Global Ties Miami

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to wish everyone happy holidays! 🎄✨ This year has been filled with incredible meetings, events, and connections, and we are immensely grateful for the unwavering support we've received from our donors, partners, and community members. A special thank you to those who supported us during events like our annual fundraising gala and Give Miami Day. Your generosity has made a meaningful impact on our mission, and we couldn't do it without you. We wish you all a holiday season filled with happiness, joy, and time spent with loved ones. Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024 — here's to an even brighter 2025! 🌟

Our visitors from Iraq had an insightful meeting with Dr. Virginia Walsh, Senior Professional Geologist at Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, where they explored the department’s cutting-edge programs focused on water resource management. Dr. Walsh, with over 20 years of experience, guided the delegation through the Water Use Efficiency Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, and the Connect 2 Protect Program, which help Miami-Dade manage the growing demand for water. They also learned how the department tackles the salt front issue through advanced groundwater monitoring and modeling techniques. Christina Garcia-Alario, P.G., a Professional Geologist at the department, also shared her expertise on innovative research and technology in hydrogeology, particularly in relation to water quality and groundwater systems. Her insights on managing large multi-well Underground Injection Control (UIC) systems were instrumental in highlighting the department’s commitment to preserving Miami’s water resources. We sincerely thank Dr. Walsh and Ms. Garcia-Alario and the entire team, for their time and knowledge in sharing how Miami-Dade is preparing for the future of water management. Their work is essential in ensuring a sustainable and resilient water system for the community. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

We recently welcomed a Water Resource Management IVLP group from Iraq. The visitors met with Dr. Esber Andiroglu, a Professor at the University of Miami, to discuss cutting-edge strategies for water resource management in the face of climate change. Dr. Andiroglu, an expert in sustainability and the built environment, shared his research on nature-based solutions for coastal resilience and innovative approaches to water-energy infrastructures in urban communities. His work in these areas is helping to shape the future of water resource management and climate adaptation, providing critical insights for the challenges ahead. The visitors learned about the university’s focus on sustainable design and technologies aimed at addressing water scarcity, salinization, and the growing pressures on urban water systems. Dr. Andiroglu’s expertise on the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and resilience was an invaluable part of this session, equipping the delegation with knowledge to take back to their home countries. A huge thank you to Dr. Esber Andiroglu for his time, expertise, and dedication to advancing solutions for global water challenges. We appreciate your efforts to inspire and educate future leaders in water resource management. University of Miami International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

As the Digital Diplomacy for Influencers IVLP group's visit came to a close, they had the opportunity to meet with Ana María Carrano, Managing Editor of Factchequeado. This meeting was a powerful reminder of the importance of quality journalism in the fight against disinformation. Ana María shared insights on how Factchequeado empowers Latino communities by providing them with reliable information and educational tools to enhance media literacy. Factchequeado's commitment to promoting transparency and accountability is crucial in today's information landscape. Their non-partisan initiatives help bridge the information gap, ensuring Spanish-speaking communities can navigate digital spaces confidently. A special thank you to Ana María and her team for their dedication to fostering informed decision-making among Latinos in the U.S. Your work inspires change! International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Our “Digital Diplomacy for Influencers” IVLP group was honored to meet with Ana Sofia Pelaez, the visionary Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Miami Freedom Project. Ana shared the innovative strategies her organization employs to raise awareness about important social issues and to recruit community members for collaborative service projects. The Miami Freedom Project is dedicated to building a just and equitable Miami through outreach, education, and movement building. Ana’s insights into the organization’s partnerships with grassroots groups to combat hate and misinformation resonated deeply with our visitors. Their collaborative efforts, including the impactful “No Más Disinfo” initiative, aim to track and address disinformation in Spanish-language media, ensuring a more informed community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ana Sofía Peláez for her passionate leadership and for equipping our visitors with knowledge that empowers them to enact positive change within their own communities. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

We were excited to facilitate a meeting for our “Digital Diplomacy for Influencers” IVLP group with Sophie Ringel, the passionate founder of Clean Miami Beach. Sophie has transformed her love for the environment into impactful action through her organization, which conducts weekly beach cleanups and advocates for sustainable practices. During this enlightening session, she discussed the best strategies for advocacy and how they have effectively grown their social media presence to engage the community in meaningful ways. Sophie highlighted how Clean Miami Beach uses social media to showcase their advocacy work at both the local and national levels. By emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental issues, Sophie inspires others to adopt sustainable habits and actively participate in preserving our natural habitats. We are incredibly grateful to Sophie for sharing her insights and experiences with our visitors. Her dedication to cleaning our beaches and raising awareness about plastic pollution is making a significant impact in South Florida. Together, we can continue to inspire positive change and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

We recently hosted the “Digital Diplomacy for Influencers” IVLP group, featuring five leading digital influencers from Malaysia. This program provided a unique opportunity for these influencers to engage with their U.S. counterparts and delve into the latest trends in digital media and communications. Over ten immersive days, participants examined the significant role of innovation in storytelling while discussing pressing topics like human rights and climate change. Their first meeting included a compelling workshop titled “AI in Social Media: Navigating Challenges and Leveraging Opportunities,” led by Julia T., our Marketing Manager at Global Ties Miami and Founder of Nebula.Nexus digital marketing agency. In this workshop, Julia shared insights on how AI can enhance content creation, engagement, and analytics. Attendees learned to address misinformation risks and privacy concerns, as well as the impact of AI on mental health and well-being. The session also highlighted strategies for fostering digital wellness, along with solutions to combat filter bubbles and echo chambers in the online space. We are grateful to Julia for her valuable insights and contributions, which greatly enriched our visitors' understanding of the challenges and opportunities that digital influencers face today. Together, we are fostering global connections and empowering influencers to create meaningful change through responsible digital diplomacy.

The final day of our IVLP group's visit was an inspiring Plenary Day, filled with valuable insights and collaborative discussions on climate resilience. We kicked off the day with welcoming remarks from Athena Passera PhD, President & CEO of Global Ties Miami, and a thought-provoking address by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Mayor Cava shared her vision and strategies for strengthening our community’s resilience in the face of climate change, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and collective action. Following the Mayor's address, we were honored to hear from Jane Gilbert, Miami-Dade’s Chief Heat Officer, who highlighted the growing threat of extreme heat and the vital strategies being implemented to protect vulnerable populations. The panel discussion, featuring voices from various sectors including Adam Roberti from the Xavier Cortada, Jill Horwitz from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Michael Berkowitz from the University of Miami Climate Resilience Institute, Francesca de Quesada Covey from the Office of the Mayor, and Daniel Betts, PhD, MBA from Blue Frontier, Inc., explored multifaceted approaches to climate challenges. Their unique perspectives showcased how collaboration across disciplines can drive effective solutions for a sustainable future. The day also included engaging presentations by Amanda Di Perna, who inspired attendees with her work in youth engagement for climate activism, and Nicole Crooks, who addressed the importance of climate justice in Miami. Thank you to all the speakers and participants for your commitment to creating a resilient and sustainable future. Your insights and passion will undoubtedly inspire action within our communities! International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Our recent meeting with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences was an enlightening experience for the IVLP group as they engaged with experts on promoting climate education and sustainable agricultural practices. Ana Zangroniz, Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, welcomed the group and provided an overview of the Extension Office's initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in tackling environmental challenges. The discussions included insightful presentations from Laura Vasquez, who shared her expertise in urban horticulture, and Dr. Qingchun Liu, who highlighted advancements in ornamental crop production. We also heard from Dr. German Sandoya about innovative breeding techniques for leafy vegetables. A big thank you to Ana, Laura, Qingchun, and Germán for their commitment to sustainability and for inspiring the next generation of climate leaders. Through collaborative efforts like these, we are equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to address climate change and foster a resilient future. Together, we can make a significant impact on environmental conservation and education. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) University of Florida University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Our recent meeting with Miami Waterkeeper was a remarkable opportunity for the IVLP group to delve into the organization's crucial work in preserving South Florida's waterways. Erin Cover, the Education and Outreach Manager, inspired participants with an overview of the engaging educational initiatives aimed at empowering future ocean advocates. The meeting also featured insights from Adeline Nagle, MS, Science Engagement Coordinator, and Mariana Aziz Pico, Policy Specialist, who shared their expertise in research and policy advocacy for clean water and ecosystem protection. Miami Waterkeeper exemplifies a commitment to addressing climate challenges through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates education, research, and policy advocacy. A heartfelt thank you to Erin, Addy, and Mariana for their enlightening presentations and for showcasing the vital role that community engagement plays in driving environmental solutions. Together, we can work towards a more resilient future for our communities and ecosystems! International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)