The 22nd Annual Global Gala

It was an incredible night of fun and fundraising on October 15th, 2021 at the National Automobile Museum.

Thank you for an unforgettable evening!

The evening was filled with entertainment, art, food, music and conversations that made us more aware of the challenges beyond our country and what we can do to extend a helping hand. We are keeping the words of our refugee youth Bembeleza Juma and keynote speaker Eskinder Negash in our hearts. Their stories strengthened our resolve to continue working hard for those who are much more vulnerable than us.

Watch Bembeleza Juma's poem recital

With your support, NNIC raised over $40,000 to support its vital programs engaging the community and supporting the displaced. The staff, Board of Directors, advisors and the beneficiaries of your generosity will not forget your overwhelming support in our quest to foster citizen diplomacy. We look forward to seeing you again in 2022!

View this year's sponsors

And the winner is...

During the Gala, 58 teams demonstrated their mastery over everything from Mongol invasions to diplomatic relations, answering questions including:

Which country exports the most kiwis each year?
Which mountain reaches closest to the moon?
How many verses are there in the Greek national anthem?

In the end, Truckee Meadows Community College emerged victorious, winning honor and glory! Congratulations! We hope that the game gave our guests a glimpse into the history and culture of our diverse world.

The 22nd Annual Global Gala trivia champions
Team	Points	Correct answers
TMCC	800	8
The Gregs	700	7
Team Gattusooo Awesome	600	6
The Hills Are Alive	600	6

Event photos

Guests being checked into the VIP reception of the Gala.
The General Mingling Session of the Gala.
Nusra Juma, a refugee from Congo and an inspiration to many, painting live at the Gala. The beautiful piece was auctioned off at the end of the night.
2019 Mandela Washington Fellows James Lutaaya (far right) and Jacob Mwanza (2nd to right) describing the fellowship program to our Gala guests.
The amazing efforts of the Northern Nevada International Center would not be possible without these ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication!
Meet Jeremy Tiedt and his wife, Samantha Bickert, from the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business.
It was a night of smiles as we welcomed our guests to the Gala.
Julian Escutia Rodriguez, the consul of Mexico in Las Vegas, at the Gala. We greatly appreciate his support.
From left to right, meet the Office Manager, Executive Director, Finance Manager, and Financial Assistant of the NNIC.
The work of the Northern Nevada International Center is amplified by the dedication of our marketing team, the Gattuso Coalition. Thank you so much!
The Vice President of the NNIC board, Natha Anderson, presenting a gift to keynote speaker Eskinder Negash after his heartwarming speech.
The keynote speaker of the 22nd Annual Global Gala, Eskinder Negash. He is the President and CEO of the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Thank you to Bill Pearce Motors, our global sponsor!

We are extremely grateful to Sandy Raffealli and the team at Bill Pearce Motors for their enormous support during the 22nd Annual Global Gala. We thank them for their continued support of the Northern Nevada International Center over the years.

Spotlight sponsors

Friends for Natha Anderson

The NNIC greatly appreciates the support of the Friends for Natha Anderson.

Executive sponsors

Devon Reese, City of Reno

Jeff Veasley Management

National Judicial College

Nevada State Democratic Party

Northern Nevada Central Labor Council

Sara and Leonard Lafrance

The NNIC greatly appreciates Sara and Leonard Lafrance's support.

Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith

The NNIC greatly appreciates Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith's support.

University of Nevada, Reno College of Business

University of Nevada, Reno Office of the President

John Brownell
Kristine Flynn
Larry Struve
MacDougall Productions
Mark Venner
McDonald Carrano
McQueen High School
Nicole Willis-Grimes
NNBCAS
Ormat
Rebecca Gasca

Renown Health
Sarah Peters, NV Assemblywoman
TMCC
University of Nevada, Reno College of Science
USAC
Valerie Cooke
Victoria Hudgins
Washoe Education Association & Nevada State Education Association
Zoe Caldwell