Salsa at Sunset 2017 - Upstate International

Categories: Photo Galleries, Upstate International EventsJune 25, 2018

“In a meeting with Mayor Knox White in the spring of 1998 a group of former Sister Cities leaders brought up the need for support from the city of Greenville. Mayor White pointed out that Greenville was now a truly international city, and that the former textile town was now home to several world leading companies such as Michelin and BMW. Following this meeting the three of us, Monique Glass, Kip Sieber and I met to discuss the idea of a new international organization. We then heard about and visited the Charlotte International House and voila . . . the idea was born of Greenville’s own international house!

We then invited all of the various international groups in Greenville to come together and explore the idea. Out of this meeting came the founding of The International Center of the Upstate. With a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation we were off and running!

One of our original founders, Aimon Kopera, who was from Thailand, had cultivated a friendship with the City and Mayor White. With Aimon’s help we approached the Mayor and were successful in finding an office home in City Hall where we began operations and continued there until 2012 when we purchased our current home on S. Memminger Street.

One of the very cornerstones of our organization was our involvement with Michelin North America. Michelin has for many years provided support and loaned us many wonderful volunteers, including most importantly Odette Calvez and Janet Krupka. In addition, we began language classes starting with French taught by our own “French Pied Piper”, Monique Glass. No other individual has given their time and talent to match Monique’s contribution.

From Michelin came our original grant to hire an executive director, Patricia Harrison. In addition we initiated what became our Ambassador’s Program whereby we contracted with Michelin to provide relocation services to their international families. While the Charlotte International House inspired us and our language program, we expanded the programming to include an International Women’s Group based on Monique’s experience in Pittsburgh. From this we have grown to be the hub for all things international in the Upstate, offering over 30 language classes, frequent educational programs and lectures, and a number of culturally diverse, social events.

It would be impossible to name all of the wonderful people who have made UI what it is today. Let’s celebrate our first 20 years and look forward to many more!”

Jerry Gibbins
“My husband and I moved to the Upstate in April of 1998. He was transferred from his job in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to work on a project here in Greenville. We were both born in The Netherlands, grew up there and lived there all our lives. We did not have any children at the time, had previously travelled to the U.S. for several vacations and liked the country. We loved the idea, and opportunity, to explore even more of the U.S., so the decision to move to Greenville was relatively easy.

I joined Upstate International in 2000 when a French neighbor invited me to a meeting of the International Women’s Club (led by Monique Glass at the time)! I was pleasantly surprised to meet many women from all over the world. We bonded immediately sharing stories of our experiences moving to a new country. We all had much in common: most of us had given up our own jobs, left our families, friends and homes to begin a new adventure in a different country. Special friendships were formed right away.

I became an instant volunteer and have been ever since! Upstate International truly has become a home away from home for me and many other people!!! It’s a place where I met all of my closest friends and established long lasting friendships; a place where all those friends became like family.

There is a place that unites the world, right here in Greenville, and it’s called Upstate International.”

Margo Pons
“I am a native of Finland and came to the United States in 1994 to complete my studies at Lander University in Greenwood, SC. In 2001, after finishing my studies and working for a couple of years in Greenwood, I moved to the Greenville area where I have resided since 2001. I am a Vice President at Countybank where my main duties include building banking relationships with consumer and commercial customers in the Upstate area. I have a son, Nikolai, who is 16 years old and a junior at Greenville High School.

I first learned about Upstate International (or the International Center of the Upstate as it was called then), some 10 years ago through my international friends in Greenville. I was involved in an international business networking group that was looking to enhance its presence in the community through better connection and involvement. Jointly with some of the other key members (Didi Caldwell, Brandon Cabaniss, and Ann Roberts) we decided that co-operation with the ICU would be a perfect partnership and would benefit all parties. This was the “birth” of UGP (Upstate Global Professionals) that operated under ICU wings for years. Being involved with ICU I quickly became interested in all aspects of its functions, and eventually ended up serving on the board, and on different committees, and eventually completed a two year tenure as Chairman of the Board.

Becoming involved with UI was very exciting and my active involvement was extremely rewarding. Not only was I able to meet with fellow internationals but I was also able to establish new friendships with the Greenvillians who were interested in expanding the international flavor of the Upstate community. I quickly came to realize that the Upstate community was wonderfully diverse. The friendships that I made through Upstate International still remain strong today. One of my most satisfying times as a member of UI was when we were able to go through the purchase of the current UI house on South Memminger Street. As the Board Chair working together with Whitney Bradley (Walters), who at the time was the Executive Director, I found it very rewarding to be able to give UI a home that would be there for years to come.”

Marko Huttunen
“I moved from Germany to Greenville in December 2007, following my husband who was working in the Upstate for a supplier to the automotive industry. We don’t have children, but I had to leave behind a big family and all of my friends.

I learned about Upstate International (then known as the International Center of the Upstate) through the internet and the newsletter. One of my husband’s colleagues, originally from South Africa, had sent the newsletter to me.

A few months later, in April 2008, I attended my 1^st Coffee Morning with the International Women’s Group, and have been a big fan of Upstate International ever since. I started to participate in as many of the IWG’s events as possible, quickly engaged as a volunteer and became a member of UI.

Becoming involved with UI has meant 10 years of diverse cultural, culinary, educational and interesting learning lessons, unforgettable experiences and lots of fun. UI has provided me the opportunity to meet so many lovely and interesting people at all kinds of occasions, including field trips to explore Greenville and the Upstate, it’s nature, history and culture.

As a volunteer for projects and events like the International GALAs, Passport to Decadence, teaching a German beginner class, and the IWG I have learned so much about other cultures and the diversity of the Upstate. I so appreciate the hard and compassionate work of our UI office staff; they are diligent and passionate about UI and bring a high level of professionalism to the organization.

My involvement in UI has allowed me to see how a few people from the very beginning, 20 years ago, created and built this wonderful diverse organization for people in the Upstate – no matter where they come from or what their background might be. It has been an honor to see and get to know the women of the IWG engage themselves with so much heart, soul and effort and keep this gift of community going.

I found “my tribe” with Upstate International and that keeps ME going. I’ve got to meet – mostly women – of all ages from around the world and all walks of life. Quite a number of them became friends who are still present in my life – even after they left Greenville. Some friends here in the area I call “my family away from home”.

ALL THE BEST for the next 20 years – at least! I look forward to being a part of the heart of UI as we continue to build bridges and allow new cross cultural friendships to flourish.”

Franziska Bruxmeier
“I arrived in Greenville from France two years ago because I decided to accompany my husband. It was my first experience as “an expat”. I didn’t know what to expect. I was so afraid to be alone all day long, waiting for my husband to come back from work. My husband is the only French employee of his company, so I really didn’t know anybody else. In France I always worked and suddenly I had become a housewife, not even a stay-at-home mother because my children (college students) stayed at home in France.

As soon as I arrived in the United States I googled “English classes Greenville SC” and there was Upstate International. “International”… what a nice adjective! I went to the website and find out that UI had language classes in so many languages in addition to a lot of other activities. The International Women’s Group especially seemed very active and I read that they were meeting at a coffee place three days later, no RSVP. I decided to show up. I arrived early and waited in the car because I didn’t dare to go in; but finally I went. Three ladies were already there. Margo stood up and with a big friendly smile welcomed me warmly. It felt as if she had been waiting for me. It was such a nice feeling. Soon other ladies arrived. All of them were very welcoming, too, and when I left, two hours later, I had been given several phone numbers and had been invited on a trip to visit a plantation a few days later with the International Women’s Group.

I was so happy I met them. Since then, I have been very busy with Upstate International’s language program, taking Spanish classes and teaching French, as well as with the International Women’s Group and other UI programs and activities. Thanks to this organization I have improved my English a little bit. But more importantly, Upstate International has given me the opportunity to meet people who have introduced me to other people and now, two years later, I know a lot of people in Greenville and feel at home here … I owe so much to Upstate International. So, thank you!”

Sylvie Raison
“I moved to Greenville with my wife about 30 years ago from Connecticut although we are originally from Scotland. We retired here and really enjoy living in Greenville.

After I retired I was looking for things to do and we joined the Learning in Retirement program at Furman University which was then getting underway. I signed up for a French Language program there. I think I just wanted to find out what I could remember from my High School days.

That did not last very long but somehow I heard about the language classes at the then ICU and so I joined Monique’s weekly class which I really enjoyed. We used to meet in the old ICU offices in the ground floor of City Hall until the move to Memminger Street. I can’t claim to be fluent but I learned enough to enhance our enjoyment of several visits to France during the last few years.

In the early days of Upstate International they needed a Treasurer and, in a moment of weakness, I volunteered. I looked after the money for, I think, 13 years, during which time, thanks in large part to the support of Michelin and the late Jane Hipp, we built a strong financial position so as to enable the purchase of the Memminger property.

I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with and to work with people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe.

Upstate International can be proud of its achievements during its first 20 years and I wish it continued success in the future.”

Gordon Burnett
“Originally from Chile, I met my American husband Brendan while he was working in Chile building a power plant. We were married 10 months later in Italy and have two beautiful twin boys, Emilio and Mauricio. We have lived in Italy, Chile, The Netherlands, and Germany. When our children reached school age, we knew we would have to move and settle down for good and so in February 2015, we moved to Greenville.

After a few months living in Greenville, Brendan looked online for a place to go salsa dancing and found UI’s “Salsa at Sunset” event at the Peace Center. We immediately became members of Upstate International. Since then, we have been participating in many of the programs and events organized by UI, such as the Glühwein Party, the Beaujolais Nouveau dinner, the Three Kings, and Salsa at Sunset. Currently I am taking German lessons at Upstate International and I participate in many activities of the International Women’s Group. I also teach three different Spanish classes at UI and was honored to receive Upstate International’s 2017 “Teacher of the Year” award.

Living in Greenville and being part of Upstate International has allowed me to befriend wonderful and interesting people who come from different countries, as well as Americans who have had the experience of living and traveling outside the United States. Upstate International allows me to maintain a strong connection with the rest of the world and invites me through so many different programs and activities to be part of this beautiful and diverse part of the United States.”

Veronica Montenegro Doherty
“Always curious about other cultures, I was raised on a farm in the North Carolina mountains before heading off to Purdue University for a BS in Nutrition and a MS in Instructional Design. Following corporate stints in Chicago and Philadelphia with Arthur Andersen, Walgreens and Unisys, I made my way South again in 1994 to aptly named Travelers Rest in the Upstate.

From my base in TR, I’ve provided organization development services to business leaders of more than 35 nationalities in Argentina, Canada, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, England, Ireland, Germany, Thailand, Switzerland, France, Colombia, Malaysia, and Australia since launching GreenLeaf in 1998. I’ve had the pleasure of serving Netflix, BMW, Fossil, Dr. Martens, Dollar Shave Club, Bausch & Lomb, Bank of America, American Express, CNA Insurance, NASA, Düsseldorf University, Shire Plc, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Johnson & Johnson, Sun Life Financial, The Biltmore Estate, Nespresso, English Schools Foundation of Hong Kong, MetLife China, ConAgra Foods, MicroSoft Latin America, Aegon Asia, Coca Cola and others.

Off the beaten path journeys and relationships deepen my global perspective with adventures in Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Dominica, Honduras, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Botswana, Chile, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Zanzibar and other intriguing locales over the years. I recently celebrated my 50^th with a successful Kilimanjaro summit bid.

Jerry Gibbins introduced me to the newly minted “International Center of the Upstate” over lunch one day. I was immediately hooked and it was an honor to serve on Upstate International’s Board of Directors for the first ten years of the “ICU”.

Upstate International’s globally minded community nurtured my mind and heart through so many wonderful events like ‘Breaking the Ice” when young Israelis and Palestinians captivated us with accounts of their Antarctic Peace & Unity Expedition, years of lively book discussions, and introductions to long-lasting friends from around the world. It’s always a treat to visit UI friends while traveling: Julia and Rich in England and Wales, Sabine in Munich, Kathy in Bangkok… And I’m especially grateful for my experience on the UI board. It was wonderful preparation for my current service on the board of Dining for Women – the largest grassroots giving circle equipping women and girls in the developing world to overcome barriers to health, security and prosperity.

Congratulations to Upstate International on twenty years of creating global citizens and making the Upstate a richer corner of the world for us all! Thank you.”

Cynthia Radford
“I am originally from Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico. After meeting and marrying my husband Kevin in Monterrey, and leaving Mexico 25 years ago, I have lived in Memphis, St. Louis, Chicago, and moved to Greenville 12 years ago.

When I arrived in Greenville, I didn’t know anybody so I googled “International Club” in the hopes of finding a new community. The International Center of the Upstate (ICU at that time) popped up. I called and spoke to Patricia Harrison, the executive director at the time, and she invited me to the international women’s club coffee. I went to check it out, thinking that I might meet someone who spoke Spanish, but I was the only Hispanic woman in the group. Then Patricia asked me if I would be interested in teaching Spanish as a volunteer, because there weren’t any Spanish classes at the ICU. I immediately said yes! A couple of months later, she asked me if I wanted to help with relocation services and take families that were moving to Greenville to get their Social Security numbers and driver’s licenses. I have had the pleasure of meeting and helping countless families, and am still in touch with many of them.

Upstate International has given me the opportunity to make many new friends, some of whom have become my closest friends. The UI has also allowed me to give back to the community by volunteering with the International Women’s Group. It’s always exciting to organize Ladies Night Out, and the popular “Gluhwein Party” that benefits local charities. Upstate International and the International Women’s Group became not only the community I had been looking for, but also a family away from home; giving me a sense of place and belonging in Greenville.”

Carmen Gallagher