Sister Cities of Miami-Dade County promotes cultural and international understanding by developing programs that enhance citizen diplomacy, create international goodwill, and support Miami-Dade County's international trade agenda.

History
Founded in 1981 by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, the Sister Cities Program is currently administered by the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium. The program has established Sister Cities relationships with twenty-three cities in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Throughout these years, the program has developed innovative projects, which have furthered international cooperation and understanding between Miami-Dade County and our respective Sister Cities. Under the leadership of Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the program has helped to promote Miami-Dade's position as the Gateway to the Americas.

Miami-Dade's Official Citizen Diplomacy Network
The Mayor and the members of the Board of County Commissioners as well as members of the Sister Cities Coordinating Council (the Council), appoint citizen volunteers who serve on the Coordinating Council. The Council serves as the advisory board to the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners in matters related to international affairs, and also fosters international cultural understanding, and promotes citizen diplomacy. The Mayor appoints a Chair and Vice Chair to a two-year term of office.

Currently, the Chair of the Miami-Dade County Sister Cities Coordinating Council is Ms. Shelly Smith-Fano. Mr. J.A. "Tony" Ojeda, Jr. is the Executive Director of the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium (ITC), which administers the Sister Cities Program. Mr. Adam Peters is the Senior Sister Cities Coordinator, and provides coordination and support to the Sister Cities Program. Ms. Mayda Rescendi is the Program Assistant, and Ms. Vivian Romero is the Secretary.

Sister Cities Coordinating Council & Leadership

Miami-Dade Sister Cities Program By-Laws