Margaret W. Wong & Associates Celebrates CIP’s 70th Anniversary

Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC was proud to serve as a Global Ambassador Sponsor for the Council of International Programs (CIP) 70th Anniversary Celebration. The event took place Friday evening, July 31, at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

The celebration brought together CIP supporters, community leaders, professionals, and friends from around the world. Ms. Margaret W. Wong knows many people connected with CIP. So, she stopped by the event on her way home and received a warm welcome from the CIP team and many longtime friends.

Celebrating 70 Years of International Understanding

The Council of International Programs (CIP) began in 1956. Since then, it has worked to build understanding between people from different countries and cultures.

CIP supports international professional exchanges in fields such as social work, community planning, special education, and other human services. These exchanges allow professionals to share ideas, skills, and experiences.

More importantly, CIP’s work goes beyond professional exchanges. The organization focuses on “cultivating change and empowering communities.” Its programs help people develop the skills they need to make a difference in their communities.

CIP also promotes respect, understanding, and teamwork. In this way, the organization helps people build stronger connections across cultures and around the world.

Learn more about the organization’s history through the Case Western Reserve University Encyclopedia of Cleveland History or visit CIP’s official history page.

Honoring Dorothy Faller

One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Dorothy Faller, former Executive Director of CIP. Ms. Faller served as executive director for 22 years and played an important role in the organization’s growth.

During her career with CIP, Ms. Faller worked with people from more than 150 countries. She also helped more than 500 people take part in long-term internships and professional training programs.

Much of this work focused on social work in the United States and abroad. Her training programs also covered cross-cultural awareness, conflict resolution, substance abuse prevention, and fundraising.

We had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Faller for the first time at the celebration. She struck us as kind, wise, and warm. She also has a wonderful sense of humor.

You can learn more about Ms. Faller’s career through the NASW Foundation’s Social Work Pioneers biography.

Connecting People Across Cultures

During the evening, we also spoke with several members of the CIP team. These conversations helped us better understand the organization’s work.

CIP is not primarily focused on immigration to the United States. Instead, its mission centers on international exchange and cultural understanding.

People from different countries and cultures come together through CIP programs. They learn from one another and share their professional experiences. They may also form lasting friendships and professional relationships.

As a result, CIP creates connections that can benefit both individuals and communities.

The long history of these relationships was clear at the 70th Anniversary Celebration. Many guests had worked with or supported CIP for 20 years or more. Some had traveled a great distance to return to Cleveland for this special event.

Looking Ahead

The CIP 70th Anniversary Celebration was more than a look back at the organization’s history. It also showed the lasting value of international exchange and cultural understanding.

For 70 years, CIP has helped people from different countries learn from one another. It has created opportunities for professional growth, personal connections, and community service.

Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC was honored to support CIP as a Global Ambassador Sponsor. We were also pleased to join so many people who share the organization’s commitment to international understanding.

Congratulations to the Council of International Programs on 70 years of service. We look forward to seeing CIP continue its important work of connecting people, sharing knowledge, and empowering communities around the world.