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ABOUT US

ICDLA offers a tangible way to make a difference in the world. Our exchange programs connect Angelenos with emerging international leaders and foster international collaborations, enabling great people to do even greater things!

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Our MISSION

ICDLA creates international understanding and cooperation between the Los Angeles region and the rest of the world.​

Our Vision

ICDLA is committed to creating a world of peace and prosperity through Citizen Diplomacy.

Working since 1980 to increase international understanding and cooperation, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles (ICDLA), formerly the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA), arranges people-to-people exchanges between emerging international leaders and the citizens of the Los Angeles region. ICDLA's citizen diplomacy exchanges bring first-hand information about the rest of the world to Angelenos and provide international policy and opinion leaders with the opportunity to see with their own eyes the challenges and opportunities that define the Los Angeles region. These exchanges begin dialogues that would not otherwise be possible.

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Each year ICDLA arranges professional meetings, cultural visits and home hospitality for nearly one thousand policy and opinion leaders from more than 100 countries. ICDLA International Visitors have one goal in common: to seek a greater understanding of the United States, its people, ideas, attitudes, and lifestyles. ICDLA Citizen Diplomats welcome people who are working to solve global issues that impact us all. ICDLA is dedicated to our vision of creating peace and prosperity for our community, our country and our world. ​

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our TEAM
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OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
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OUR HISTORY
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2025 IMPACT REPORT
Our Team

staff

Janet Elliott

President & CEO

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Ho Lo 

Chief Operation Offier

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Danica Kreculj 

Director of International Programs

Victoria Meza

Senior Program Officer

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Kristina Yucel

Communications and Events Coordinator

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Tu Le

Projects Coordinator 

board of directors

Honorary Chairs

Mayor Karen Bass
City of Los Angeles

Hilda L. Solis 
L.A County Board of Supervisors Chair

Karen Abe
BrightStar Care of Conejo Valley

ICDLA Treasurer 

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Dr. Estera Borcsa
Teach Train Transform LLC

 

Julie Duhaut-Bedos
Diplomat-in-Residence & Interim Director, USC Center on Public Diplomacy

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Wafa J. Hoballah
WJH Law Group, Attorney at Law
 

Jonathan Kaji 
Kaji & Associates 
 

Michelle M. Kezirian
Attorney at Law
 

Patti MacJennett
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board 
 

Dr. Lene Martin
Professor, Pepperdine University 

Rima Nashashibi
Global Hope 365

ICDLA Board Chair 
 

Stephen Ozoigbo 
ARM-Advanced RISM Machines 
 

Lourdes Saab
L.A. County Office of Protocol 
 

Jerry Silva 
Energy Consultant 
 

Yael Swerdlow 
Women’s Empowerment Foundation 
 

Tim Watkins 
Watts Labor Community Action Committee 
 

Mary Walden 
Expert Effects 

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Janet Elliott

President & CEO, ICDLA

OUR SPONSORS

The Port of Los Angeles
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OUR PARTNERS

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County of Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles
Global LA
Contact Us

3450 Wilshire Boulevard

Suite 705

Los Angeles, CA 90010

(213) 388-1428

info@icdla.org

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© International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles. A non-profit, non-partisan organization. Partial funding provided by the United States Department of State, the County of Los Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles. | Privacy Policy

Federal Tax ID Number : 95-3692511

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