Important News
Globally Speaking: 50 for 50, Dinner Diplomacy, Host Appreciation
We are halfway to our 50 for 50 campaign goal with just one week remaining.
Community members recently gathered for an unforgettable evening of Dinner Diplomacy with Senegalese leaders. Our Home Hosts shared behind-the-scenes stories that are emerging about what international visitors are actually discovering when they step inside local Akron homesโand how it’s quietly reshaping global perspectives on our city.
50 years, 50 Donors: Claim Your Spot
To mark half a century of building real trust, we are looking for 50 community members to step up for every year of shared home dinners, genuine conversations, and local partnerships.
An anonymous donor has offered to match every gift of $50 or more, dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $2,500. Will you be one of those 50?
Globally Speaking: What did international business delegates come to study in our city?
From entrepreneurship to local classrooms, here is how Akron is leading global conversations this July.
When international delegates arrive in Akron, they study our businesses, visit our schools, and spend money in our hotels, restaurants, cultural venues, and retail stores.
Global Ties Akron
Global Ties Akron connects Akron’s businesses, universities, and community members with emerging leaders from around the world. Through State Department-sponsored professional exchanges, speaker engagements, and community events, we build lasting relationships that strengthen America’s economic ties and diplomatic influence, starting right here in Northeast Ohio.
Why We Exist
Global Ties Akron exists to make Akron a place where the world’s next leaders build lasting connections with America. Every visitor who dines at a home host table or tours a local business returns home with firsthand knowledge of the United States and lasting relationships with the people here. Those relationships open doors for Akron businesses, support American interests abroad, and make our community a stronger player on the global stage.
Our Core Services
International Exchange
Our exchanges are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Congressional Office for International Leadership, and other credible programs. Host a visiting leader, share your business or expertise, or volunteer, and help build the relationships that advance American interests abroad and at home.
Global Education and Training
We offer customized training in global business readiness and international engagement, including how to serve as a citizen diplomat. Our offerings include K-12 programs such as Know Your Community, Know Your World, paid university internships that build international business skills, and professional development for corporate and nonprofit teams.
Social Enterprise
The Global Threads Boutique sells handcrafted goods from artisans around the world, including both global and local creatives, with return revenue generated to sustain programs in our Greater Akron community.
Where We Are Located
Global Ties Akron Office
259 South Broadway Street, #358, Akron, Ohio 44308
The University of Akron College of Business
Department of Management
Offices open M-F 8 am-4 pm, Closed Saturday and Sunday
Subject to The University of Akron Hours, contact to confirm
Global Threads Boutique
More information coming soon.
Testimonials
“The most meaningful change does not come from big projects. It comes from people making real connections that others can build on long after the visit ends.”
“The most meaningful change does not come from big projects. It comes from people making real connections that others can build on long after the visit ends.”
Norma Rist | Volunteer, USA
President, Norma J. Rist CEO Consulting, Inc. (Former VP & GM, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers of Akron, Inc.)
“My experience in Akron, Ohio was profound. This culminated into the formation of the Yaasalam Opportunity Center. Today, I feel highly fulfilled looking at the huge numbers we have impacted across Ghana, USA, Burkina Faso, and beyond.”
“My experience in Akron, Ohio was profound. This culminated into the formation of the Yaasalam Opportunity Center. Today, I feel highly fulfilled looking at the huge numbers we have impacted across Ghana, USA, Burkina Faso, and beyond.”
Abdulsalam Mohammed Daaru | IVLP Visitor, Ghana
Co-Founder/CEO Oxygen Health-Tech
“The team at Global Ties Akron is small […] and they work tirelessly to ensure that those who visit under cultural exchanges are well taken care of and given the best treatment and experience while they are here.”
“The team at Global Ties Akron is small […] and they work tirelessly to ensure that those who visit under cultural exchanges are well taken care of and given the best treatment and experience while they are here.”
Naomi Dubabagi | 2026 CEE Fellow, Papua New Guinea
Managing Director, The Future Horizon
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