About Us | Phoenix Sister Cities

Mission, Vision, Values

At the heart of all Sister City programs is an agreement, signed by the mayors of each Sister City, confirming the commitment of each community to the Sister City program. Sister Cities agree to send and receive delegations of various types, including political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, and technical experts because these exchanges promote cross-cultural understanding, municipal and technical cooperation, and business opportunities. Each Sister City is supported by a committee of volunteers who are committed to the goals and objectives of the program.

Mission Statement

Phoenix Sister Cities exists to create people-to-people relationships between the residents of Phoenix and its sister cities through commercial, educational, cultural and artistic exchange programs and events that create and sustain global, long-term, international partnerships and business opportunities for the citizens of Phoenix.

Office of Protocol

In addition to fulfilling its stated mission, Phoenix Sister Cities, through a public-private partnership, serves the city of Phoenix as the official Office of Protocol. In this capacity, it is the city’s primary contact for individuals and delegations from around the world who represent trade, government, and cultural organizations. For information on the City of Phoenix, please click here.

Our Programs are Prized

“When you are sitting in Phoenix and thinking of doing business in Ireland, you don’t have the knowledge of how to get it done. But the Ennis connection opened up golf exchanges to us. … Any time you rely on a Phoenix Sister City relationship, doors open wider than anything you can imagine.” – Rob McGarey, President & CEO Southwest Retail Group, Inc. (Member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, which puts on the Phoenix Open)

Sister Cities International has recognized Phoenix Sister Cities with numerous awards for Best Overall Program in the nation. Phoenix Sister Cities views multi faceted exchanges/activities as essential to the lifeblood of the program. In the ongoing process of strengthening Sister City partnerships, Phoenix Sister Cities ensures that at least one exchange/activity occurs throughout the program year with every one of its sister city relationships. We take a proactive approach to the development of projects through a concentrated effort to initiate and engage our Sister City partners in a dialogue on new and innovative exchanges/activities.

Phoenix Sister Cities offers youth the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of multiple cultures by participating in the many Youth and Education programs we offer (e.g., Youth Ambassador Exchange Program and the International Young Artist Competition).

The program also offers a valuable hands-on experience that will help form bridges of international understanding and goodwill. In an effort to increase community outreach and participation, some events have been selected that have a mass appeal and transcend cultures. Therefore, they have the ability to attract participants that may not necessarily have a specific sister city or cultural interest (e.g., Chinese Week, French Week, Evening in Prague, Global Links Business Outlook Luncheon, and Girl’s Day). Through this strategy, Phoenix Sister Cities has been able to increase and diversify its membership and volunteer base as well as involve the public in the exchanges/activities that we develop and coordinate.

Board of Directors

Bob Albert

Calgary Committee Chair

Bob Albert

Calgary Committee Chair

Bob graduated the University of Alberta (Canada) with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1978. Prior to immigrating to Phoenix in 1985, he joined Xerox Canada for 4 years. He then ran his own construction company prior to joining ComputerLand of Edmonton at the outset of the personal computer era.

Shortly after transferring to ComputerLand of Phoenix, he partnered to found Computer Solutions/Valcom Southwest, growing that computer sales organization to 4 locations in Tempe, Tucson, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

He was recruited by MicroAge Computer Centers where he spent a 14-year career as a director, leading franchise development, and VP of sales for the West.

Bob joined US Web (the first national web development firm) in Santa Clara, CA in 1996. He led their franchise development efforts in the western US and Canada, culminating with a successful IPO, when he returned to Tempe and MicroAge HQ.

Bob joined Nextel Communications/Sprint in 2001, spending the next 13 years leading their local wireless data sales team in Arizona and New Mexico, before moving into account management of their wireless data sales at the Fortune 300 account level across the US.

In 2014, Bob created Right On Target Clay Guides of AZ (shotgun sports provider) and Southwest Mobile Apps, which he currently operates today.

Bob enjoys the outdoors, saddle horses, and coaching youth in shotgun sports.

Wen Chyi Chiu

Taipei Committee Chair

Wen Chyi Chiu

Taipei Committee Chair

Wen Chyi Chiu graduated from Arizona State University, majored in Journalism and Communications. Wen Chyi Chiu’s specialties are Global Relations, Public Relations and Media Relations. As Chairwoman for Taipei Sister Cities, Taipei Sister Cities received three years in a roll, the Best Sister Cities titles in 2009-2012. Wen Chyi Chiu has been devoting, volunteering, contributing, and serving American, Asian, Taiwanese, and Chinese Communities and Phoenix Sister Cities for over 25 years to promote education, STEM/STEAM, sister schools, police and fire exchanges, youth ambassadors, global friendship, arts, culture, sports, business, solar energy, and high technology. She is the Founding Executive Board Member and President for Global Federation of Chinese Business Woman Arizona Chapter, and she is current Principal of Arizona Chinese Mandarin and Culture Academy, and Executive Director of Taipei Culture Summer Camp. Wen Chyi Chiu received many awards including the Recipient of Southern California and Arizona Outstanding Young Leader Award, US Congress Congressional Recognition for Community Service, Arizona Governor Award for Community Contributions, Outstanding Citizenship Award, Volunteer Medal International Award of Circle of Distinguish Volunteer Global Citizenship Award from Phoenix Sister Cities International, and Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Sister Cities Volunteer of the Year, among other recognitions.

Misty Cisneros-Contreras

Commission Member

Misty Cisneros-Contreras

Commission Member

Misty Cisneros-Contreras is the Customer Service Manager at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. She enjoys working with a team to provide the best guest experience for all passengers and maintaining the reputation of being America’s Friendliest Airport. Misty recently celebrated 10 years with the City of Phoenix. During her tenure she has worked in the Street Transportation Department and the International Relations Office with Phoenix Sister Cities. She is a mother of two young daughters, Dolcé (5) and Luna (2) that keep her and her husband, Aaron, very busy. Misty is an Arizona sports enthusiast, enjoys thrifting and being a very involved mother in all of her daughter’s activities.

Jennifer Doan-Richardson

Commission Member

Jennifer Doan-Richardson

Commission Member

Jennifer Doan produces the 8-10 am hours of Fox 10 Arizona Morning. She has been at FOX 10 since December 1997. Prior to working in the Phoenix market, Jennifer worked in Oklahoma City.

Jennifer is a proud Sooner, growing up in Duncan, Oklahoma and graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Oklahoma in 1997.

Following graduation, Jennifer was awarded a paid internship focusing on News Management through The Radio and Television News Director Foundation and placed at KPHO Channel 5 in Phoenix.

She took a year off from July 1998 to June 1999 to travel and perform with Up With People. The international cast of 148 young adults from 23 different countries toured the world performing a musical, living with host families, sharing different cultures and performing community service.

After Up With People, Jennifer returned to Phoenix and returned to Fox 10.

In addition to her work on the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission, Jennifer currently serves on the Board of Governors for the National Association of Television Arts Sciences - Rocky Mountain Southwest Region. She is a former Second Vice President for NATAS and Chairman/Producer of the regional Emmy Awards. Jennifer is also the Publicity Chair, serves on the board of VNSA, a Phoenix non-profit that collects used books and holds one sale a year to benefit Arizona non-profits.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys photography and traveling.

Sherman Elliott

Commission Member Executive Committee Member-At-Large

Sherman Elliott

Commission Member Executive Committee Member-At-Large

Dr. Sherman Elliott’s passion is education, both on a personal level and a professional level. After earning a B.A. in Government and an M.A. in Theology from the University of San Francisco, he went on to complete his doctorate in Teaching Innovation and Leadership from Arizona State University. Currently, Sherman is the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University. Prior to joining Grand Canyon University in 2011, he served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Secondary Education and Director of the Center for Civics Education at Arizona State University. Also trained as an Ignatian educator, Sherman joyfully served over 11 years as a Catholic educator at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix and as a Principal in the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

Sherman was honored to be appointed to the Arizona Humanities Council by Governor Doug Ducey in 2016. In this capacity, he was afforded his dream of sharing his passion for education by providing individuals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to explore various aspects of the richness of the humanities through a journey of self-discovery. He also enjoys academic research, particularly in the fields of civic education, adolescent moral development, and Holocaust education. Working through the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Belfer Program, he shares his Holocaust expertise as a guest lecturer at universities and national conferences.

In his spare time, Sherman enjoys traveling the world with his family. Some of his favorite destinations have been England (particularly Cornwall), Ireland and Japan. Sherman’s travels have brought forth the importance and benefits of partnering with other countries to provide educational opportunities otherwise not available and to exchange the richness of cultures.

Brian Foster

Commission Member Chairman of the Board

Brian Foster

Commission Member Chairman of the Board

Mr. Foster is a Senior Partner at Snell & Wilmer where he has practiced law for the past 30 years. Mr. Foster’s practice is concentrated in commercial litigation with an emphasis on business disputes, real estate litigation, employment litigation, criminal defense and partnership and sale of business disputes. Mr. Foster is a frequent legal commentator on FOX 10 News and has made over 150 local and national appearances on various media outlets (FOX News & CNN) covering a variety of top news stories including the Jodi Arias trial. Mr. Foster represents individuals and businesses in a variety of state and federal court cases as well as appearing before administrative and other judicial bodies. Mr. Foster has obtained multiple multi-million dollar verdicts on behalf of his plaintiff business clients and has obtained numerous defense verdicts on behalf of the individuals and businesses he has represented. Mr. Foster has been consistently recognized by his peers as one of the Best Lawyers in America® as well as obtaining recognition as a Southwest Super Lawyer® which is a recognition given to less than 5% of the attorneys practicing in the Southwest. Mr. Foster has been passionate in his volunteer efforts including currently serving on the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board. He has also served as a board member, board chair and capital campaign co-chair on behalf of the YMCA. Mr. Foster has also served as a member of the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee.

Sheryl Frank

Commission Member

Sheryl Frank

Commission Member

Sheryl Frank brings twenty-five plus years’ experience as a real estate development professional, with a focus on residential urban infill projects. She has worked on the planning and development of projects in Phoenix, Tempe and Peoria, Arizona. Her substantial experience includes every aspect of the planning and development process, from acquisition and entitlements to design, construction, sales and marketing. She has honed her craft while holding project management positions with The Ellman Companies, SunCor Development Company and Artisan Homes. Prior to her project management experience; Sheryl worked as a designer/draftsperson for DWL Architects and a residential real estate sales agent for Coldwell Banker.
Sheryl is a sustainability-focused developer, with a strong mix of technical and design skills. She has been involved with the Urban Land Institute for several years and she has served as an Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s College of Design in the Housing and Urban Development Program.
Sheryl holds an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University’s College of Design in Housing and Urban Development and she received her MBA from ASU’s WP Carey School of Business. Sheryl holds a current, active real estate license in the State of Arizona, she was a long-standing member of the Alhambra Village Planning Committee for the City of Phoenix and is currently an active Commissioner and member of the Board of Phoenix Sister Cities.

Sam Gatton

Commission Member

Sam Gatton

Commission Member

Born and raised in the heart of farmland in Ohio. Moved to Arizona in 1975 and have been a resident ever since.

Began career in beverage industry beginning with Pepsi Cola for 18 years. Then transitioned to the water business where I have been a manager for the next 20 plus years.

In early 2000 had an opportunity to serve on Surface Transportation Advisory Committee representing District 5 and Councilmen Claude Mattox. Also helped to support Maryvale Revitalization especially with water donations. Also previously served on school board in Tempe.

Very excited to be a part of the Sister Cities team and look forward to all of the opportunities that await.

Emilio Gaynor

Commission Member

Emilio Gaynor

Commission Member

Emilio Gaynor serves as president of the CPLC Global Business LLC and as Director of International Development for Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) where he heads international relations and development efforts. In this role, Emilio has accomplished great success in connecting Mexican businesses with resources to help make them successful in Arizona resulting in millions of dollars in foreign direct investment. He has also led high level business and government missions to Mexico connecting trade, investment, business and philanthropic partners as well as done the reverse, bringing the same types of groups to the United States. Serving the social sector, he has launched efforts of collaboration between non-profit organizations and foundations on both sides of the border. Emilio regularly contributes to Spanish publications in Sonora and Arizona including La Cueva de Los D-backs infield monthly magazine, Frontera Norte and an OpEd piece he prepared, featuring the Hermosillo Sister City relationship, was published in the Arizona Republic/Phoenix Business Journal. He has executed opportunities for the immigrant community to connect with their federal elected officials and support services. He has extensive experience in international relations and development having headed delegations and business efforts in Mexico and Latin America for over 20 years. Emilio worked in the executive branch for two governors as representative of the State of Arizona in Sonora, Mexico and as Executive Director of the Arizona Mexico Commission in the Office of the Governor. He also served as development director for Latin America for an aerospace design firm and a communications services company selling and providing services in Mexico and South America.

Emilio has created programs for non-profits and has managed large-scale public information and outreach programs projects such as Federal Aviation Administration housing relocation program for the city of Phoenix and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Maricopa County. He headed government and community relations for Arizona’s largest Hispanic advertising and promotions firm. Emilio served as general manager for Delaware North, one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. He also represented an international mining distribution and service venture that focused on Chile, Peru, and Mexico.

Emilio’s community and civic contributions include serving as Chair of the PSC Business Relations Committee, Chair of the Arizona Diamondbacks Los D-backs Ambassador Council and is a former member and served as Chair of the Phoenix Board of Adjustment. HE also served as Chair of the Phoenix Sister Cities Hermosillo Committee, and has served on the board of the Border Health Foundation and World Affairs Council and the Easter Seals. Emilio was born I Mexico City, has worked in Paraguay, Bolivia, Dominican Republic and Chile in addition to having lived in Mexico. Emilio has the fortune of being married to Monica, who is originally from Hermosillo, and has two children, Samantha born in Hermosillo and Arturo born in Phoenix.

Mary Hill-Connor

Ennis Committee Chair Treasurer

Mary Hill-Connor

Ennis Committee Chair Treasurer

Mary Hill-Connor is a native of Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland. She has served the Ennis Committee of Phoenix Sister Cities for the ten years, including the last four years as its Chair. She also served on the board of the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation (ICLF) for 3.5 years, including 2 years as Secretary.

Mary has a 14-year background in real estate and a 30-year background in nursing and is a retired Realtor and a retired Registered Nurse with an extensive background in several medical areas.

As a young girl, Mary won medals in Irish dancing and has always loved the traditional dance, music, song, and the Irish language. Today she chairs Four Peaks Irish Arts, the local chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, the worldwide organization that promotes and preserves these cultural gems.

Michael Kennedy

Catania Committee Chair

Michael Kennedy

Catania Committee Chair

Mike has been involved in Sister Cities through his extended families' participation with the Ennis and Taipei committees. Mike and his wife are the proud parents of three Phoenix Sisters Cities Youth Ambassadors (Taipei, Chengdu, and Catania). Mike is a Graduate of the University of Arizona majoring in Business/HR and Sociology. Mike currently is a Technology Product Manager for American Express Technology in North Phoenix, focusing on Cloud technologies. Prior to his Cloud Technology role, Mike built large-scale single global Oracle platforms, various mid-range Technology platforms and even mainframe. Through his long career at American Express, Mike has been part of the companies’ Authorizations, Middle Market Corporate Support functions, and Business- Tech liaison areas.

Mike spends a considerable amount of time outside of work supporting his Wildcats, cycling, skiing and gardening.

Camille King

Himeji Committee Chair

Camille King

Himeji Committee Chair

My name is Camille King and I came to Phoenix in 2003. I relocated from Maryland where I was a Health Scientist Administrator with the National Institutes of Health, in the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR). I ran a study section for the government while I was in NCRR. I have a graduate degree in anatomy with my concentration in cell biology. I am a high school science teacher at Xavier College Preparatory, an all-girls high school in Phoenix. I teach Biology and the Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology class. I love teaching and am particularly passionate about teaching anatomy and physiology. My daughter was a Youth Ambassador through the Phoenix Sister Cities and her city was Himeji, hence my involvement with the Himeji Committee. She had such a life-changing experience when she visited Japan. Our family enjoyed having her cohort live with us and the overall experience was so phenomenal that my membership to the PSC remains active.

Sonya Pastor LaSota

Commission Member

Sonya Pastor LaSota

Commission Member

Henry Lam

Commission Member Secretary

Henry Lam

Commission Member Secretary

Professional Experience

Henry is a vice president at US Bank. He is responsible for compliance and regulatory for the Retail Payment Services division at US Bank. He has over 20+ years in the financial industry and is certified in project management. He chairs the strategic team for the US Bank relationship with Visa, Mastercard and American Express. He is a voting member of the capital expenditure team for project initiation and is a member of various process improvement, compliance and regulatory steering committees. He had previously worked in technology management at Bank of America and was a product manager for American Express.

Education

Henry holds a BS in business from the University of Arizona and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Professional Affiliations/Community Involvement

Henry is a scout leader for Boy Scouts of America since 2006 and is a BSA Hall of Fame recipient. He chairs the Finance Committee for Troop 41. He was a member of blue ribbon panel for technology at Madison School District where he provided private sector consulting on how to strategically use $6MM bond money for technology. He was also an advisory member for the finance sub-committee at Unity Church reporting to the board of trustees.

Lin Ling Lee

Commission Member

Lin Ling Lee

Commission Member

Lin Ling Lee’s motto is “Educate younger generations today to become leaders of tomorrow." Lee believes international perspectives, ties, exchanges, cooperation, and unity are important for the world. Lee has devoted more than 30 years to build leadership roles in Taiwanese, Chinese, Asian, and American organizations as President, Principal, Chair, Director, and Advisor. Lee’s specialties include Global Relations, Public Relations, Education, Arts, Culture, and Business. Lee is Taiwan Overseas Community Affairs Council Advisor, recognized by the Taiwan Government and President.

Lee’s awards include Phoenix USA Hometown Hero, US Congressional Recognition for Volunteer Service, Arizona Governor Recognition for Community Service, Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, US Presidential Award for Volunteer Service, Medal of Honor from Taiwan Overseas Community Affairs Council, City of Scottsdale Diversity Champion Award, Phoenix Mayor’s Partnership Award, Outstanding Principal of the Year, Arizona Women Impact Award, Taiwan International Outstanding Woman Award, Outstanding Citizenship Award for Arizona Asian American Association, Volunteer Medal International Award of Circle of Distinguish Volunteer Global Citizenship Award from Phoenix Sister Cities International, Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Sister Cities Volunteer of the Year, Friend of Taipei City Council Gold Plaque, and much more.

Ralph Marchetta

Commission Member Chair Emeritus

Ralph Marchetta

Commission Member Chair Emeritus

Ralph Marchetta was promoted to the position of General Manager, Sr. Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Services in August, 2007. As General Manager, Ralph oversees all operations of the US Airways Center. In addition to servicing professional sports teams that include the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and the Arizona Rattlers, Ralph books all events at US Airways Center including working with the NBA, WNBA, and AFL to schedule all regular season and pre season games. Ralph has booked hundreds of concerts including Barbra Streisand, U2, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Andrea Bocelli and many others. Ralph has extensive relationships with Feld Entertainment (Disney on Ice and Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus), World Wrestling Entertainment and many other family show and concert promoters. Ralph has been at US Airways Center since prior to the venue’s opening in 1992.

In managing US Airways Center as a key asset to the community, Ralph works with the leadership of the City of Phoenix, Phoenix City Council and Downtown Phoenix Partnership. In addition, Ralph serves as a board member of the Phoenix Police Department Reserve Foundation, the Phoenix Sister Cities and the Boys and Girls Club.

Ralph graduated from Arizona State University.

Richard Marmor

Commission Member Youth & Education Committee Co-Chair

Richard Marmor

Commission Member Youth & Education Committee Co-Chair

Richard Marmor is an attorney. Now retired, in addition to practicing law, he has worked extensively in real estate investment and development. The founding president of the Arizona Self-Storage Association, he currently chairs its Legal & Legislative Committee. Richard is active in a number of community and philanthropic organizations, among them, Phoenix Sister Cities, in which he co-chairs the Youth & Education Committee. There he has been responsible for the development and implementation of many of the policies, tools and procedures of its Youth Ambassador Exchange Program. Richard lives in Phoenix with his wife Heather.

Simer Mayo

Commission Member

Simer Mayo

Commission Member

Simer is CEO and founder of Valor Global, overseeing all aspects of the company’s strategy. Prior to founding Valor, Simer worked with top consulting companies around the globe in different technical and management roles. Simer’s drive for excellence and commitment to customer delivery have been keystones for the success of Valor.
Simer brings over 15 years of experience in global business and holds a Masters from MIT and a Bachelors from Delhi University, India. Simer is an avid sports fan, enjoys traveling to different countries and loves outdoors. He is married to his beautiful wife of 10 years, Vicki and has 2 kids.
Simer is very passionate in helping with youth initiatives and provides leadership to several non-profit organizations and charities. Simer is a member of YPO (Young President’s Organization).

Bruce Meyerson

Commission Member

Bruce Meyerson

Commission Member

Bruce E. Meyerson is a mediator, arbitrator, and trainer in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center (1972) where he was an Editor of the Law Journal. He received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University. Mr. Meyerson was the founder and first Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest. He served on the Arizona Court of Appeals for almost five years where he heard over 1000 appeals. He served as General Counsel of Arizona State University from 1986 to 1990. From 1990 through 2000, Mr. Meyerson practiced commercial and employment litigation in Phoenix. Since 2000, his practice has focused on conflict resolution. He is a Past Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and the State Bar of Arizona ADR Section. He is an adjunct professor at the Arizona State University College of Law teaching courses in all aspects of dispute resolution, including Mediation and Arbitration. He is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, the International Academy of Mediators, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the College of Commercial Arbitrators. He serves as a board member of the American Arbitration Association Foundation. He is the Chair of the City of Phoenix Civil Service Board and a member of the City of Phoenix Police and Fire Pension Board.

Francesca Miller

Comission Member Executive Committee Member-At-Large

Francesca Miller

Comission Member Executive Committee Member-At-Large

Francesca Miller is currently the Marketing Director for D.P. Electric, Inc. as well as a dedicated citizen of Arizona. She called Arizona home from 2000 to 2006, and spent her time developing her career in marketing and public relations. After moving to New York in 2006 and living there for ten years, Francesca has returned to Arizona eager to give back to her community.

From 2000 to 2006, Francesca was a passionate member of several boards and commissions. She travelled as a member of the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission to Ramat Gan, Israel in 2004 for the inaugural trip. She was also a member of the City of Phoenix Youth and Education Commission and sat on the boards of the Steele Children's Research Center and Phoenix Body Positive (Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS).

While in New York, Francesca sat on the Board of Overseers for the Katonah Museum of Art and was the driving force behind their highly successful annual galas for more than five years. She also was on the host committee for the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Research during their annual Race 4 A Cure events from 2014 to 2016.

While in New York, Francesca served as the Director of Operations for a global hedge fund, overseeing the hedge fund's New York office. She then acted as Chief of Staff for an investment professional's family office. Until her move back to Arizona in 2016, Francesca was the principal of her own business, FJM Marketing Communications.

Upon moving back to Arizona in 2016, Francesca worked for The RealReal, an online luxury consignment company, as a Luxury Manager, establishing a market in Arizona for the company. She rejoined the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission at that time and was on the planning committee for the 2017 Mayor's International Gala.

Francesca was recently featured in Scottsdale Modern Luxury for her work at The RealReal, detailing her previous work there as well as her love for Phoenix. She lives in Phoenix with her husband Mark, their daughter Hunter and their two dachshunds.

Dianna Noli Hill

Chengdu Committee Chair

Dianna Noli Hill

Chengdu Committee Chair

Dianna Noli Hill is a third generation Arizonan who grew up in Tucson. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s degree in Public Administration and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Professional affiliations included the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) where she served on the National Board, and the National and Arizona Associations for Court Management (NACM) and (ACA).

Prior to joining the City of Phoenix, Dianna spent several years as an accountant in the private sector. Because of her love of the law, Dianna found her niche at the Phoenix Municipal Court as a Court Administrator where she used her skills to implement many award-winning innovations and programs and is proud to have been a part of the team overseeing the building of the current Court building. She recently retired from the Court and looks forward to achieving her goal to visit all ten sister cities , with only four more to go!

Dianna became involved with the Chengdu Committee when traveling to Chengdu in 2002 as part of the delegation to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of our Sister City relationship and has served in the roles of Secretary and Vice-Chairman ever since.

Jacqueline Palmenburg

Grenoble Committee Chair

Jacqueline Palmenburg

Grenoble Committee Chair

Jacqueline Palmenberg has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emmanuel College in Boston, and a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Maine in Orono. She worked for 38 years in fundraising and administrative positions for non-profits, and now consults for national charities. She is on the boards of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Arizona, and the City of Phoenix Library Foundation.

Jacqueline is of French-Canadian descent, and joined the Grenoble Committee in 2018, becoming Chair in 2019. She and husband, Roger, have two children and six grandchildren.

Jerri Pastor

Commission Member

Jerri Pastor

Commission Member

Jerri Pastor is fourth generation,Arizonan. She received her graduate degree at Arizona State University, where she received her Masters in Public Administration ( MPA) in 1986. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology at the same university.

She was the first female manager to be hired by the Town Council for Guadalupe, Arizona. Ms Pastor was subsequently hired as the Associate Director of the Department of Economic Security, for Maricopa County, for over three years. Jerri was then appointed by the Governor of Arizona, to serve as the Director of Highway Safety. She was charged with the responsibility of awarding federal and state grants to support the equipment and new training protocols for Police Departments throughout the state.

Jerri returned to her Alma Mater, as Director of Foundation and Corporate relations in the office of the Vice President of Development where she served for nine years. During this time, the university conducted two multi million campaigns and created the Arizona State University Foundation. Her campaign fundraising expertise led her to the University of Southern California (USC) as a consultant during their first billion dollar campaign. She stayed in the Los Angeles area for another year, to work with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF).

She was then given a surprising opportunity to work, in New York! NY. The Girl Scouts of America, were looking for talent to assist with the mergers of Girl Scout Councils and to train Girl Scout CEO’s and the Board of Director’s for those councils to fundraise.
Jerri continued to work for GSUSA for over five years, as a consultant to councils throughout America.

Today, Jerri continues to serve as an active member of the Arizona Association of Retired Persons. She helps produce a bilingual radio program on for the Hispanic Connection division of AARP. She is proud to serve the Sister City Commision and hopes to be an advocate for many of the commission’s opportunities that provide international experience to families.

Janielle Penner

Commission Member

Janielle Penner

Commission Member

Janielle is in international real estate as the lead project manager for a US-based investment group developing residential properties in Mexico. As a bilingual facilitator, she navigates all aspects of property development ranging from legal issues to zoning and taxation through her relationships with business and government entities.

Prior to her foray into international development, she spent the first decade of her career in Los Angeles as a Project Coordinator at the architecture firm of Frank Gehry, with The GRAMMY Foundation at NARAS, and with TBWA/Worldwide for Apple.

She was raised in Phoenix, graduated from Xavier College Preparatory and received her B.S. Degree in Global Finance from ASU. For 4 years she was a volunteer Patron Circle host at the Sundance Film Festival. She was also Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors of the S.P.A., a non-profit charity dedicated to the health and well being of animals. She credits her family and her education for developing in her a strong desire to connect with other cultures.

Josh Rawitch

Commission Member

Josh Rawitch

Commission Member

Josh Rawitch is in his 22nd season in Major League Baseball and fifth as Sr. Vice President of Communications with the D-backs. In this role, he is responsible for the internal and external communication efforts of the organization, including player & media relations, corporate communications, publications, social media, photography and fan feedback. The Los Angeles native also teaches a course at ASU’s Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and serves on the board of directors for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, ASU’s Sports Business Advisory Board and on the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He was recently named to So Scottsdale and Uptown magazine’s list of the “24 Most Powerful Locals” under age 40. He and his wife, Erin, reside in Scottsdale with their children, Emily and Braden.Josh Rawitch is in his 22nd season in Major League Baseball and fifth as Sr. Vice President of Communications with the D-backs. In this role, he is responsible for the internal and external communication efforts of the organization, including player & media relations, corporate communications, publications, social media, photography and fan feedback. The Los Angeles native also teaches a course at ASU’s Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and serves on the board of directors for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, ASU’s Sports Business Advisory Board and on the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He was recently named to So Scottsdale and Uptown magazine’s list of the “24 Most Powerful Locals” under age 40. He and his wife, Erin, reside in Scottsdale with their children, Emily and Braden.

Mike Rakowsky

Hermosillo Committee Chair

Mike Rakowsky

Hermosillo Committee Chair

Mike Rakowsky brings a diverse array of experience to his service as Hermosillo Committee Chair and Active Member of the Board, not least of which is well over 20 years of highly-active involvement with Phoenix Sister Cities, including leadership of both the Hermosillo Committee and the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission, which he headed as we welcomed our latest new city of Ramat-Gan, Israel. He has conducted and participated in a wide range of exchanges and activities, joined a number of Sister Cities delegations, including Chengdu, Ramat-Gan, Taipei, Hermosillo, and Calgary as well as Sister Cities International conventions, particularly the 50^th Anniversary in Washington, DC.

Mike graduated with honors in History from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, and with a dual major in Urban Studies & Economics from Brown University. He developed and ran an extensive Youth Employment Program through Phoenix OIC, and did stints in both radio and concert promotion. Mike was for some 14 years President of Buckeye Rubber Products, Inc., Lima, Ohio, a diversified producer of rubber hose and sheet products . He also chaired the West Central Ohio Regional Development Board and served as President of Temple Beth Israel, both in Lima.

Back in Phoenix, he founded MR International, LLC, conducting international business, primarily in Mexico, and initiated significant marketing initiatives in both aerospace, where he served on the Board of the ATMA, and in solar energy.

Mike loves the opportunities afforded by Phoenix Sister Cities to spread friendship and understanding.

Sebastien Reyes

Commission Member

Sebastien Reyes

Commission Member

Sebastien Reyes is a respected and award-winning strategist, advisor and business leader who has a breadth of experience working with public companies, nonprofit organizations and family businesses. As the Director of External Communications for AMERCO and its primary subsidiary, U-Haul International, Sebastien is responsible for Investor Relations, Media Relations, Public Relations and Community Relations for over 21,000 retail locations serving millions of U-Haul customers annually. U-Haul International, headquartered in Phoenix since 1967, is the largest do-it-yourself moving and self-storage company in North America.
A love for cultural diversity and travel was instilled in Sebastien from an early age by his parents. Having traveled extensively throughout the world, Sebastien is an advocate for cultural immersion.
Sebastien is a member of the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix and the Alumni Association Board of Directors for Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is an alumnus of Phoenix Suns Charities 88.

Akram Rosheidat

Prague Committee Chair

Akram Rosheidat

Prague Committee Chair

Akram Rosheidat completed his Ph.D. at Arizona State University in 2014, and has been an Associate Faculty teaching at the ASU School of Sustainability since 2015. He is also a practicing architect and an Owner at MRT Design LLC (WBE/DBE/SBE Firm) in Phoenix. After starting his university studies in Prague, Czech Republic, he received his B. Arch. from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and his M. Arch. from the University of Arizona in Tucson. His research focused on outdoor thermal comfort in hot arid environments. In both his practice and academic research, his focus is on sustainable green building design and technology, energy conservation and studying systems for assessing thermal comfort in outdoor spaces. He designed LEED certified sustainable projects, and worked on USAID projects internationally.

Edna Sitelman

Ramat-Gan Committee Chair

Edna Sitelman

Ramat-Gan Committee Chair

Born and raised in Israel, Edna graduated from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, following her military service in the IDF.

Upon arriving in the US, Edna obtained a Masters degree in Bible and Cognate Studies from the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, and then a Doctorate in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She has devoted her professional life not only to teaching undergraduate and graduate level students, offering a variety of dynamic courses pertaining to Judaica, but also to serving as a school Principal within the Jewish communities in which she has lived. In that capacity she has worked hard to develop innovative curricula and engaging learning opportunities to children and adolescents. She has trained both parents and teachers, offering creative workshops, which aimed at establishing partnership between the school and the home.

Making Phoenix her home away from her native country, Edna is passionate about the betterment of her Phoenix community at large, and has lent her creativity and energy to a number of community endeavors. She joined the Board of Directors of Jewish Family and Children’s Service, where she has held several positions, including a two-time tenure as a board chair. With over 25 years of service to JFCS, Edna continues to find her work on that board both rewarding and inspirational. She is interested in the well functioning of non- profit boards, and is an advocate of the Governance Board Model.

Edna is proud to call herself a Phoenician. She is awestruck by the majestic beauty of the desert, the strength and resilience of our communities, and the ever growing and evolving Phoenix art scene. She is enthusiastic about the mission and vision of PSC. As chairperson of the Ramat- Gan Committee, Edna is looking forward to infusing the committee with new ideas and renewed energy, while collaborating with others for a more global impact.

Chiko Swiney

Commission Member Chair-Elect

Chiko Swiney

Commission Member Chair-Elect

Chiko is an attorney with Copperpoint Mutual Insurance Companies. She has a Master’s degree in International Trade Law from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law. Prior to working for Copperpoint , Chiko worked for the Pima County Public Defender’s office in Tucson. She speaks Ibo (a Nigerian language). She has lived on three continents. She has two grown children. Her son lives in the UK and her daughter lives here in Phoenix. She loves to travel and meet new people and experience new cultures.

Anne Thorne

Commission Member

Anne Thorne

Commission Member

Anne Thorne has been actively involved in the Valley’s media business for more than 20 yeas. She spent several years as the public relations director for Channel 3TV. In addition, she founded a public relations agency and media buying business with clients such as METRO Light Rail, St. Joseph's Hospital and Southwest Airlines.

Currently, Anne is working in the residential real estate industry with the HomeSmart Elite Group where she is focusing on the historic neighborhoods in Phoenix's Central Corridor.

Mary Jane Trunzo

Disability Awareness Committee Chair

Mary Jane Trunzo

Disability Awareness Committee Chair

Ms. Trunzo is the Clinical Director of the Arizona Institute for Communication and Cognitive Disorders and is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist. She has worked extensively with children and adults with acquired and traumatic brain injuries for over thirty years. Her practice has　specialized in a community-based rehabilitation paradigm with a clinical philosophy of empowerment for clients, family members and all stakeholders involved in an individual’s rehabilitation and return to maximum skill and independence.

Ms. Trunzo also has co-authored a clinical textbook entitled　"Communication and Coping Skills" and has accomplished research in the area of neurogenic-based communication disorders. She has lectured and provided training and workshops on Traumatic Brain　Injury (particularly in the area of Post-Concussive Disorders and　Pediatric Brain Injury) throughout Arizona, United States, Europe, Asia, and Mexico. Ms. Trunzo has received numerous awards for her outstanding work in the area of Acquired Brain Injury and for her　volunteer efforts to promote the capabilities of persons with disabilities across all disability categories. She also is a member of Valley Leadership, identifying her leadership role in the community.

In 1998, Ms. Trunzo co-founded the Disabilities Awareness Committee (DAC) of the Phoenix Sister Cities, which has received the prestigious National Disability Advocacy Award on multiple occasions for recognition of community leadership in the area of promoting disability awareness both in the United States and globally. Throughout the 20 years plus volunteering with DAC, Ms. Trunzo been actively involved in the development and ongoing continuation of ICAD, ICWD, the Bear and Book Holiday Fundraiser and other collaborative projects with both local disability groups and our fellow sister cities. Ms. Trunzo’s passion for improving the lives of persons with disabilities is her motivation for guiding DAC to even greater accomplishments in the future.

Marty Weems

Commission Member

Marty Weems

Commission Member

Marty is with Advanced Genomic Solutions since 2018, a genetic testing and analysis company focused on health, wellness, nutrition and pharmaceutical applications. He leads global business development and client facing operations.

Previously, he spent 11+ years with EXOS where he was its first VP of Sales and later VP of Strategic Business. He joined EXOS when it was about 30 employees and it grew to near 5000 staff at the time of his departure.

His business experience includes the telecom, wholesale distribution and pharmaceutical industries. Marty graduated Furman University (South Carolina) in addition to earning a MS and a MBA from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Marty’s international business experience includes 30+ countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Australia, Russia, Germany, UK, Colombia, Brazil, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Israel. As a services exporter with Marty's leadership, EXOS was recognized by the City of Phoenix as an inaugural winner of “Service Exporter of the Year” in 2015 and the “Export Excellence” Award from Arizona District Export Council the same year. In 2016, they were awarded the President’s (POTUS) “E” Award for Exporting Excellence. Fast Company magazine recognized EXOS in its “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” lists in 3 different years of Marty's tenure.

Marty, born in Eastern Tennessee, has been married to Susan Speliopoulos, a Phoenix AZ native, since 2008. They have 3 daughters; Savannah, Alexandra and Makenna.

Melissa Werner

Commission Member Youth & Education Committee Co-Chair

Melissa Werner

Commission Member Youth & Education Committee Co-Chair

Melissa Werner is Director of University Ceremonies and Protocol Officer at Arizona State University and co-founder of the North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO).

A native of Tempe, Arizona and a long-time employee of ASU, Melissa has held positions as an academic advisor, program coordinator, development officer and event planner.

In 1999 Melissa and Carol Switzer (1944-2011), co-founded NAACO, a professional association for commencement and graduation professionals from across the United States and Canada. Melissa served as the NAACO Charter President, coordinator of the inaugural conference in 2000 and chair for the 2007 conference.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and is a certified Protocol Officer through the Protocol School of Washington®.

Elaine Wong

City Committees

Calgary Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Calgary Committee actively encourages and supports cultural, educational and business activities in both cities. It carries out student exchanges and promotes business development through trade missions and business forums. Additionally, the committee facilitates the annual participation of severely burned youth in Camp Courage. Among events the committee helps organize and host throughout Canada Week are the Great Canadian Picnic and Can-Am Golf Tournament. The Calgary Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Calgary Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Bob Albert bobalbert@swba.co
Staff Liaison: Rita Marko rita.marko@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every first Wednesday of the month, except July, August, and December.

Meetings begin at 5:30pm and are located at U-Haul Headquarters, 2727 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Catania Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Catania Committee participates in artistic, cultural, educational and business activities and exchanges between Catania and Phoenix with the goal of bringing the culture of these two important urban centers closer. Among its signature activities is an annual wine tasting highlighting Sicilian wines. The committee also actively supports the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program and collaborates on other sister cities events. The Catania Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Catania Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Michael Kennedy kmichael.kennedy@aexp.com
Staff Liaison: Rick Gerrard rick.gerrard@phoenix.gov

The committee meets the third Thursday of the month, except July and August.

Meetings begin at 5:30pm and are located at the AZ-American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Chengdu Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Chengdu Committee fosters and encourages mutual understanding, friendship and a higher quality of life for the people of Phoenix and Chengdu. The committee is bound by a commitment to creating partnerships, conduct exchanges and share expertise that translates into mutually beneficial relationships with citizens, organizations, businesses, and schools in the both communities served. Volunteer members work to promote signature activities, such as Chinese Week and promote collaboration in the areas of trade and tourism, youth and education, arts and culture, and municipal training. The Chengdu Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Chengdu Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Dianna Noli Hill catenal@cox.net
Staff Liaison: Emily Smolenski emily.smolenski@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every second Wednesday of the month, except July, August, and December.

Meetings begin at 6:00pm and are located at Siu Wok, 2815 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Ennis Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Ennis Committee is dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between the cities of Phoenix and Ennis through a variety of programs. The committee participates in the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program, as well as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Faire. It also supports the Irish Cultural Center, coordinates an annual 5K Run/Walk, and promotes business opportunities between the two cities. The Ennis Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Ennis Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Mary Hill-Connor mary.hillconnor@gmail.com
Staff Liaison: Rita Marko rita.marko@gmail.com

The committee meets every third Wednesday of the month, except July, August, and December.

Meetings begin at 6:00pm and are located at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 1418 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Grenoble Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Grenoble Committee promotes mutual understanding and friendship between the citizens of Phoenix and Grenoble. The committee facilitates projects in economic development, school-to-school exchanges, university cooperation, arts and culture, sports and disabilities. This translates into mutually beneficial relationships with citizens, organizations, businesses, and schools in both Phoenix and Grenoble. Volunteers work to promote such activities as Beaujolais Nouveau, which celebrates the first French wine of the season. The Grenoble Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Grenoble Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Jacqueline Palmenberg palmenbergj@gmail.com
Staff Liaison: Rick Gerrard rick.gerrard@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every first Thursday of the month, except July, August, and December.

Meetings begin at 5:00pm and are located at Haralson, Miller, Pitt, Feldman and McAnally, 2800 North Central Avenue, Suite 840 (85004)

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Hermosillo Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Hermosillo Committee oversees an energetic and diverse array of activities and exchanges between the two cities. They include a variety of student exchanges and visits, business and trade relationships, as well as extensive municipal cooperation, including police and fire. The committee has worked closely on issues of burn treatment and prevention and disabilities awareness projects. It has also focused on baseball, basketball and other sports. The Hermosillo Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Hermosillo Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Mike Rakowsky bigmik@cox.net
Staff Liaison: Rick Gerrard rick.gerrard@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every second Tuesday of the month, except July.

Meetings begin at 6:00pm and are located at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 1418 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Himeji Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Himeji Committee supports the city of Himeji and promotes Japanese culture through its relationships with the Japan-American community and the Japanese Friendship Garden. The Japanese Friendship Garden (Ro Ho En), located in downtown Phoenix, is the product and shared vision of Phoenix and Himeji. It features flowing streams, an authentic tea house, a 12-foot waterfall and Koi pond. Committee projects include student and teacher exchanges, and participation in the annual Arizona Matsuri Festival. The Himeji Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Himeji Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Camille King camilleking06@gmial.com
Staff Liaison: April Cavaletto april.cavaletto@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every first Tuesday of the month, except July, August, and December.

Meetings begin at 5:30pm and are located at the Winship House, 216 W. Portland St. Phoenix, AZ 85003

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Prague Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Prague Committee is an active focal point for promoting Czech culture in Phoenix, including the annual Evening in Prague and the Czech That Film festival. The committee also promotes reciprocal business opportunities, economic development forums, professional exchanges and the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program. Volunteers work to foster the mission of Phoenix Sister Cities and the growth of Phoenix as an international city. The Prague Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Prague Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Akram Rosheidat akram@MRTDesignLLC.com
Staff Liason: Emily Smolenski emily.smolenski@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every fourth Wednesday of the month, except July, and December.

Meetings begin at 6:00pm and are located at Brookstone Office Complex, 340 E. Palm Ln. Suite A304, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Ramat-Gan Committee

The Ramat-Gan Committee promotes youth exchanges, local and international art and cultural programs, sports, business and educational opportunities between the two desert cities. It also partners with other sister city committees to present events and conducts ongoing efforts to develop new initiatives benefiting both Ramat-Gan and Phoenix. The Ramat-Gan Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Ramat-Gan Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Edna Sitelman ednasite@yahoo.com
Staff Liaison: Rita Marko rita.marko@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every second Thursday of the month, except July, August, and December.

Meetings begin at 4:00 pm and are located at Edna Sitelman Residence 7 E. Orangewood Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Taipei Committee

The Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Committee organizes exchange programs in arts and culture, education, business, culinary arts, sports and youth exchanges. The committee also participates in annual festivals, including Chinese Week; Taiwan art and photographic exhibitions; Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp; Chinese calligraphy events; and the Double Ten national day celebration. Other activities involve hosting visiting delegations, such as performers, teachers, and government officials, organizing back-to-school events and complimentary cultural outreaches to schools and service clubs to promote cultural awareness and diversity. The Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Taipei Committee Contact Information

Chairperson: Wen Chyi Chiu wenchiu88@hotmail.com
Staff Liason:April Cavaletto april.cavaletto@phoenix.gov

The committee meets every second Thursday of the month, July, August, and December.

Meetings begin at 5:00pm and are located at a private home, located at 1318 E Captain Dreyfus Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85022

Committee Meeting Times and Locations

Staff

Rita Marko

President / CEO

Rita Marko

President / CEO

Rita Marko has been with the City of Phoenix for slightly more than 16 years. Initially hired as the Library’s Development Officer, Rita staffed the Phoenix Public Library Foundation and raised funds for critical library services. She was promoted to the position of Library Community Relations Manager, where she was responsible for media relations, marketing and the development of the Library’s website – the City’s first responsively-designed site.

Rita transferred to the City Manager’s Office, where she supported two Deputy City Managers, and staffed three City Council Subcommittees and two task forces. Most recently, Rita served as the Management Assistant II in the Public Works Director’s Office.

Prior to coming to the City, Rita worked for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, raising $1.5 million in about 18 months. She also worked for the Skokomish Indian Nation in Washington state, serving as the community’s Health Planner, Economic Development Planner and Director of Economic Development. Rita has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Anthropology from the University of Arizona, where the focus of her studies was culture change and economic development. Her Masters thesis focused on the Cuban Women’s Federation as an agent of change for women in Cuba.

rita.marko@phoenix.gov

602-534-2200

Rick Gerrard

Vice President

Rick Gerrard

Vice President

Rick Gerrard is deputy director of the City of Phoenix Office of International Relations and deputy director of Phoenix Sister Cities. He has served in this capacity since March 1999. Rick is responsible for handling matters of protocol and the programming of meetings and activities for international delegations visiting the City of Phoenix on official business. In addition, he is responsible for designing, organizing and coordinating international exchange-related activities and events associated with nine sister cities around the world.

Prior to his arrival in Phoenix, Rick was deputy director of the Town Affiliation Association of the United States, better known as Sister Cities International, based in Washington, D.C. He spent nine years with Sister Cities International in various capacities where he managed numerous grants and designed and conducted international exchange, training and development programs worldwide. He has organized and conducted political, educational and trade delegations to more than two dozen industrialized and developing countries, including the first visit of United States mayors to South Africa after the collapse of apartheid in 1995; the first visit of US mayors to Vietnam after the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1996; and, the first visit of US mayors to Northern Ireland after the renewal of the peace process in 1997, just prior to the Good Friday peace accords of 1998. Rick has been involved in international affairs for over thirty years.

Rick has an MA in Latin American history from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree in social science and education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He speaks Spanish and some Portuguese and served for over two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay.

rick.gerrard@phoenix.gov

602-495-5918

April Cavaletto

Youth and Education Coordinator

April Cavaletto

Youth and Education Coordinator

April has a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University (ASU), where she specialized in direct practice with children, youth, and families. She also has bachelors’ degrees from ASU in communication and English literature. Prior to Phoenix Sister Cities, April oversaw a student-led department at ASU West and coordinated community service events for ASU students. April also has experience working with survivors of domestic violence, foster youth, recent mothers, and trauma survivors. April has studied abroad in London, England and taught English to third grade students in Chonburi, Thailand.

April is thrilled to work with Phoenix Sister Cities and is passionate about removing barriers and increasing opportunities for all youth.

april.cavaletto@phoenix.gov

Emily Smolenski

Event and Membership Coordinator

Emily Smolenski

Event and Membership Coordinator

Emily has a BA in International Affairs and a minor in Business from Northern Arizona University. Prior to Phoenix Sister Cities, Emily was a full-time student and worked as a camp counselor in Pennsylvania over the summers as a ropes course facilitator. She worked with young women from the ages of 5-15, facilitated numerous team-building activities, and encouraged young women to challenge themselves every day. She is passionate about working and volunteering with youth and this is what led her to apply for an internship position with Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC) in 2018.

Emily began her work with PSC in the fall semester of 2018 as the Youth and Education Program Coordinator intern. During her internship, she was hired on full time and now serves as the Event and Membership Coordinator at PSC. In this role, she helps plan and coordinate all PSC Signature events, including the annual Global Links Business Luncheon, The Mayor’s International, PSC 5K Run, and other PSC functions/fundraisers throughout the year. She also works on membership and maintains the membership database at PSC. Emily finds it extremely important to sustain member engagement and satisfaction and works to find new ways to enhance the membership experience overall for PSC members.

Emily is excited to be working with Phoenix Sister Cities and is eager to learn more about event and program planning/coordinating and improving membership.

emily.smolenski@phoenix.gov

Cynthia Rodriguez

Bookkeeper

Cynthia Rodriguez

Bookkeeper

Cynthia Rodriguez has been a self-employed Bookkeeper since 2001, working with various industries such as, a non-profit organization called Arizona RBI Youth Sports, various branches of the Medical field, Real Estate, Title and Escrow and the music production industry . She has also worked with the finance industry serving clients with banking and investment needs. She is excited to be working with Phoenix Sister Cities as their Bookkeeper and look forward to what the future holds with this new relationship.

cynthia.rodriguez@phoenix.gov

602-262-4430

Lena Fleisch

Intern - Assistant to the President

Lena Fleisch

Intern - Assistant to the President

Lena Fleisch is the Assistant to the President Intern for the spring semester. She is a Phoenix native that is a current Junior at Arizona State University. Lena is majoring in Public Service and Public Policy with a minor in Communication. She plans to use the knowledge and skills that she had developed throughout undergraduate to further her education and pursue a Masters. She is a part of the Phoenix Cadet Program that receives hands-on training from police officers, and volunteers her time to the police department. Her other hobbies include running, hiking, paddle boarding, and pretty much anything outdoors.

lena.fleisch@phoenix.gov

Miryam Valdivia-Romero

Intern - Assistant to the Vice President

Miryam Valdivia-Romero

Intern - Assistant to the Vice President

Miryam Valdivia-Romero is the Assistant to the Vice President intern for the spring semester. She is originally from Lima, Peru, and moved to Arizona in 2005. Miryam is an ASU Alumni, currently enrolled in the Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law. She is pursuing her Master of Legal Studies, emphasizing International Rule of Law and Security. She will use her undergrad in Criminology and Homeland Security. Her interest is in human rights and she hopes to support in combatting human trafficking, either in non-profit or government level. Miryam has been a career counselor in the Navy reserves and enjoys traveling as a backpacker.

miryam.valdivia.romero@phoenix.gov

Nicole Hinshaw

Intern - Youth & Education Program Assistant

Nicole Hinshaw

Intern - Youth & Education Program Assistant

Nikki Hinshaw is the Assistant to Youth and Education Program Coordinator intern for the spring semester. She is from Tempe, Arizona, and is a current Senior at Arizona State University. Nikki is working towards a BA in Communication, and a BS in Political Science. She plans to use her education to enter the field of public diplomacy and help promote cultural understanding. She believes in creating opportunities for people to engage globally, especially through international education and exchange programs. Nikki served as a mentor to international students at ASU and works for Project Humanity. Her other hobbies include traveling, exploring new food places, and various cultures.

nicole.hinshaw@phoenix.gov

Bailey Ricard

Intern - Marketing Coordinator

Bailey Ricard

Intern - Marketing Coordinator

Bailey Ricard is the Marketing Coordinator Intern for the spring semester. Bailey was born in Lewiston, Idaho, but lived in Spokane, Washington most of her life. She moved to Tempe to attend Arizona State University. She’s currently a senior majoring in Communication, with a minor in Family and Human Development. She plans to use her degree to make connections across the globe and inspire face-to-face interactions along the way. At ASU, Bailey has been a part of the Women’s Club Volleyball team throughout her whole college career and enjoys exploring nature.

bailey.ricard@phoenix.gov

509-720-3724

History

Over 40 Years of Sister Cities Relationships

Affiliations between the United States and other countries began shortly after World War II and soon became popularly known as Sister Cities. The Sister City movement became a national effort when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the People-to-People program at a White House conference in 1956. Today, over 2,000 U.S. cities in all 50 states are linked with over 1,800 foreign cities in 123 different countries. Sister Cities International celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1996. For more than 42 years, the Sister Cities program has broadened its areas of focus from educational and cultural exchanges to also include technical assistance, trade, and economic development.

Sister Cities International, as the national nonprofit membership organization serving members in the United States, acts as a clearinghouse and facilitator in assisting communities with the development and maintenance of their Sister City partnerships. Besides Phoenix, other Arizona cities that are members of Sister Cities International and support local sister city organizations include Flagstaff, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Prescott, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Show Low/Pinetop-Lakeside, Sierra Vista, Tempe, Tucson, and Yuma.

The City of Phoenix joined the Sister City movement in 1972 with the creation of Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC). As a nonprofit organization seeking to develop understanding and better relationships with designated cities around the world, PSC filed for Articles of Incorporation in 1975 and signed their first Sister City linkage with Hermosillo, Mexico in 1976. Since then, Phoenix has linked with Himeji, Japan (1976); Taipei, Taiwan (1979); Chengdu, China (1987); Ennis, Ireland (1988); Grenoble, France (1990); Calgary, Canada (1997); Catania, Italy (2001); Ramat-Gan, Israel (2005); and Prague, Czech Republic (2013).

These invaluable partnerships offer a forum for fostering and encouraging mutual understanding, friendship and peace through cultural, social, educational, and economic exchanges between the people of Phoenix and the people of our Sister Cities.

For information on Sister Cities International, please click here.