Alicia Tappan is the founder and CEO of Survivor-Led Solutions. This company empowers the voices of human trafficking victims and survivors, focusing on “collaborating, uniting, and promoting anti-trafficking efforts locally and around the nation.” Alicia’s story is unique because she is a survivor herself. Her experience motivated her to serve others and give them the...
Good food has a way of bringing people together, and on July 31, it brought Brazilian artificial intelligence professionals, curious locals, and even friends from Alabama into one lively room at the Pensacola MESS Hall. As part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), these AI innovators connected with Northwest Florida...
As a Youth Diplomat, I had the opportunity to shadow the Pensacola portion of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) titled Young Leaders RISE – Renew, Inspire, Serve, and Engage and to interact with the dynamic group of visitors in our hometown of Pensacola, Florida. They connected with local leaders, business officials, and non-profit representatives across...
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) shadowing experience was by far the most meaningful activity I participated in this summer. It was a way to connect with foreign professionals in various fields, and it allowed for in-depth conversations about their experiences in their countries and the circumstances they are in. A wide variety of participants...
When an IVLP group comes to Northwest Florida, we don’t just host them, we connect them with the people and places shaping America’s future. In July 2025, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed six visitors from Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Panama, Poland, and Taiwan for a multi-regional International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on digital standards, cybersecurity, and artificial...
When an IVLP group comes to Northwest Florida, we don’t just host them, we connect them with the people and places shaping America’s future. In July 2025, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed a six-person group from Brazil for an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project on artificial intelligence. Planned nationally by Meridian International Center, this was...
In September 2023, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed five visitors from the Philippines for an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project on maritime security and territorial integrity. Their national program was prepared by Meridian International. Over five days, participants explored how Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast region safeguard critical waterways, protect marine resources, and foster...
"When an IVLP group comes to Northwest Florida, we don’t just host them. We connect them with the people and places shaping America’s future." A Visit Focused on Workforce Development In June 2023, Gulf Coast Diplomacy welcomed nine leaders from Bahrain’s Ministry of Youth Affairs for an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project on...
As a rising senior at Pensacola High School, class of 2026, Aniekan Akpan is making a powerful impact as the founder of the Northwest Florida Red Cross Youth Club. Inspired by his early volunteer work and his mother’s role at the Red Cross, he started the club to engage youth across the region. Under his...
Lovingly known as ‘Miss Nancy’ around her community, Nancy Feliciano has spent her life helping others as a mother, military spouse, and community volunteer. “What comes back from volunteering is love from other people.” Her service work centers around her faith community at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Nancy brings joy and warmth to every role...
