About Global Ties Akron
Citizen Diplomacy in Northeast Ohio
OUR MISSION
Global Ties Akron strengthens academic, corporate, organizational, and personal links between Northeast Ohio, Greater Akron,ย and the world throughย citizen diplomacyย andย people-to-people exchange.ย
OUR VISION
Global Ties Akron will be recognized community-wide for developingย cultural exchange programsย and international connectionsย thatย benefitย the Greater Akron community.ย
ย
We believe the Greater Akron community willย understand and recognize the importance ofย citizen diplomacy: how individual relationships build global understanding.ย
our values
Representative
Global awareness, appreciation of cultural perspectives, and diplomacy.
Collaborative
Skill and knowledge sharing, communications, and defining mutual goals.
Professional
Results-oriented, dependable, and innovative with integrity.
citizen diplomacy and cultural exchange in greater Akron
Our 2013-2023 impact
Welcomed to Akron through our international visitors programs, building relationships that strengthen citizen diplomacy.
COUNTRIES
Represented in exchanges that connect Akron to the world and foster cross-cultural understanding.
STUDENTS & EDUCATORSโ
Engaged in cultural exchange programs that expand global awareness in local classrooms.
LOCAL TO GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Created through people-to-people exchanges linking Akronโs community with international leaders.
LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
Generated by hosting visitors and programs that support businesses, schools, and organizations across Northeast Ohio.
OUR TEAM
At Global Ties Akron, our dedicated team leads programs that connect international visitors with local leaders, students, and communities. Through citizen diplomacy and cultural exchange programs, we work every day to strengthen Northeast Ohioโs role in the global community.
EVELYN
WILLIAMS, PhD. MEd.
Executive Director
Leading Global Ties Akron as we build global bridges that benefit the Greater Akron and Summit County communities. Moving forward with purpose, mission, and intentionality as we offer professional, cultural, and educational programs that foster cross-cultural understanding.
Adriane
Clayton
Program Director & Bookkeeper
Through my work with Global Ties Akron, my focus is on developing impactful programs for international visitors that allow best practices to be shared by the visitors and by their counterparts in Northeast Ohio further building bridges between Akron, OH, and the world.
Libby (Elizabeth) Weaver
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
Working part-time as a Program Assistant at Global Ties Akron, I take pride in helping showcase the unique spirit and strengths of Akron to international visitors. Itโs deeply rewarding to share my hometown with the world and be part of building meaningful global connections through cultural exchange.
Our Board of Directors
Community leaders committed to advancing citizen diplomacy and sustaining Akronโs role in global exchange.
Litsa Varonis
PRESIDENT
Dr George
Haritos
VICE PRESIDENT
DR Amanda
Johnson
Treasurer
Director
The Gerald H. Read Center for International and Intercultural Education, Kent State University
Dr Doug Hausknecht
SECRETARY
Retired Associate Professor, International Business
The University of Akron
Holly Harris Bane
Immediate Past President
Economic Development Director
City of Aurora, Ohio
David Dobo
Fundraising & Development Chair
Adjunct Faculty, Political Science
University of Akron
Rebecca (Becky) Guzy Woodford
Juan Eduardo Contreras Barberena
Ammar Husein
Consultant
The VanDevere Bunch
Darlyn
McDermott, CLF
Market Leader and Southern Regionย Director
MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network
DR Mahesh Srinivasan
Director of the Institute of Global Business
Faculty College of Business Administration, The University of Akron