeller Center, the United Nations, and even the Moon, but the average American isn’t always familiar with the protocol for displaying it. The International Center’s Chief of Protocol serves a special purpose. In fact, Peter Kirkwood’s role requires an in-depth knowledge of the U.S. Flag Code and the international customs that govern the display of national flags.
As our nation celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, communities across the country will gather for parades, fireworks, ceremonies, and community celebrations. This year’s observance carries added significance as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, providing an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history and the symbols that represent it. Since the first American flag was adopted, 27 official versions have flown over our nation, with today’s familiar 50-star flag introduced in 1960 following Hawaii’s admission as the 50th state.
Reading the Situation: Choosing the Right Approach Across Cultures
This one-hour webinar for the Hillenbrand Culture Hive Employee Resource Group explored how cultural intelligence begins with accurately reading the context before choosing a response. Participants examined how cultural expectations, communication styles, relationships, hierarchy, and decision-making influence workplace interactions and why the same approach may not be effective in every situation. Through practical workplace scenarios and discussion, attendees learned how to pause, assess cultural dynamics, and adapt their communication to build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and achieve better outcomes.
The session emphasized moving beyond automatic reactions toward intentional, culturally informed decision-making, leaving participants with practical strategies to improve collaboration and effectiveness across diverse teams.
Applications for The International Center’s Fall 2026 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.
The International Center is a catalyst toinform, convene,and connectpublic, private and civic global objectives in Indiana.
Inform
Esther Earbin Sandlin, INTLCTR board member and Associate General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at FHL Bank of Indianapolis, presented welcome remarks on behalf of The Center and a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol to the newest, eldest citizen, on June 18. 60 people from 21 countries took the citizenship oath, administered at Conner Prairie.
Convene
The International Center hosted a virtual Festival Fund information session on June 18, bringing together community stakeholders, committee members, and past grantees to explain how funding decisions are made and the types of cultural events supported. Established in 2011, the Festival Fund provides $250 to $2,000 awards to organizations in the greater Indianapolis area that celebrate cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding, and highlight Central Indiana’s many nationalities. If you missed the information session and would like to learn more about the Festival Fund, please contact Melanie Hamon, Development and Engagement Manager.
Connect
The International Center team had a wonderful time attending the Strawberry Festival in downtown Indianapolis. Despite the summer heat, it was a joy to come together, enjoy this beloved community tradition, and celebrate the spirit of connection that events like these bring to our city. We are grateful to Christ Church Cathedral and the event organizers for creating such a welcoming experience and for continuing to host meaningful events that bring the Indianapolis community together.
Upcoming International Events
Is your event missing from our calendar?Submit it!
2026 Guelaguetza Mosaicos Festival
July 11 | 12 PM - 4:00 PM
Indianapolis Public Library – Central Library 40 E Saint Clair St
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