Global Ties Detroit

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A Summer of Success

October 14, 2022

Global Ties Detroit - an organization that is breaking barriers and defying stereotypes one program at a time.

Within the past 6 months, I’ve had the privilege of working at Global Ties Detroit as one of their Program Assistants. As a Program Assistant, I get to enjoy a wide variety of responsibilities and opportunities. When I’m in the office, my time is filled researching local resources for incoming programs, developing program proposals and itineraries, and aiding our team when they need an extra hand. Though times in the office can (and do) get busy, the biggest reward is getting to see all of our work come to life through the programs. Connecting with the fellows is the most fulfilling part about working at Global Ties Detroit. — It’s why we do what we do!

With a mission to promote global exchange, Global Ties Detroit has been establishing connections between the city and international leaders since its launch in 1972. Against all odds, the organization prevailed in 2020 through a number of virtual programs and events, such as; Combating Gender Violence, Waste-to-Energy Solutions, Digital Governance, etc.. This fall season, Global Ties Detroit will mark 50 years of success thanks to the group’s outstanding adaptability. What better way to commemorate this milestone anniversary than through the achievements of this past summer alone, which saw record-breaking numbers of hosting over 400 fellows from over 100 countries.

During the summer, I worked closely with three of our groups; Exchange for Pakistani Secondary Educators/Administrators (EPSEA), Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program (SYLEP), and Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Out of these groups I was able to interact with, I’ve never met more inspiring, passionate, and dedicated people. Each group had unique qualities that I, as well as everyone else they encountered in Detroit, will never forget.

Beginning in May, Global Ties Detroit participated in the EPSEA program. The goal of this program was for secondary teachers in Pakistan to develop skills in identifying and providing services to students with learning disabilities. This is the first group I was able to meet, which ended up being a learning experience for all of us. Meeting and working with institutions like Oakland University and Eton Academy, EPSEA provided numerous opportunities for the participants’ knowledge of their field to expand. Besides spending time studying and networking, the group also got to enjoy some of their time exploring and visiting the local attractions. Being lucky enough to join them during these excursions, I had the chance to get to know each of the participants and take them around to some of Michigan’s most famous shopping destinations. Their fun-loving and optimistic views set us up to have a great rest of the summer.

YALI was one of our longer programs, lasting over a month long. During this program, Africa’s Public Management and Administration leaders gathered with a common goal of increasing economic growth and prosperity, democracy, and peace and security. They were able to acquire these skills through visiting cultural sites and museums, networking, and undergoing leadership training. This group was so willing to immerse in the history and culture of Detroit, and didn’t shy away from the chance to educate themselves more. They were truly an inspirational group, and I’m grateful to have shared in their experiences.

The final group I got to work with was SYLEP. Through two separate cohorts, we hosted the groups and helped them reach their goals. This program is designed to build leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional skills through international exchange. Throughout their stay, SYLEP was able to visit multiple cultural sites and organizations. One stand-out organization they visited was the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. They also had the opportunity to get involved in multiple volunteer opportunities in Detroit. This group had some of the most friendly and spirited people I’ve ever met, and their excitement for culture and leadership was contagious.

Global Ties Detroit has seen immense growth over the past half century. It has given people from all over the world the chance to see, learn, and experience the benefits of international exchange. Even I got to participate in events and visit places I’ve never been to before. This goes to show that having Global Ties Detroit in our city is not only a benefit to our relationships around the world, but also with the people right next door!

Moving forward, Global Ties Detroit shows no signs of stopping or slowing down. Although I wasn’t around to witness the incredible growth of this organization, I was still able to observe and contribute to the results of this year’s successes. With all that we’ve accomplished in the past year alone, Global Ties Detroit depicts a bright future and even stronger relationships to come.

Sophia LeVeque

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