Office for Globalization Forms International Councils

Louisville has seen unprecedented growth in its immigrant population in recent years, making up two-thirds of Louisville’s population growth within the last decade. In order to better reflect the face of the community, the city’s Office for Globalization is forming International Councils to engage the international civic, cultural and business communities to represent distinct ethnic communities.

“We live in a multicultural world, and must think globally in order to be competitive,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Louisville is a diverse city, with more than 75 nationalities represented in its population, and these councils will create a climate for growth by promoting economic, educational and community initiatives with a global focus.”

The Office for Globalization has assisted in the formation of two councils, the Indian Professional Council (IPC) and the Magnificent7, a Hispanic and Latino network. Both councils will host monthly networking events and provide advocacy and community representation for their respective ethnic communities.

The International Councils, which will be individual non-profit organizations, will provide platforms that foster civic engagement, business connections, and professional growth in the Louisville area. Their programs and events are open to the public.

The Indian Professional Council is led by L.Srinivasan, also Associate Partner with CGN & Associates, a business performance consulting company. He will lead the Council in its initiatives to focus on Health, Business and Education. Apart from specific events, regular meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month.

The Magnificent7 is led by Ben Ruiz, co-founder of Wesley House’s La Camara and GLI’s Hispanic Latino Business Council. Its meetings are held quarterly.

The Office for Globalization has more international councils planned which will partner with the city’s efforts to make Louisville a globally-known multicultural city attractive for business and investment.

For more information about International Councils, or to form a new council, please visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/Globalization/InternationalCouncils/.