Global Gala

Recap of Still We Rise: An Evening of Resilience, Hope and the Road Ahead

Honoring a Decade of Impact

Our 2026 Annual Global Gala brought together nearly four hundred NNIC supporters, partners, families, and friends for an unforgettable evening celebrating courage, resilience, and community. The night was filled with meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and moments that reminded us why this work matters so deeply.

We were honored to welcome this year’s keynote speaker, Michael R. Lwin. His remarks on the balance between hard and soft power deeply resonated with the spirit of the evening and the importance of global connection for America's national security. Following the event, he shared on LinkedIn: “NNIC is a remarkable organization which helps project America’s benevolence, beauty, and brilliance across the globe.”

Our Silent Auction was another highlight of the evening, especially the cultural experiences generously offered by our international staff members. Some of the most loved items included the Ethiopian Cooking Experience and Indian Spice & Savor: Chai, Pastry & Tradition. We are so excited for the guests who won these truly special experiences. Set up a notification for our newsletter or subscribe to our social media to find out how it went.

This year also marked 10 years since NNIC launched its Refugee Resettlement Program. To honor this milestone, we welcomed some of our very first resettled clients back to share their journeys and incredible achievements with our guests. Hearing their stories of perseverance, growth, and success was truly one of the most powerful moments of the evening. From pursuing education and building careers to creating businesses and thriving in their communities, their journeys reflect the strength and determination that continue to inspire us every day.

We are genuinely grateful to every supporter and Gala attendee for being part of these important global conversations, embracing diversity and cultural exchange, sharing our mission within your communities, and supporting our work through your generous donations. Because of you, we were able to raise funds that resulted in a 9% net increase over last year.

We are still holding onto the magic of this unforgettable evening and looking forward to creating an even more impactful celebration together next year.

The Global Gala is a celebration of everything we stand for and accomplish.

The celebrations reflect NNIC’s collective impact in bridging cultures through our empowering programs which build a more connected and harmonious world.

Refugee Resettlement

Our resettlement team has supported over 1,200 refugees and asylees, marking the largest number of individuals and families we’ve helped toward self-sufficiency since our efforts began in 2016. This year marks the 10th anniversary of NNIC’s resettlement program. Each success story reinforces our commitment to empowering these individuals and families. We continue to work diligently to provide the support and resources needed for a successful transition.

Language Bank

As part of our commitment to ensuring that language is never a barrier to equal access to justice, housing, employment, education, or other essential services, our Language Bank continues to provide critical services to legal, business, and social service partners throughout the community. Our interpreters and translators are not just language experts—they are cultural mediators. With services available in over 300 languages, we help bridge communication gaps and promote inclusion.