ICGF is a 501c3 that is the two-way connection for locals and internationals to network no matter how long you’ve been here and no matter where you came from. We are the destination platform connecting Flint locals to the region's diverse global community.

Our Purpose:

We actively engineer strategies for transforming Greater Flint through...

  • Driving international economic development strategy
  • Serving as a catalyst to re-brand Flint and the region’s image
  • Promoting connection through facilitating educational meetings, events, an online platform, and resources
  • Providing community multi-cultural education and awareness; convene community conversations and safe engagement

International Center of Greater Flint

Board of Directors

President

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Dr. Emily Feuerherm, Ph.D

Associate Professor of Linguistics, University of Michigan, Flint

Vice President

Jim-Ananich

Jim Ananich,

President & CEO, Greater Flint Health Coalition

Treasurer

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Dylan Luna,

Project Manager, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Secratary

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Valerie Horton

Interim Executive Director, Berston Field House

Board Member

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Rev. Robert McCathern

Senior Pastor and Founder, Joy Tabernacle Church

Board Member

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Steven Low

Executive Director, Flint Jewish Federation

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Phyllis D. Sykes

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Phyllis Sykes is proud native of Flint… and resident of the world. At a young age she traveled abroad and the experience transformed and shaped how she views the world and how to exist in it. Today, Ms. Sykes is committed to promoting the benefits of an expanded global view, as Co-Founder and Executive Director of the International Center of Greater Flint. ICGF is an initiative created to make Flint and Genesee County a vibrant and welcoming global community by encouraging, building and sustaining strong multi-cultural relationships. She views the current challenges before the community as an opportunity to transform and reinvent itself as an energetic, culturally rich community that embraces diversity. Ms. Sykes has a unique and distinguish professional background having been a radio and TV journalist, communications director for a non-profit, U of M Flint lecturer and Administrator, and a consultant, specializing in program design and management. She has a Master of Science Administration, and Bachelors of Arts degree, both from Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant.

She has served on numerous boards, and as an advocate for the Arts she has served on the Flint Institute of Arts board and currently is the board Secretary for Tapology. Ms Sykes is also known to dabble in the acting arena having performed in various community theater productions. In addition to being a passionate world traveler, she is an avid reader, writer, yoga practitioner, and physical fitness enthusiast.

Read More About Phyllis Sykes in this FlintSide article: Click Here

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Adil Mohammed

Co-Founder, Program Director

Adil Mohammed is an immigrant from India, a naturalized US Citizen and a Flint area resident. Adil is currently the Program Director at the International Center of Greater Flint (ICGFlint.org). ICGFlint, a 501c3 organization, was formally established in 2015, co-founded by Adil and Phyllis Sykes, who saw a need for a resource hub catering to the immigrant and international population in the Flint area. Adil is also a founding Board member at American Muslim Community Services (AMCSUSA.org), a social services non-profit organization based in Flint. He served as the Executive Director of AMCS from 2019-2023. From 1990 to 2009, Adil worked as a Project manager at Delphi, leaving in 2009 after the Great Recession. In 2010, he attended a 12 week SBDC-MI program called "FasTrac for New Venture" that helps new startups complete their market studies and establish good business processes. As a late entrepreneur, he started an IT services company catering to the healthcare professionals, but after a few years, pivoted to real-estate development and non-profit management. Adil was a member of the 2016 Leadership Now cohort, a one year leadership development and mentoring program run by the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce.

Adil has been part of many community discussions through the Flint Water Crisis (FWC) and beyond. He was invited to be part of the Flint Center for Health Equity Solutions (FCHES), Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), and as a speaker at the community learning course during the FWC run by the University of Michigan-Flint. Prior to the Flint Water Crisis, Adil volunteered with Crim Festival of Races, as a project manager for the festival lot activities. In 2018, Adil was part of a team that developed an innovative software product to address gun violence. The team was slated to present at the April 2020 US Ignite Conference in Denver, but due to the COVID19 pandemic interruption, the project has been moth-balled. 
 
Currently, Adil spends his time developing real estate, serving the community through the AMCS that runs the Flint Muslim Food Pantry, and leading the effort with Phyllis Sykes to create a welcoming environment for all internationals. Adil received his Engineering degree in India (1983), and a Master of Science degree from Wayne State University (1986). He is a resident of Genesee County since he moved to the area in 1988.

Read More About Adil Mohammed in this FlintSide article: Click Here