Welcome to the first feature in our Sister City Summer Series, a weekly spotlight on Tulsa’s global connections. For the next nine weeks, Tulsa Global Alliance will be sharing stories from each of our Sister Cities, celebrating 45 years of cultural exchange, international friendship, and local impact.

We begin with San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Tulsa’s very first Sister City and a partnership that continues to thrive through education, civic collaboration, and deep personal connections.

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.

Monday, June 2nd, 6:00-7:30pm

TGA friends and supporters – join us in welcoming 10 professional Arts Program Managers and 3 interpreters from Armenia on Monday, June 2nd from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Marshall Brewing Company! Enjoy meeting the visitors and networking with other internationally-minded Tulsans. Light appetizers will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase. Come raise a global glass with us June 2nd! 🍻

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.

Dr. Alpha Zhang, Chair of the Tulsa-Beihai Sister City Partnership, represented Tulsa Global Alliance at the United Nations Chinese Language Day in New York. The event celebrated the power of poetry, language, and cultural exchange.

Tulsa recently welcomed a distinguished delegation from Mwanza, Tanzania, to celebrate the official launch of our newest Sister City partnership and the first on the African continent. From signing ceremonies and cultural tours to community gatherings and heartfelt conversations, the week highlighted the power of international friendship and mutual exchange. 

This spring, Tulsa was in full bloom with cultural celebrations, student exchanges, and cherry blossoms—all in honor of our Sister City, Utsunomiya, Japan. From postcards to samurai armor, explore how this long-standing partnership brought global connection to life across Tulsa.

The 2025 Global Vision Awards Gala was a powerful reminder of why global connection matters — honoring Eva Unterman’s lifelong dedication to Holocaust education, Circle Cinema’s global storytelling impact, and the inspiring journey of Youth Ambassador alumna Samara Rosas. Tulsa Global Alliance continues to build global community and hopes to inspire Tulsa to think, act, and connect globally.

This special event celebrates the creative connection between Tulsa and our Sister City, Beihai, China, showcasing captivating works by local Tulsa artists alongside remarkable pieces from Beihai. Select pieces will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Tulsa Global Alliance.

Please join Mayor Monroe Nichols, Tulsa City leaders, the Mwanza, Tanzania delegation, and Tulsa Global Alliance for an induction ceremony on Wednesday, April 2, at 3 p.m. regarding Mwanza's official designation as Tulsa's 9th Sister City.

The induction ceremony will be held in the Grand Hall A at the Arvest Convention Center, 100 Civic Center.

Monday, March 31st, 5:30-7:00pm

Join us in welcoming 5 delegates from Tulsa's newest Sister City, Mwanza, Tanzania, on Monday, March 31st from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Marshall Brewing Company! Enjoy meeting the visitors and networking with other internationally-minded Tulsans. Light appetizers will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase. Come raise a global glass with us March 31st! 🍻

Alongside our community partners at Philbrook, Gathering Place, and Tulsa Botanic Garden, TGA is supporting a Spring and Summer of Japanese-inspired events all across Tulsa! Win a trip to Utsunomiya & Tokyo, send postcards to students in Utsunomiya while admiring OK’s largest collection of cherry blossom trees, and enjoy the OK debut of Florigami in the Garden!

TGA’s annual Coffee with the Councilors brought together city leaders, board members, and Sister City representatives to celebrate Tulsa’s global connections. Over a spread of international dishes, attendees shared updates on cultural exchanges, global education, and the economic impact of international relationships.

Have you seen the new logo for our Mwanza partnership? The logo incorporates the iconic Bismarck Rock, a popular landmark located on the shores of Lake Victoria, and a fishing boat to reference the city's history and industry. The purple color ties into the Mwanza flat-headed rock agama - the male lizards have brightly colored purple-to-red upper bodies. 

TGA hosted 6 professionals through the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. This program aimed to connect Americans across the country with young European leaders - and introduce these European leaders to the innovative ways Americans are working to address political, economic, and social issues at the federal, state, and local levels.

TGA is honored to be included in Vision Tulsa 2025, a publication of Tulsa City Council and the City of Tulsa. Copies are available at select locations, including City Hall and Tulsa International Airport, but you can enjoy the digital edition here.

Over 500 Eisenhower elementary students explored 14 different cultures from across the globe at the 2025 Eisenhower International School Parade and Fair!

Students from Saint-Martin elementary school in our Sister City of Amiens, France visited Tulsa City Hall to meet Mayor Nichols and learn about life in Tulsa.

Rex Burnett, Chair of the Tulsa-Kaohsiung Sister City Partnership, hosted a Lunar New Year Celebration at TCC’s SE campus for students, faculty, and staff. Attendees enjoyed food and craft making while learning Lunar New Year history and traditions.

TGA’s Executive Director, Micah Keyan, presents to the Protocol and Diplomacy class at Oral Roberts University.