Welcoming Community Engagement Exchange Fellow Naomi Dubabagi to Akron
How can you support international exchange programs in Akron?
Global Ties Akron is proud to host a transformative leader this spring, bridging the gap between Northeast Ohio and Papua New Guinea through the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Fellowship.
What is the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Fellowship?
Sponsored by the ECA (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs) and implemented by IREX, the CEE Fellowship is a transformative, year‑long journey for emerging leaders committed to strengthening civil society.
Designed for changemakers ages 21–27, the program empowers fellows to use the power of relationships and information to build healthier and more resilient communities.
Meet Our Fellow in Akron: CEE International Fellow Visiting Akron, OH
The Practicum gives fellows real‑world experience that can be used to grow civil society in their home country. Our CEE International Fellow will be joining us in Akron, Ohio from March 30-June 18, 2026. We encourage community members to contact us if you would like to meet our fellow during this time.
Click here for more information about the program made possible thanks to IREX and ECA.
Naomi Dubabagi: A Leader from Papua New Guinea
Naomi Dubabagi is a recent graduate from Divine Word University in Madang, Papua New Guinea, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
As the Managing Director of The Future Horizon, a non-profit organization focused on youth and children’s development, she is passionate about empowering the next generation through workshops and training programs. With a commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of young people in decision-making processes, she aims to implement a youth forum in her local government to provide a platform for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue with leaders and discuss pressing issues affecting their communities.
Through the CEE Program, Naomi will gain exposure to American excellence in civic engagement, including town halls, youth councils, and consensus-building. She will adapt U.S. models for agenda-setting and civc meeting procedure, while learning techniques to bridge language barriers and collaborate across different cultural groups in Papua New Guinea.
Global Ties Akron is honored to welcome Naomi Dubabagi from Papua New Guinea to Akron, Ohio.
About Global Ties Akron
Global Ties Akron is one of Northeast Ohio’s leading organizations for international exchange and citizen diplomacy. We connect visiting international leaders with the institutions, businesses, and communities that define Akron, and help build lasting partnerships between our city and the world. We are a proud member of the Global Ties U.S. network.
How to Get Involved: Support International Nonprofits in Akron
Global Ties Akron thrives on the support of our community. If you are passionate about international relations and want to foster “citizen diplomacy” in Ohio, here is how you can help: