Important News
Globally Speaking: How is citizen diplomacy changing Akron this Spring?
Celebrating 50 years, welcoming our CEE Fellow, and a sneak peek at what is next.
Over the last three months, our community has had a strong economic and people-to-people impact.
Here is a look at the incredible global connections we have built together since March.
Globally Speaking: Celebrate Our 50th Anniversary!
Join Passport To Wine & Dine 2026
Share in our 50th year connecting the Greater Akron community and the World. Come along with us as we provide global connections and economic impact through international exchange, global education, and social enterprise.
Globally Speaking: End Of Year, Nov. 2025
Thanks to those who attended and supported our annual American Thanksgiving Celebration with an International Flair! It was an honor to spend the evening with over 65 Global Ties Akron friends and partners, including international student guests from The University of Akron and Kent State University, two of our academic Community Resource Partners.
Global Ties Akron
We provide opportunities for individuals to engage with leaders worldwide. We offer professional and educational exchange programs, speaker engagements, and special events to promote citizen diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. We exist to build global bridges that benefit the Greater Akron community. Our programs foster cross-cultural relationships that break down barriers and reduce stereotypes.
Why We Exist
Global Ties Akron builds global bridges that benefit the Greater Akron community. Our professional, cultural, and educational programs foster cross-cultural understanding to break down barriers and shatter stereotypes.
Our Core Services
International Exchange
Learn more about our International Exchanges, sponsored by the US Department of State, Congressional Office for International Leadership, and other credible exchange programs. Find out how you can take part by hosting a guest or event, partnering as one of our community resources, or volunteering for a visiting leadersโ group.
Global Education and Training
Find out more about our customized Global Education and Training sessions for your cultural awareness and sensitivity needs, including how-to be a citizen diplomat. We provide trauma-informed K-12 educational programs, including Know Your Community, Know Your World; university-level paid internships; and cultural perspectives training for your corporate or nonprofit staff.
Social Enterprise
Learn more about our social enterprise that brings artisans from around the world to our local boutique. Support artists from countries such as Ghana, or from local immigrant and refugee communities.
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
Northside Marketplace
21 Furnace Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
Sunday 11 am โ 3 pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday โ Saturday 11 am โ 7 pm
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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