GlobalJax

08/27/2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Condaxis, the founder of GlobalJax.

Maria’s vision led to more than three decades of fostering international understanding between Northeast Florida and the world. Because of her, our organization transformed from a small initiative into a thriving community that has connected Jacksonville with leaders from over 180 countries. Her vision not only GlobalJax, and our members, but also the broader Northeast Florida community and the world.

We invite friends, colleagues, and supporters to join us in honoring Maria’s life and legacy.

Funeral Services:
📅 Thursday, August 28 at 12:00 PM
⛪ St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church
📍 12760 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246

Maria will be deeply missed, but her legacy of global engagement and cultural exchange will continue to guide and inspire our efforts for years to come.

09/25/2024

A great opportunity for our friends in Argentina and Chile … help spread the word to your networks, family and friends!

Calling all young leaders from Argentina and Chile! 🇦🇷🇨🇱 Applications are open for , a fully funded 3-week leadership exchange to the U.S.! Open to citizens of Argentina and Chile, this program fosters civic responsibility, community engagement, and leadership skills.

Apply by October 20 at: https://ow.ly/i1WC50TuHxR

Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State | Youth Ambassadors

08/15/2024

As one of the final events of the Iraqi youth leaders' stay in Jacksonville, our time with CISV Jacksonville's Faces of Jacksonville summer camp held a special place. CISV, or Children's International Summer Village, hosts programs that bring together young children from different cultures and backgrounds to develop their identities as tolerant global citizens. During their visit, the youth leaders taught the campers some Iraqi street games, and we all had a great time. Our thanks go to CISV for having us and to the campers for trying something new! Keep practicing!

08/15/2024

As many of the Iraqi youth leaders hope to start their own businesses, JAX Chamber was an essential stop! The JAX Chamber represents over 3,000 businesses and is dedicated to growing each one through educational programming, networking events, and advocacy at local, state, and national levels. At our meeting with JAX Chamber, the youth leaders focused on developing their own business ideas through the lens of previous initiatives in Jacksonville. Our thanks go to JAX Chamber for their expertise and support!

08/15/2024

A central goal of the Iraqi youth leaders' visit to Jacksonville was to plant seeds for the future, which is an aim that they share with City of Jacksonville Sustainability Manager Ashantae Green and the Farmery Bakery and Bodega. The Farmery is an urban restaurant and caterer which sources its food its own farm, Green Legacy Farm. Ms. Green spoke with our young leaders about sustainable agriculture and food security from her own experience. Best of all, she invited the group to come to City Hall to continue the discussion! Our thanks go to Ms. Green, The Farmery, and the City of Jacksonville for helping our group grow!

08/15/2024

On Thursday, we were privileged to meet with Board Chairwoman Dr. Maira Martelo and Community Equity and Policy Manager Rhianna Scyster of 904WARD! Their organization is committed to promoting dialogue and understanding around issues of race and prejudice in the Jacksonville community. During their time with the Iraqi youth leaders, they discussed methods of reconciliation and peacebuilding. We extend our sincere thanks to these amazing women for their important service to the community and wish them all the best for their future programs!

08/14/2024

In our workshop with Mack McShut, we learned that reaching a consensus is not as easy as it sounds... especially when you only have one hour to decide the schedule for a whole trip to Disney World! Mr. McShut is an experienced hand at consensus building both in Jacksonville and in Egypt and certainly created quite the challenge for the Iraqi youth leaders to solve. Thankfully, with a little guidance and perserverence, the group reached a final agreement just before the timer went off. Our thanks to Mr. McShut for his time and his patience!

08/13/2024

One of the shining highlights of Jacksonville's nonprofit community is Jewels Of The Future INC., which empowers young women through lessons in leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy as well as uplifting the community through unceasing charity work. Vice President Diamond Wallace spoke to the Iraqi youth leaders about her work in advocating the name change of the now Riverside High School, hosting large community functions to and charity drives, and nurturing young girls in self-confidence and public speaking. Jewels of the Future is an inspiring example of an organization fueled by the kindness and passion of family and proof that, as Ms. Wallace said, ideas must come first, and community support will follow even without lots of funding or unlimited resources. Our thanks go to Ms. Wallace and Jewels of the Future for their time and commitment to meeting with us each year!

08/13/2024

On Wednesday the group visited the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where they were welcomed and taken on personalized tours by the teens of the Wildlife, Inclusion and Leadership Development Program! The talented W.I.L.D. employees of the zoo serve as community ambassadors and promote environmental literacy, whether by regaling groups like ours with information about elephants and stingrays or assisting with the zoo's daily operations. The group learned not only about the animals and plants of the zoo, but also about the importance of different environments and how to educate the public about nature. Our profound thanks goes to the W.I.L.D. team and the rest of the Zoo staff for bringing the the plants and animals of the Jacksonville to light!

08/13/2024

When Barbara Colaciello first began her seminar with the group, she asked each student to name one trait or aspect others liked about them. It was a little difficult at first for everyone to loosen up, but Ms. Colaciello's specialty is coaching people in the confidence and clarity they need to share their stories and ideas. Her BABS' LAB, CoRK Arts District North is a center of performance and expression, and the presentations she the group helped foster lit up the end of the program. Our warm thanks go to Ms. Colaciello for zapping us up to speak!

08/13/2024

Tracey Phillips is one of Jacksonville's leading entrepreneurs, with a long career in the sales industry. There could not have been a better businesswoman to teach the Iraqi youth leaders strategies of persistence and confidence necessary to turn an idea into a viable business! By sharing experiences from heading her own company, Promotional Presence,LLC, Ms. Phillips taught the students how to find their markets and distinguish themselves from competitors. We can't wait to see these skills in action! Our thanks go to Ms. Phillips as we were the perfect market for her guidance.