Past Events

This session is designed for mayors, city managers, health and safety directors, and law enforcement officials seeking a deeper understanding of the complex issues faced by victims of trafficking and violent crimes. While the webinar is open to a broader audience, the focus will be on equipping these key decision-makers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the legal, social, and procedural aspects of assisting victims in their communities.

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Zoom Webinar

Cost: Free! Registration Required

Featured Speakers and topics:

Patrick Espinosa, Managing Partner Sus Abogados Latinos:

• Topic: Explanation of the differences between T, U & S visas, eligibility requirements, the visa process & protections they offer to victims and survivors of human trafficking

Elena Boop, Chief Trial Counsel of the City of Cleveland and Chief Prosecutor, the City of Cleveland:

• Topic: How law enforcement at the city can work with local depts. of public safety/police and organizations to support individuals applying for T, U & S visas
  • Importance of reporting and identifying situations of exploitation/trafficking, working with law enforcement, and working towards community trust
  • Ways to continually support victims in the city
  • Legal proceedings in prosecuting perpetrators

Edith Cabrera, License Social worker (LSW) and Crisis Intervention Specialist, FrontLine Service:

• Topic: Victims Perspective

Detectives from the Cleveland Police Force :

• Topic: How law enforcement (uniformed officers) fit into the equation, procedures and processes of reporting and handling T/U/S visa cases, steps on how to protect and help victims/survivors

This year’s program will highlight:

• The impact of our work in housing, workforce, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

• Stories of international newcomers and local leaders building opportunity in Northeast Ohio.

• Recognition of the individuals and organizations who make a difference through collaboration and innovation.

The Annual Meeting is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action. Together, we are creating a Northeast Ohio where every person has the chance to contribute, succeed, and belong.

Join us as we honor the progress made and look ahead to the opportunities ahead.

Selamawit Abreha managed a hotel in Ethiopia for 15 years before moving to the U.S. in 2008. Soon after, Abreha got married and had two children. She returned to school and earned her degree in billing and coding, and she now works for a medical, legal, and interpreting company. Some of her hobbies include cooking, serving in her Orthodox Church, reading, writing, and traveling.

A doctoral student and researcher at Cleveland State University, Temitope Adeniyi specializes in Quantum Technologies and AI, contributing to groundbreaking applications where her work revolves around the cutting-edge intersection of Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), paving the way for groundbreaking applications that address challenges across diverse fields. With a robust academic background in physics, Temitope holds a wealth of knowledge that she effectively imparts to others. She leads quantum computing workshops for Cleveland institutions and mentors students on Quantum computing and AI. Temitope’s diverse professional journey includes roles as a co-founder, Machine Learning Engineer, and Product Manager in tech startups, showcasing her ability to turn innovative ideas into market-ready products. Apart from her research and entrepreneurial pursuits, she is a passionate advocate for STEM education, particularly for women and girls, demonstrating a unique talent for making advanced technologies enjoyable to learn.

Lauretta Y. Amanor was born in Accra, Ghana, West Africa, and grew up on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Ursuline College, where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Public Relations and Social Media Communications. In June of 2021, Lauretta completed her Masters Degree in Public Administration at Cleveland State University (CSU). While completing her degree at CSU, Lauretta was a part of the Cleveland Foundations Public Service Fellowship Program class of 2019-2020. During her Fellowship, Lauretta was placed at Cuyahoga County, Job and Family Services, Invest In Children, where she had the opportunity to work on various initiatives that impacted children and spread awareness of the importance of Universal Pre-K programs for all.

Currently, Lauretta works at the Cleveland Foundation as an Event Manager, Program and HQ Engagement. In her role, Lauretta is responsible for collaborating with cross-departmental colleagues and the community to conceptualize, plan, and coordinate creative, inspiring, and engaging events, meetings, and experiences in and around our new building and the MidTown collaboration district. Before this role, Lauretta held multiple positions focused on community engagement, capacity building, mentoring, events, and programming.

Lauretta is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the communities she represents. The drive to help young ladies succeed in Cleveland and her hometown of Ghana inspired Lauretta to create a mentoring program called Blushing Orchids Mentoring Academy. Blushing Orchids mission is to empower and educate young women to become servant leaders in their communities.

When Lauretta is not working or volunteering, she loves to spend time with friends and families. Lauretta’s hobbies include cooking and occasional brunch dates, where she loves to enjoy her favorite dessert, French Macarons!

Crystal Bryant – Agyemang is an East Cleveland, Ohio native. As both a lawyer and social worker, she has a unique set of professional experiences that have helped to shape her career. Crystal spent the first 20 years of her career providing service to others in the public sector. Beginning her career as a passionate advocate in the Greater Cleveland Drug Court for Cuyahoga County TASC, Co-founding Cleveland VOTES, and last serving as the Executive Director of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP, service to and for others has always been a driving factor in the work that has been chosen for her to do. Crystal now serves as the National Engagement Strategist on the Community Relations Team for the Corporate Responsibility Department at KeyBank.

Some of Crystal’s community endeavors include serving as a Fellow for the Ohio State Bar Association Foundation, New Leaders Council, Just Leadership USA, and Greater Cleveland Partnership. Crystal has served on multiple boards including the Cuyahoga County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, the Cuyahoga County Diversion Board, CEO, Greater Cleveland Drug Court, Engage! Cleveland, One Ohio Advisory Board, and NOACA. Her current board service includes the Cuyahoga County Workforce Development Board, S.H.I.N.E and the CDWC.

Crystal values hard work and tenacity, desiring to step into work that others may stray from, believing firmly in the quote by the great Angela Davis “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change; I am changing the things I cannot accept”.

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
4 PM – 12 AM
The mission of Cleveland Oktoberfest is to promote and support the arts by conducting live musical and artistic cultural performances for the general public. This serves to preserve, promote and perpetuate European Heritage within the Cleveland area, while at once advancing and fostering education and general awareness.

Historic League Park
6 PM – 10 PM
An evening of art, music, food and wine. Following the VIP dinner will be a panel discussion hosted by Mayor Bibbs and the Cleveland Guardians. The evening ends with a lights ceremony on the field.

Cuyahoga County Public Library: Solon Branch – Conference Room 10
9 AM – 2 APM
Aspire ESOL/Citizenship Testing and Orientation for Aspire ESOL/Citizenship students attending virtual classes and new students registering.

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
12 PM – 12 AM
The mission of Cleveland Oktoberfest is to promote and support the arts by conducting live musical and artistic cultural performances for the general public. This serves to preserve, promote and perpetuate European Heritage within the Cleveland area, while at once advancing and fostering education and general awareness.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens Centennial Plaza
3 PM – 5 PM
An afternoon of dancing and music covering Northeast and Southeast Asia. Acts include Pacific Paradise Entertainment, Stellar Acrobatic Dance Academy, Cleveland Contemporary Culture Association, Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers, and Kwan Family Lion Dance Team.

Historic League Park
All Day
The day starts with field activities on the Historic League Park field from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The first game of the day will be Classic Vintage Baseball. Food trucks arrive at 11am, resource tables and plenty of fun for the whole family. Every child that visits will receive a swag bag filled with amazing items from our sponsors and partners. The afternoon starts with community games of softball between local sponsors and supporters.

Historic League Park
All Day
Sunday’s tournament at League Park Field is a highly anticipated event in the world of competitive softball in Ohio. Teams are playing for a chance to be crowned the 2023 Pleibol Tournament Champion.

Cleveland Museum of Art
9-10-23 through 1-7-2024
China’s Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangzi Delta will be the first exhibition in the West that focuses on the artistic production and cultural impact of a region located in the coastal area south of the Yangzi River. Called Jiangnan, this region has throughout large parts of its history been one of the wealthiest, most populous, and fertile lands. The exhibition features about 200 objects from Neolithic times to the 18th century, ranging from jade, silk, prints, and paintings to porcelain, lacquer, and bamboo carvings.

Virtual
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us for a virtual gathering of community leaders from diverse religious backgrounds. Together we will remember this somber day and honor the values we share that help us to rise above our differences.

Featuring:

• Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ
• Rabbi Scott Roland, President, Cleveland Board of Rabbis
• Dean Williams, Guiding Teacher, Crooked River Zen Center
• Allen V. Harris, Regional Minister, Christian Church in Ohio
• Adrienne Koch, Priest Associate, Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church
• Faten Husni Odeh, Educator, Activist, and Founder, Misada Family Literacy
• Mark Pettis, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Minister, United Church of Christ

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Jukebox
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Engage with other Cleveland professionals while testing your international knowledge and networking with individuals of different cultures, backgrounds, and countries of origin.
Complementary drink tickets available for the first 50 registrations! Appetizers available, while food lasts. Additional food available for purchase. Space is limited and registration is required.
Networking from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Trivia begins at 6:30 p.m.

Ohio City Farm 
9:30 AM
Learn about Cuyahoga County’s ongoing initiatives and collaborations with community organizations to build a more inclusive and accessible community for International Newcomers, newcomers and English language learners. A tour of the Ohio City Farm will take place directly after the press event.

Virtual
12 PM – 1 PM
Learn how Global Cleveland established Ohio’s first Global Entrepreneur in Residence (GEIR) program from our project manager, Supriya Tamang. GEIR provides international students with opportunity to launch their entrepreneurial endeavors in Northeast Ohio. Some of the benefits include local job creation, retaining more international students in Northeast Ohio, and more companies being founded in our region to create a culture of entrepreneurism. Learn how you and your company can get involved by registering for this complimentary webinar.

Cleveland Public Library – Louis Stokes Wing (525 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114)
Networking begins: 3PM | Panel commences: 3:45 PM-5 PM
​​​​​​​The International Community Forum provides an opportunity to connect with prominent leaders in our international community. Explore their experience of coming to Cleveland and gain insights into their journey while connecting with other global-minded individuals in the community.

Moderated by Kwame Botchway, NAACP Cleveland Branch’s inaugural international affairs chair, the panel includes:
Chief Bradford Davy, Mayor Justin Bibb’s Chief of Staff *
Marina Jackman, CEO of Time2Talk
Ramzia Nasiri, Catholic Charities
Frank Yang, Data Analyst at Westfield Insurance
Sponsored in part by the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Public Library.

*Please visit the registration page for more info

LatinUs Theater Company at the PIVOT Center for Art, Dance, and Expression
7:30 PM

Thursday, September 14, 2023 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 1, 2023 4:00 PM

From the hand of René Marqués comes this history of Puerto Rican classical theater.

Written in 1958 and with a historical background from the late 19th century to the beginning of 20 century, three sisters belonging to the upper social class in Puerto Rico begin to lose everything.
They lose their parents, social position, material goods, and money and lock themselves in the house they left on Cristo Street in Old San Juan.
The theme of love, jealousy, time (as a vision of change, impotence, and aging), and the American invasion of Puerto Rico. Thinking that the original invader (Spain) was better than the second. They are all issues that are entangled, between the lines of the three sisters, when they talk about the pain, victimization, and restlessness of the Burkhart sisters of Puerto Rico.

Kent Student Center
9 AM – 4 PM

The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and Kent State will host the 2023 Ohio Latino Affairs Summit, which marks the first year that the education, healthcare and business/workforce development summits are hosted in person in a single summit. It will bring together educators, legislators, state and local communities, students and stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the Latino community and how best to improve them together.

Hybrid sessions will address this year’s theme, “¡Juntos! Latino Growth Is Ohio Growth.”

St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church

4 PM – 9 PM

The festival features lots of delicious Armenian ethnic food and pastries such as shish kabob, rice pilaf, cheese pastries, vegetarian delicacies and tasty Armenian desserts, including pakhlava. There will be cultural displays, church tours, and activities for kids, with Armenian music playing throughout the weekend. Entrance and parking are free.

Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
5 PM – 11 PM

The Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest Committee was formed back in 1979 and planning began for the first festival ever held on the Front Street Mall (now DtCF-Downtown Cuyahoga Falls) in the fall of 1980. The Oktoberfest Committee is a 501c3, non-profit organization made up of a small group of volunteers that love Cuyahoga Falls!

Donauschwaben’s German-American Cultural Center
6 PM – 7 PM

Brecksville-Broadview Hts. High School
10 AM – 6 PM

India Festival USA is an annual event that attempts to bridge cultures, generations and communities through one-day of togetherness. It is a day when visitors are encouraged to participate in a thematic display of the rich culture and diversity of two of the greatest nations on earth – India and USA. India Festival USA promises an immersive environment that salutes history, embraces globalization and celebrates communities.

St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church

12 PM – 9 PM

The festival features lots of delicious Armenian ethnic food and pastries such as shish kabob, rice pilaf, cheese pastries, vegetarian delicacies and tasty Armenian desserts, including pakhlava. There will be cultural displays, church tours, and activities for kids, with Armenian music playing throughout the weekend. Entrance and parking are free.

Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
12 PM – 11 PM

The Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest Committee was formed back in 1979 and planning began for the first festival ever held on the Front Street Mall (now DtCF-Downtown Cuyahoga Falls) in the fall of 1980. The Oktoberfest Committee is a 501c3, non-profit organization made up of a small group of volunteers that love Cuyahoga Falls!

Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
12 PM – 11 PM

The Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest Committee was formed back in 1979 and planning began for the first festival ever held on the Front Street Mall (now DtCF-Downtown Cuyahoga Falls) in the fall of 1980. The Oktoberfest Committee is a 501c3, non-profit organization made up of a small group of volunteers that love Cuyahoga Falls!