Sister Cities Presents Global Impact Awards

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Joanne and David Campbell are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Fort Worth Sister Cities celebrates its 35-year relationship with Trier, Germany. Honorary Dinner Chairs Helmut and Hilde Horchler will also be recognized.

During dinner global recognition will be highlighted through awards given to honor businesses, individuals and organizations that make a significant contribution to global understanding, world political stability and international trade or cooperative efforts to solve international health, economic, social or environmental challenges.

This year’s recipients include:

  • Fort Worth Zoo – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD
  • Jacques Marquis – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD
  • Mrs. Renfro’s – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD
  • Eosera Inc., Elyse Dickerson & Joe Griffin – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD

The event is made possible by the Fort Worth Sister Cities Members Circle of Giving, a network of individuals, organizations, corporations and community leaders committed to expanding global relationships for peace and prosperity at home and abroad.

Funding and in-kind support from the City of Fort Worth plays a key role in the Sister Cities’ mission, but most work is made possible from public support through the Members Circle of Giving.

The dinner will be held Nov. 3 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. For ticket information click here.

Fort Worth Wins Best Youth Program in the Nation

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International Innovation in Youth & Education Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding youth programming in 2021. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has some of the most robust international youth programming in the U.S. We focus a majority of our programming on youth because we know that these programs change the trajectory of a student’s life by:

  • Improving school performance
  • Teaching perseverance
  • Providing problem-solving skills
  • Giving students an edge for universities and scholarships
  • Increasing their desire to serve the community
  • Creating empathy for others

In 2021, Fort Worth Sister Cities International explored ways to increase the innovation and diversity of our programs. With the pandemic preventing many in-person programs and exchanges, the team of staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves, conducted numerous zoom meetings, and designed virtual programming for students and educators to increase global competency in our community.

Because most of the programming was conducted virtually, it was accessible to many more students since there was little cost associated with the online programming. The students we recruited demonstrated Fort Worth’s diversity to the world: 37% Latino/Hispanic; 17% White; 24% Black; 19% Asian/Pacific Islander; and 3% multi-racial.

Programs conducted in 2021 included:

  1. Virtual Youth Ambassador exchange with Nagaoka, Japan
  2. The Experiment Digital virtual exchange program through the US Department of State
  3. Showcase of Young Artists and Authors
  4. Local student group Fort Worth Youth International
  5. Virtual programming with Boys & Girls Club of Tarrant County and Toluca, Mexico
  6. Virtual International Leadership Academy with six sister cities
  7. World Learning virtual homestay with Central America and the Dominican Republic

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 July 8.

Click here to find out more about youth programs.

2022-07-12 11:09

Fort Worth Wins Best Youth Program in the Nation

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International Innovation in Youth & Education Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for outstanding youth programming in 2021. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has some of the most robust international youth programming in the U.S. We focus a majority of our programming on youth because we know that these programs change the trajectory of a student’s life by:

  • Improving school performance
  • Teaching perseverance
  • Providing problem-solving skills
  • Giving students an edge for universities and scholarships
  • Increasing their desire to serve the community
  • Creating empathy for others

In 2021, Fort Worth Sister Cities International explored ways to increase the innovation and diversity of our programs. With the pandemic preventing many in-person programs and exchanges, the team of staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves, conducted numerous zoom meetings, and designed virtual programming for students and educators to increase global competency in our community.

Because most of the programming was conducted virtually, it was accessible to many more students since there was little cost associated with the online programming. The students we recruited demonstrated Fort Worth’s diversity to the world: 37% Latino/Hispanic; 17% White; 24% Black; 19% Asian/Pacific Islander; and 3% multi-racial.

Programs conducted in 2021 included:

  1. Virtual Youth Ambassador exchange with Nagaoka, Japan
  2. The Experiment Digital virtual exchange program through the US Department of State
  3. Showcase of Young Artists and Authors
  4. Local student group Fort Worth Youth International
  5. Virtual programming with Boys & Girls Club of Tarrant County and Toluca, Mexico
  6. Virtual International Leadership Academy with six sister cities
  7. World Learning virtual homestay with Central America and the Dominican Republic

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 July 8.

Click here to find out more about youth programs.

Young Artists and Authors 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 Chair Rachel Malone and her 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)

Authors & Poets

Photographers

Musicians

2022-04-01 08:00

Young Artists and Authors 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 Chair Rachel Malone and her 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)

Authors & Poets

Photographers

Musicians

Sister Cities Presents Global Impact Awards

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 21, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 20th Mayor’s International Dinner & Global Awards will be held Nov. 11, 2021 at the River Ranch Stockyards. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Dr. Rachael and Carlo Capua are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Sister Cities celebrates its first sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Global Awards will also be presented to individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability and international commerce in the following categories.

Jerry Boonyaratanakornkit and Rich Petronis – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD. This is a new award created to recognize a trail-blazing business based on their vision to achieve their goals and to promote Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships and establishing global connections to provide understanding of other cultures.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD. This award recognizes organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives. Last year’s awardee was the Links, Inc.

The Kimbell Art Museum – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD. Awarded last year to Cook Children’s Health Care System, this award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD. This award is based on an individual’s role in promoting Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships, and establishing connections, particularly in the areas of business, culture, education, immigration, and tourism. Past honorees include: 2015 Recipient: U. S. Congresswoman Kay Granger 2017 Recipient: Bob Jameson 2019 Recipient: Ross Perot, Jr.

2021-10-25 08:52

Sister Cities Presents Global Impact Awards

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 21, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 20th Mayor’s International Dinner & Global Awards will be held Nov. 11, 2021 at the River Ranch Stockyards. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mayor Mattie Parker and Dinner Chairs, Dr. Rachael and Carlo Capua are hosting an evening of international cuisine and entertainment as Sister Cities celebrates its first sister city, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Global Awards will also be presented to individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to citizen diplomacy, global understanding, world political stability and international commerce in the following categories.

Jerry Boonyaratanakornkit and Rich Petronis – GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD. This is a new award created to recognize a trail-blazing business based on their vision to achieve their goals and to promote Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships and establishing global connections to provide understanding of other cultures.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD. This award recognizes organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives. Last year’s awardee was the Links, Inc.

The Kimbell Art Museum – GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD. Awarded last year to Cook Children’s Health Care System, this award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya – GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD. This award is based on an individual’s role in promoting Fort Worth globally, developing international partnerships, and establishing connections, particularly in the areas of business, culture, education, immigration, and tourism. Past honorees include: 2015 Recipient: U. S. Congresswoman Kay Granger 2017 Recipient: Bob Jameson 2019 Recipient: Ross Perot, Jr.

36th Annual Meeting a Big Success

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Sept. 20, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 36th Annual Meeting was held earlier this month at the Hilton Hotel, attended by over 200 community leaders and members.

A major announcement was made regarding the creation of the Connect Globally Endowment for International Relations which was established by a generous gift from Connie Beck and Frank Tilley in memory of their parents James and Janeyl Beck and Gordon and Mable Tilley. The endowment was created to ensure that the valuable work done by Fort Worth Sister Cities International is sustained well into the future. For information about the endowment click here.

Fort Worth Sister Cities also honored several individuals and organizations for their work in the community and promotion of Fort Worth around the world.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Cindy Johnson. Johnson helped lead Sister Cities’ Long Range Planning effort by creating an exciting vision of the future. She helped create a new vision for Fort Worth Sister Cities International to become a hub for international relations in the City of Fort Worth.

MedStar Mobile Healthcare was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. During the pandemic, MedStar donated an ambulance to Fort Worth’s sister city of Toluca, Mexico. Not only was it used to help during the pandemic, but it is now being used to assist victims of domestic violence.

Milena Razack received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Razack began by home hosting many students, as well as holding events in her home as part of the planning team for the International Leadership Academies in 2020 and in 2021. Parents of youth ambassadors often get involved in programs by home hosting.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “We are grateful for these committed volunteers and organizations who know what it means to be good citizen diplomats.”

See the photos from the 36th Annual Meeting.

2021-09-20 03:49

36th Annual Meeting a Big Success

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Sept. 20, 2021) – Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 36th Annual Meeting was held earlier this month at the Hilton Hotel, attended by over 200 community leaders and members.

A major announcement was made regarding the creation of the Connect Globally Endowment for International Relations which was established by a generous gift from Connie Beck and Frank Tilley in memory of their parents James and Janeyl Beck and Gordon and Mable Tilley. The endowment was created to ensure that the valuable work done by Fort Worth Sister Cities International is sustained well into the future. For information about the endowment click here.

Fort Worth Sister Cities also honored several individuals and organizations for their work in the community and promotion of Fort Worth around the world.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Cindy Johnson. Johnson helped lead Sister Cities’ Long Range Planning effort by creating an exciting vision of the future. She helped create a new vision for Fort Worth Sister Cities International to become a hub for international relations in the City of Fort Worth.

MedStar Mobile Healthcare was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. During the pandemic, MedStar donated an ambulance to Fort Worth’s sister city of Toluca, Mexico. Not only was it used to help during the pandemic, but it is now being used to assist victims of domestic violence.

Milena Razack received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Razack began by home hosting many students, as well as holding events in her home as part of the planning team for the International Leadership Academies in 2020 and in 2021. Parents of youth ambassadors often get involved in programs by home hosting.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “We are grateful for these committed volunteers and organizations who know what it means to be good citizen diplomats.”

See the photos from the 36th Annual Meeting.

Citizen Diplomacy Through Art

Fort Worth, TX- Local student wins national photography award

Fort Worth Sister Cities International brings international attention to Fort Worth with its nine sister cities in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico since 1985.

This month local Fort Worth student Marissa Heckmann from I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA was announced as the third-place finalist in the photography category of the 2021 Young Artists and Authors Showcase held by Sister Cities International.

The YAAS has given youth from around the globe the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original artwork and literature. The 2021 showcase encouraged youth to submit entries inspired by the theme “United in Hope.” Young artists and authors shared their vision of unity and highlighted the importance of hope and perseverance in both local and global communities to navigate these difficult times.

“Since its inception, youth have been submitting their inspiring artwork to the Young Artists and Authors Showcase. Every year, we are increasingly in awe of the youth’s work. This year’s entries are especially creative and expressive, exemplifying the theme in ways we never would have imagined. We’re excited to share the next generation’s work with the world on our website” said Leroy Allala, Sister Cities International President and CEO.

In past years, Sister Cities International has sent the artwork on tour to several cities across the U.S. However, due to the pandemic, this year it will not be possible to do so. This year’s winners and finalists will have their work showcased on the Sister Cities International website, making it accessible for many to appreciate the artwork. Additionally, the artwork was displayed in an art gallery during the Youth Leadership Summit Public Forum on August 12, 2021.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “While international travel is limited, that doesn’t mean global relationship building can’t continue. We are so proud of Marissa’s creativity and her desire to make our world a better place.”

2021-08-26 11:50

Citizen Diplomacy Through Art

Fort Worth, TX- Local student wins national photography award

Fort Worth Sister Cities International brings international attention to Fort Worth with its nine sister cities in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico since 1985.

This month local Fort Worth student Marissa Heckmann from I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA was announced as the third-place finalist in the photography category of the 2021 Young Artists and Authors Showcase held by Sister Cities International.

The YAAS has given youth from around the globe the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original artwork and literature. The 2021 showcase encouraged youth to submit entries inspired by the theme “United in Hope.” Young artists and authors shared their vision of unity and highlighted the importance of hope and perseverance in both local and global communities to navigate these difficult times.

“Since its inception, youth have been submitting their inspiring artwork to the Young Artists and Authors Showcase. Every year, we are increasingly in awe of the youth’s work. This year’s entries are especially creative and expressive, exemplifying the theme in ways we never would have imagined. We’re excited to share the next generation’s work with the world on our website” said Leroy Allala, Sister Cities International President and CEO.

In past years, Sister Cities International has sent the artwork on tour to several cities across the U.S. However, due to the pandemic, this year it will not be possible to do so. This year’s winners and finalists will have their work showcased on the Sister Cities International website, making it accessible for many to appreciate the artwork. Additionally, the artwork was displayed in an art gallery during the Youth Leadership Summit Public Forum on August 12, 2021.

“In an increasingly divided world, Sister Cities brings individuals, cultures and countries together for the benefit of all,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, Board Chairman. “While international travel is limited, that doesn’t mean global relationship building can’t continue. We are so proud of Marissa’s creativity and her desire to make our world a better place.”

Fort Worth Wins Sister Cities International’s 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for the production of the 35 Things in 35 Days social media campaign. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International was established on June 26, 1985, making the year of 2020 the organization’s 35th anniversary. Because meeting in person was not an option, 35 Things in 35 Days was born with the goal of educating the community about the cultures of Fort Worth’s sister cities and celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary through fun and informative videos. Starting 35 days prior to June 26, 2020, a new video was debuted each day live on Facebook featuring one of Fort Worth’s sister cities.

This project was a unique way to connect with supporters not just in Fort Worth, but all over the world. Volunteers and colleagues in Fort Worth and all nine of Fort Worth’s sister cities participated. Participants were able to stay involved by contributing their time and talents to the organization from home. They were energized when invited to participate and developed creative ways to engage with others from cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, tai chi classes, asparagus picking in France and more.

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 2021 Annual Conference held virtually July 15-16.

Click here to watch the presentation of Fort Worth’s award by Sister Cities International President and CEO Leroy Allala.

Click here to watch the videos from 35 Things in 35 Days.

2021-07-27 05:11

Fort Worth Wins Sister Cities International’s 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award

Fort Worth, Texas has won the Sister Cities International 2020 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award for a city with a population greater than 300,000 for the production of the 35 Things in 35 Days social media campaign. 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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International was established on June 26, 1985, making the year of 2020 the organization’s 35th anniversary. Because meeting in person was not an option, 35 Things in 35 Days was born with the goal of educating the community about the cultures of Fort Worth’s sister cities and celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary through fun and informative videos. Starting 35 days prior to June 26, 2020, a new video was debuted each day live on Facebook featuring one of Fort Worth’s sister cities.

This project was a unique way to connect with supporters not just in Fort Worth, but all over the world. Volunteers and colleagues in Fort Worth and all nine of Fort Worth’s sister cities participated. Participants were able to stay involved by contributing their time and talents to the organization from home. They were energized when invited to participate and developed creative ways to engage with others from cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, tai chi classes, asparagus picking in France and more.

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 2021 Annual Conference held virtually July 15-16.

Click here to watch the presentation of Fort Worth’s award by Sister Cities International President and CEO Leroy Allala.

Click here to watch the videos from 35 Things in 35 Days.

Fort Worth Has Best Sister Cities Program in Nation

Fort Worth, Texas – 10th time to be recognized with award

At the 2020 Sister Cities International annual conference attended by over 1,200 people from around the world, Fort Worth was recognized as having the “Best Sister Cities Program in the Nation” for the 10th time in its 35-year history.

Will Lourcey who is a member of our youth board Fort Worth Youth International graciously accepted the award on our behalf. Furthermore, Will was recognized with the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to our community

“We recognize the significance of the international relations established for our city and its citizens through Fort Worth Sister Cities International and are proud to once again accept this award. We have an amazing network of members and volunteers that work tirelessly to bring impactful programs to Fort Worth for students, adults and businesses,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman.

Established 35 years ago, Fort Worth Sister Cities has brought international attention to Fort Worth through its nine sister city relationships in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico in an effort to create respect of and better understanding between cultures.

With a major focus on youth programming, Sister Cities serves a diverse group of students creating culturally competent youth who are prepared for the challenges of a global community. These programs help decrease violence, racism and stereotypes in Fort Worth and abroad. They focus on international understanding and leadership training which can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

2020-07-09 12:29

Fort Worth Has Best Sister Cities Program in Nation

Fort Worth, Texas – 10th time to be recognized with award

At the 2020 Sister Cities International annual conference attended by over 1,200 people from around the world, Fort Worth was recognized as having the “Best Sister Cities Program in the Nation” for the 10th time in its 35-year history.

Will Lourcey who is a member of our youth board Fort Worth Youth International graciously accepted the award on our behalf. Furthermore, Will was recognized with the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to our community

“We recognize the significance of the international relations established for our city and its citizens through Fort Worth Sister Cities International and are proud to once again accept this award. We have an amazing network of members and volunteers that work tirelessly to bring impactful programs to Fort Worth for students, adults and businesses,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman.

Established 35 years ago, Fort Worth Sister Cities has brought international attention to Fort Worth through its nine sister city relationships in China, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico in an effort to create respect of and better understanding between cultures.

With a major focus on youth programming, Sister Cities serves a diverse group of students creating culturally competent youth who are prepared for the challenges of a global community. These programs help decrease violence, racism and stereotypes in Fort Worth and abroad. They focus on international understanding and leadership training which can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

Fort Worth Honors Community and Global Leaders

Fort Worth, TX – Community Awards Given to Global Leaders

Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 34th Annual Meeting was held Sept. 18 at The Fort Worth Club, attended by nearly 300 community leaders and members.

Fort Worth honored individuals and organizations for their work in the community and promotion of Fort Worth around the world.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Carlo Capua, Z’s Café & Locavore. Carlo’s first experience with Sister Cities was as a student, attending his first International Leadership Academy in 1993 which awoke the giant within. From there forward, Capua home hosted international visitors, served as a Youth Ambassador on exchanges, organized a local young alumni group and now serves on the board of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Sister Cities International, the national organization in Washington, D.C.

Fort Worth Country Day School was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. The school has been a valued partner for many years, hosting nearly 50 international students and educators from Japan, France and Germany this year alone. Fort Worth Country Day has served as a host for high school and middle school students many times, involves many students in leadership position for Sister Cities and supports educators as delegation leaders on many exchanges.

Andréanne Annis received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Annis has led student exchanges to Hungary, Japan and France many times. She played a huge role in the official signing with our newest sister city, Nîmes, France in February, by organizing the official welcoming reception, acting as translator and hosting guests throughout their stay. Annis has also home hosted delegations when they visited Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is proud to work with such outstanding volunteers and organizations, who help fulfill our mission to the community.

Check out photos from the event!

2019-09-26 09:00

Fort Worth Honors Community and Global Leaders

Fort Worth, TX – Community Awards Given to Global Leaders

Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 34th Annual Meeting was held Sept. 18 at The Fort Worth Club, attended by nearly 300 community leaders and members.

Fort Worth honored individuals and organizations for their work in the community and promotion of Fort Worth around the world.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Carlo Capua, Z’s Café & Locavore. Carlo’s first experience with Sister Cities was as a student, attending his first International Leadership Academy in 1993 which awoke the giant within. From there forward, Capua home hosted international visitors, served as a Youth Ambassador on exchanges, organized a local young alumni group and now serves on the board of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Sister Cities International, the national organization in Washington, D.C.

Fort Worth Country Day School was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. The school has been a valued partner for many years, hosting nearly 50 international students and educators from Japan, France and Germany this year alone. Fort Worth Country Day has served as a host for high school and middle school students many times, involves many students in leadership position for Sister Cities and supports educators as delegation leaders on many exchanges.

Andréanne Annis received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award. Annis has led student exchanges to Hungary, Japan and France many times. She played a huge role in the official signing with our newest sister city, Nîmes, France in February, by organizing the official welcoming reception, acting as translator and hosting guests throughout their stay. Annis has also home hosted delegations when they visited Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is proud to work with such outstanding volunteers and organizations, who help fulfill our mission to the community.

Check out photos from the event!

Fort Worth Elects Global Leaders

Fort Worth, TX – Brackett & Ellis’ Veronica Chavez Law Takes the Reins

Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 33rd Annual Meeting, are Chairwoman, Veronica Chavez Law, Brackett & Ellis; Chair Elect, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Renfro Foods; Past/Nominating Chair, Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Treasurer, Frank Tilley, SeatonHill; Secretary, Casey Dyer Oliver, Texas A&M; Development Chair, Rich Lowe, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP; Long Range Planning Chair, Pat Miller, Texas Christian University; Exchanges and Outreach Chair, Dr. Sheryl Harris, Tarrant County College; and Marketing Chair, Lydia Rickard, LCOMM Marketing.

New board members include: Jason Brown, Doss, Knight & Associates; Florence Bruner, Firehouse Auto Sales; David Campbell, Huitt-Zollars; Shanna Cate; Trinity River Vision Authority; Jeff Dyer, Crescent Realty; Cindy Johnson; Rachel Malone, Merrill Lynch; Bonnie Melhart, Texas Christian University; Steve Peglar, WhitleySmith Company; and Andy Roseliep, BB&T.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Dr. Michael Roemer. The Rotary Club of Fort Worth was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement and Matt Graves received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Chairman of the national office of Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C., spoke to the Members Circle about the importance of sister city relationships. “As mayor, I believe that the most important infrastructure any city can invest in is its relationships with other people, cultures, and cities. By building bridges for peace and creating cities of opportunity, we can thrive in a 21st global economy,” said Nirenberg. “These connections not only add cultural value, but have unlimited economic potential.”

Board members returning for a 2nd term include: Michael Crain, Dr. Paul Geisel, Dr. Michael Jacobsson and Walter Stucker. City chairs to serve a two-year term are: Bonnie Melhart, Bandung, Indonesia; Jason Brown, Budapest, Hungary; Robert Fitzgerald, Guiyang, China; Nommo Donald,  Mbabane, eSwatini; Libby Watson, Nagaoka, Japan; Rachel Malone, Nîmes, France; Dr. Michael Jacobsson, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Florence Bruner, Toluca, Mexico; and Shanna Cate, Trier, Germany.

Click here to see photos from the event.

2018-09-28 02:03

Fort Worth Elects Global Leaders

Fort Worth, TX – Brackett & Ellis’ Veronica Chavez Law Takes the Reins

Newly elected officers at Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s 33rd Annual Meeting, are Chairwoman, Veronica Chavez Law, Brackett & Ellis; Chair Elect, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Renfro Foods; Past/Nominating Chair, Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Treasurer, Frank Tilley, SeatonHill; Secretary, Casey Dyer Oliver, Texas A&M; Development Chair, Rich Lowe, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP; Long Range Planning Chair, Pat Miller, Texas Christian University; Exchanges and Outreach Chair, Dr. Sheryl Harris, Tarrant County College; and Marketing Chair, Lydia Rickard, LCOMM Marketing.

New board members include: Jason Brown, Doss, Knight & Associates; Florence Bruner, Firehouse Auto Sales; David Campbell, Huitt-Zollars; Shanna Cate; Trinity River Vision Authority; Jeff Dyer, Crescent Realty; Cindy Johnson; Rachel Malone, Merrill Lynch; Bonnie Melhart, Texas Christian University; Steve Peglar, WhitleySmith Company; and Andy Roseliep, BB&T.

The Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership was awarded to Dr. Michael Roemer. The Rotary Club of Fort Worth was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement and Matt Graves received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Chairman of the national office of Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C., spoke to the Members Circle about the importance of sister city relationships. “As mayor, I believe that the most important infrastructure any city can invest in is its relationships with other people, cultures, and cities. By building bridges for peace and creating cities of opportunity, we can thrive in a 21st global economy,” said Nirenberg. “These connections not only add cultural value, but have unlimited economic potential.”

Board members returning for a 2nd term include: Michael Crain, Dr. Paul Geisel, Dr. Michael Jacobsson and Walter Stucker. City chairs to serve a two-year term are: Bonnie Melhart, Bandung, Indonesia; Jason Brown, Budapest, Hungary; Robert Fitzgerald, Guiyang, China; Nommo Donald,  Mbabane, eSwatini; Libby Watson, Nagaoka, Japan; Rachel Malone, Nîmes, France; Dr. Michael Jacobsson, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Florence Bruner, Toluca, Mexico; and Shanna Cate, Trier, Germany.

Click here to see photos from the event.