Speakers: Diverse, timely, expert perspectives

We participate in the ACFR National Speakers Program which provides prominent speakers at the ready edge of responsibility and expertise regarding timely foreign policy issues & events. We have hosted sitting Ambassadors, former Ambassadors, State Department officials, Officers of the military, policy experts & more from foreign relations organizations and consultancies in the nation.

We also feature Iowa based speakers with special expertise and experiences in foreign relations from our congressional representatives, universities, and major news outlets.

At the Committee on Foreign Relations, our monthly meetings are dedicated to advancing discourse of relevant U.S. foreign relations issues and events while supporting our non-partisan, non-profit position.  We provide a high quality personal experience with a unique intimate forum for dialogue and discussion. We support diverse, timely, well-informed perspectives that contribute to understanding concerning foreign relations.

Upcoming Speaker: Thursday April 25th at 5:30, Wakonda Club – Pat Grote

Change in speaker for the 25th

Pat has served as Executive Director of the Center since 2017 and with her staff, focuses time on programs which include the International Visitor Leadership Program, the Community Connections Program, the Global Citizens Travel Seminar as well as language interpretation services.  Like the GDMCFR, the roots of the Iowa International Center trace back in-time to 1939, when volunteers worked together to support immigrants fleeing the war in Europe.  What began in 1939 has evolved over the years into an organization that strives to support international visitors and immigrants while making our state more inclusive and welcoming to all. 

Past Speakers: