CITIZEN DIPLOMACY CELEBRATION
Each year ICDLA showcases the importance of citizen diplomacy and global dialogue at our Citizen Diplomacy Celebration. It is always a festive event that brings together members of the Los Angeles County Consular Corps, elected officials, ICDLA members and guests, as well as our special International Visitors. Guests enjoy great food, international wines and the opportunity to help raise funds for ICDLA by bidding on exciting silent auction items and purchasing a ticket (or 10!) for our Year of International Dining Drawing. During the event, we are proud to present our Outstanding Citizen Diplomat and Outstanding Professional Resource Awards.
To see a list of past honorees, click here.
2019 HONOREES
Outstanding Citizen Diplomat
Norman Arikawa
Norman Arikawa has worked at the Port of Los Angeles for over 40 years and is currently the Assistant Director of Trade Development for the Port. His responsibilities include developing inbound and outbound trade, promoting the port and supporting the staff of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of International Trade. He also coordinates visits by foreign officials to the Port, frequently meeting with heads of state, ministers and ambassadors from around the world. He has arranged discussions at the Port for ICDLA’s International Visitor Leadership Program participants on such topics as trade development, port security and environmental initiatives.
Outstanding Resource
Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE)
The Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment supports L.A.'s Neighborhood Council system. Together, the City's 99 Neighborhood Councils form the grassroots, community-based arm of the Los Angeles municipal government. Neighborhood Councils connect the communities they serve to City Hall, advocating on issues like homelessness, housing, public safety, education, parks and sustainability. Since its inception, the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment has been a valuable resource for ICDLA. By sharing its work to ensure the City of Los Angeles is responsive to the varied needs and lifestyles of its diverse communities, the Department has inspired many of ICDLA's international visitors to seek similar goals in their home countries.