Coffee with the Councilors ‘25
On February 26th 2025, Tulsa Global Alliance (TGA) hosted its annual Coffee with the Councilors at City Hall, bringing together Tulsa City Council members, TGA board members, and Sister City representatives. This event serves as a unique opportunity for each councilor—who also act as Honorary Ambassadors to one of Tulsa’s nine Sister Cities—to connect with their local Sister City representatives, share highlights, and strengthen international relationships.
A Global Gathering
As guests arrived, they were welcomed by a diverse spread of foods representing our Sister Cities, offering a taste of global culture right here in Tulsa. Some highlights included:
Macarons d’Amiens (Amiens, France) – a delightful almond-based pastry
Nalustniki with Smetana (Zelenograd, Russia) – cheese crepes served with sour cream and black currant preserves
Shrimp spring rolls and crispy basil chicken (Kaohsiung, Taiwan)
German breakfast spread (Celle, Germany)– assorted meats and cheeses served with fresh breads
The culinary experience was just the beginning of a morning filled with meaningful discussions on global education, economic impact, and the exciting future of Tulsa’s Sister City partnerships.
Global Education: A Lasting Impact
Councilor Karen Gilbert shared how TGA’s global education initiatives have shaped her family’s worldview, particularly through Kids’ World, a multicultural festival launched by Tulsa Global Alliance in 1993. Kids’ World was designed to teach children about different cultures, fostering an appreciation for diversity through hands-on learning experiences. While the festival itself has evolved, its mission lives on through TGA’s World in a Box Day, an event which continues to bring global education to Tulsa’s youth each year.
Economic Impact: International Ties Boost Tulsa’s Economy
TGA Board Chair Kaitlin Flinn emphasized the economic contributions of Tulsa’s global connections, highlighting the impact of international professionals and students on the local economy. From hotel stays and dining to business internships and home stays, these relationships create real benefits for Tulsa while fostering cultural exchange.
Sister Cities: A Year of Growth and Connection
TGA Executive Director Micah Keyan provided exciting updates on each of Tulsa’s nine Sister Cities, showcasing the depth and diversity of our international partnerships:
Amiens, France – Tulsa is currently hosting exchange students from Amiens, strengthening our educational ties.
Beihai, China – A cross-cultural library art exchange is underway, connecting Tulsa and Beihai through creativity.
San Luis Potosí, Mexico – Plans are in motion for a Caja de Agua installation at the Tulsa Botanic Garden, along with a student exchange—the first in nearly 15 years!
Film and Culture – TGA collaborated with Circle Cinema for international film screenings, including Perfect Days and a SOLD OUT 70th anniversary showing of Godzilla.
With updates spanning A to Z—from Amiens to Zelenograd—the event provided a rich overview of how Tulsa is engaging with the world.
🌐 Want to support our work and keep Tulsa a globally engaged City? 🤝
Make a gift to Tulsa Global Alliance!
