
Sharing Language,
Culture, and Friendship with
New Americans in ND.


The Culture ND Summit is a one day educational celebration highlighting cultural and international diversity discussions and best practices on providing a welcoming community for New Americans in ND through education, entertainment, and food. This event is hosted by Bismarck Global Neighbors, a local non-profit as well as the surrounding community. Cultural groups & businesses from the community are encouraged to participate in this first time annual cultural summit in Bismarck, ND.
Culture ND Summit: Building Bridges
Communities, Churches, & the Workforce coming together to welcome New Americans to North Dakota.
October 24, 2022
10 am to 3 pm
Gateway Fashion Mall: Sears Building (North Entrance)
10:00 am: Welcome: An introduction and update of New Americans in Bismarck/Mandan and surrounding communities.
10:10 am: Keynote Speaker: Pastor Eric Costanzo : Churches, Nonprofits, & Community Collaborations in
10:40 am: Refugee perspective: Congolese Stanford ER nurse thoughts on Diversity in the Workforce: Joy Giciro
11:00 am: Break
11:10 am: Diversity in the Local Community: Roundtable Discussions
11:40 am: Immigrant perspective: From the Coffee Fields in Honduras to Pro Cyclist to serving immigrants in North Dakota: Jairo Ramos Lagos
12:00 pm: Lunch Break: Cloverdale/Puerto Rican food (Angelica), Deserts by Irma
Music by: La Siempra, Colombian Band
1:00 pm: Keynote Speaker: Christy Staats: National Immigration Forum and Evangelical Immigration Table work
1:30 pm: Diversity Discussions Panel:
Moderator: Julie N Ramos Lagos, Bismarck Global Neighbors
Executive Director
-Holly Triska Dally, Refugee State Coordinator
-Geraldine Ambe- Humanitarian of the Year
-Megan Laudenschlager- Strengthen ND Executive Director
-Bobby Grey Eagle, Native American Representative
2:15 pm: Ice Cream Social… Root Bear Floats, Visit with Vendors that collaborate or support New and Native American communities.
