The Cleveland Council on World Affairs builds bridges across the globe. Last year, CCWA was able to provide an opportunity for two local change-makers to have a transformative exchange experience in India.

CCWA was excited to have nominated two representatives to travel to New Delhi, India, through the Professional Fellows Program for Governance and Society (PFP). Khadijah Fair, Project Director of the City of Cleveland’s MomsFirst Program, and Bishara Addison, Director of Workforce Innovation at the Fund for Our Economic Future, spent 10 days exploring policymaking, community development, the education system, and the vibrant culture of New Delhi. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning, the PFP exchange helps fosters stronger ties between the U.S. and South Asia.

Khadijah and Bishara’s exchange journey began in 2023, when they each hosted a professional fellow at their respective organizations through the PFP exchange, facilitated by CCWA. Professional fellows are civil society and government leaders from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka who are placed at U.S. organizations for practical work training and to lend their own expertise to the host organization. In return, U.S. participants have the opportunity to travel abroad for a cross-cultural experience. “The Professional Fellows Program is an incredible opportunity to engage with global leaders, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of education equity, community advocacy, and policies that impact working families”, Khadijah stated. In the past decade, the PFP exchange has brought over 40 professional fellows to Northeast Ohio in addition to providing Clevelanders opportunities to travel to South Asia.

For Khadijah and Bishara, the exchange allowed them to engage with global leaders, share best practices, and explore new ideas in education equity, community advocacy, and economic development. They learned about public health in India through a dialogue with the National Center for Disease Control in India. A meeting with a minister for Commerce and Industry addressed trade and economic growth in India. A visit to the United National Development Programme Office highlighted the importance of intergovernmental organizations.

One highlight for Khadijah was her visit to the Higashi Autism School in New Delhi, where she saw the universal importance of inclusive education. “The educators’ dedication, kindness, and expertise were evident in every interaction,“ Khadijah shared. She had the honor of gifting copies of a children’s book she authored, sharing her personal story with the community.

Beyond the professional meetings, the exchange emphasized the power of intercultural connections and addressing shared global challenges.  Khadija reflected, “Understanding the cultural differences and governance structures related to education, learning from their expertise was a great experience for all of us. The exchange was a two-way street—not only were they able to contribute to our work, but we also had the opportunity to share best practices, exchange strategies, and support their fellowship journey.” This exchange between Cleveland and New Delhi not only deepened professional connections but also reinforced the shared commitment to create positive change at the local and global level.