About WorldChicago
Our Vision:
Chicago is recognized as a global city where every Chicagoan across its 77 neighborhoods can engage with the world, learn across cultures, and practice diplomacy (personally and/or professionally) in daily civic life.
Our History
Key Milestones on Our Journey
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1952
Founded as International Hospitality Center of Chicago.
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1958
Partnered with the U.S. Department of State.
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1967
Hosted future U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
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1974
Over 1,800 families hosted international delegations in Chicago.
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1982
Celebrated 30th Anniversary; Gold Medallion Award was launched.
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1993
Introduced Community Connections program, fostering democracy through exchanges.
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2010
Renamed to WorldChicago; hosted 1,050 visitors from 154 countries.
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2020
Pivoted to virtual programming; engaged 301 virtual exchange visitors.
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2024
Jennifer Dixon appointed as new Executive Director.
Learn More
Explore Our Work
See what citizen diplomacy means in practice and how WorldChicago has grown year by year.
