Alannah Crandall of Global Ties San Francisco Receives 2024 Network Innovation Award

Alannah Crandall, Manager of International Programs and Events at Global Ties San Francisco, was honored to receive the 2024 Network Innovation Award for Outstanding Group Collaboration for the Global Moment in Time: Reflections on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (GMiT: DEIA) 2023 segment at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting.

Network Innovation Awards recognize dedicated professionals and their valuable contributions to fostering community-building across the Global Ties U.S. Network and transforming our work in international exchange and citizen diplomacy through innovative, impactful, diverse, and inclusive programming.

Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), GMiT: DEIA was a unique project for over 75 incredible global changemakers to examine understandings of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; analyze how historical barriers continue to impact underrepresented groups; and highlight modern-day efforts to challenge assumptions and change the status quo.

The success of this IVLP Special Initiative spanning 1.5 years — starting virtually in 2021 and culminating in-person in San Francisco in 2023 — took the collective efforts of numerous implementing partners across all levels: program officers and associates at Meridian International Center and the U.S. Department of State, ongoing Bridge Builders, program leadership at Global Ties San Francisco along with several other community-based members, and amazing International Visitor Liaisons.

Together, we navigated complicated logistics and effectively collaborated in creating an unforgettable IVLP experience for our International Visitors.

“This award is a testament to what we can all accomplish when we work together.”