JUAN GONZALEZ ANNOUNCED AS THE INTERNATIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Global Impression Award Recipient Also to Be Named and Honored
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristie Johnson, PhD, CFRE
VP, Development and External Affairs
The International Center
317-955-5151
kjohnson@internationalcenter.org
(INDIANAPOLIS – March 6, 2025) – Juan Gonzalez, President of Central Indiana & Business Banking Sales Leader (IN, MI, & NW OH) at KeyBank, will receive the International Citizen of the Year (ICY) award on Thursday, October 16th, to be celebrated with a dinner and program at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The award, presented by The International Center since 1985, honors individuals whose work has achieved global impact and elevated Indiana on the world stage. Juan was selected as this year’s recipient in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the globalization of Indiana through his leadership in business and his extensive community involvement. As a dedicated civic leader, Juan serves on numerous boards, including the 500 Festival, American Pianists Association, Asian American Alliance, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brebeuf Preparatory School, Catch the Stars, Center for Leadership Development, Discovering Broadway, Gennesaret Free Clinic, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Haitian Association of Indiana, HealthNet, Immigrant Welcome Center, Indiana Business Journal, Indiana Chamber, Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Indiana Conference for Women, Indiana Latino Institute, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indiana Sports Corp, Indianapolis Colts Foundation, Indianapolis Indians Charities, Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, IU Health Foundation, Joy’s House, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, La Plaza, Little Red Door, Madam Walker Legacy Center, MeCACI, Pacers Foundation, Second Helpings, and WE Brunch. In addition, he contributes his expertise to advisory boards for AES Indiana, IU Health (Metro Region), IU Indy, La Plaza, Pacers Foundation, and Shiel Sexton. As KeyBank’s first Latino market president, Juan has expanded the bank’s mission of engaging the community and implementing robust diversity and inclusion initiatives in Indiana. Under his leadership, KeyBank has successfully increased its online banking platforms, allowing the bank to invest $250,000 in ten community organizations to support digital banking and financial wellness education programming in central Indiana. Juan’s work at KeyBank and in the Indianapolis community has earned him accolades such as being named on the Indiana 250 List of Influential Hoosiers, and the Hispanic American Service Award – Outstanding Community Leader.
The annual Global Impression Award, which honors an emerging global leader in Indiana, will also be announced and presented at the event on October 16th.
Martin Baier, president and CEO of The International Center, said, “It is an honor to recognize Juan as one of our state’s most influential Hispanic business and community leaders. His visionary leadership is a testament to the strength of diverse perspectives and the positive change he fosters. In addition to being a champion for diversity, Juan has been on several local host committees for major events that put Indianapolis and Indiana on the global map.”
Individual tickets, group ticket purchases, and sponsorships are available. Inquiries may be directed to Samantha Gutierrez at sgutierrez@internationalcenter.org. Additional information is available at www.internationalcenter.org/icytickets.
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About The International Center
For more than 50 years, The International Center has served as a guide to the world’s cultural landscape, and a catalyst for the state’s international growth. Working in collaboration with businesses, organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and individual citizens, The Center expands Indiana’s global interest through a variety of programs and services and through convening diverse interests who share common international goals. The International Center is a member of Global Ties U.S.
About the International Citizen of the Year Award
Since 1985, The International Center has honored individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indiana and the world in the fields of business, culture, education, government, medicine, media, research, sports, or community service.
About the Global Impression Award
Established in 2018, the Global Impression Award honors “rising stars” who are demonstrating success in their profession, directly impacting the global community within Indiana, and whose work has a considerable impact on a vision for an Indiana that is a vibrant place to live and work, while valuing all cultures.
List of International Citizen of the Year Honorees
2024 Mario Rodriguez
2023 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
2022 Tamika Catchings
2021 Senator Daniel R. Coats
2019 Michael Crowther
2018 Governor Eric J. Holcomb
2017 Pacers Sports & Entertainment
2016 Dr. Michael A. McRobbie
2015 Dr. John C. Lechleiter
2014 Mayor Greg Ballard and Mrs. Winnie Ballard
2013 Mark Miles
2011 Tim Solso
2010 Gov. Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
2008 IU-Kenya Partnership
2007 Dr. Martin C. Jischke
2006 Ambassador Randall L. Tobias
2005 James T. Morris
2004 Christel DeHaan
2003 30th Anniversary Award: The Honorable Richard G. Lugar
2002 Rev. Fr. Boniface Hardin, O.S.B.
2001 Sidney Taurel
2000 Tony George
1999 Jeff Smulyan
1998 Bret Waller
1997 Lawrence H. Einhorn, M.D.
1996 Kai and Tom Binford
1995 KP Singh
1993 Margaret Sheridan
1992 Dr. Geoffrey Bannister
1991 Maestro Raymond Leppard
1990 The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton
1990 Sr. Marie Pierre Buttell
1989 The Honorable William H. Hudnut
1989 George Mikelsons
1987 The Honorable Robert D. Orr
1986 The Honorable Richard G. Lugar
1985 Riad Shaheen
