About Us
Who we are, and why we serve.
For over three decades, the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee has connected our city to the world — building peace, friendship, and understanding through cultural exchange, education, and community partnership.
About Pasadena Sister Cities Committee
Connecting Pasadena to the world, one friendship at a time.
The Pasadena Sister Cities Committee is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to building lasting international friendships through cultural exchange, education, and civic diplomacy. For decades, we've partnered with cities around the world to create meaningful connections between people, not just governments.
From student delegations to civic partnerships, every program we run is rooted in the belief that peace begins with understanding — and understanding begins with friendship. We proudly connect Pasadena residents with communities across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
What Guides Us
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To promote peace and global understanding through mutual respect, cultural exchange, and cooperation — one relationship at a time.
Our Vision
A world where cities and communities are bound together by friendship, curiosity, and a shared commitment to peace.
Our Values
Respect, cultural curiosity, volunteerism, and the belief that every individual can be a bridge between communities.
Our Impact
Friendships that span generations.
Numbers only tell part of the story, but they help show the reach of what our community has built together.
Our Leadership
Meet the Board of Directors
Lena Louise Kennedy
President
Leads the Committee's mission and represents PSCC across our sister-city network and civic partnerships.
Sondra Ware
Vice President
Supports program strategy and oversees committee operations across all sister-city delegations.
May Wong
Treasurer
Manages the Committee's finances and ensures resources are directed toward our exchange programs.
Elizabeth Ellis
Secretary
Keeps the Committee organized, documenting meetings and supporting board communications.
Why Sister Cities Matter
Small connections build a more peaceful world.
Sister city relationships go beyond ceremony — they create real, lasting bonds between everyday people. A single student exchange, a shared meal, or a delegation visit can shift how two communities see each other for generations.
- Builds peace through direct, person-to-person diplomacy
- Creates educational opportunities for students and families
- Strengthens local economies through cultural tourism and trade
- Encourages international cooperation on shared civic challenges
Our History
Our sister cities, year by year.
1948
Ludwigshafen, Germany
Pasadena's first sister city relationship, with Ludwigshafen am Rhein in Germany.
1957
Mishima, Japan
Pasadena and Mishima, Japan become sister cities.
1983
Järvenpää, Finland
Pasadena and Järvenpää, Finland become sister cities.
1991
Vanadzor, Armenia
Pasadena and Vanadzor, Armenia become sister cities.
1999
Xicheng, China
Pasadena and Xicheng, China become sister cities.
2018
Dakar-Plateau, Senegal
Pasadena and Dakar-Plateau, Senegal become sister cities, our newest partnership.
Join us in building global friendship.
Whether you become a member, volunteer, or simply attend an event — every bit of involvement helps strengthen Pasadena's ties to the world.