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In Memoriam: Diane Thomas

It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the sad and untimely passing of our former President and CEO, Diane Thomas.

Diane was a worldly woman and a service-driven leader long before she became the leader of The International Center.

A true global citizen, Diane led The International Center through significant growth and transformation during her tenure as the organization’s first CEO.

“Diane was a wonderful woman. I will always remember her as a visionary leader, a mentor, and a friend. We will miss her deeply”, says Martin Baier, The Center’s current President and CEO.

Upon retirement from The Center, Diane Thomas was recognized with a Sagamore of The Wabash award, for her incredible contributions to the State of Indiana.

Just recently, The International Center honored Diane as one of fifty individuals that have helped the Hoosier state become the global hub it is today.

Diane Thomas 50-for-50

International Citizen of the Year Event 2023

On October 3rd, The International Center hosted over 300 community business leaders, dignitaries, and elected officials to honor the 2023 International Citizen of the Year, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The evening began with a reception on Pagoda Plaza, where guests were able to get pictures with a custom wrapped Dallara car, the Borg Warner trophy, and the energetic mascots who joined us. In the first portion of the programming, the winner of the Global Impression Award was announced, followed by a performance of Back Home Again in Indiana by the International School of Indiana choir.

Finally we wrapped up this year's event by recognizing Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the International Citizen of the year. Elaine Bedel presented Doug Boles, who provided energetic remarks, with the award on behalf of IMS.

Global Impression Award Winner

At the International Citizen of the Year Event, The International Center announced Crystal Neumann as the 2023 Global Impression Award winning. Dr. Crystal Neumann is the Assistant Provost for Business Professions for American College of Education and serves as a City Councilwoman for Fishers.

Along with her public service she is dedicated to supporting the Latino community and has a passion for environmental issues. In her acceptance remarks Crystal Neumann expressed that she is driven by her children and the opportunity to make the world a better place for them.

If you'd like to read more about the 2023 Global Impression award winner use the button below to find the blog about her.

Crystal Neumann Blog

Heartland Film Festival

The International Center is partnering with Heartland Film Festival to promote the International Film Festival from October 5th through the 15th.

If you are interested in attending any of the screenings use promo code INTLPARTNER. The promo code is valid on both in-person and virtual screenings of films tagged ‘International’ - $2 off each ticket. Students and Educators get ½ of the ticket price

The 27 films span 28 cultures from around the world! Find more information including the schedule of the films using the link below.

International Film Festival Schedule

Living up to the Mission

The International Center is a catalyst to inform, convene and connect public, private and civic global objectives in Indiana.

Inform:

September's Engaging Across Cultures-East Asia, hosted by the Office of Protocol, informed the 25 participants of Intercultural Communication, Protocol and business aspects of working with individuals from East Asia with an emphasis on China, Japan and Korea.

Convene:

The International Center hosted a delegation of 15 EU organizations looking for opportunities in North American, and paired them with 12 Indiana Companies. The day's events also included presentations from Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and Indy Partnerships.

Connect:

Vice President of Client & Partner Services, Colin Renk, connected with the Consulates of Brazil, Germany, Korea, and Switzerland in order to promote bilateral business and civic engagement.