New American Forum holds May 10

Dr. Frederic Bertley

The Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce together with the newly-formed New American Advisory Council will host a New American Forum on Wednesday, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m at The Columbus Athenaeum, Columbus, Ohio. 

 

The event is expected to foster dialogue and familiarity on the challenges and opportunities facing Franklin County’s immigrant community, while raising awareness and promoting integration through community engagement.

Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), will be featured as this year’s keynote speaker. 

Dr. Bertley is a nationally renowned thought leader in the fields of applied science, education and community engagement, and has worked internationally in preventative medicine in several countries including Haiti, Egypt, Peru, The Sudan and the Canadian Arctic. A native Canadian, Dr. Bertley also has roots in Trinidad and Tobago.

The event will also feature a panel on business development, as well as remarks from Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Columbus City Councilmember Elizabeth Brown and other elected officials.

As New Americans contribute to Ohio’s population growth, their vote and ability to influence policy decisions around the state and nation has become continuously stronger. Ohio is home to an estimated 480,000 immigrants, nearly half of whom are naturalized U.S. citizens.