Of the many awards events that take place in the Twin Cities each year, few honor such seemingly disparate nominees: This year’s International Citizens Awards go to a Minnesota-bred attorney, Ghanaian émigrés to the state who’ve been giving back to their native continent in an innovative way, and a global media company based in Minneapolis.
They all exemplify the spirit of the International Citizens Awards. The awards are given by the International Leadership Institute, a Minneapolis nonprofit that partners with groups in developing countries to build infrastructure and education facilities and promote democratic governance. Last year, for instance, it sent a team of conflict transition experts to Kenya to help officials there sort out issues surrounding alleged ballot rigging and election-related violence.
Through the International Citizens Award program, the institute recognizes connections between Minnesota and rest of the world in business, human rights, technology, medicine, education, and other areas. It’s the belief of its president and founder, retired judge LaJune Lange, that showcasing the people and businesses that stand out in these areas will inspire other Minnesotans to engage in international outreach.
—Katie Harholdt
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International Citizens Awards Dinner and Celebration |
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Monday, April 20, 2009 The awards are presented by the International Leadership Institute and sponsored by the South African Consulate General in Chicago; International Business Resource Group, LLC; Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.; Wells Fargo, Igbanugo Partners International Law Firm; Faegre & Benson, LLC; MN Best Corporation; and Twin Cities Business. For tickets and reservations, contact Coventry Cowens or 651-690-7866. |
