Global Gala

Bridging cultures: One step, one voice at a time.

Join us for the 25th annual Global Gala!

Sponsor and attend our event

Save the date

Thursday, April 24, 2025
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Grand Sierra Resort
2500 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89509

Join the celebration

Join us for an evening of celebration, community, and giving back as we come together for our much-anticipated Annual Fundraiser. This special event will include a delightful dinner, performances and the opportunity to support a cause that makes an everlasting impact. Throughout the night, you’ll hear inspiring stories, engage in meaningful conversations, and have the chance to participate in live and silent auctions with unique items and experiences. Every contribution made helps us continue our mission to build bridges of understanding and foster global engagement through international exchanges, refugee resettlement and language access. Dress your best, bring your generosity, and prepare for an unforgettable evening. You will leave knowing that you, too, can Bridge Cultures: One Step, One Voice at a time.

Purchase your tickets today

Keynote speaker

Mary Maker, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

Mary MakerMary Maker is a South Sudanese former refugee, education advocate, actor, writer, and fashion enthusiast who has dedicated her life to supporting and uplifting refugee communities. Fleeing the violence of her home country as a child, Mary found hope and stability in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where she was able to attend school. Education became her beacon of opportunity, inspiring her to empower other young refugees—particularly girls who are often excluded from formal education.

Mary is a proud graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where she earned her degree through the MasterCard Foundation scholarship program. Her passion for education and advocacy continues to drive her work. In 2018, she delivered a powerful TEDx talk at Kakuma titled "Why I Fight for the Education of Refugee Girls (Like Me)," emphasizing the transformative power of education for displaced youth. Beyond the classroom, Mary partners with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and has appeared on major media outlets such as Sky News and ABC News to amplify the voices of refugees. She has spoken at renowned events including Global GoalsCast and the Girl Up Summit, and contributed to the UNHCR's Education Report, co-writing a section with Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton. Through her advocacy, social media campaigns, and speaking engagements, Mary continues to shine a spotlight on the resilience and potential of refugees worldwide.

Mary's remarkable journey—from a former refugee to influential advocate—serves as a testament to the transformative power of education. Her leadership extends beyond her personal experience, as she continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the global refugee crisis and the challenges faced by displaced individuals, especially during the pandemic.

Mary Maker will be the keynote speaker at the Northern Nevada International Center’s 25th Global Gala. Her powerful story as a South Sudanese former refugee, and her belief that "for the child of war, an education can turn their tears of loss into a passion for peace," will inspire all who hear it. This event is especially meaningful because the Northern Nevada International Center is the only resettlement agency affiliated with a higher education institution, the University of Nevada, Reno. This partnership highlights NNIC's commitment to integrating refugees into the broader educational and social fabric, providing pathways for both academic and personal growth. Mary’s life and work align deeply with this mission, and her advocacy will undoubtedly strengthen the community’s efforts to empower refugees through education and integration.

Be there to hear Mary's story!

The Global Gala is a celebration of everything we stand for and accomplish.

The celebrations reflect NNIC’s collective impact in bridging cultures through our empowering programs which build a more connected and harmonious world.

International Exchange

Our exchange programs remain strong as we work closely with several departments at the University of Nevada, Reno, including the College of Business, the Reynolds School of Journalism, and the College of Liberal Arts. We are also celebrating 16 years of youth leadership programming in Algeria, having trained over 400 Algerian youth and 100 Americans in this vital U.S. government outreach initiative. We look forward to showcasing this at our upcoming gala!

Refugee Resettlement

Our resettlement team has supported over 1,200 refugees and asylees, marking the largest number of individuals and families we’ve helped toward self-sufficiency since our efforts began in 2016. Each success story reinforces our commitment to empowering these individuals and families. We continue to work diligently to provide the support and resources needed for a successful transition.

Language Bank

As part of our commitment to ensuring that language is never a barrier to equal access to justice, housing, employment, education, or other essential services, our Language Bank continues to provide critical services to legal, business, and social service partners throughout the community. Our interpreters and translators are not just language experts—they are cultural mediators. With services available in over 200 languages, we help bridge communication gaps and promote inclusion.