Diplomacy Across the Decades
Global Ties Arizona’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
We’re thrilled to celebrate 60 years of citizen diplomacy, international exchange, and global connection at our milestone 60th Anniversary Gala, Diplomacy Across the Decades.
For sixty years, Global Ties Arizona has connected Arizona to the world by welcoming international leaders, fostering cross-cultural experiences, and creating meaningful people-to-people relationships that strengthen global ties right here in our community. As we reflect on our legacy and look toward the future, we invite you to be part of this historic evening celebrating the impact of diplomacy across generations.
Event Details
📅 Friday, October 9, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Adobe at the Biltmore
2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016
OUR EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Please contact kristin@globaltiesarizona.org to inquire about remaining sponsorship options or to join the waitlist.
Featured Speaker
Gerónimo Gutiérrez
Mexican Ambassador to the United States, 2017-18
Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernández is a seasoned Mexican diplomat and senior government official who served as Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States from 2017 to 2018, playing a key role in negotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). His distinguished career spans over 20 years across senior roles under five Mexican presidents, including leadership positions such as Managing Director of the North American Development Bank, Deputy Secretary for Governance and Homeland Security, and Under Secretary for both Latin America and the Caribbean and for North America. Educated with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) and holding a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government under a Fulbright-García Robles Scholarship, Gutiérrez now provides strategic advice on political risk and business development and leads infrastructure investment in Latin America.
Evening’s Emcee
Vanessa Araiza
Weeknight Anchor & Reporter, Arizona’s Family
Vanessa Araiza joined Arizona’s Family in September 2023. She serves as the 9 p.m. Anchor and reports and anchors for many other newscasts throughout the week. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys hiking and exploring beautiful Arizona.
Vanessa came to Phoenix from WFTS in Tampa, where she worked as the weekend evening anchor and senior reporter. While in Tampa, Vanessa traveled to Puerto Rico to cover the devastating earthquakes in February of 2020. Vanessa also broke a story involving inadequate and harmful living conditions in lower-income housing that resulted in legal changes within the city's jurisdiction.
Prior to Tampa, Vanessa served as a general assignment and breaking news reporter at WKMG in Orlando. In the year after hurricane Maria in 2017, Vanessa spent a month on the ground in Puerto Rico covering stories of the people there rebuilding their homes and lives.
In every city Vanessa has worked in, she’s also made it a priority to give back to the community she’s serving. Throughout the years she’s joined local groups and volunteered her time. In Birmingham she joined the Rotaract Club and read to lower income students as part of the Better Basics program. In Tampa, Vanessa joined the Junior League of Tampa and created the inaugural Family Food Fest that offered health screenings, free food, and literature for children.
Evening Entertainment
The Dina Preston Band
The Dina Preston Band is an Arizona-based, internationally recognized ensemble that has performed in 44 countries. Led by vocalist Dina Preston, the six-piece band blends Americana, country, rock, blues, and soul to create an energetic sound with broad global appeal. Through their international performances, the band has brought people together across cultures, reflecting the power of music to build connections and inspire mutual understanding. Their global experience and Arizona roots make them a natural fit for Global Ties Arizona’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.
Evening Highlights
Cocktail reception and networking
Full dinner service
Live raffle with amazing basket prizes (tickets available for purchase during the event)
Stories and reflections from global leaders, alumni, and community partners
Recognition of the individuals and organizations who have shaped Global Ties Arizona’s legacy
Opportunities to support the future of citizen diplomacy in Arizona
Cash bar available
Attire
Cocktail attire. We encourage guests to dress for an elegant evening of celebration. Examples include cocktail dresses, dressy jumpsuits, suits, blazers with dress pants, and polished separates.
