President's Annual Report FY 2025-26

Dear Members,

What an honor, what a privilege, and what an adventure! These past three years serving as President of International Neighbors has given me the opportunity to truly experience the IN community in its entirety. I have had the joy of meeting so many of you, sharing in countless IN Days, group visits, and Pop-Up events as well as enjoying so many hugs, laughter, and meaningful connections along the way. Serving as your President has been both humbling and deeply rewarding, an experience I will always treasure.

Before I share a brief reflection on the state of our organization, I would like to recognize the hard work and support of our Board (past, present, and incoming) as well as the many members and group leaders who continue to strengthen International Neighbors, 68 years after its founding. Thank you for volunteering your time, stepping in when needed, and offering your energy and care. It makes a difference, and I am truly grateful.

2025-2026 Highlights

One of the most significant achievements of the past few years has been the dedicated effort to digitize International Neighbors—and those efforts are now bearing positive results!

• Website: Our website is now up to date and reflects group openings, photo galleries, and upcoming events, making information more accessible and timely for all members.

• The Neighbors Follow-Up Committee: Janine C., Jooyeon L., Adriana R., Melissa T., Carole W., and Jen W. completed a thorough review and update of our mailing list. As a result, our summer mailing is now targeted to active neighbors only, significantly reducing mailing costs and returned mail. Thank you ladies!

• Member Data Subcommittee: Lianne H., Jooyeon L., Adriana R., and Jen W. successfully completed the transfer of all memberships to our new platform, creating a single, unified digital membership roster for International Neighbors, including IN guests and all active members across groups and events. One direct result of these improvements has been International Day check-in lines have been dramatically reduced through a more streamlined digital check-in system.

• International Day: I am delighted to share that our monthly meetings have gained wonderful momentum this year. Our programming continues to reflect our shared interests and rich international backgrounds, from the whimsical World of Potatoes to the multicultural Weddings Around the World and Celebration of Taiwan. It has been a true joy to spend Thursdays together. More than 200 members and guests attended at least one IN Day event this year, including our Fall Open House and Winter Welcome. Many are regular participants, reflecting a strong sense of continuity and community within our gatherings.

• IN Evening Edition: Launched this year to complement IN’s monthly daytime meetings, the program offers additional opportunities for connection and encourages meaningful crossover between daytime and evening participants. Evening Edition recently hosted its final event of the season at Venue 4M, attended by 44 members who enjoyed a warm and lively evening. Created

• Growing Activity Groups: We now offer 31 activity groups, including the relaunch of Cultural Encounters, as well as new offerings such as Arts & Crafts, a new Intermediate Conversation Group, and an International Cooking Group. Together, these groups have engaged over 332 participants, highlighting the vibrancy and connection at the heart of our community. Upcoming offerings for 2026-2027 include Tea, Film, and Movement groups.

  
  

Membership Health

Membership continues to thrive, with over 826 site members and 439 active members participating in small groups, IN Day, Evening IN, and/or Pop-Up events, representing 60 countries. This year:

• An amazing 118 new Members from 27 countries joined our community. 

• We hosted 9 fun-filled all-Member events, including:

  • Membership Events: Fall Open House, Winter Welcome, Annual Membership Meeting

  • International Day Events: A World of Potatoes, Thanksgiving Harvest, Holiday Cookie Exchange, Exercise & World Dances, Weddings Around the World, and A Celebration of Taiwan 

    
    

These events helped foster connections, celebrate the richness of our Members’ cultures, and have kept our community engaged and thriving!

Financial Overview

International Neighbors remains financially strong and sustainably managed.

• Received $5,404.61 this year in donations from 58 Members.

• In addition, we are deeply grateful for a generous $2,000 legacy gift from Moni Strouss, as designated in her will.

• Awarded a $1,000 grant from the Japanese Business Society of Detroit.

  
  

Thank you to everyone who contributed to support our members and incredible programming.

Special Acknowledgments

A heartfelt thank you to the many individuals who contributed to this year’s success:

• Member Recognition Award recipients: Dale M., Kamlesh S., Veena S.,and Veronica H. for their unwavering dedication to sustain and enrich our organization.

• Board Members: Janine C., Joanna C-S., Shayne D., Yen-Ling M., Gretchen F., Lianne H., Jooyeon L., Dale M., Mojgan M., Adriana R., Adrienne S., Melissa T., Carole W. and Jen W.

• Jooyeon L.: who stepped into the role of Vice President in addition to her work as Master Administrator, and who led the Board when I needed to step back to focus on my health.

• Departing Board Members: Nitya K., Adriana R.

• Incoming Board Member: Stephanie B.

• Dedicated Volunteers: All Group Leaders, IN Day Committee Members, Evening Edition Leaders, and everyone who contributed their time and talents to our organization. Additionally, consider volunteering next year! Volunteers shape the vibrant community we enjoy today. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there are many ways to get involved. Every contribution, big or small, strengthens our community.

  
  

Looking Ahead to Next Year

As I step aside as President, I look forward to the energy and passion incoming President Stephanie B. will bring to the IN community. 

I would like to re-issue the same challenge I have shared the previous two years: please continue to share International Neighbors with those around you. Outreach is not only about growing our organization, but about ensuring that every woman arriving in Ann Arbor is welcomed with warmth, meaningful activities, and a supportive community. We all remember what it feels like to be new in an unfamiliar place. By extending an invitation, we can help make that transition a little easier and a lot more fun.

This is not a goodbye… but until we meet again. Thank you for your heartfelt support and friendship, it has been an absolute pleasure serving as your President.

It’s been amazing,

Veronica Hannah

President, International Neighbor

president@international-neighbors,org