Louisville City Wire

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs today welcomed the 10th cohort of the Global Louisville Leadership Academy.

The Global Louisville Leadership Academy is a free leadership training program sponsored by the Office for Immigrant Affairs. The program aims to build the knowledge and networks of international and foreign-born leaders, enabling them to become key stakeholders and contribute to their respective communities. The Academy consists of six (6) in-person sessions that will run from February to June. Participants will meet for one full day, once a month, with a completion ceremony in July.

The program offers a transformative experience, empowering its participants with a deep understanding of government services, increased access to community resources, and enhanced leadership abilities. By joining this program, participants become a vital part of a thriving community network, ready to make a positive impact on those they serve.

“This is an incredible opportunity for leaders from different cultures and backgrounds to share their voice and perspective to make Louisville a stronger city for all our people,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “I am so excited to see interest in this program grow, with 10% more participants than last year. Together, we can make Louisville a more inclusive and culturally rich city where every person can thrive.”

Noting experiences that most immigrants face when dealing with governments prior to their arrival in the United States, the curriculum is designed to empower participants to become active residents.

The curriculum focuses on developing a deeper understanding of their city's government structure, including the election process and the responsibilities of elected officials. The course also focuses on fostering leadership skills, emphasizing the significance of the naturalization process, providing insights into emergency services, the judicial process, and highlighting the value of volunteerism and community engagement.

About the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs:

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is dedicated to empowering immigrant and refugee communities to become active participants in Louisville's civic, social, and economic fabric through community engagement and education. The Office's goal is to ensure that all members of these communities have equal access to the city's resources and services while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

In June 2018, Louisville became the second city in the U.S. to be named as a “Certified Welcoming City” by Welcoming America, a leading national nonprofit around immigrant support and economic inclusivity. The city obtained its recertification in October 2022. This certification recognizes our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all residents, regardless of their background.

As a result of Louisville's commitment to equity and inclusion the city’s foreign-born population increased nearly 50% from 2011 to 2021. This growth has added to our cultural vibrancy and contributed greatly to the city’s economic growth.

For more information about the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, please visit our website at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-immigrant-affairs.

Original source can be found here.