Author: Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Hiring Accounting Manager

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000 – $65,000 per year

Location: in person office in Fort Worth

We are looking for a team-oriented individual with experience in accounting and bookkeeping who will work alongside the President/CEO to manage the resources for this highly effective non-profit. We are looking for a skilled individual to maintain our financial records, including accounts payables and receivables. This individual will work closely with leadership to create and analyze financial reports.

Duties:

  • Manage and oversee the daily operations of all accounting including payroll and invoice creation
  • Prepare and review financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
  • Oversee accounts payable and receivable, and ensure timely payments
  • Manage account analysis and reconciliation, including bank statements and general ledger accounts
  • Prepare budgets and forecasts for the organization’s financial performance
  • Manage Finance Committee

Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
  • 3-5 years of experience in accounting or finance
  • Experience with non-profit finance
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

We offer a competitive salary package with benefits including medical, dental, HSA and Simple IRA matching. If you meet the qualifications listed above and are looking for a challenging new opportunity in accounting management, please apply today by sending a resume and cover letter to amy@fwsistercities.org.

2023-08-07 11:36

Sister Cities Hiring Accounting Manager

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000 – $65,000 per year

Location: in person office in Fort Worth

We are looking for a team-oriented individual with experience in accounting and bookkeeping who will work alongside the President/CEO to manage the resources for this highly effective non-profit. We are looking for a skilled individual to maintain our financial records, including accounts payables and receivables. This individual will work closely with leadership to create and analyze financial reports.

Duties:

  • Manage and oversee the daily operations of all accounting including payroll and invoice creation
  • Prepare and review financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
  • Oversee accounts payable and receivable, and ensure timely payments
  • Manage account analysis and reconciliation, including bank statements and general ledger accounts
  • Prepare budgets and forecasts for the organization’s financial performance
  • Manage Finance Committee

Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
  • 3-5 years of experience in accounting or finance
  • Experience with non-profit finance
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

We offer a competitive salary package with benefits including medical, dental, HSA and Simple IRA matching. If you meet the qualifications listed above and are looking for a challenging new opportunity in accounting management, please apply today by sending a resume and cover letter to amy@fwsistercities.org.

Fort Worth Wins Best Program in the Nation for the 11th Time

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2022 Best Overall Program Award and the Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding programming in 2022. The awards competition, which is open to over 500 sister city programs nationwide, recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and community sister city programs that are promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

President/CEO Mae Ferguson was also honored with the Ruth Hashimoto Award for her work for over 23 years in advancing citizen diplomacy and international exchange.

2022 was an incredible year for Fort Worth Sister Cities International. We consistently created programs that embody the mission of SCI, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation with numerous annual exchanges with our nine sister cities.

We were once again able to conduct annual adult and youth exchanges and stage our successful International Leadership Academy, a two-week global forum held in Fort Worth, uniting high school students from our sister cities with students in Fort Worth.

To secure additional revenue streams and reach other parts of the world, we received a grant from the World Learning organization to virtually home host students from Venezuela, and we reestablished important partnerships with the Congressional Office for International Leadership for professional development exchanges with the Republic of Georgia and Serbia.

We also launched the virtual roadshow series to keep our local community engaged through various cultural, educational and business topics while ramping up in-person events and activities. These activities included cooking classes and cultural celebrations like Japanese Children’s Day, as well as forums held with our European partners on the state of the economy and the affect the pandemic had on their cities and countries.

Donors make decisions on charitable donations based on the impact organizations make on the community. Anecdotal proof of success of sister city programs is not enough. With the help of the Center for Nonprofit Management, FWSCI collected data to prove that youth and adults who experience sister city programs:

  • Gain awareness of global issues
  • Can persevere in difficult situations
  • Increase their cultural competencyImprove their leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Improve their foreign language skills
  • Increase their confidence and independence

This leads to decreased stereotypes, racism, violence, and fear of other cultures, and increases empathy, creating a more peaceful world. This model can be shared with other SCI programs in the future.

This past year we focused on a new vision to create a culturally competent organization, as well as be the catalyst for the creation of an international center in Fort Worth. 2022 programs modeled everything the organization believes in: creating lifelong friendships, valuable partnerships and real-life experiences that foster peace and understanding. Through our programs, Fort Worth Sister Cities International is truly “connecting globally, thriving locally.”

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting held virtually and in-person on July 28, 2023.

2023-07-28 11:01

Fort Worth Wins Best Program in the Nation for the 11th Time

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2022 Best Overall Program Award and the Innovation in Business, Trade and Professional Exchange Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding programming in 2022. The awards competition, which is open to over 500 sister city programs nationwide, recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and community sister city programs that are promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

President/CEO Mae Ferguson was also honored with the Ruth Hashimoto Award for her work for over 23 years in advancing citizen diplomacy and international exchange.

2022 was an incredible year for Fort Worth Sister Cities International. We consistently created programs that embody the mission of SCI, promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation with numerous annual exchanges with our nine sister cities.

We were once again able to conduct annual adult and youth exchanges and stage our successful International Leadership Academy, a two-week global forum held in Fort Worth, uniting high school students from our sister cities with students in Fort Worth.

To secure additional revenue streams and reach other parts of the world, we received a grant from the World Learning organization to virtually home host students from Venezuela, and we reestablished important partnerships with the Congressional Office for International Leadership for professional development exchanges with the Republic of Georgia and Serbia.

We also launched the virtual roadshow series to keep our local community engaged through various cultural, educational and business topics while ramping up in-person events and activities. These activities included cooking classes and cultural celebrations like Japanese Children’s Day, as well as forums held with our European partners on the state of the economy and the affect the pandemic had on their cities and countries.

Donors make decisions on charitable donations based on the impact organizations make on the community. Anecdotal proof of success of sister city programs is not enough. With the help of the Center for Nonprofit Management, FWSCI collected data to prove that youth and adults who experience sister city programs:

  • Gain awareness of global issues
  • Can persevere in difficult situations
  • Increase their cultural competencyImprove their leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Improve their foreign language skills
  • Increase their confidence and independence

This leads to decreased stereotypes, racism, violence, and fear of other cultures, and increases empathy, creating a more peaceful world. This model can be shared with other SCI programs in the future.

This past year we focused on a new vision to create a culturally competent organization, as well as be the catalyst for the creation of an international center in Fort Worth. 2022 programs modeled everything the organization believes in: creating lifelong friendships, valuable partnerships and real-life experiences that foster peace and understanding. Through our programs, Fort Worth Sister Cities International is truly “connecting globally, thriving locally.”

Sister Cities International Annual Awards recognize excellence in overall programming and highlight key innovations in arts and culture; business and trade; humanitarian assistance; and youth and education. All award winners were honored during Sister Cities International’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting held virtually and in-person on July 28, 2023.

Team USA Brings Home Gold, Silver and Bronze

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

In its ongoing efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and provide opportunities to enhance understanding and awareness of different cultures on a global basis, Fort Worth Sister Cities International sent nearly 100 student athletes, coaches and staff to the Tricolore Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22-30.

The Athlete Ambassadors and coaches representing Fort Worth have been competing and living in an Olympic-style village with nearly 1,000 other student athletes from around the world, representing Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

The student athletes returned over the weekend and are bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

“We are so proud to be representing Fort Worth and the USA,” said Fort Worth Sister Cities President/CEO Mae Ferguson. “The student athletes have exhibited great sportsmanship and learned the true meaning of citizen diplomacy.”

The games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy with Fort Worth being the only city in the U.S.A. invited to participate.

2023-07-28 09:07

Team USA Brings Home Gold, Silver and Bronze

In its ongoing efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and provide opportunities to enhance understanding and awareness of different cultures on a global basis, Fort Worth Sister Cities International sent nearly 100 student athletes, coaches and staff to the Tricolore Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22-30.

The Athlete Ambassadors and coaches representing Fort Worth have been competing and living in an Olympic-style village with nearly 1,000 other student athletes from around the world, representing Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

The student athletes returned over the weekend and are bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

“We are so proud to be representing Fort Worth and the USA,” said Fort Worth Sister Cities President/CEO Mae Ferguson. “The student athletes have exhibited great sportsmanship and learned the true meaning of citizen diplomacy.”

The games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy with Fort Worth being the only city in the U.S.A. invited to participate.

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 33 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include Laila Abu Tobeh, Julieta Almanza, Anjali Ferguson, Dorothea Hart, Alexandra Rodriguez, Jonathan Pulido, and Ian Valderas; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Kimberly Kowalski and Dimanche Brewer.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a 10-day exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth Aug. 8-17.

All student applicants (grades 9-11) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

Find our more about youth exchanges>

2023-06-13 04:45

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 33 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include Laila Abu Tobeh, Julieta Almanza, Anjali Ferguson, Dorothea Hart, Alexandra Rodriguez, Jonathan Pulido, and Ian Valderas; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Kimberly Kowalski and Dimanche Brewer.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a 10-day exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth Aug. 8-17.

All student applicants (grades 9-11) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

Find our more about youth exchanges>

International Students Attend Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX: Peace Builders, Theme of Academy

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini, Italy, and Japan, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 34th International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at Texas Christian University July 8 – 23 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nelcy Cardenas, ILA Coordinator.

Participants will live on the TCU campus and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

2023-06-13 04:12

International Students Attend Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, TX: Peace Builders, Theme of Academy

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini, Italy, and Japan, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 34th International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at Texas Christian University July 8 – 23 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nelcy Cardenas, ILA Coordinator.

Participants will live on the TCU campus and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

Fort Worth Representing USA at Italian Sports Games

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fields youth sports teams

Fort Worth is sending nearly 100 student athletes and coaches to the seventh edition of the Tricolore Youth Sports Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22 – 30, 2023.

The games create an opportunity for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to nearly 1,000 athletes from around the world who will be participating in the event.

“Living with and competing against these young athletes, our students will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with them than what separates them,” said Matt Graves, Tricolore Chair in Fort Worth. “These are the types of experiences that help kids shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures and it’s a lot of fun, too!”

The athletes and coaches will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries, as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The games offer an international experience these kids will remember the rest of their lives. Bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals will be a highlight of their athletic careers,” said Tom Law, Tricolore Committee Member.

The Tricolore Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s sister city for 38 years, and Fort Worth will be the sole representative of the U.S.A. Teams participating are  competing in baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

2023-06-13 03:53

Fort Worth Representing USA at Italian Sports Games

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fields youth sports teams

Fort Worth is sending nearly 100 student athletes and coaches to the seventh edition of the Tricolore Youth Sports Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22 – 30, 2023.

The games create an opportunity for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to nearly 1,000 athletes from around the world who will be participating in the event.

“Living with and competing against these young athletes, our students will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with them than what separates them,” said Matt Graves, Tricolore Chair in Fort Worth. “These are the types of experiences that help kids shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures and it’s a lot of fun, too!”

The athletes and coaches will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries, as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The games offer an international experience these kids will remember the rest of their lives. Bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals will be a highlight of their athletic careers,” said Tom Law, Tricolore Committee Member.

The Tricolore Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s sister city for 38 years, and Fort Worth will be the sole representative of the U.S.A. Teams participating are  competing in baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Immersion

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD

In June, Fort Worth will welcome eight university students and two educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico for a Dual Language Enrichment Camp for Fort Worth elementary students in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD. The Toluca university students will act as international facilitators for the three-week camp June 12-29 at Burton Hill Elementary School.

This year’s theme is “Our World: Present, Past & Future” and will provide summer enrichment for FWISD students in dual language studies to increase language and literacy across the content areas. Nearly 100 students are expected to attend.

The Toluca facilitators and educators are being home hosted by local families in order to give these visitors a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to the culture of Toluca, as well.

While here the group will also explore local cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Visits include the Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square and more.

The closing showcase for Dual Language Camp will be held at Burton Hill Elementary School on June 29 at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

2023-05-11 12:07

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Immersion

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD

In June, Fort Worth will welcome eight university students and two educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico for a Dual Language Enrichment Camp for Fort Worth elementary students in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD. The Toluca university students will act as international facilitators for the three-week camp June 12-29 at Burton Hill Elementary School.

This year’s theme is “Our World: Present, Past & Future” and will provide summer enrichment for FWISD students in dual language studies to increase language and literacy across the content areas. Nearly 100 students are expected to attend.

The Toluca facilitators and educators are being home hosted by local families in order to give these visitors a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to the culture of Toluca, as well.

While here the group will also explore local cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Visits include the Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square and more.

The closing showcase for Dual Language Camp will be held at Burton Hill Elementary School on June 29 at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

Architectural Program from Mexico Partnering Locally

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Visiting delegation hosted by Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will host a delegation of architecture students from the prestigious campus of Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Fort Worth’s sister city of Toluca, Mexico.

Architectural engineering students and their professor will be in Fort Worth for a mentorship program May 30-June 7.

While in Fort Worth, the group will visit several businesses and universities to learn about the variety of potential careers in their chosen field, and to learn about the sciences behind those fields. The students will also learn about various structures throughout Fort Worth, known for their unique architecture. Students will visit: Huitt-Zollars, Mrs. Renfro’s, Sundance Square, Tarrant County College, Fort Worth Central Library, Tarrant County Courthouse, Trinity River Vision Authority, Texas and Pacific Station, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Multatech.

“Educational and professional exchanges are integral to the strength of Fort Worth’s global partnerships. These kinds of exchanges enhance local companies’ reach into global markets while at the same time creating stronger ties with our neighbors to the south,” said Toluca Chair Teresa Ayala.

In their free time, the group will visit sites such as the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Stockyards Station and AT&T Stadium.

To show the group our Texas hospitality, they will be home hosted.

2023-05-11 11:59

Architectural Program from Mexico Partnering Locally

Fort Worth, Texas – Visiting delegation hosted by Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International will host a delegation of architecture students from the prestigious campus of Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Fort Worth’s sister city of Toluca, Mexico.

Architectural engineering students and their professor will be in Fort Worth for a mentorship program May 30-June 7.

While in Fort Worth, the group will visit several businesses and universities to learn about the variety of potential careers in their chosen field, and to learn about the sciences behind those fields. The students will also learn about various structures throughout Fort Worth, known for their unique architecture. Students will visit: Huitt-Zollars, Mrs. Renfro’s, Sundance Square, Tarrant County College, Fort Worth Central Library, Tarrant County Courthouse, Trinity River Vision Authority, Texas and Pacific Station, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Multatech.

“Educational and professional exchanges are integral to the strength of Fort Worth’s global partnerships. These kinds of exchanges enhance local companies’ reach into global markets while at the same time creating stronger ties with our neighbors to the south,” said Toluca Chair Teresa Ayala.

In their free time, the group will visit sites such as the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Stockyards Station and AT&T Stadium.

To show the group our Texas hospitality, they will be home hosted.

Sister Cities Youth Board Elected for 2023-24 School Year

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

On May 7, the Fort Worth Youth International board elected officers for the 2023-24 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 President Leah Peterson, the board hosted a Taste of Sister Cities kickoff event, volunteered at the Mayor’s International International Dinner, Lunar New Year Celebration, and Japanese Children’s Day, educated their peers about New Year celebrations around the world, and organized a service project for Refugee Services of North Texas.

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

2023-24 Officers

  • President: Delia Sanchez Juarez, World Languages Institute
  • Vice President: Alexandra Rodriguez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Secretary: Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Fundraising Officer: Nara Acuna-Guba, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Public Relations Officer: Denise Smith, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Cultural Orientations and Programs Officer: Andrew Booth, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Community Outreach Officer: Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School

At Large Members, Harashin Scholars

  • Laila Abu Tobeh, Aledo High School
  • Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Dorothea Hart, Booker T. Washington High School
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Connor Smith, Paschal High School

At Large Members, School Representatives

  • International Newcomer Academy: Christian Jones
  • World Languages Institute: Aileene Santillan
  • Paschal High School: Sam Brown & Valeria Venegas
  • Western Hills High School: Vianet Garcia & Daisy Daniels
  • Arlington Heights High School: Keiko Sanchez
  • Northside High School: Dolores Mills
  • Trinity Valley School: Grace Hackworth
  • Young Women’s Leadership Academy: Aixa Rodiguez & Sidney Jones
  • McLean Middle School: Leah Mocek
  • Home School: Antti Havia
  • Southwest Christian School: Carson Stavenhagen
  • IM Terrell: Ava Stubblefield
  • Fort Worth Country Day School: Gigi Schueneman
  • All Saints Episcopal School: Erin Miller
  • Southlake Carroll High School: Lauren Oliver
  • Crowley Collegiate High School: Shynice Conner

2023-05-09 09:56

Sister Cities Youth Board Elected for 2023-24 School Year

On May 7, the Fort Worth Youth International board elected officers for the 2023-24 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 President Leah Peterson, the board hosted a Taste of Sister Cities kickoff event, volunteered at the Mayor’s International International Dinner, Lunar New Year Celebration, and Japanese Children’s Day, educated their peers about New Year celebrations around the world, and organized a service project for Refugee Services of North Texas.

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

2023-24 Officers

  • President: Delia Sanchez Juarez, World Languages Institute
  • Vice President: Alexandra Rodriguez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Secretary: Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Fundraising Officer: Nara Acuna-Guba, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Public Relations Officer: Denise Smith, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Cultural Orientations and Programs Officer: Andrew Booth, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Community Outreach Officer: Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School

At Large Members, Harashin Scholars

  • Laila Abu Tobeh, Aledo High School
  • Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Dorothea Hart, Booker T. Washington High School
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Connor Smith, Paschal High School

At Large Members, School Representatives

  • International Newcomer Academy: Christian Jones
  • World Languages Institute: Aileene Santillan
  • Paschal High School: Sam Brown & Valeria Venegas
  • Western Hills High School: Vianet Garcia & Daisy Daniels
  • Arlington Heights High School: Keiko Sanchez
  • Northside High School: Dolores Mills
  • Trinity Valley School: Grace Hackworth
  • Young Women’s Leadership Academy: Aixa Rodiguez & Sidney Jones
  • McLean Middle School: Leah Mocek
  • Home School: Antti Havia
  • Southwest Christian School: Carson Stavenhagen
  • IM Terrell: Ava Stubblefield
  • Fort Worth Country Day School: Gigi Schueneman
  • All Saints Episcopal School: Erin Miller
  • Southlake Carroll High School: Lauren Oliver
  • Crowley Collegiate High School: Shynice Conner

Young Artists and Poets Chosen to Represent Fort Worth

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 and literature.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition.

We want to give a special thanks to our Young Artists and Authors Co-Chairs Rachel Jenkins and Julia King and their committee for recruiting judges and securing prize money.

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

Artists (classic)

Artists (digital)

Poets

2023-04-24 11:37

Young Artists and Poets Chosen to Represent Fort Worth

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 and literature.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International held the local showcase to choose student pieces to be submitted to the worldwide competition.

We want to give a special thanks to our Young Artists and Authors Co-Chairs Rachel Jenkins and Julia King and their committee for recruiting judges and securing prize money.

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

Artists (classic)

Artists (digital)

Poets