Sister Cities International Proudly Welcomes Four Distinguished State Representatives to Its Ranks
Washington, D.C. — Sister Cities International (SCI) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new State Representatives. Sheri Capehart will represent Northern Texas, Elena Galvez will represent Southern California, Maxine Cain will represent Michigan, and Lynnette Welsch will represent Minnesota.
As integral members of SCI’s nationwide team, our state representatives are at the forefront of advancing our mission and network. Their responsibilities encompass nurturing the growth of our membership network, providing guidance and support to local sister city communities, and serving as essential advocates for communication between members communities in their respective states and SCI’s headquarters.
Sheri Capehart has a distinguished record of public service, having served as an Arlington City Councilmember from 2000 to 2020, the longest tenure in the city’s history. During her time on the council, she held key leadership roles, including Mayor Pro Tempore, and revitalized the Arlington Sister Cities Program, leading multiple delegations to Arlington’s sister city, Bad Königshofen, Germany. Sheri also served on the Sister Cities International Board of Directors for five years, contributing to the creation of the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, a cherished cultural event. Her advocacy extends beyond international relations, as she has championed initiatives for children, animals, and environmental preservation, resulting in the development of a state-of-the-art animal shelter and a new Tree Preservation ordinance in Arlington. A fourth-generation Texan, Sheri’s deep community involvement includes founding MPAC Arlington, Inc., and serving on several boards. In 2021, her contributions to the community were recognized when a 59-acre nature preserve in Arlington was named in her honor. As Northern Texas State Representative for Sister Cities International, Sheri will play a vital role in fostering international partnerships and cultural exchange across the region.
Elena Galvez has been a pivotal figure in the Santa Clarita community, serving as a dedicated city employee and the current Board President of the Santa Clarita Sister Cities organization. As a founding member, she played an instrumental role in establishing the organization, creating a clear vision, and forging partnerships with sister cities Tena, Ecuador, and Sariaya, Philippines. Her leadership extends to cultivating relationships with Pinegrove School in India, Miravalle School in Nicaragua, and Matsumoto, Japan, showcasing her ability to build and sustain international connections. Throughout her career, Elena has remained deeply committed to the mission of both Santa Clarita Sister Cities and Sister Cities International, significantly contributing to promoting international goodwill and cultural understanding within the community. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication have strengthened Santa Clarita’s ties with its sister cities and greatly benefited the community. As the Southern California State Representative for Sister Cities International, Elena will continue to foster and expand international partnerships, ensuring that the region remains a leader in cultural exchange and global cooperation.
Maxine Cain began her professional journey in 1968 as a primary unit teacher with the Detroit Public Schools and went on to serve in various key roles, including educational resource specialist, principal in Lansing and Detroit, Director of Elementary Education for the Lansing District, and Superintendent of Sankofa Shule Public School Academy in Lansing. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with degrees from Norfolk State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and a doctoral degree in K-12 Educational Administration from Union Institute and University. Maxine’s extensive community involvement includes serving as Vice President of the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission, where she has played a crucial role in promoting international cooperation and cultural exchange. Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Sojourner Truth Award, the Multi-Cultural Award from the Michigan Education Association, and the Sister Cities International Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018. As Michigan State Representative for Sister Cities International, Maxine will be instrumental in advancing SCI’s mission across the state. Her leadership, experience, and commitment to building bridges between communities will be invaluable as she works to expand the SCI network, foster international understanding, and promote cultural exchange.
Lynnette Welsch has been an active and dedicated member of the Scandia Sister City Council, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between Scandia, Minnesota, and its sister city, Mellerud, Sweden. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the network and engagement of the local community, making it more vibrant and inclusive. Lynnette’s efforts have not only sustained the membership of the Scandia Sister City Council but have also contributed to the program’s growth through her recruitment efforts and by fostering a welcoming environment for international visitors. Her ability to effectively communicate and build relationships has been a cornerstone of her success and will be invaluable in her new role as a state representative. Lynnette’s passion for fostering international cooperation, coupled with her dedication to the communities she serves, makes her an outstanding choice for the Minnesota State Representative position. As she steps into this new role, Lynnette is poised to lead the growth and development of SCI’s mission and network across the state, advising and assisting sister communities while promoting the benefits of cultural exchange and international collaboration.