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The event drew 200 guests,
featured artwork by French artist Yarek Godfrey, who was
visiting the Cleveland area. Iraqi refugee Ahmed Ghareeb
shared his calligraphy work and wrote out guest names in Arabic.
Jeanette Rosa and Lyseet Mariella Taipe displayed
cultural treasures from Peru.
Entertainment included
Russian dances by Ken Kovach and company while Lisa
Cooper-Wheeler drew the crowd in with a twist on the Indian
folk dance, bhangra masala. The grassroots organization
began last year after the successful event that brought together
500 people from all walks of life to the city’s center to enjoy
ethnic food, network and grow partnerships.
Building on the success of
its inaugural diversity celebration, this year event focused on
local startups, entrepreneurs and artists. Cleveland Mayor
Frank G. Jackson, co-hosted the event and congratulated the
WIN-Board for their contributions to making Cleveland a better
and more welcoming city. He said the work that is done daily by
individuals and organization adds-up to the cumulative success
of the city.
During the VIP reception
with WIN-Cleveland Board members Mayor Jackson was presented
with the Cleveland’s Diversity Tapestry. Created by
Arooj Ashraf, WIN Board Member, the painting features the
skyline of Cleveland formed as a puzzle that is bordered with
119 national flags of countries represented in the Greater
Cleveland population. The Diversity Tapestry was created to
celebrate the region’s multicultural riches, and its welcoming
nature. Few missing puzzle pieces symbolize the region is still
growing and inviting more people who will bring and add to the
vibrant diversity.
Eduardo Romero,
WIN Board Chair encouraged attendee to see themselves as
Ambassadors of the fresh water regions and market it globally.
“The world has shrunk, and its times to say Cleveland- it’s a
beautiful place, we having inviting people, we have wonderful
resources, come here and make your home here,” he said.
Romero noted the
networking and friendships that formed during 2010’s event
resulted in stronger work relationships and even drew two
international companies to Cleveland.
WIN-Cleveland has
supported many non-profit and cultural organizations through the
year in effort to encourage diverse attended and appreciation.
In June, the organization hosted an International Arts Show &
Bazaar that featured 28 local artists representing 14
countries.
WIN-Cleveland is
developing a Diversity Scholarship and Education Fund and will
be announcing scholarship opportunities in spring. Funds raised
during the event will contribute to the fund. Organizations and
individuals interested in supporting WIN’s mission are
encouraged to contact the organization at
info@win-cleveland.org
Visit the website at
www.win-cleveland.org and join the facebook fanpage for
updates and future events.
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