Programs
Building a Connected Culture
When business, education, and community organizations partner, they can develop an interconnected culture and find creative ways to navigate differences, solve problems, and improve their communities.
Generating Change for Greater Impact
Virtual Intercultural Leadership Academy (VILA)
January 28– March 11, 2025
Successful interactions do not just happen; instead, they are developed and learned through intention, experience, and overtime. This course is designed to help leaders build cultural competence and increase their capacity to be effective with the people they work with every day. The Virtual Intercultural Leadership Academy (VILA) is designed to foster leadership skills and intercultural competence among participants from varied perspectives and backgrounds. VILA offers a comprehensive learning experience through a variety of modules and opportunities to engage with participants.
Interactive Virtual Sessions
Engage with instructors and peers in live, facilitated sessions.
In-depth Discussions
Practical Activities
Conference
Thought Leadership Conference: Features a diverse speaker lineup, intentional networking opportunities, and ongoing support resources.
Community
Virtual Thought Leadership Community: Offers access to subject matter experts, measurable inclusion tools, and organizational development resources.
Youth
Youth Leadership Collaborative: Initiates cultural exchange and leadership collaborative to foster strong intercultural development among youth.
Café
Intercultural World Café: Discover what is possible and engage in purposeful conversations that align with strategic intent, collective intelligence, and wise action.
Who We Serve: Rooted in South Bend-Elkhart Region, Impacting Local, National, International Communities
Based on our recent assessment, approximately 65% of the Intercultural Relations Institute’s work is conducted within South Bend-Elkhart County, focusing on community outreach, workshops, and collaborative projects that promote intercultural capacity and inclusive leadership practices. The remaining 35% of our efforts extend to state, national, and international implementation, expanding our impact through broader programs and initiatives that drive intercultural engagement and cross-cultural practices on a larger scale.
- South Bend-Elkhart County Implementation 65%
- State, National, and International Implementation 35%
- Thought Leadership Conference Participation 65%
In 2023, a consistent 65% of attendees came from the South Bend-Elkhart region, even throughout the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This enduring participation highlights the critical role our services play within the community and nation.
Sustained local engagement directly aligns with our core mission: fostering a vibrant network that connects business leaders, educational institutions, and community thought leaders. By prioritizing global communities, we actively cultivate a collaborative ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders and invests in local and broad-based leadership.
Our Mission Is to Build the Foundation of a Better Future
Future