City Hall came alive with music, dance, and heartfelt stories on May 16, as Milwaukee marked its 2025 Sister Cities Meet and Greet Day, honoring the relationships that continue to grow between Milwaukee and its seven international partners.
From Abuja to Irpin, Kragujevac to the Tarime District, representatives shared updates, expressions of gratitude, and visions for the future, each underscoring the personal and cultural ties that transform diplomacy into enduring friendship.
The event was hosted by Alderman Russell W. Stamper II, chair of the Sister Cities Committee, who opened with a message of unity.
“Today is about friendship,” Alderman Stamper said. “It’s about the bonds we’ve built and continue to build with cities around the world.”
Mayor Cavalier Johnson added his own welcome, tying the moment to his Milwaukee Public Schools education.
“I learned how to say hello in a number of different languages all around the world,” Mayor Johnson said, before sharing greetings in French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and more. “I think it’s fitting for today’s ceremony.”
He emphasized that these global connections are not symbolic, they are sought after.
“I meet with a number of consuls general from all around the world, and they want to establish sister city relationships with Milwaukee,” Mayor Johnson said. “I think a huge part of that is because we do things like this. We develop relationships that matter.”
Mayor Johnson then presented a formal proclamation, officially designating May 16, 2025, as Milwaukee Sister Cities Day.
ABUJA, NIGERIA: BUILDING BRIDGES
Like several of Milwaukee’s Sister Cities, Abuja was represented by voices who have helped shape the relationship from the ground up. Dr. Francis Obuseh, speaking on behalf of the Milwaukee Action Network, offered a reflection grounded in personal stories and shared ambitions that define this international partnership.
“This is a celebration of the bridges we build. Not only across oceans, but across cultures, communities, and generations,” Dr. Obuseh said. “This partnership reminds us that even in a world of differences, we have far more in common. Together, we share a commitment to peace, progress, and people.”
Dr. Obuseh told the story of Dele Ojelabi, who came to Milwaukee as a young exchange student and went on to launch an IT consulting firm in the city. That single connection, he explained, turned into a decades-long journey of local entrepreneurship, mentorship, and civic leadership.
“Dr. Ojelabi has helped Milwaukee thrive while honoring the exchange experience that set him on this path,” said Dr. Obuseh. “His journey reminds us that when we welcome new perspectives and dare to turn them into action, we unleash the power to transform communities.”
“Milwaukee Independent” spoke with Dr. Ojelabi before the event started, and asked what the sister city program’s significance was to him.
“It offers better understanding, and better appreciation of each other’s culture,” he said. “It exposes the people of Milwaukee to African culture, and allows Africans in Nigeria to understand Milwaukee culture. That’s really people-to-people diplomacy.”
Dr. Ojelabi pointed to the practical benefits that follow, which include economic, political, and technological relationships.
“It’s a two-way development, so Milwaukee benefits, Abuja benefits,” said Dr. Ojelabi.
Ojelabi came to Milwaukee through Paris as an exchange student. At the time, he did not know anything about the city. Now, he calls it home.
“This has become my home,” he said. “For me, the sister city program is giving back to a community that has given so much to me, by allowing other students to experience the same kind of education and exposure I had.”
He also challenged the outdated perceptions of Nigeria.
“People would be surprised to see a very thriving economy,” he said. “Despite what you hear about the political situation, the economy is where the value is. And from the airport, you feel it. You’re somewhere you are welcome.”
IRPIN, UKRAINE: FROM CRISIS TO COMPASSION
The Sister City relationship with Irpin, Ukraine, stood out for its deep emotional gravity, heightened three years when it was briefly occupied by brutal Russian invaders. Speakers from Wisconsin Ukrainians and Friends of Be An Angel described how local generosity has shaped a wartime partnership grounded in healing and humanity.
Milwaukee-based Advanced Wireless, rooted in compassion and commitment to making a difference, donated over 800 Wi-Fi routers to Irpin. The donation will soon make Irpin a wireless city.
“This gift is much more than technology,” said Anya Verhovskaya, referencing the donation. “It is a bridge. One that connects students to education, families to their loved ones, and communities to the world.”
She also described how Milwaukee has become a refuge for young Ukrainians with medical needs, who had been cut off from treatment due to Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion.
“These are not just patients. They are children, the youngest and most vulnerable among us,” Verhovskaya said. “Milwaukee has become their haven of healing. Children’s Hospital didn’t just provide care. They wrapped them in kindness and made them feel safe, loved, far from home.”
Halyna Salapata, president of Wisconsin Ukrainians, offered context about Irpin’s devastation and determination.
“From the earliest days of the full-scale Russian invasion, Irpin stood as the frontline defender of the path to Kyiv,” Salapata said. “The city paid a heavy price, yet the spirit of its people remains unbroken.”
She cited efforts by Milwaukee’s Ukrainian community to help Irpin rebuild, from replacing shattered windows at its heart institute to restoring the city’s damaged digital infrastructure.
“Our sister city relationship with Irpin is not just a partnership,” Verhovskaya added. “It’s a beacon of promise — that standing with each other in times of need, we lift each other up.”
KRAGUJEVAC, SERBIA: FORGING NEW TIES
Serbia’s Kragujevac was formally welcomed into Milwaukee’s sister city family in January 2024, and this year’s celebration marked the first time representatives joined the annual event at City Hall.
Serbian Consul General Marko Nikolić, newly appointed to the Chicago Consulate, expressed his country’s enthusiasm for the partnership.
“The Republic of Serbia is dedicated and committed to economic and cultural development and cooperation with all interested partners,” Nikolić said. “We already have established sister relations between our cities, Milwaukee and Kragujevac, and we are looking forward to improving our cooperation.”
Nikolić emphasized that Serbia’s commitment extended from the local to the national level.
“We’ll do our best to fully support all the ideas and projects that might be useful for people on the ground, for local communities, local governments, but also for our states,” he said. “Please feel free to contact us, the doors of the Consulate will always be open for you.”
Following his remarks, Bojana Zoric-Martinez, Director of Wisconsin’s Bureau of Refugee Programs, addressed the audience.
“When we were putting together our Sister City plan, Alderman Stamper said that the city with the most complicated name to pronounce would get an award,” she said. “That’s why we picked Kragujevac. Thanks to Alderman Stamper and the Sister City Committee, this has become a real partnership. Thank you for the opportunity to support these efforts. We’re just getting started.”
TARIME DISTRICT, TANZANIA: SUSTAINING CONNECTION
The relationship between Milwaukee and Tanzania’s Tarime District, established in 2016, has been anchored by sustained grassroots collaboration. Dr. Christine Mosore, founder of the Mosorec International Foundation, and volunteer Miriam Tangle spoke on behalf of the partnership, highlighting shared efforts in community health, youth development, and educational outreach.
Mosore emphasized the importance of connecting local needs in Tarime to opportunities for cross-border collaboration. She credited the Sister Cities initiative for helping to grow relationships rooted in mutual respect and practical impact.
Tangle, who has long supported the foundation’s programming, reflected on the ongoing challenges and the strength of community-led solutions. Both representatives reaffirmed their commitment to expanding joint projects and continuing a relationship built on years of trust and shared work.
BOMET COUNTY, KENYA: EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY
The city’s newest Sister City, Bomet County in Kenya, was represented by Monica Ashery of Mchete’s African Treasures. Ashery gave a detailed report on recent progress in education, agriculture, and healthcare.
“This year, we focused heavily on supporting students in their educational and athletic pursuits,” Ashery said. “Six high school students — four girls and two boys — are currently enrolled and fully supported with school fees, supplies, and living necessities.”
She also shared an ongoing challenge: a clean water project that remains incomplete.
“A borehole was dug in 2018, but high flow rate levels have rendered the water unsafe,” she said. “Despite the infrastructure being in place, we are actively seeking technical assistance for water treatment.”
Ashery encouraged support from Milwaukee for a student preparing to enter a nursing program, adding that educational partnerships and visa sponsorships would make a lasting difference.
“This is a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and impactful action,” she said. “Together, we’ve built something special.”
Monica Ashery, speaking on behalf of Bomet County in Kenya, shared a focused update on the Sister City partnership with Milwaukee. She also highlighted current efforts to support programs for learning, agricultural growth, and infrastructure development.
“This year, we focused heavily on supporting students in their educational and athletic pursuits,” Ashery said. “Six high school students, four girls and two boys, are currently enrolled and fully supported with school fees, supplies, and living necessities.”
She also noted that two boys are participating in a professional training camp, and one college student is preparing to enter a U.S.-based program with the goal of becoming a nurse.
“These young people represent the future of Bomet, and your support is transforming their lives,” she said.
On the agricultural front, Ashery spoke of a growing avocado farming initiative.
“Farmers are motivated and productive, and the project has become a key community effort,” she said.
She invited local entrepreneurs in Milwaukee, like restaurants and distributors, to help open new market opportunities that could generate sustainable income.
Clean water remains one of the most pressing challenges. A borehole dug in 2018 remains inactive due to water safety concerns.
“Despite the infrastructure being in place, we are actively seeking technical assistance for water treatment solutions,” Ashery explained.
She also appealed for support in helping local students pursue careers in health care.
“We are seeking leads from the city of Milwaukee, academic institutions, and our healthcare system,” she said, citing the need for tuition assistance, mentorship, and visa sponsorship.
Ashery thanked city leaders, the Sister Cities Committee, and community volunteers for their ongoing support.
“Together we have built a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and impactful action,” she said.
GALWAY, IRELAND AND ZADAR, CROATIA: CELEBRATING CULTURE
Caitlin Ward, executive director of Celtic MKE, represented Galway, Ireland, and Milwaukee’s oldest sister city relationship. She spoke of an ongoing connection that stretches beyond ceremonies.
“Our relationship with Galway has grown far beyond ceremonial,” Ward said. “We’ve exchanged ideas, artists, students, and musicians.”
Ward described cultural showcases and delegations that have made Galway’s heritage part of Milwaukee’s identity. She also gave thanks to the committee and Chris Lee for keeping the effort coordinated.
Later, Irish entertainer Eamonn de Cogain charmed the audience with stories of his move to Milwaukee.
“I found out real quick — Milwaukee’s weather is cold, but Milwaukee’s people are warm,” he said.
The Sister City relationship between Milwaukee and Zadar, Croatia, formed in 2015, remains grounded in shared culture, civic connection, and active support between communities. This year’s celebration welcomed representatives from Milwaukee’s Croatian American community, continuing a tradition of participation that has spanned nearly a decade.
The partnership began at City Hall between then-Mayor Tom Barrett and Croatian Consul General Dr. Jelena Grčić Polić, joined by members of the Zadar delegation and the Federation of Croatian Societies. Since then, the Federation has helped lead ongoing efforts to maintain strong people-to-people ties, by organizing exchanges, hosting delegations, and supporting cultural preservation through public events.
Beyond its Sister City role, the Croatian community has emerged as a committed ally to Milwaukee’s Ukrainian population. The Federation has been a vocal supporter of Irpin and annually donates the use of Croatian Park for the Ukrainian community’s cultural festival. That act of solidarity reflects the spirit that defines Milwaukee’s global partnerships. It is one not bound by geography alone, but strengthened through shared values, mutual aid, and public unity.
ONE GLOBAL FAMILY
What connected all the stories shared during the event were the people who told them, their lived experience, shared purpose, and the willingness to keep showing up. From Nigerian entrepreneurs to Ukrainian caregivers, Croatian organizers to Tanzanian advocates, each speaker pointed not to theory, but to thriving connections.
“These relationships are people-to-people,” said Mayor Johnson. “And that’s what makes them matter.”
Whether through exchange students, hospital care, technology donations, or cultural performance, Milwaukee’s Sister Cities continue to build a network defined not by borders, but by the exchange of humanity.
“It’s not just about agreements,” added Alderman Stamper. “It’s about how we show up for each other, year after year, as friends, as family.”
- Serbia’s Kragujevac sees new chapter of international cooperation with Milwaukee as a Sister City
- Milwaukee and Nigeria’s Abuja formalize Sister City relationship to expand cultural and economic ties
- Milwaukee formalizes Sister City status with Ukraine’s Irpin
- Tanzania signs Sister City agreement with Milwaukee
Lee Matz
