Year: 2025

Sister Cities Youth Board Elected for 2025-26 School Year

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

On May 4, the Fort Worth Youth International board elected officers for the 2025-26 school year. Stay tuned to hear about their innovative plans to engage youth in the Fort Worth community.

A celebration was held to thank the outgoing board for their many accomplishments during the year. Led by Nara Acuña Guba, the board hosted the Global Expo kickoff event, volunteered at the Mid-Autumn Festival, Day of the Dead celebation, Mayor’s International International Dinner, Lunar New Year celebration, and Japanese Children’s Day, and organized a service project for Catholic Charities.

Thank you to our outgoing board and congratulations to the new board!

2025-26 Officers

  • President: Gigi Helling – Fort Worth Country Day
  • Vice President: Sean Hong – Fort Worth Country Day
  • Secretary: Ana Garcia – Crowley Collegiate Academy
  • Public Relations: Daisy Daniels – Western Hills High School
  • Membership & Recruitment: Michael Rodriguez – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Service & Fundraising: James Ryder Lopez – Trinity Valley School
  • Cultural Events: Savannah Solsbery – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Cultural Events Deputy: Hassan Piaubert – Game Development Design School

2025-05-19 09:34

Sister Cities Youth Board Elected for 2025-26 School Year

On May 4, the Fort Worth Youth International board elected officers for the 2025-26 school year. Stay tuned to hear about their innovative plans to engage youth in the Fort Worth community.

A celebration was held to thank the outgoing board for their many accomplishments during the year. Led by Nara Acuña Guba, the board hosted the Global Expo kickoff event, volunteered at the Mid-Autumn Festival, Day of the Dead celebation, Mayor’s International International Dinner, Lunar New Year celebration, and Japanese Children’s Day, and organized a service project for Catholic Charities.

Thank you to our outgoing board and congratulations to the new board!

2025-26 Officers

  • President: Gigi Helling – Fort Worth Country Day
  • Vice President: Sean Hong – Fort Worth Country Day
  • Secretary: Ana Garcia – Crowley Collegiate Academy
  • Public Relations: Daisy Daniels – Western Hills High School
  • Membership & Recruitment: Michael Rodriguez – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Service & Fundraising: James Ryder Lopez – Trinity Valley School
  • Cultural Events: Savannah Solsbery – Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Cultural Events Deputy: Hassan Piaubert – Game Development Design School

Young Artists, Authors and Musicians Chosen to Represent Fort Worth in International Showcase

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

For decades, Sister Cities International has leveraged the power that art has to transform societies and transcend cultural boundaries through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase, or YAAS. The showcase has given youth worldwide the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original art, literature, and music.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition interpreting the theme “Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace.” All artists will be recognized along with their original pieces at a special reception on May 19.

Congratulations to all the artists, authors, and musicians who were selected and entered into the international competition.

Artists (classical) Age 15-18
 
Artists (classical) Age 12-14
 
Artists (digital)
 
Photographers Age 15-18
 
Photographers Age 12-14
 
Authors Age 12-14
 
Poets Age 15-18
 
Poets Age 12-14
 
Musicians Age 15-18
 

A special thanks to our judges for their help in selecting the pieces to be submitted to the international competition.

Artists (classical)

  • Brian Dickson, Jr.
  • Nicole Erickson
  • Hilde Horchler
Artists (digital)
  • Greg Bahr
  • Nicole Erickson
  • Hilde Horchler
Photographers
  • Drew Shaw
  • Britt Stokes
  • Leo Wesson
Poets & Authors
  • Bronwyn Logan
  • Scott Nishimura
  • Estrus Tucker
Musicians
  • Alton Adkins
  • Dennis Jewitt

2025-04-22 11:23

Young Artists, Authors and Musicians Chosen to Represent Fort Worth in International Showcase

For decades, Sister Cities International has leveraged the power that art has to transform societies and transcend cultural boundaries through the Young Artists and Authors Showcase, or YAAS. The showcase has given youth worldwide the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original art, literature, and music.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition interpreting the theme “Friendship: The Heartbeat of Global Peace.” All artists will be recognized along with their original pieces at a special reception on May 19.

Congratulations to all the artists, authors, and musicians who were selected and entered into the international competition.

Artists (classical) Age 15-18
 
Artists (classical) Age 12-14
 
Artists (digital)
 
Photographers Age 15-18
 
Photographers Age 12-14
 
Authors Age 12-14
 
Poets Age 15-18
 
Poets Age 12-14
 
Musicians Age 15-18
 

A special thanks to our judges for their help in selecting the pieces to be submitted to the international competition.

Artists (classical)

  • Brian Dickson, Jr.
  • Nicole Erickson
  • Hilde Horchler
Artists (digital)
  • Greg Bahr
  • Nicole Erickson
  • Hilde Horchler
Photographers
  • Drew Shaw
  • Britt Stokes
  • Leo Wesson
Poets & Authors
  • Bronwyn Logan
  • Scott Nishimura
  • Estrus Tucker
Musicians
  • Alton Adkins
  • Dennis Jewitt

French Exchange Students to Experience Fort Worth Culture Through Sister Cities Program

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — Fifteen students from Lycée Albert Camus in Nîmes, France, will arrive in Fort Worth on March 2 for a week-long cultural exchange program hosted by Fort Worth Country Day, World Languages Institute, and Nolan Catholic High School. The visit strengthens the sister city relationship between Fort Worth and Nîmes, which has been active since 2019.

The French students will stay with local host families and shadow their American counterparts at the three participating schools. Their itinerary combines educational experiences with quintessential Texas cultural activities, including tours of AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, a visit to the Fort Worth Zoo, and an afternoon at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards featuring the famous cattle drive.

“This exchange provides an invaluable opportunity for both our French visitors and Fort Worth students to gain firsthand cultural understanding and build lasting international friendships,” said Rachel Bradford, Youth & Education Chair.

The visiting students will also attend a performance of “Oklahoma” at Nolan Catholic High School and participate in special presentations at their host schools. The week concludes with a farewell potluck dinner hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International on March 8, celebrating the bonds formed between the sister cities’ young people.

This exchange program exemplifies Fort Worth’s commitment to fostering international understanding and cultural exchange through its Sister Cities program. The visiting students will return to France on March 9.

2025-02-20 04:08

French Exchange Students to Experience Fort Worth Culture Through Sister Cities Program

Fort Worth, TX — Fifteen students from Lycée Albert Camus in Nîmes, France, will arrive in Fort Worth on March 2 for a week-long cultural exchange program hosted by Fort Worth Country Day, World Languages Institute, and Nolan Catholic High School. The visit strengthens the sister city relationship between Fort Worth and Nîmes, which has been active since 2019.

The French students will stay with local host families and shadow their American counterparts at the three participating schools. Their itinerary combines educational experiences with quintessential Texas cultural activities, including tours of AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, a visit to the Fort Worth Zoo, and an afternoon at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards featuring the famous cattle drive.

“This exchange provides an invaluable opportunity for both our French visitors and Fort Worth students to gain firsthand cultural understanding and build lasting international friendships,” said Rachel Bradford, Youth & Education Chair.

The visiting students will also attend a performance of “Oklahoma” at Nolan Catholic High School and participate in special presentations at their host schools. The week concludes with a farewell potluck dinner hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International on March 8, celebrating the bonds formed between the sister cities’ young people.

This exchange program exemplifies Fort Worth’s commitment to fostering international understanding and cultural exchange through its Sister Cities program. The visiting students will return to France on March 9.

International Runners From Nimes, France Join Cowtown Marathon

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Eighteen runners from Fort Worth’s sister city, Nîmes, France, will participate in the upcoming Cowtown Marathon, featuring two extraordinary senior athletes aged 81 and 82 years old.

The international delegation represents a unique cultural exchange between Fort Worth and Nîmes, showcasing the cities’ ongoing sisterhood through athletic competition. These runners will join thousands of marathoners traversing Fort Worth’s diverse urban and park routes.

The group’s participation underscores the international spirit of the Cowtown Marathon and highlights the strong bond between the two cities.

Join our Nimes Committee to help welcome them to Fort Worth. Email Beth Weibel for more info.

2025-01-23 12:57

International Runners From Nimes, France Join Cowtown Marathon

Fort Worth, TX – Eighteen runners from Fort Worth’s sister city, Nîmes, France, will participate in the upcoming Cowtown Marathon, featuring two extraordinary senior athletes aged 81 and 82 years old.

The international delegation represents a unique cultural exchange between Fort Worth and Nîmes, showcasing the cities’ ongoing sisterhood through athletic competition. These runners will join thousands of marathoners traversing Fort Worth’s diverse urban and park routes.

The group’s participation underscores the international spirit of the Cowtown Marathon and highlights the strong bond between the two cities.

Join our Nimes Committee to help welcome them to Fort Worth. Email Beth Weibel for more info.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International Announces 2024-2025 Board Leadership

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities International is pleased to announce its newly elected officers who began their terms Oct. 1, 2024. These distinguished community leaders were approved during the organization’s Annual Meeting on Sept. 10, 2024. This announcement comes alongside the retirement of longtime President/CEO Mae Ferguson effective Jan. 2, 2025 after 25 years of distinguished service.

Mae Ferguson’s retirement marks the end of an era for FWSCI. Under her leadership, the organization has significantly expanded Fort Worth’s global presence, strengthened international partnerships, and developed innovative cultural exchange programs that have benefited thousands of citizens.

“Our recently elected board members and officers will build upon this strong foundation as they lead Fort Worth Sister Cities International into its next chapter and its 40th anniversary,” said Kippen de Alba Chu, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. “Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission of promoting Fort Worth as an international gateway for education and culture.”

The following individuals will serve as Officers of the Board:

  • Chairwoman – Cindy Johnson, Organizational Leadership Consultant
  • Chair Elect – David Campbell, Huitt Zollars
  • Secretary – Staussa Ervin, EdD, MindPeace Integrated Psychotherapy
  • Treasurer – Jason Brown
  • Past Chair/Nominating – Greg Jackson, Rocky Walton Injury Lawyers

Recently elected board members include:

  • Brian Brooks, DFW International Airport
  • Robbie Clarke, Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
  • Fernando Costa, Costa Consulting
  • Emily Crockett, Vaquero Ventures
  • Vishal Gandhi, Hillwood
  • Amy Hailey, Texas Health Resources
  • Julia King, Deloitte
  • Andrea Smith, PhD, RN
  • John Stevenson, The Projects Group
  • Jordan Stimpson, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP

For a full list of board members, click here.

2025-01-21 11:38

Fort Worth Sister Cities International Announces 2024-2025 Board Leadership

Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities International is pleased to announce its newly elected officers who began their terms Oct. 1, 2024. These distinguished community leaders were approved during the organization’s Annual Meeting on Sept. 10, 2024. This announcement comes alongside the retirement of longtime President/CEO Mae Ferguson effective Jan. 2, 2025 after 25 years of distinguished service.

Mae Ferguson’s retirement marks the end of an era for FWSCI. Under her leadership, the organization has significantly expanded Fort Worth’s global presence, strengthened international partnerships, and developed innovative cultural exchange programs that have benefited thousands of citizens.

“Our recently elected board members and officers will build upon this strong foundation as they lead Fort Worth Sister Cities International into its next chapter and its 40th anniversary,” said Kippen de Alba Chu, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. “Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission of promoting Fort Worth as an international gateway for education and culture.”

The following individuals will serve as Officers of the Board:

  • Chairwoman – Cindy Johnson, Organizational Leadership Consultant
  • Chair Elect – David Campbell, Huitt Zollars
  • Secretary – Staussa Ervin, EdD, MindPeace Integrated Psychotherapy
  • Treasurer – Jason Brown
  • Past Chair/Nominating – Greg Jackson, Rocky Walton Injury Lawyers

Recently elected board members include:

  • Brian Brooks, DFW International Airport
  • Robbie Clarke, Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
  • Fernando Costa, Costa Consulting
  • Emily Crockett, Vaquero Ventures
  • Vishal Gandhi, Hillwood
  • Amy Hailey, Texas Health Resources
  • Julia King, Deloitte
  • Andrea Smith, PhD, RN
  • John Stevenson, The Projects Group
  • Jordan Stimpson, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP

For a full list of board members, click here.

A Farewell Letter From Mae Ferguson

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Dear Board of Directors, Members, and Staff of Fort Worth Sister Cities International,  

As I reflect on my 25-year journey with this incredible organization, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Together, we have transformed Fort Worth Sister Cities International from a small initiative to a nationally recognized leader in citizen diplomacy.

When I joined in 2000, I could never have imagined the profound impact we would make. We expanded our membership, increased our budget fivefold, and established the Connect Globally Endowment to ensure our organization’s future sustainability.

Our work has touched thousands of lives and we have built meaningful international relationships.  Each partnership has been a testament to the power of human connection and mutual understanding. I am particularly proud of our youth programs, which have provided scholarships, leadership opportunities, and cultural exchanges that have transformed young lives.

To my colleagues, board members, and the incredible volunteers who have been the heart of this organization – thank you. Your dedication has made our mission of promoting global understanding and citizen diplomacy a reality.

To my incredible staff, both the long-tenured members who have been steadfast pillars of this organization and the newer members who bring fresh ideas and energy, I am deeply grateful for your dedication and passion. Together, we have built a culture of excellence and I truly appreciate each and everyone of you.

As I step down, I leave with a heart full of memories, pride in our achievements, and absolute confidence in the bright future of Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

With deep appreciation,

Mae Ferguson

2025-01-06 11:58

A Farewell Letter From Mae Ferguson

Dear Board of Directors, Members, and Staff of Fort Worth Sister Cities International,  

As I reflect on my 25-year journey with this incredible organization, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Together, we have transformed Fort Worth Sister Cities International from a small initiative to a nationally recognized leader in citizen diplomacy.

When I joined in 2000, I could never have imagined the profound impact we would make. We expanded our membership, increased our budget fivefold, and established the Connect Globally Endowment to ensure our organization’s future sustainability.

Our work has touched thousands of lives and we have built meaningful international relationships.  Each partnership has been a testament to the power of human connection and mutual understanding. I am particularly proud of our youth programs, which have provided scholarships, leadership opportunities, and cultural exchanges that have transformed young lives.

To my colleagues, board members, and the incredible volunteers who have been the heart of this organization – thank you. Your dedication has made our mission of promoting global understanding and citizen diplomacy a reality.

To my incredible staff, both the long-tenured members who have been steadfast pillars of this organization and the newer members who bring fresh ideas and energy, I am deeply grateful for your dedication and passion. Together, we have built a culture of excellence and I truly appreciate each and everyone of you.

As I step down, I leave with a heart full of memories, pride in our achievements, and absolute confidence in the bright future of Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

With deep appreciation,

Mae Ferguson