What We Do
Citizen Diplomacy
Would you like to serve as a citizen diplomat and host foreign leaders visiting Southern Arizona? The Citizen Diplomacy Alliance offers unique opportunities to engage in citizen diplomacy with participants in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchanges.
About Us
The Citizen Diplomacy Alliance for International Visitors serves participants in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchanges, building person-to-person relationships “one handshake at a time.”
Calendar of Events
Please join us for any of our wonderful community events. Remember to check back often as we are developing new opportunities with new friends around the globe!
Who We Are
administered by the U.S. Department of State annually brings to the United States approximately 5,000 foreign nationals from all over the world to meet and confer with their professional counterparts and to experience America firsthand. The visitors, who are selected by United States Foreign Service Officers overseas, are current or potential leaders in government, politics, the media, education, the arts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business and other fields.
Our Team
Pat Watson
In charge of building the international community.
In charge of building the international community.
Peter Becskehazy
Patricia Houston
Maria Valdez-Cardenas
Alma Peralta
Abbi Gold
Weston Brown
Patricia Houston
Jeff Daniels
Justin Allred
Michael Ford
Rose Rojas
Stories
Welcome to the new SAZCIV president, Michael Ford
Michael Ford is our new president, a former chief of police for South Tucson and Lieutenant with the the Tohono O’odham tribal police in Sells. He is currently a member of the Primavera staff working with those that are looking to better their lives. Michael has traveled internationally, is a great presenter to our visitors Read more about Welcome to the new SAZCIV president, Michael Ford[…]
Andrew Selee Event – June 12, 2018
SAZCIV hosted an event with Andrew Selee at the Community Room at Pima Community College District office. The event had over 124 people in attendance. At the talk in Nogales, AZ there were 80 people in attendance. Andrew Selee’s book, “Vanishing Frontiers” had just been released and he was here to share his story of Read more about Andrew Selee Event – June 12, 2018[…]
The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted the Governor’s luncheon at Star Pass on May 10
“The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted the Governor’s luncheon at Star Pass on May 10. It was a pleasure to be in the company of such a large group of business people from all areas of Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our very own Alma Vanessa Peralta worked hard to help make this event the Read more about The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted the Governor’s luncheon at Star Pass on May 10[…]
Punch and Casey Woods hosted the visitors from Cuba
“On May 5, 2018, Punch and Casey Woods hosted the visitors from Cuba, Mr. Juan Carlos Blain Noste and Mr. Hector Jose Naspe Perez from Venezuela, at their beautiful home. Great food, great friends and the conversation was stimulating. The visitors were so pleased to be able to share about their work and their countries. Read more about Punch and Casey Woods hosted the visitors from Cuba[…]
May 3rd – Mixer with Latin American visitors at Monterey Court Café
Mixer with Latin American visitors at Monterey Court Café 505 W. Miracle Mile Tucson, AZ May 3 from 5:30 – 7:00 All welcome.
SAZCIV Participated in the April 13, 2018 Health Fair
April 13, 2018 SAZCIV participated in the Health Fair organized by our own Maria Valdez-Cardenas. The YMCA building on W 33st in Tucson was the hub for the activity and the whole street was lined with booths to encourage people to become involved. SAZCIV was there with current president, Peter Becskehazy (not pictured), Maria Valdez-Cardenas, Read more about SAZCIV Participated in the April 13, 2018 Health Fair[…]
Building Bridges or Building Walls?
Building Bridges or Building Walls? By: Patricia Houston Did you know That San Diego and Tijuana are partners in a cross-border international airport serving passengers from both countries? That Thomas’ English Muffins, Sara Lee, Orowheat, and Entemen’s are brands owned by Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo? That UNAM (the iconic Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) has a Read more about Building Bridges or Building Walls?[…]
Annual SAZCIV Meeting
The annual meeting of SAZCIV will be held at the Mexican Consulate in Tucson. The event is from 2 – 4. Keynote Speaker Norman Houston is the head of Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington, D.C, the official Northern Ireland mission to the United States. In this role, he holds the rank of Ambassador and focuses on creating Read more about Annual SAZCIV Meeting[…]
Visitors from Moldova
Arrival of the visitors always begin with a quick orientation of their upcoming program. This group of visitors from Moldova were not only interesting but fun!