Global Ties Miami

For his last meeting in Miami, Mr. Hibino met with the team at General Oceanics Inc to discuss product development priorities and explore opportunities for future collaboration. The conversation highlighted the company’s innovative oceanographic and marine biology instruments, including sensors and fully equipped research vessels, and their impact on advancing scientific research. We thank Regis Cook, Director of Marketing, and Sylvia Acevedo from General Oceanics for hosting the visit and sharing insights into their pioneering work in marine technology. #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity

For his next meeting, Mr. Hibino met with Erik Salna, Meteorologist and Associate Director of Education and Outreach at Florida International University’s International Hurricane Research Center and FIU Extreme Events Institute. The visit included a tour of the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind, showcasing state of the art wind simulation experiments and their role in informing building codes and disaster mitigation practices. Mr. Salna also shared insights into the innovative research being conducted at the institute, alongside their public-private partnerships. We thank Mr. Salna and the Wall of Wind research team at FIU for providing an in-depth look at innovative approaches in investigating and reducing the impact of extreme weather events. #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity

In February, Global Ties Miami hosted Sho Hibino, Senior Scientific Officer at the Japan Meteorological Agency. Funded primarily by the Government of Japan, the Global Government-to-Government Partnership (G3P) strengthened U.S.–Japan collaboration in support of American interests and security. The project facilitated technical exchange on marine observations for weather and hurricane forecasting, as well as research and development funding for weather and climate science. For his first meeting, Mr. Hibino met with Mohamed Iskandarani, Professor of Oceanography at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, for a lunch discussion. The conversation focused on Professor Iskandarani’s work in computational ocean modeling and environmental fluid dynamics, including his use of advanced numerical and high-performance computing models to simulate ocean systems and pollutant transport. We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Iskandarani for sharing his time and expertise! #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity

The “Trafficking in Persons: Prevention and Mitigation” delegation concluded their program with an action planning session led by Sandy Skelaney, a nationally recognized anti-trafficking expert and social venture consultant. The half-day workshop provided participants with the opportunity to reflect on key lessons from the past three weeks and identify practical strategies to apply in their home countries. Drawing on her experience in victim services, public policy, and coalition-building, Ms. Skelaney guided a discussion focused on strengthening survivor support systems, enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration, and advancing successful anti-trafficking initiatives. We thank Ms. Skelaney for facilitating a thoughtful and forward-looking conclusion to the delegation’s program. Special thank you to the World Trade Center Miami for hosting our session. #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity 

For their next meeting, the “Trafficking in Persons: Prevention and Mitigation” delegation visited the Broward County Central Courthouse for a meeting with Judge Ross of the RISE Court, part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. Through the support and coordination of the Broward State Attorney's Office, visitors also had the opportunity to meet with State Attorney Harold F. Pryor who kindly welcomed them to Broward County. The group learned about RISE Court’s trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach, which emphasizes accountability, healing, and community reintegration for individuals facing substance use, mental health challenges, or human trafficking. The group also met with local partners that work together to combat human trafficking in Broward County. Thank you to Judge Ross and Mr. Pryor for meeting with the group, and to Jumorrow Poitier and the BROWARD HUMAN TRAFFICKING COALITION INC for coordinating this meaningful event and bringing together additional community stakeholders who are actively engaged in combating human trafficking. #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity 

Global Ties Miami kickstarted 2026 by hosting one of our strongest program topics, “Trafficking in Persons: Prevention and Mitigation”, which brought 10 leaders from African countries to examine best practices in addressing forced labor, commercial sex trafficking, international cooperation and border security. For their first meeting, the delegation met with Victor Williams, Founder of Quest2Freedom, for a panel discussion centered on victim support, and long-term recovery for survivors of human trafficking. Drawing on his extensive law enforcement background, Mr. Williams highlighted the importance of trauma-informed approaches, coordinated services, and community education. The discussion, joined by regional task force partners, emphasized bridging gaps in transitional services and strengthening collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy organizations to ensure survivor-centered outcomes. We thank Mr. Williams and his partners at Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Taking Back the Girls, and the U.S. State Attorney’s Office for their commitment to advancing victim-focused, collaborative solutions to combat human trafficking. A special thank you to Shelley-Anne Glasgow-Wilson, Senior Vice President of Programs of Camillus House, for hosting the meeting. #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity 

For their final meeting, the “Mega Sporting Events and Economic Prosperity” delegation met with representatives of the World Youth Forum – FIFA World Cup 2026 Special. The discussion focused on how mega sporting events influence community development and how this international initiative mobilizes young people to promote peace, technology, and economic development through the lens of sport. The Forum aims to leverage the World Cup to inspire social innovation and youth civic activism globally. The meeting ended with the President of the Initiative, Gabriel Mvogo Saint, opening the door to future collaboration with the visitors and the next generation of youth leaders in their countries. We sincerely thank Gabriel Mvogo Saint, Widline, and Maurisia of the World Youth Forum for their insightful discussion on sport's role in driving global development. A special thank you to Daniel Marco Mulieri and the staff of Central Broward Park for hosting the meeting, and giving a special look at the Cricket grounds after the meeting! #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity

For their next meeting, the “Mega Sporting Events and Economic Prosperity” delegation met with Ilona Vega Jaramillo, CEcD, Vice President of International Economic Development at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, to learn more about the county’s approach to global economic engagement. The conversation explored how the Beacon Council, Miami-Dade’s official economic development partnership, leverages major sporting events and industry growth to drive regional development and strengthen the county’s position as a global business hub. Drawing on her expertise in foreign direct investment, Ms. Vega Jaramillo highlighted key strategies for attracting international investment and promoting inclusive growth across priority sectors. The discussion was further enriched by Gerard Philippeaux, Director of the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium, who shared insights into the county’s relationships with foreign governments and businesses and what positions Miami as a true “Global Gateway.” We extend our sincere thanks to Ilona Vega Jaramillo and Gerard Philippeaux for their valuable perspectives on Miami-Dade County’s global competitiveness. #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity

For their next meeting, the “Mega Sporting Events and Economic Prosperity” delegation visited Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium and met with Myles Pistorius, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Felipe Formiga, Vice President of International Development, and Stephanie Fonseca, MBA, Corporate Communications Coordinator. The meeting included a tour and focused on how the premier multi-purpose venue manages the complex logistical and operational challenges of hosting a diverse range of major events. Mr. Pistorius, Mr. Formiga, and Ms. Fonseca shared their strategy for maximizing the positive economic impact in the community and the organization's international brand development efforts. Thank you to Myles Pistorius, Felipe Formiga, and Stephanie Fonseca for the comprehensive tour and insights into the management and economic strategy of Hard Rock Stadium. #ExchangeProgramAlumni #CulturalExchange #CulturalDiplomacy #ExchangeMatters #ExchangeAlumni #USExchangeAlumni #ExchangePrograms #Miami #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #CoralGables #SouthFlorida #MiamiCulture #MiamiNonProfit #SouthFloridaCommunity #CommunityEngagement #MiamiLife #SupportLocalMiami #MiamiCommunity