From our President: David Carrera

Hello and greetings from the Tempe Sister Cities Executive Committee and Board of Directors. We hope you are having a safe and enjoyable 2026.

As I complete my 2nd term (6th year) as president, I reflected on our accomplishments, challenges and the future of our organization. It is very important for a volunteer organization to continually discuss new ideas, try new ways of executing our monthly and yearly activities, recruit new volunteers, review and improve our programs, and ensure the organization continues to move forward.

This past year, Tempe Sister Cities overcame challenges, developed an understanding of areas for improvement, and brought in new volunteers excited to be part of our organization.

The 2025 Oktoberfest event demonstrated the strength and fortitude of our production team, staff, chairs, and volunteers in the face of uncontrollable circumstances. I was with the producers when the difficult but necessary decision was made to cancel Sunday’s events due to flooding at Tempe Beach Park. The team quickly shifted focus from what they couldn’t do to what they could, organizing a volunteer appreciation event. I reminded the volunteers that their dedication to past Oktoberfests continues to fund our student, educator, and professional exchanges and other programs in 2026. This was a memorable milestone of steadfastness for everyone involved.

The success of Tempe Sister Cities has always been driven by its dedicated volunteers — truly the best in the world. This year, we are excited to welcome several new leaders to our Board of Directors: Alicia Holt and Susan Fishman (Youth Group Co-Chairs), Cirocco Stout (Student Recruitment Lead), Suzan Cruz and Gaby Urias (Cusco Co-Country Directors), and Steve and Kate Sweeney (Cuenca Country Directors). I look forward to working with them and I sincerely thank First Vice President Dean Gambino and the entire Board Development Committee for their outstanding work in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting these new members.

In 2024, we rededicated the Dick and Jane Neuheisel Tempe Sister Cities Garden and Ring of Honor at the Tempe Public Library. This had been discussed and planned for three years in partnership with the City of Tempe. This was the beginning of upgrading landmarks that represent Tempe Sister Cities. We are still discussing an indoor structure to be built on the Hackett House property with the City of Tempe.

The next phase of the Sister City Garden is also being discussed. This will include installing flag poles (one for each Sister City), displaying the history of Tempe Sister Cities, and installing plaques for all the teachers that participated in the Educator Exchange Program. We have also been given indoor space at the Tempe Public Library to display artifacts from our Sister Cities and provide information about Tempe Sister Cities.

Finally, I want to sincerely thank the outgoing Cuenca Country Directors, Barry and Jill Glickman, and the outgoing Cusco Country Directors, Juan Carrillo and Annie Hsu, for their hard work and dedication to Tempe Sister Cities. They have worked year-round as Country Directors for many years and have been responsible for many delegates from both Tempe and their Sister City. I sincerely appreciate their on-going support of our organization.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,
David Carrera, President
president@tempesistercities.org