Denver, CO – Denver Sister Cities International is pleased to announce Sacha Francois Heppell as its new Executive Director. Heppell has an impressive history of fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange, making him well-suited to lead the organization in its mission to strengthen global relationships and promote cultural understanding.
Heppell has been extensively involved with Denver Sister Cities International, resulting in a multitude of exchange programs spanning city officials, high school students, jazz musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, craft brewers, and culinary experts. He played an integral role in orchestrating a range of successful initiatives, including the Taste of France and Taste of Mexico festivals, celebrating the profound Denver sister city relationships between Brest and Cuernavaca. Notably, he curated a jazz exchange program, paying homage to Denver’s historic Jazz district, Five Points, and the illustrious jazz legacies of Brest and Denver. Heppell also spearheaded a student exchange program to Brest, France, involving students from Denver, and a youth ambassador program engaging young individuals in international affairs. Beyond cultural events, Heppell organized entrepreneurial delegations from Brest, France to Denver Startup Week, facilitating connections between French startups and potential partners in Denver.
“Denver Sister Cities International’s mission of people-to-people diplomacy deeply resonates with me, and I am thrilled to take on this role as Executive Director,” Sacha Francois Heppell stated. “I am committed to nurturing the legacy of global friendship, empowering the next generation of leaders, and advancing the cultural exchange initiatives that have earned us recognition.”
Heppell’s diverse background, encompassing media and youth leadership, further complements his role. In 2006, he founded a youth media leadership program at Denver Open Media, fostering young talents and their media skills. Subsequently, he contributed to New York City’s public access station, the Youth Channel, enhancing his commitment to youth empowerment.
Sacha Francois Heppell’s appointment as Executive Director of Denver Sister Cities International marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey. His vision and experience promise to propel the organization’s mission of fostering international camaraderie and cultural enrichment to new heights.
About Denver Sister Cities International: Denver Sister Cities International promotes global relationships, cultural exchange, and understanding between Denver and its sister cities around the world. They recently won the 2023 Sister Cities International Innovation in Arts and Culture award for cities with populations over 300,001, showing their strong commitment to creativity, culture, and collaboration. For more information, visit: https://sistercities.org/2023-annual-awards-winners/