First off, a warm welcome to our latest team member, Inas El Ouazguiti. Inas comes to us as a referral from a member who hosted her father during an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2016. During his visit, he decided to enroll his daughter at the Menaul School where she graduated in 2020. She just completed her B.A. at the University of South Florida in Computer Science with a focus on Data Science and Automation. We were looking for some help in implementing data impact reports and well…just proves what Nadeem Aslam said in The Wasted Vigil, “Pull a thread here and you’ll find it’s attached to the rest of the world.” Read more about Inas below.

And speaking of threads being attached, I’m honored to announce our two new Board Members, Chris Ferrara, Assistant Head of School at Menaul School, and Kelley Tredwin, co-owner of Altalune Wealth Advisors. Both have extensive travel histories and love being connected by our global thread. Absolutely thrilled to have their talents, expertise, and commitment to supporting international exchange in our Enchanted City! Bienvenue à Board!!

Most will have dinner hosting opportunities for members and with all, members are always welcome to tag along in meetings. We’ll be sending out emails but please let us know if you’re interested by writing us at info@globaltiesabq.org!

We’ll also be hosting a picnic on Saturday, May 25, with the YTILI fellows and IVLP program Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development II. Bring food, drink, games, curious minds, and join us for the fun! Flyer sent to members and more below.

So, we’re weaving away and thanking all of you for your contributions to the beautiful tapestry we make!

Because of his visit to ABQ, Inas’ father discovered the Menaul School and decided to enroll her as a student. After graduating, and thanks to a U.S. Government program which allows visiting high school students to continue on to college in the U.S., Inas enrolled at the University of South Florida where she just completed a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on Data Science and Automation. She reached out to us as was looking for contract work to support her visa application.

Talk about perfect timing! One of my goals as Executive Director has been to improve our data capture for which we recently implanted a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system; it’s what we’ve been using to stay better connected to you. But we’re also using it to stay connected with our visitors and, in particular, capturing feedback on their experience in our Enchanted City. So, our visitors are now automatically registered in the system from which we send out periodic surveys asking how ABQ impacted them, not just with the visit, but how is their experience being applied to their work in their home countries!

Turns out Inas is a data wonk, loves that stuff…and knows how to build platforms and mechanisms that help us visualize that kind of data, YEAH!!!

Inas is originally from Morocco and speaks four languages including French, Arabic, English, and some elementary Spanish. In her words, ”I am very excited to work with Global Ties; I admire the organization's mission in emphasizing the power of international exchanges and love being able to be a small part of this endeavor! Also, Global Ties is the organization that my dad came to the US on an exchange program with back in 2016, and is partly the reason why I had the chance of attending Menaul School and furthering my studies in the computer science field!”

This multi-regional group visited Santa Fe and Albuquerque to delve into pressing social issues and inspiring community initiatives. From engaging with dedicated advocates at The Life Link to witnessing the vibrant cultural preservation efforts at the Santa Fe Indian Center, they gained profound insights into homelessness, cultural empowerment, and the intersection of faith and social justice. Meeting with visionary leaders at AIO and learning about empowering advocacy at NM Dream Team/Center, they discovered the transformative power of community-driven solutions. Amidst exploration of our rich cultural heritage, they reflected on the invaluable lessons learned, highlighting the importance of collaboration and grassroots initiatives in fostering positive change.

Introducing Constantin Grosch from Germany! Constantin comes from Hamelin, situated along the Weser River, known for the legendary tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. He's a fervent advocate for disability rights and improving public transport accessibility. Despite mighty challenges, he's emerged as one of Germany's pioneering state parliament members, championing change and inclusivity every step of the way.

During his time with Global Ties ABQ, Constantin delved into New Mexico's natural wonders, finding peace in its tranquil landscapes. He engaged with various organizations including the NM Department of Workforce Solutions Human Rights Bureau, the New Mexico Dream Team, and American Indians for Opportunity, among others. A highlight of his visit was attending the Gathering of Nations, the largest Native American pow-wow with over 780 tribes from North America, offering him a unique insight into the resilience of marginalized communities. He aims to infuse his work in Germany with the same spirit of resisting external influences, drawing inspiration from the native communities' approach here.

At Global Ties ABQ, we're privileged to collaborate with leaders like Constantin who drive positive global change. Let's continue bridging cultures and nurturing understanding for a more inclusive and fair world!

Protecting our Environment Through International Exchange Article

Read this Global Ties U.S. article on environmental impact through community and IVLP initiatives.

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Read Article

Countdown with Sarah Scoles | The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons

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WorldNow with Jim Falk – featuring science journalist and author Sarah Scoles, who will discuss the reality of nuclear weapons in the present day and what it means for our global future.

When: Tuesday, May 2 | 7:00 PM ET

Where: Zoom Webinar

Free Tickets Here

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Calling all music enthusiasts! We're thrilled to announce our partnership with AMP Concerts and the Outpost Performance Space to present the incredibly talented Kiran Ahluwalia!

Experience the modern fusion of Indian and Pakistani vocal traditions as Ahluwalia crafts her own contemporary sound, blending Sufi, Qawalli, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk with influences from Mali and Western music.

As a special offer, enjoy exclusive access to tickets at the member rate of $25. Don't miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable musical journey! Grab your tickets now!

Please fill out the Google form below to then access the ticket link

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We Offer Four Membership Levels:

Member - $60 / Supporter - $120 / Benefactor - $150+ / Student free

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