My Story

Richard Biehl

Director and Chief of Police, Dayton Police Department

With over three decades of public and community service, Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl has gained a unique perspective on the importance of creating a welcoming environment for immigrants.

Read More

My Story

Dr. Migwe Kimemia

Program Director, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) –Dayton Office

After a unique life journey that’s taken him from East Africa to Southwest Ohio, Migwe Kimemia has emerged as an inspiring force in Dayton’s diverse cultural landscape.

Read More

My Story

Scott Reeve

President, Composite Advantage

Composite Advantage makes lightweight, low-maintenance bridge decks for vehicles and pedestrians. But, President Scott Reeve is also well known as a man who builds bridges to Dayton’s immigrant community.

Read More

My Story

Bor Jang

CEO, Angstron Materials, Nanotek Instruments

When Taiwanese Bor Jang first came to the United States in 1976, he found himself lost in an airport in South Bend, Indiana, barely able to speak English.

Read More

My Story

Tim Kambitsch

Executive Director, Dayton Metro Library

For well over a decade, the Dayton Metro Library has been the primary resource for news and information for new immigrants. Executive Director, Tim Kambitsch, details the services the library provides.

Read More

My Story

Kathleen Alter

Executive Director, Cityfolk

For over 30 years, Cityfolk has been producing events that celebrate Dayton’s diverse musical heritage. As the region welcomes new residents from other parts of the world, Kathleen and her team are including those cultures into their arts programs.

Read More

My Story

Lori Ward

Superintendent, Dayton Public Schools

There are more than 600 English as a Second Language (ESL) students in the Dayton Public Schools system. As superintendent at DPS, Ms. Ward has put multiple initiatives into place to welcome students of all nationalities.

Read More

My Story

Dr. Dan Curran

President, University of Dayton

Prior to 2005, the University of Dayton enrolled fewer than 300 international students. Now, with Dr. Dan Curran at the helm, more than 1,500 students from around the globe attend the university, making U.D. one of our region’s most significant ambassadors to the world.

Read More

My Story

Alvaro Maurice

CEO, Conquistador Consulting LLC

Venezuelan native Al Maurice came to Dayton through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with his parents. He developed a passion for Dayton that led him to start his own consulting business and become heavily involved in planning for the city’s future.

Read More

My Story

Frank Perez

Retired CEO, Kettering Health Network

Cuban native Frank Perez, former CEO of Kettering Health Network, is the personification of the American Dream. He and his family fled Cuba under Castro’s regime; he came to America with nothing and became a towering success and a respected community leader.

Read More

What is Welcome Dayton?

Welcome Dayton is a community initiative that reflects our country’s core philosophy: people with diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences fuel our nation’s success.  The Welcome Dayton effort promotes immigrant integration into the greater Dayton region by encouraging business and economic development; providing access to education, government, health and social services; ensuring equity in the justice system; and promoting an appreciation of arts and culture.

READ MORE

Immigration Facts

Get more information on the impact of immigration in the U.S. and Ohio–information that has helped shape our vision for Dayton’s future.

READ MORE

Implementation

If you’re interested in learning about our four-step plan to implementing the Welcome Dayton: Immigrant Friendly City Plan

READ MORE

History

A timeline looking back at the development of Dayton’s immigrant friendly city plan from its inception.

READ MORE