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
Three decades of global friendship.
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
Milestones along the way.
1990
Committee Founded
The Pasadena Sister Cities Committee was established by a group of civic volunteers with a shared vision of global friendship.
1998
First International Delegation
Pasadena hosted its first official delegation, marking the beginning of a decades-long cultural exchange tradition.
2005
Student Exchange Program Launched
PSCC introduced a formal student exchange initiative, sending Pasadena youth abroad for the first time.
2016
10th Sister City Partnership
Pasadena formalized its 10th sister city relationship, expanding our global network across five continents.
2026
One Pasadena Initiative
Launched a renewed community-first initiative reaffirming our commitment to peace, one relationship at a time.
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.