Who We Are and What We Do

Our Mission: To elevate, celebrate and empower our international community and better connect Gainesville with the rest of the world.

Who We Are and What We Do

Our Mission: To elevate, celebrate and empower our international community and better connect Gainesville with the rest of the world.

Our Values

Our Values

Cultural Connection

Helping the greater Gainesville International community build meaningful connections, share their heritage and culture, and enrich our local arts and culture ecosystem

Cultural Connection

Helping the greater Gainesville International community build meaningful connections, share their heritage and culture, and enrich our local arts and culture ecosystem

Cultural Connection

Helping the greater Gainesville International community build meaningful connections, share their heritage and culture, and enrich our local arts and culture ecosystem

Education and Outreach

Helping us better understand one another, connecting Gainesville with the rest of the world through virtual and in-person exchange programs, and providing educational support to educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders

Education and Outreach

Helping us better understand one another, connecting Gainesville with the rest of the world through virtual and in-person exchange programs, and providing educational support to educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders

Education and Outreach

Helping us better understand one another, connecting Gainesville with the rest of the world through virtual and in-person exchange programs, and providing educational support to educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders

Economic Empowerment

Helping our international community realize its full economic potential and connecting the greater Gainesville business community with global economic opportunities

Economic Empowerment

Helping our international community realize its full economic potential and connecting the greater Gainesville business community with global economic opportunities

Economic Empowerment

Helping our international community realize its full economic potential and connecting the greater Gainesville business community with global economic opportunities

Service to Neighbors

Providing direct assistance to our international, immigrant and refugee neighbors

Service to Neighbors

Providing direct assistance to our international, immigrant and refugee neighbors

Service to Neighbors

Providing direct assistance to our international, immigrant and refugee neighbors

Our Team

Our Team

Lauren Poe

President/CEO Tel: 352-871-0895 Email: poe@gnvic.org

Lauren Poe

President/CEO Tel: 352-871-0895 Email: poe@gnvic.org

Lauren Poe

President/CEO Tel: 352-871-0895 Email: poe@gnvic.org

Mona Ashour

Secretary

Mona Ashour

Secretary

Mona Ashour

Secretary

Terrence Ho

Treasurer

Terrence Ho

Treasurer

Terrence Ho

Treasurer

Steve Kalishman

Board Member

Steve Kalishman

Board Member

Steve Kalishman

Board Member

Linda James

Board Member

Linda James

Board Member

Linda James

Board Member

Heshan Illangkoon

Board Member

Heshan Illangkoon

Board Member

Heshan Illangkoon

Board Member

Jeremi Snook

Board Member

Jeremi Snook

Board Member

Jeremi Snook

Board Member

GGIC is dedicated to building community through collaboration and connection. We are committed to celebrating, elevating and empowering our international community through community-driven solutions. Greater Gainesville International Center (legal entity: Sister City Program of Gainesville, Inc.) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 59-3455491.

Built with Framer

© 2026 GGIC. All rights reserved.

GGIC is dedicated to building community through collaboration and connection. We are committed to celebrating, elevating and empowering our international community through community-driven solutions. Greater Gainesville International Center (legal entity: Sister City Program of Gainesville, Inc.) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 59-3455491.

Built with Framer

© 2026 GGIC. All rights reserved.

GGIC is dedicated to building community through collaboration and connection. We are committed to celebrating, elevating and empowering our international community through community-driven solutions. Greater Gainesville International Center (legal entity: Sister City Program of Gainesville, Inc.) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 59-3455491.

Built with Framer

© 2026 GGIC. All rights reserved.