Northern Nevada International Center

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Impact Through Exchange: Putting Passion into PracticeExchange can provide important international opportunities that ca...
10/10/2026

Impact Through Exchange: Putting Passion into Practice

Exchange can provide important international opportunities that can transform committed student leaders into real agents of change.

Medyen Zidan Saeed Alsharafat participated in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders on Natural Resources in 2025. This experience with the NNIC not only inspired him to become more active in environmental policy but also engage in these initiatives through a more international perspective.

This experience as a student leader reinforced his commitment to environmental and renewable energy research. He also utilized these strengthened values through his continued engagement in youth-led initiatives in Jordan along with his work as both a safety engineer at BIA TEXTILES and Renewable Energy student.

“NNIC gave me the confidence and global perspective needed to transform international opportunities into tangible, meaningful impact that benefits my community.”

Since the program, Medyen participated in the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, where he applied both his strengthened knowledge from the SUSI Program and his previous engagement in COP and COY conventions.

✨For student leaders like Medyen, international exchange can build global understanding and transform passion and commitment into real positive change for their own community.

🌎 What starts with a connection in Northern Nevada can reach far beyond it. Follow NNIC’s Impact Through Exchange series to see where these connections lead.

Impact Through Exchange: Compassion beyond BordersHow can one exchange experience inspire a lifelong commitment to servi...
10/09/2026

Impact Through Exchange: Compassion beyond Borders

How can one exchange experience inspire a lifelong commitment to serving others?

In 2017, Manel El Houda Kanoufi participated in the Youth Leadership Program with Algeria (YLPA). Already passionate about medicine, Manel’s experience with YLPA and NNIC showed her how that passion could extend beyond a career and become a way to serve different communities.

Through the program, she discovered the power of cross-cultural collaboration and learned that making a difference doesn’t stop at the hospital doors, it can reach an entire community.

“It inspired me to pursue medicine with a stronger commitment to service, organize charitable initiatives that provide medications and support to people in need, and use my entrepreneurial journey to give back to my community.”

Today, Manel is a General Practitioner in Germany, carrying those values of service and leadership into her medical career.

✨ For Northern Nevada, her story is a reminder of why international exchange matters here at home: the connections and perspectives created in our community can travel far beyond it, shaping how leaders serve their own communities around the world.

🌎 What starts with a connection in Northern Nevada can reach far beyond it. Follow NNIC’s Impact Through Exchange series to see where these connections lead.

🌍 Dr. Carina Black Presents at Refugee & Migrant Education Conference in RomeDr. Carina Black, Founder and Executive Dir...
10/08/2026

🌍 Dr. Carina Black Presents at Refugee & Migrant Education Conference in Rome

Dr. Carina Black, Founder and Executive Director of the Northern Nevada International Center, recently presented at the 2026 Refugee & Migrant Education Network Conference in Rome.

She shared insights on Kenya’s Shirika Plan, a 10-year effort to transition from refugee camps toward greater integration into society, expanding access to education, socioeconomic opportunities, and pathways for refugees to build a better future.

Her presentation contributed to a global conversation centered on a powerful idea: education is a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and belonging.

Like, share, and follow along for more stories from the global conversation on refugee education and integration.

Impact Through Exchange: The Power of Partnerships and PerseveranceAn exchange can do more than broaden perspectives, it...
10/06/2026

Impact Through Exchange: The Power of Partnerships and Perseverance

An exchange can do more than broaden perspectives, it can turn ideas into action.

In 2023, Maikudi Danburam participated in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders on Natural Resources. Already passionate about addressing floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures affecting communities in Nigeria, Maikudi returned home with new knowledge, connections, and inspiration.

“Throughout the summer exchange, I witnessed how NNIC brought together its resources to deliver a truly transformative experience through leadership training, community service engagements, and study tours.”

Inspired by his experience, Maikudi founded the Waila Initiative for Sustainable and Inclusive Development (WISAID), reaching more than 10 communities and supporting over 400 young people and 100 children in northern Nigeria

The international connections he built through the exchange also led to the Young Eco-Stars Programme (YES-P), a collaboration among alumni from Nigeria, Indonesia, and the United States. In 2024, the group secured a $10,000 grant to train 60 young people in climate education, advocacy, and adaptation.

✨ International exchange can turn shared challenges into shared action, creating partnerships that continue to make an impact long after the exchange ends.

🌎 What starts with a connection in Northern Nevada can reach far beyond it. Follow NNIC’s Impact Through Exchange series to see where these connections lead.

Impact Through Exchange: The Path to Peace and Global ConnectionsSometimes, one exchange experience can open the door to...
10/03/2026

Impact Through Exchange: The Path to Peace and Global Connections

Sometimes, one exchange experience can open the door to new perspectives, meaningful relationships, and a future shaped by global connection.

In 2023, Kyley Quigley participated in the Youth Leadership Program with Algeria (YLPA) as an American participant. Through her experience with NNIC, Kyley built meaningful cross-cultural relationships and gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of understanding perspectives beyond her own.

That experience continues to influence her journey today. Now studying Business at the University of Texas at Austin, Kyley is also completing her Peace Corps Prep certification, preparing for a future centered on intercultural communication and global engagement.

“My time with YLPA will stay with me for the rest of my life because it completely changed the way I view the world and the people in it. Through the relationships and experiences I gained, I was exposed to perspectives and cultures that broadened my understanding far beyond what I had previously experienced.”

Kyley hopes to join the Peace Corps after college and carry the perspectives and connections she gained through YLPA into her future work.

✨ International exchange can be the beginning of a much longer journey, one that builds understanding, strengthens cross-cultural relationships, and inspires young people to engage with the world in new ways.

🌎 What starts with a connection in Northern Nevada can reach far beyond it. Like and follow NNIC’s Impact Through Exchange series to see how international exchange creates opportunities and connections that continue around the world.

10/03/2026

✨ Celebrating Dr. Carina Black!

Dr. Carina Black, Founder and Executive Director of the Northern Nevada International Center, has been named the 2026 PBS Reno Spotlight Award winner in the Extraordinary Individual category.

Since joining NNIC in 1999, Dr. Black has helped connect Northern Nevada with the world through international exchanges, refugee resettlement, language access, and public diplomacy.

This recognition celebrates not only Dr. Black, but also the staff, volunteers, partners, visitors, newcomers, and supporters who make NNIC’s work possible.

We are grateful to PBS Reno and everyone who helped celebrate this special moment. 🌎

🎥 Watch the video and celebrate this special moment with us!

🌍 IREX Announces: 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship Applications Are Now Open!The application for the 2027 Mandela Wash...
10/03/2026

🌍 IREX Announces: 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship Applications Are Now Open!

The application for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is now open!

This six-week U.S.-based program gives outstanding young professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, gain new perspectives, and build connections with American peers and leaders.

Fellows have the opportunity to:
✨ Participate in a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. educational institution
🤝 Engage with U.S. government and business leaders
🌎 Join a dynamic network with opportunities for continued professional growth

📅 Application deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Ready to apply? Visit mwfellows.info/apply for eligibility requirements, application instructions, FAQs, and more.

(In picture: Mandela Washington Fellowship leaders from 2025 with Dr. Carina Black at NNIC Global Expo)

Impact Through Exchange: Finding Your Hidden VoiceWhat if one exchange experience could help you discover your voice and...
09/26/2026

Impact Through Exchange: Finding Your Hidden Voice

What if one exchange experience could help you discover your voice and a passion that lasts a lifetime?

At just 17, Kherbouchi Zakaria (Zak) stepped outside his comfort zone and participated in the Youth Leadership Program with Algeria (YLPA) in 2023. Through his experience with NNIC, Zak discovered something he had not fully recognized before: his voice as a poet.

A defining moment came when Zak performed his original slam poetry at the NNIC Global Expo in Reno, sharing his work with people from around the world. Standing in front of an international audience gave him a new sense of confidence and sparked a passion for poetry that continues to shape his journey back home.

“After returning home, I published my debut book inspired by my exchange journey, and in 2025 I earned second place in the first edition of the American Institute of slam poetry competition.”

Today, Zak continues his studies in Translation and Interpretation while taking part in leadership projects that promote creativity, self-expression, and cross-cultural understanding in his community.

✨ International exchange can broaden perspectives, build confidence, and create a space for young leaders to discover talents and passions that continue long after the program ends.

🌎 The world comes to Northern Nevada and Northern Nevada’s impact reaches the world. Like and follow NNIC’s Impact Through Exchange series to discover the connections that make it possible.

Impact Through Exchange: Creating Lifelong Connections, One Perspective at a TimeAn exchange experience can open the doo...
09/24/2026

Impact Through Exchange: Creating Lifelong Connections, One Perspective at a Time

An exchange experience can open the door to cross-cultural friendships and perspectives that last a lifetime.

In 2022, Khadidja Kaci participated in the Youth Leadership Program with Algeria (YLPA), formerly known as the Algerian Youth Leadership Program (AYLP). Through her experience with NNIC, Khadidja not only gained opportunities to engage as a young leader in her community, but also discovered new perspectives and possibilities beyond her home country.

One of her favorite memories was attending a networking event hosted by the U.S. Embassy for Algerian alumni. More than an opportunity to connect with fellow participants, the experience helped Khadidja build lasting friendships, broaden her worldview, and bring new perspectives into her civic work back home.

“NNIC was a life-changing experience for me. It helped me see the world from different perspectives, build meaningful friendships across cultures, and gain confidence in my leadership abilities.”

Today, Khadidja is a second-year university student studying Translation and Interpretation. Since participating in the program, she has remained actively involved in her community through youth initiatives, cultural projects, and volunteer work alongside her studies.

✨ International exchange opens young leaders to new perspectives, broadens their horizons beyond the classroom, and creates opportunities to learn from one another.

🌎 What happens when Northern Nevada opens its doors to the world? Like and follow along NNIC’s Impact Through Exchange series to discover the people and possibilities that grow from these global connections.

Impact Through Exchange: A Young Leader’s TransformationSometimes, an exchange experience far from home can help you dis...
09/19/2026

Impact Through Exchange: A Young Leader’s Transformation

Sometimes, an exchange experience far from home can help you discover what you’re capable of.

When Ines Bouazza participated in the Algerian Youth Leadership Program (AYLP) in 2022, now known as the Youth Leadership Program with Algeria (YLPA), her experience with NNIC became a turning point in her personal and professional journey.

A defining moment came during her visit to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., where she experienced firsthand how young leaders can be empowered to become advocates in their communities. The leadership skills and civic knowledge she gained through the program have continued to shape how she approaches her work and future.

“Participating in AYLP was a major turning point that sharpened my personality and gave me a lot of confidence. It really helped me recognize and build my leadership skills, which continues to shape my life and professional choices today.”

Since then, Ines has earned a bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Autonomous Systems, and Artificial Intelligence and has focused her work on project management and engineering from a business perspective. She also co-developed a healthcare startup focused on creating a communication ecosystem for local hospitals.

✨ International exchange is more than a single experience. It can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and inspire young people to bring what they learned back to their communities.

🌎 What happens when Northern Nevada opens its doors to the world? Follow NNIC’s Impact Through Exchange series to discover the people and possibilities that grow from these global connections.

Address

1155 West 4th Street, Suite 222
Reno, NV
89503

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+17757847515

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