News Updates
+ Showcase Your Business at WorldFest 2025
Local food and craft vendors are invited to participate in the 23rd Annual WorldFest, Louisville’s premier international festival, taking place over Labor Day weekend. Attracting more than 150,000 attendees over four days, WorldFest offers an exceptional opportunity for local businesses to showcase their cuisine and crafts to a diverse and enthusiastic audience. The festival celebrates the many cultures that call Louisville home, featuring live entertainment on multiple stages, the vibrant Parade of Cultures, the Global Village, and more.
Food vendors will have the opportunity to bring their own cooking equipment—provided it meets health code requirements—and should be prepared for fast-paced service to accommodate the large crowds each day. WorldFest is free and open to all ages, making it one of the city’s most popular and inclusive events.
For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact Dorian at dorian@jwagnergroup.com.
+ Global Louisville Directory: Find Services in Your Language
The Global Louisville Directory is a free, interactive tool designed to help our international community easily find services and resources available in their own languages.
It also highlights and promotes businesses owned by foreign-born residents, celebrating the vibrant diversity that enriches our city. With multilingual navigation options, this tool makes it easier than ever to connect with your community in the language you speak!
+ Join us as a volunteer with the Office for Immigrant Affairs!
Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting our events and programs. You’ll have the opportunity to:
Connect with Organizations and Businesses: Support partnerships across Louisville that uplift immigrants and refugees, and help strengthen our city’s diverse landscape.
Meet People from Around the Globe: Be a welcoming face and a bridge for our international neighbors as they integrate and thrive within our vibrant city.
Learn & Support: Gain hands-on experience working with organizations dedicated to empowering immigrants and helping them succeed.
+ Plan your Summer with the Cultural Pass
The new Cultural Pass app is your Digital Passport to Creativity! Cultural Pass offers young people ages 0-21 and their families in the Greater Louisville area access to over 50 arts and cultural activities FREE from May 31 – August 10, 2025.
Register for updates and be the first to download the Cultural Pass app when it becomes available this spring!
+ Rising Leaders, Real Solutions: Celebrating IYEP Students First Cohort
Congratulations to the inspiring students of the International Youth Empowerment Program (IYEP) for their powerful presentations on a wide range of pressing community challenges. These remarkable young leaders from Jefferson County Public Schools didn’t just identify critical issues—they proposed thoughtful, actionable solutions grounded in lived experience and deep reflection. It was truly moving to witness their confidence, insight, and passion as they shared their work with staff, mentors, and peers. Their voices remind us of the vital role youth play in shaping a more just, compassionate, and empowered community.
+ News You Can Use
Upcoming Events
+ Asia Institute Crane House Launches AAPI Heritage Month with Culture, Food & Community
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and the celebration is officially underway! Throughout the month, the Asia Institute Crane House welcomes the community to take part in a variety of vibrant events that honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities. The AAPI May Calendar is filled with opportunities to explore cultural traditions through food, music, and community showcases. It's a month to learn, connect, and celebrate together.
+ Uplifting Voices, Celebrating Contributions: The 2025 JFCS MOSAIC Awards
The JFCS MOSAIC Awards ceremony, honoring outstanding refugees and immigrants in Greater Louisville, is quickly approaching. This annual event will take place on May 15 and promises to be another inspiring evening celebrating the achievements and contributions of individuals who have enriched the local community.
Since 2006, the JFCS MOSAIC Awards have recognized 95 refugees, immigrants, and first-generation Americans from 47 different countries. These honorees have made Louisville their home and have played a significant role in strengthening the city and the Commonwealth of Kentucky through their leadership, service, and accomplishments.
+ Save the Date: La Casita’s Summer Brunch 2025!
La Casita Center is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Summer Brunch, happening on Sunday, June 1, 2025! Guests can look forward to a joyful celebration filled with community, culture, and connection. In true La Casita fashion, the event will feature a delicious buffet of Latin-inspired dishes, vibrant live music from talented local musicians, and spirited dance performances by the Semillitas Latinas.
Mark your calendars and get your tickets today!
Journey Of Success
A Life Between Worlds: Sabeen Nasim-Lockyear’s Journey of Identity, Impact, and Purpose
Born in Pakistan and raised in Southern California, Sabeen Nasim-Lockyear knows what it means to live between cultures. From navigating the complexities of dual identity to building a life of service, leadership, and entrepreneurship in Louisville, Sabeen’s journey reflects both the resilience of immigrant women and the power of mentorship, community, and purpose. With roots in education, government, and nonprofit work—and now as a business owner and consultant—she continues to lead with compassion, cultural connection, and a deep belief in empowering others to live authentically and boldly.
Image of the Week
Celebrating the Adelante Hispanic Achievers Class of 2025: A New Generation of Latino Leaders
This remarkable group of students have reached an important milestone in their academic and personal journeys. As they prepare to head off to college, their hard work, resilience, and dedication stand as powerful reminders of what’s possible when young people are supported and empowered.
This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of those who walked alongside them. A heartfelt gratitude to the parents, caregivers, volunteers, mentors, and community members who believed in these students and encouraged them every step of the way.
As this class embarks on new adventures, their future is bright and full of promise. ¡Felicidades, Class of 2025!
Policy Updates
+ Immigration Policy Tracker
The Immigration Policy Tracking project keeps up with federal agencies policy memos, executive action, and internal communication. Be sure to keep up with new communications here: Immigration Policy Tracking Project
+ Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your language
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
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