Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Stay up to date with Global Ties Detroit!
OUR NEWS
Read the latest on public diplomacy, international exchange, and the Global Ties community.
Building Global Bridges in Detroit: International Business Leader Faris Alami Reflects on the Power of Global Exchange
May 21, 2025
As a long-time volunteer, global diplomat, and Chair Emeritus of Global Ties Detroit (GTD), Faris Alami has played an essential role in strengthening international connections through professional exchange. His leadership at both GTD and his organization, International Strategic Management (ISM), exemplifies how hosting international fellows can transform not only the visiting professionals, but the communities and teams that welcome them.
For Faris, the experience is deeply personal.
“As an immigrant myself, hosting international fellows means a lot to me,” he shares. “It’s about exposing my team to incredible global talent from around the world here in Detroit. On one hand, they’re introduced to new ideas and fresh perspectives, and on the other, they get to support these fellows as they explore the U.S. It’s a powerful, mutual exchange of culture and innovation.”
Faris has welcomed fellows from around the world through many different programs, one including the Professional Fellows Program, a U.S. Department of State initiative administered locally by Global Ties Detroit. These exchanges foster professional development and cross-cultural understanding — and sometimes create unforgettable memories along the way.
“One of the most memorable moments was hosting fellows during Halloween. For many of them, it’s a completely new and surprising holiday. Seeing their reactions — especially to trick-or-treating — is always a fun cultural moment that brings us all closer.”
Currently, Faris and the ISM team are hosting fellows from Korea, and the collaboration is already showing great results.
“It’s been amazing. One fellow is contributing to our marketing efforts, while the other is supporting our STEAM programming. They’re working on completely different projects, but both bring unique value. Of course, they’re learning — they’re interns at the end of the day — but the information exchange goes both ways. It’s been incredibly impactful for them and for our team.”
Looking ahead, Faris is enthusiastic about welcoming fellows from Ukraine, who bring a different background and professional experience to the table.
“Our Ukrainian fellows will be recent college graduates with 3–5 years of work experience. That makes them a bit more equipped to handle larger challenges. I’m excited to see what they’ll contribute during their time at ISM.”
Through his dedication to hosting and mentoring fellows, Faris continues to exemplify the mission of Global Ties Detroit: fostering citizen diplomacy, professional exchange, and global understanding at the local level.
“It’s not just about the fellows learning from us,” he says. “It’s about all of us learning from each other.”
ARCHIVES
May, 2026
April, 2026
March, 2026
January, 2026
November, 2025
July, 2025
May, 2025
April, 2025
November, 2024
September, 2024
August, 2024
July, 2024
April, 2024
March, 2024
January, 2024
December, 2023
November, 2023
October, 2023
September, 2023
August, 2023
July, 2023
June, 2023
May, 2023
March, 2023
January, 2023
December, 2022
November, 2022
October, 2022
June, 2022
May, 2022
April, 2022
February, 2022
January, 2022
December, 2021
November, 2021
October, 2021
June, 2021
May, 2021
March, 2021
February, 2021
January, 2021
OFFER A HOMESTAY
By opening your home to international visitors, you are given the opportunity to experience a new culture and build lasting friendships.
Contact Us Now
VOLUNTEER
From hosting dinners in your home to accompanying delegations or planning events, there are many ways to help.
Contact Us Now
