Students from Tulsa’s Sister City of Celle, Germany spent the week in Tulsa with Riverfield Country Day School host families, celebrating 25 years of friendship between the two cities. Earlier this year, Riverfield students visited Celle, exploring sites like Heidelberg Castle, the Kölner Dom, and the historic Ratsherrensaal in Celle City Hall. From pickleball and pumpkin carving to shared classrooms and new friendships, the exchange reflects the heart of Tulsa Global Alliance’s mission to build understanding through connection.

Celebrating 20 years of partnership, the Tulsa-Amiens Sister City connection has brought together students, educators, and civic leaders through language, culture, and shared experience. From classroom exchanges and French film nights to mayoral visits and global education events, this relationship continues to thrive. Meet new chair Philippe Bled and discover how this transatlantic friendship is shaping Tulsa’s global future.

From classrooms to council chambers, from firehouses to family homes, the Tulsa-Celle partnership has grown through moments of welcome and exchange. Guided by chair Sandy Dizdar and supported by a strong and active group of volunteers, this connection is a living bridge. It is built on shared history, sustained by friendship, and carried forward by curiosity and care.

Zelenograd, Russia is known as the “green city,” and its Sister City connection with Tulsa runs deep. For over 30 years, students, doctors, and community leaders have exchanged not just visits, but friendship and understanding. Meet Garrett Gibson, a Russian scholar and Cold War historian now serving as Sister City Chair, and Bob Lieser, TGA’s Senior Director of Citizen Diplomacy, whose own connection to Zelenograd spans decades and includes teaching, hosting, and leading exchanges on both sides of the globe.

Some Sister City partnerships grow slowly. Others take root and flourish year after year. Tulsa’s bond with Utsunomiya belongs firmly in the second category. Built on exchange, community, and shared purpose, it has created three decades of meaningful, people-to-people connection.

As our summer fundraiser continues, we are proud to highlight the Tulsa–Utsunomiya partnership, where student exchanges and community events create lasting friendships and life-changing experiences.

This week, we’re highlighting Tulsa’s Sister City of Tiberias, an ancient lakeside city known for its spiritual heritage, hot springs, and warm, relaxed vibe. From a long-running student exchange to a life-sized bison sculpture gifted for the city’s 2,000th anniversary, the Tulsa and Tiberias connection is rich with creativity, culture, and friendship.

Meet Chloe Chappell, Chair of the Tulsa–Tiberias Sister City Partnership. New to the role and excited to be part of TGA, she’s already making an impact by sharing her passion for connection, education, and global friendship.

Tulsa Global Alliance welcomed original works from Beihai, China, during a special one-day art exhibit at Tulsa Community College. Featuring traditional scrolls, ink landscapes, and floral paintings from Beihai artists—alongside contributions from Tulsa-based artists—the event celebrated our Sister City connection and the shared power of art to build cultural bridges.

Twenty-three women entrepreneurs from 23 countries visited Tulsa through the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. During their stay, they met with local business leaders, explored cultural sites, and connected with the Tulsa community through home hospitality and hands-on experiences.