2025 IMPACT REPORT
WE ARE WORLDCHICAGO
At WorldChicago, we see firsthand how citizen diplomacy transforms lives and communities—by harnessing the power of people-to-people connections, not just state-to-state or country-to-country negotiations.
Through resilience, determination, commitment and the generosity of all of our stakeholders, WorldChicago continues to deliver upon its mission.
Connecting Chicago to the World
We foster mutual understanding through creating and supporting dynamic global relationships.
We build personal and professional bridges to create opportunities for dialogue, economic prosperity and goodwill.
We connect Chicagoans with their global counterparts.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Anthony Preston, Chair
Stacey Mansker-Young, Vice-Chair
Sevil Kutay, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
Nelson Rosario, Secretary
MEMBERS
Donna Lindquist
Jim Petitpren
Usha Raj
Bernard Ramos
Rebecca Wellisch
David Wellman
Johnathan Brown
Harriet Lewis
Monica Swope
Brian Peckrill
Susan Falatko
From Our Leadership
Citizen Diplomacy is the heart of WorldChicago’s mission and is more relevant today than ever before. In a city celebrated for its multicultural neighborhoods and vibrant international connections, our work holds a unique power to bring people together, spark understanding, and build bridges across cultures. Every Chicagoan—whether welcoming international visitors, participating in exchanges, or supporting our programs—serves as an ambassador for peace and understanding. These personal connections have ripple effects far beyond our city.
Over the past year, WorldChicago’s programs have showcased Chicago’s role as a true global hub, with our business leaders, educators, artists, and students enthusiastically engaging with partners from nearly 100 countries. When local organizations share ideas and collaborate with international guests, they are demonstrating soft power in action—cultivating trust, sparking innovation, and supporting a legacy of global leadership. From cross-cultural arts exchanges to entrepreneurial partnerships and educational dialogues, Chicagoans are shaping the future one relationship at a time.
Jennifer Dixon, Executive Director
This year has reminded us all of the extraordinary power of community. We are deeply grateful for the support that has sustained WorldChicago this past year. Your partnership, encouragement, and belief in our mission have allowed us to continue connecting people across borders. We simply could not do this work without you.
Together, we have advanced our shared commitment to activating the next generation of global citizens. From welcoming international delegates to empowering local youth with global leadership experiences, your support has helped transform challenges into opportunities. The stories of cultural exchange, collaboration, and mutual understanding that emerged this year are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together.
Anthony Preston, Chair
Stacey Mansker-Young, Vice-Chair
CITIZEN DIPLOMACY
WorldChicago is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Citizen Diplomacy through programs that connect the Chicago community with the world.
When Chicago’s business ecosystem and youth diplomats host international visitors, collaborate on community projects, or engage in cross-cultural dialogue through our programs, they are not just learning about the world—they are shaping it through the subtle but profound influence of soft power.
OUR PROGRAMS
Over the past year, WorldChicago’s programs have showcased Chicago’s role as a true global hub, with our business leaders, educators, artists, and students enthusiastically engaging with partners from nearly 100 countries.
Youth Diplomats
WorldChicago’s Youth Diplomats program is a free, multi-year, out-of-school commitment that empowers Chicago high school students to explore global issues, develop leadership skills, and build cross-cultural connections that transcend borders.
In 2025 we celebrated 10 years of our Youth Diplomats program, which brings students from all backgrounds together to learn, tackle complex challenges, and lead with empathy. Chicago’s youth are breaking down stereotypes and co-creating solutions with their peers across the globe, embodying the spirit of civic engagement and global citizenship.
Looking ahead, WorldChicago is excited to expand these opportunities even further, ensuring every student has access to international exchanges and the chance to develop a global mindset—regardless of what school they attend or what path they choose after graduation.
Future Leaders
WorldChicago is also deepening our commitment to opening new doors for all Chicagoans through Urban and City Diplomacy. Our transformative programs aim to reach students and professionals from every one of our city’s 77 neighborhoods—providing them with access to hands-on experiences, international networks, and world-class leadership development.
Whether through Youth Diplomats or professional, international exchanges, Chicago’s emerging leaders and seasoned professionals are learning, collaborating, and sharing best practices with peers around the world, building community and economic growth locally and globally.
New Community Impact Study Affirms Domestic Benefits of Exchange Programs*
*Global Ties U.S. Impact Study
Trinity Bazile
“My favorite memory from Youth Diplomats would be going to Washington DC and meeting with people who worked for many different US government agencies and just seeing how foreign relations works in the nation's capital.”
Trinity Bazile is a 2023–2024 alum of WorldChicago’s Youth Diplomats program. She is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations on a pre-law track at the University of Southern California, where she also holds leadership roles in USC’s Foreign Service Society (Delta Phi Epsilon). Trinity plans to study abroad in Taiwan through USC’s Maymester program to continue her Mandarin Chinese studies.
Michael Murray
“This was really the experience that brought me into or showed me a love for diplomacy and international relations.”
Michael Murray participated in WorldChicago’s Youth Diplomats program from 2020–2023. A graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep, he now attends Georgetown University, where he is pursuing studies in international affairs. His engagement with visiting fellows from YLAI and IVLP has broadened his perspective through exposure to diverse stories, experiences, and global viewpoints.
Olivia Dixon
“I’m currently residing in the Canary Islands in Spain through the Fulbright teaching assistantship program working with children in preschool and elementary school.”
Olivia Dixon participated in WorldChicago’s Youth Diplomats program from 2018–2020. A 2020 graduate of Von Steuben High School in Albany Park, she went on to earn the Jeff Ubben Fellowship through the Posse Foundation and interned with the CEO of the global nonprofit AmeriCares. Olivia studied abroad in both Madrid, Spain, and Yaoundé, Cameroon, and recently graduated from Middlebury College in 2024 with a degree in International and Global Studies, focusing on global migration and diaspora studies.
OUR IMPACT
When global leaders meet Chicago’s communities, the ripple effects extend far beyond a single visit. This year’s programs generated economic value, volunteer engagement, and lasting international partnerships.
Impact By Collaboration
Chicago’s business ecosystem is a living laboratory for citizen diplomacy. By engaging in WorldChicago’s programs, this ecosystem demonstrates its ability to build trust and mutual understanding.
176
Organizations that have served as Citizen Diplomats by hosting Fellows, Professional Meetings, and/or Site Visits
29
Organizations that have hosted Fellows
147
Organizations that have hosted Professional Meetings and/or Site Visits
423
Total Visitors/Participants
97
Total Countries Represented
289
Total Nights Spent in Chicago
(hospitality dollars = economic impact)
Economic Impact
The relationships established through our programs are not only smart economic policy, they drive local prosperity. The dollars that international visitors spend are retained in Chicago and Illinois, helping small businesses to thrive, creating jobs, and developing the local workforce. Ultimately this strengthens Chicago's influence and security — demonstrating the economic advantages of person-to-person diplomacy.
WorldChicago - International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
$185,476
received in federal funds
$3,472,228
delivered in local economic impact*
This represents a 18:1 ratio compared to the national ratio of 11:1 reported by Global Ties. U.S.
*Local economic impact is based on self-reported data, which captures how core federal funding for the IVLP is leveraged into additional funding, in-kind support, and local spending in U.S. communities over the course of a year.
Hosted 435 global leaders through IVLP.
Engaged 337 local volunteers.
Benefited from 8,918 hours of service from volunteers.
Arranged 117 professional meetings for global leaders.
Organized 706 cross-cultural activities under IVLP programming.
Past Support
The 2025 Spring Diplomacy Luncheon was made possible from the generosity of our supporters, propelling Chicago and its emerging leaders to the forefront of global innovation and understanding. We thank you for being part of our journey, and for helping us harness the transformative power of citizen diplomacy.
Charting a New Course
WorldChicago is looking toward the horizon with a renewed vision for implementing professional, international experiences and exchanges. While we are navigating a new and dynamic environment nationally and globally (in 2025 we lost close to 50% of our anticipated budget and 62% of our staff), WorldChicago will continue to invest in young, culturally-fluent leaders, civil discourse, mentorship opportunities and international exchanges. And with your help, we will preserve our contributions to citizen diplomacy and increase the lasting impact on global competitiveness and economic resilience for all Chicago neighborhoods.
WAYS TO GIVE
Invest in Chicago’s global future. Your generosity keeps citizen diplomacy thriving and ensures its impact reaches every neighborhood.
Personal Giving
WorldChicago is looking to the future—introducing ambitious plans that will further empower Chicago’s youth across all 77 neighborhoods to compete on the global stage. Our expanded Youth Diplomats programming will offer more Chicago students unprecedented access to educational exchanges and international experiences, regardless of the school they attend or their post-high school plan. Thereby ensuring that every student has the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and global mindset that make them competitive in a global economy and with their international peers.
We need your help. Our goal is to raise more than $20,000 by January 9, 2026.
Freshman
The starter level pays a $1 tribute to WorldChicago’s impact on each of the 77 Chicago neighborhoods.
$77
Sophomore
This contribution helps up to 14 WorldChicago Youth Diplomats secure Ventra cards for public transportation.
$277
Junior
To support international travel opportunities for Chicago-based students, this contribution helps secure passports for up to 14 students.
$577
Senior
In support of international exchanges, this level helps students secure educational travel visas and it defrays the cost of minor travel expenses.
$777
Your unrestricted gift helps WorldChicago continue to be a builder of global bridges that provide exchanges of ideas, perspectives, and programs that help make the world and Chicago, a better place.
Partner Giving
As we look ahead, we ask for your continued support to help us sustain and expand this vital work. WorldChicago’s 74 year legacy of developing global citizens depends on the generosity and engagement of people like you—people who believe in dialogue, in diplomacy, and in the potential of every emerging leader. With your help, we can ensure that this legacy not only endures, but grows stronger for generations to come.
- Anthony Preston, Board Chair
*Corporate Diplomacy amount must be received by December 15, 2025 to participate in travel January 20 - 25, 2026.
Help us double our goal of $20,000 in our effort to launch the next generation of citizen diplomats
who will more than double the impact in the communities where they live, learn and work.
To Create a Multiplying Effect
Please contact us about your Corporate Matching Program or grant opportunities.
Additional Giving Options
PLANNED GIFTS
Making a planned gift is a wonderful way to show support of citizen diplomacy and WorldChicago’s mission while accommodating personal, financial, estate-planning, and philanthropic goals.
Planned gifts to WorldChicago give future generations of students, young leaders, and aspiring professionals the opportunity to make a positive civic and economic impact on our local, national and global communities.
Please contact us if you are interested in donating appreciated securities, real estate, partnership interests, personal property, life insurance, or retirement plans.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS (DAF)
If you would like to donate through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or a Brokerage Account, please contact Jennifer Dixon, jdixon@worldchicago.org
Upcoming Events
Speaker Series
DIPLOMACY AND THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY
January 28, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Impact House
This special engagement will be a Fireside Chat moderated by Executive Director Jennifer Dixon and featuring WorldChicago Board Members, Susan Falatko and David Wellman.
SPRING DIPLOMACY FORUM
Save the Date!
March 19, 2026
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Impact House
Get Involved
For more information, questions about giving opportunities, or volunteer options…
WorldChicago is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Citizen Diplomacy through programs that connect the Chicago community with the world.
303 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2108
Chicago, IL 60601