Annual Citizen Diplomacy Celebration - Event Highlights

On October 28th, 2020, we hosted our first ever virtual “Annual Citizen Diplomacy Celebration" event. Over 100 attendees joined us live as we highlighted the importance of global citizenship, as well as how our city benefits from engaging internationally.

Keynote Speakers included Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce and Dr. Katherine Brown, President & CEO of Global Ties US.

The event featured alumni of the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which celebrated it's 80th anniversary in 2020. These alumni shared how their programs through SACIV have positively impacted their work and life upon returning to their home countries, as well as their favorite memories from their visit to San Antonio in recent years.

The 2020 "International Leadership Award" was presented to Mr. Jorge Canavati for his many contributions to promoting citizen diplomacy in our community.

Marian Cedeňo was announced as the first ever recipient of the newly created "Irma Reyes Citizen Diplomacy Scholarship”.

This award was established to honor the work, support and dedication of Ms. Irma Reyes to SACIV for over 30 years and aims to support the education of students pursuing an international related degree at a local university.