November 20th, 2024
International Center of the Capital Region Welcomes New Executive Director
(Troy, N.Y.) – The International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) is announcing Beth Wales as its new Executive Director. A seasoned communications professional with over four decades of experience, Wales brings a wealth of strategic management, marketing, and public relations expertise to the role. Her leadership marks a new chapter for ICCR as the organization continues its mission to foster global understanding and connection within the Capital Region, while navigating the recent launch of their Digital Future Fund. Wales’ career has spanned higher education, nonprofit organizations, and business sectors, where she has consistently advanced strategic priorities and elevated brand storytelling. Holding a Master of Science in Health Communications from Boston University, she has developed impactful advocacy initiatives and DEIB-focused campaigns, including her award-winning Stories That Matter series, which breaks down stereotypes and promotes inclusion. Beth is no stranger to success, having earned multiple accolades for her multimedia communications. Most recently, she served in executive communications for a care coordination organization supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In her downtime, Wales enjoys hitting the golf course and is a self-proclaimed enthusiast for the sport year-round. As the new Executive Director, Wales will lead the International Center of the Capital Region into its next chapter by advancing strategic goals and reinforcing its role as a hub for global connections. She will develop a comprehensive strategic plan with the Board of Directors to build partnerships that cultivate professional, cultural, and global thought leadership. Key goals include creating a pathway for long-term financial sustainability, strengthening their partner network, and expanding the number of international professional visitors to the region to foster new global partnerships. She also aims to explore hybrid opportunities for adult programs to increase community engagement, establish a Model UN Planning Council to build on the success of the 2024 Model UN program and launch a Global Career Day to inspire the next generation of global leaders. Guided by the Center’s mantra, “We bring our community to the world,” Wales will prioritize highlighting ICCR’s nearly 70 year history of driving community impact and economic growth. Through storytelling and outreach, she will emphasize the value of international exchange and thought leadership programs, which unite education, government, nonprofit, and business partners. By showcasing the region’s unique assets and cultivating global partnerships, ICCR will continue to foster mutual understanding and dialogue to find common ground. A key priority will be re-establishing and building relationships with community stakeholders who share our vision of a unified, global, and inclusive Capital Region. The Center is committed to creating a cohesive global hub where everyone feels they belong. “I am honored to join the International Center of the Capital Region and excited to build on its legacy of fostering cross-cultural exchange and global education,” said Wales. “I look forward to engaging with our community, creating new opportunities for collaboration, and amplifying the incredible work that ICCR does to connect people and ideas from around the world.” Outgoing Executive Director Holly McKenna expressed her enthusiasm for the future of the organization under Beth’s leadership. “It has been a privilege to serve as ICCR’s Executive Director, and I could not be more confident in Beth’s ability to take the reins. Her strategic vision and deep passion for fostering inclusion and connection will be instrumental in guiding ICCR forward.” The ICCR Board of Directors echoes this sentiment, welcoming Wales’ innovative perspective and proven leadership as the organization embarks on an exciting new chapter, recently launching the organization’s Digital Future Fund, a campaign aimed at raising funds to enhance ICCR’s online presence and digital infrastructure, including the development of a new website. McKenna will stay on at the organization transitioning to focus on programming, shaping the delegation visits through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and the Open World Exchange program. ICCR has entertained nearly 30 visits, including 250 visitors from more than 70 countries, under McKenna’s leadership.
October 18th, 2024
International Center of the Capital Region to Host First Area Model UN Conference
(Troy, N.Y.) – The International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) and high school students from various schools in the Capital Region will participate in the Shenendehowa Model United Nations Conference (ShenMUNC), where they will engage in diplomacy, negotiation, and debate, mirroring real-world global challenges, on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. At ShenMUNC, students will take on the roles of international diplomats, representing different countries in discussions on critical global issues, including peacekeeping, climate change, human rights, and economic development. The conference encourages participants to think critically, collaborate with peers, and propose solutions to complex problems—skills that will benefit them not only in the classroom but also in their future careers and civic life.
March 3rd, 2024
International Center of Capital Region hosts “Academic World Quest” at Hudson Valley CC
Competitive high school students from Schenectady City, Shaker, Shenendehowa, and South Colonie schools gathered to compete at the Academic World Quest regional championship game on Saturday.
November 30th, 2023
As war rages, remaining money from Albany-Tula partnership goes to Capital Region youth programming
Troy, N.Y. – Anton Konev, a board member of the Albany-Tula Alliance, said the more than $36,000 being awarded to the International Center of the Capital Region will support citizen diplomacy, even as the partnership winds down.
November 7th, 2023
SEEN: International Center of the Capital Region’s 2023 Achievement Awards
Clifton Park, N.Y. – Were you Seen at the International Center of the Capital Region’s 2023 Achievement Awards on Nov. 2, 2023, at Hilton Garden Inn in Clifton Park, N.Y.?
November 2nd, 2023
Event honors community members born outside US
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A local group is recognizing the contributions of people who were born in other countries who are doing so much for the Capital Region community. The International Center of the Capital Region hosted its second annual achievement awards ceremony on Thursday.
October 27th, 2023
WTEN talks about the 2023 Achievement Awards
Troy, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Ryan Peterson of NEWS10 ABC speaks with ICCR Executive Director Holly Planells McKenna and Ashok Adikoppula, 2023 ICCR Achievement Award Honoree. They talk about the upcoming 2023 ICCR Achievement Awards Ashok’s volunteer experience, and the gaining popularity of cricket in the Capital Region.
August 9th, 2023
Calloloo Theater to host international artist-activist group in Pine Hills
Albany, N.Y. – In partnership with the International Center of the Capital Region, Callaloo Theater will host an international delegate of artist-activists hailing from 23 countries, including Korea, France, Egypt, Mexico, Slovenia, Colombia and the Netherlands.
July 3rd, 2023
ICCR Names New Executive Director
Albany, N.Y. – The board of directors for the International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) recently announced Holly McKenna as the organization’s new executive director.
June 28th, 2023
ICCR Announces New Leadership
Albany, N.Y. – The International Center of the Capital Region Board of Directors has promoted Holly Panells McKenna to the role of executive director.
June 27th, 2023
Get to Know ICCR Volunteer: Ashok Adikoppula
Albany, N.Y. – Ashok Adikoppula is involved in the Albany chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs and local YMCAs, introducing children to the game of cricket. And, as if he doesn’t sound busy enough, he volunteers with the International Center of the Capital Region.
November 23rd, 2022
ICCR to host South Korea-U.S. trade panel discussion
TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – On November 30, the International Center of the Capital Region will be hosting a panel discussion of representatives from the U.S. State Department, the South Korea Embassy, and the Korean Economic Institute. The panel will take place at the Hudson Valley Community College and will be free for all to attend.
May 10th, 2022
‘Small country, big heart’: Moldova in middle of Russian attack on Ukraine
Representatives from Moldova’s Parliament are in Capital Region through the Open World program hosted by the International Center of the Capital Region.
April 7th, 2022
Senegal Film Makers visit the Capital Region through the IVLP Program April 2022.
March 1st, 2022
The International Center Expands Cross-Cultural Efforts
TROY – The International Center of the Capital Region is making long-term plans to expand its outreach but is facing a couple of short-term obstacles: the COVID pandemic and the turmoil in eastern Europe.
February 25, 2022
Radio Interview with Townsquare Media
Broadcasted on 103.9 the Breeze, 104.5 the Team, 107.7 GNA, and Q105.7 and 103.5, and Hot 99.1.
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