Legislative Caucuses and Bipartisan Cooperation: A Project for Pakistan

Meeting with the Quad Cities Chamber

Global Ties Iowa was honored to welcome a delegation from Pakistan for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project "Legislative Caucuses and Bipartisan Cooperation" from July 17-23, 2026. The delegation included members of provincial assemblies Tanzila Umi Habiba of Sindh and Arbab Khan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Welcome to Iowa

The delegation arrived in Iowa City on July 17, where they were welcomed by volunteers Rohit Dalal and Xiomara Levsen, who assisted with their arrival and introduction to Eastern Iowa.

Community Engagement Through Culture and Agriculture

On July 19, the delegation visited Land Alliance Farm and Folk School in Oxford, Iowa, where they met with owner Anna Geyer. The Land Alliance Folk School offers a variety of educational and community-based experiences, including entrepreneurship programs, group retreats, classes in art, food, gardening, nature, and sustainable living.

Building Coalitions Across Jurisdictions

On July 20, the delegation traveled to Davenport for a meeting with the Quad Cities Chamber. With Global Ties Iowa's Adria Johnson and Zach Hemmen, participants met with Tami Petsche, Vice President of Business Attraction, Elizabeth Tanner, Senior Director of Government Affairs, and Lisa Ahern, Community & Economic Development Director. Together, they discussed how the Chamber helps their members connect, collaborate, and grow through business-to-business connections, business advocacy, and small business development.

Advocacy and Unified Policy Priorities

On July 21, Global Ties Iowa's Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo joined the group for their meeting with Barbra Solberg, Director of The Chamber and Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Partnerships for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. Solberg discussed the organization's Collective Voice legislative agenda, which aligns policy priorities and advocacy efforts across seven counties in Eastern Iowa.

Following the meeting, participants continued discussions with Amy Alice Chastain, Executive Director of Global Ties Iowa.

After their conversation with Amy Alice, the visitors visited our local Smithsonian-affiliated National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library which engages the global community with unique Czech, Slovak, and American stories to inspire individuals with universal themes of culture, freedom, and democracy.

Immediately following this tour, Cedar Rapids City Council member, Dale Todd, guided the visiting leaders in a tour of City Hall, introduced numerous staff members, and briefly facilitated a conversation with City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. This meeting offered the opportunity to gain a localized perspective around bi-partisan cooperation in a home-rule city model.

Representing Constituents and Building Consensus

On July 22, the delegation and volunteer Leland Freie met with staff representing Iowa's U.S. Senators. Rochelle Fuller, Regional Director for Senator Chuck Grassley, and Kim Reem, Regional Director for Senator Joni Ernst, shared how Senate offices engage with constituents, address community concerns, and communicate local priorities to policymakers in Washington.

Encouraging Dialogue Across Political Differences

Later that afternoon, with volunteer Ellen Osinska, the delegation met with members of the Bridge Iowa student organization at the University of Iowa. Bridge Iowa works to connect students across political and ideological lines by creating opportunities for respectful dialogue and thoughtful debate.

Observing Public Participation in the Legislative Process

The day concluded with attendance at the 2026 Iowa Legislative Update Forum at the Iowa City Public Library. During the public event, community members gathered with elected officials and policymakers to discuss recent legislative developments and future policy priorities affecting the region.

Thank You

Throughout the week, the delegation engaged with local leaders such as Anna Geyer, Tami Petsche, Elizabeth Tanner, Lisa Ahern, Barbra Solberg, Dale Todd, Jeff Pomeranz, Rochelle Fuller, Kim Reem, and Amy Alice Chastain and our community partners Land Alliance Farm and Folk School, Quad Cities Chamber, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, City of Cedar Rapids, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Office of U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, Office of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, and Bridge Iowa Student Organization. Moreover, thank you to our volunteers Rohit Dalal, Xiomara Levsen, Adria Johnson, Zach Hemmen, Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo, Leland Freie, and Ellen Osinska! Your commitment to citizen diplomacy helps us continue connecting the world and the heartland.