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Aleksandra Efimova with Michael McFaul, the U.S. Ambassador to Russia

CSO conductor Ricardo Muti and Michael McFaul, the U.S. Ambassador to Russia

Moscow Green Building Forum

Aleksandra Efimova with Rashid Ismailov and Sam Scott

I just returned from an amazing trip where I had the privilege of both traveling with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to their first visit to Russia since 1990, as well as promoting Chicago to Russian businesses.

I was part of a delegation of seven people from World Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International who accompanied conductor Riccardo Muti and 180 orchestra members on this historic cultural exchange.

By partnering with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, our delegation’s goal was to promote Chicago as a desirable location for Russian businesses and strengthen Chicago’s ties with Moscow.

When we arrived in Moscow on April 14, my delegation and I started by meeting with representatives from environmentally friendly construction companies and other private businesses to tell them about the upcoming Green Building Business Forum, which I am organizing with the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, taking place June 13-14 in Chicago.

Chicago is world-renown for its commitment to green building, and we are excited to share our knowledge and expertise with Russian companies who are also looking for ways to save energy costs and help the environment.

Later that night, Michael McFaul, the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, welcomed us to a reception at his house where a small quartet from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed for the guests.

Over the next few days, we met with several Russian companies that are interested in opening offices in the United States, championing Chicago as an ideal location investing because it’s dynamic, cosmopolitan and forward-thinking.

We also met with American companies who have Russian divisions, including General Motors and Nike, at a reception held by the American Chamber of Commerce in Moscow, which promotes collaboration between both countries.

We concluded our groundbreaking trip by hosting a dinner and presentation on Chicago’s business advantages to Moscow business leaders, including 50 green building companies, at the residence of the John McCaslin, the U.S. Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, followed by an outstanding performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Moscow Conservatory.

I am so proud of what were able to accomplish during this trip, and I hope we planted the seed for new business growth in Chicago and Russia in the years to come.

Vladimir Spivakov and Aleksandra Efimova

Olga Kern

On Feb. 19, the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International hosted an elegant pre-performance reception for internationally renowned Russian musicians Vladimir Spivakov and Olga Kern at Symphony Center.

“Mr. Spivakov is one of the most acclaimed musicians in the world, especially among Russian musicians,� said Aleksandra Efimova, co-chair of the Moscow Committee. “We always eagerly await his return to Chicago.�

More than 150 distinguished guests attended the event, held at the Club Room at Symphony Center. Guests enjoyed sparkling champagne in front of a roaring fireplace as the sun was setting on a spectacular view of Michigan Avenue.

Ms. Kern greeted the guests warmly and said it was a delight to meet so many Americans who have a passion for the arts.

After the reception, guests attended the concert at Symphony Center, which featured a varied program that included Brahms’ Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Stravinsky’s “Suite Italienne,� and works by Pärt and Franck.

Serge Biberman, an attorney with Enterprise Law Group, LLC, said it was wonderful to meet Kern at the reception. “It was especially great because she was there in a very small setting and then 10 minutes later you saw her on stage with one of the most famous violinists in the world,� he said.

The event was sponsored by Dennis S. Gregor; Ameriprise Financial as well as Maestro Artist Management and The Russian American Cultural Heritage Center.

“I am so pleased to be able to introduce Russian artists to American audiences,� said Aleksandra Efimova, co-chair of the Moscow Committee. “I hope that these kinds of personal interactions help build bridges of support and understanding between both countries.�

On Oct. 19, I had the pleasure of attending an event at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago that commemorated the 50^th anniversary of Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s historic mission in 1961, when he became the first human to venture into outer space.

The event included a dedication of a statue of Gagarin, donated by the Russian government, one of 11 that were donated to cities all over the world in honor of Gagarin’s world-changing flight.

As co-chair of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, I had the opportunity to help organize the event as well as to invite some of the speakers who attended, including Romanian cosmonaut Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, who discussed the significance of Gagarin’s pioneering flight and his personal experiences and mission accomplishments as part of the international space program.

The event began with a public panel discussion at 3 p.m., followed by a VIP cocktail party and the dedication of the statue.

Russian Pointe team members Debbie Chanel, Sasha Danilishen, and I attended the elegant, intimate cocktail reception at the Adler. Normally, the Adler offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline, but this time, huge 20-foot waves were pounding the building as 50 mph winds and rain whipped by.

The wild weather made me appreciate the powerful force of Mother Nature and highlighted just how dangerous it was for these brave men to venture into outer space and test the limits of the known world.

I was so pleased to have been part of this momentous event, and I hope it inspires more people to be pioneers in whatever field they choose.

A similar statue of Yuri Gagarin will be installed at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

We all know that Russia is well known for its ballet, music, and art, but it is also well known for its advancement in the sciences, specifically for its pioneering efforts in the space program.

On Oct. 19, the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International will be hosting an event to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic space flight in 1961, when he became the first human to venture into outer space.

Join us at the Adler Planetarium at 3 p.m. for an afternoon panel discussion with cosmonauts Boris Volynov and Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, who will discuss the significance of Yuri Gagarin’s world-changing flight and their personal experiences and mission accomplishments as part of the international space program.

As the chair of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, I am honored to be working with the Adler Planetarium to organize this event, and I look forward to highlighting Russia’s historic contributions to space flight.

Last week, Russian Foundation of Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International co-hosted an exciting reception at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique, for a delegation of leaders from the Moscow Mayor’s Office. On that same day, Mayor Daley asked me to serve as co-chair the Moscow Sister Cities committee.

I’m both honored by the appointment and very eager to get started in this new role, which I expect to be wonderfully complementary to my work as President of the Foundation. I look forward to even more opportunities to reinforce, enhance and expand Russian-American events and relations, especially in the arts.

Chicago Sister Cities International is a program of exchange and cooperation between Chicago and 28 cities throughout the world, under the auspices of the Mayor’s Office. Moscow has been a Sister City since 1997.

Sister Cities programs have been close to my heart for many years. My relocation, as a teen, from St. Petersburg to Lansing, MI, was influenced by those two cities’ Sister City relationship. Twelve years ago, I traveled as an interpreter with a Sister Cities delegation from Milan, MI to Protvino, Russia. That experience was my first time observing cultural, political and business exchange and collaboration first-hand. It made a lasting impression on me, and I have enjoyed and observed many long-term friendships and collaborations result from that exchange. (Example of the meaningfulness of those lasting relationships: the former mayor of Milan, Alan Israel, often jokes that he should be issued a Russian passport!)

In Chicago, I’ve participated in a number of projects for the Moscow Committee, including fundraising for one of the Moscow Committee’s current major initiatives: sponsoring the travel of five Chicago public school children who study Russian to spend seven weeks at a language camp in Russia. I’m also involved with organizing “Moscow Days in Chicago,� a citywide event planned for 2011 or 2012, highlighting Russian culture, heritage and traditions through exhibitions, educational activities, trade meetings and the arts.

As co-chair, I look forward to more comprehensive involvement in existing projects, and to drawing on my experience in business, community service and the arts – as well as my Russian heritage – to create and enrich new areas of cooperation between Chicago and Moscow.

I believe strongly in the value of community service, and I’m passionate about contributing to the City of Chicago, and eager to explore further the many possibilities for enrichments of our cultural, educational, economic, political and environmental exchange with Moscow. With the infrastructure and resources of the Mayor’s Office, including the availability of concert halls and public spaces, and Moscow’s commitment to and support for this program, I am confident that our new developments will be exciting and successful.

Ieva Dilyte of Chicago Sister Cities International and Aleksandra Efimova at the Adler Planetarium.

It was 50 years ago that Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin became a pioneer and a hero by being the first person to venture into outer space.

In commemoration of his courageous flight on April 12, 1961, the Russian government has created 11 statues that will be installed all over the world, and lucky for us, Chicago’s Adler Planetarium has been chosen as one of the venues to receive a statue.

As the chair of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, I am privileged to be working with the Adler Planetarium to organize a special event in honor of the new statue.

The event will take place on Oct. 19, and we are working hard to fly in several astronauts who worked with Gagarin for the celebration. The event will also include a lecture and an elegant reception. Stay tuned for additional details!

It’s wonderful that Russia’s contributions to science and space travel continue to inspire people everywhere, and I’m so proud that when the sculpture is dedicated, a little piece of Russia will be given to the city of Chicago.

About 300 Russian nationals and Americans joined together to celebrate the first annual Russia Day celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center on Monday, June 13.

As the co-chair of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, I was proud to help organize this event in honor of Russia’s national holiday, which is celebrated on June 12 and commemorates the day in 1990 when the Russian parliament formally declared sovereignty over Russia.

Sergey I. Kislyak, the Ambassador of Russia to the United States, gave the keynote speech of the evening, highlighting the importance of recognizing how far Russia has come in the 21 years since it relinquished communisim and entered a democratic, capitalistic era.

“We have a new generation of Russians who have lived only in modern Russia,� Ambassador Kislyak said, adding that this new, modern Russia is looking forward to an even closer relationship with the United States.

Other speakers included Illinois Senator Mark Kirk, who provided his remarks via video; Prince Piotr Galitzien, chairman of TMK IPSCO; and Terry Laird, director of operations of the Russian-owned company NLMK of Indiana.

Several of the speakers talked about how networking events like Russia Day are important in strengthening the ties between the United States and Russia

“I think the cooperation we can have internationally can enhance all of our lives,� Mr. Laird said.

As I looked out over the packed room of guests and listened to both national anthems, I felt a surge of patriotism for both countries. It is through events like these that Americans and Russians have the opportunity to learn more about each other’s cultures, which in turn leads to more collaboration between both nations.

In addition to the speeches, the event included an elegant cocktail reception and catered hors d’ouevres featuring Russian cuisine, as well as performances by Golosa, a Russian folk choir from the University of Chicago; Russian-American cellist and composer Ian Maksin; opera soprano Heather Aranyi; The Joffrey Ballet’s Academy of Dance; and the Pontifical Choir of the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines.

I was inspired by the phenomenal performances by all of the artists who showcased the best of Russian music as well as their own, original creations.

The most gratifying part of the evening was how genuinely the guests thanked me after the event for recognizing Russia’s national holiday.

Ben Glozman, who moved from Russia to the United States 20 years ago, said this event helped him feel more patriotic about the holiday.

“Before that, it was just another day,� he said, adding that he is hopeful events like this will improve relations between Russia and the United States.

I hope this is an event that will be held again and again!

Aleksandra Efimova and Mayor Richard Daley at the Consulate Corps Ball in Chicago.

Every year, Chicago Sister Cities International invites all the consulate generals who represent countries in Chicago ― a total of about 80 foreign dignitaries ― to attend the Chicago Consular Corps Ball.

This year’s black-tie event, which serves as a fundraiser for Chicago Sister Cities International, was held at the Palmer House Hilton on May 5. Mayor Richard Daley presided over the affair in one of his last duties as Mayor of Chicago.

Typically, each consulate general sits at a table made up of people with connections to his or her country, making the entire event a truly global gathering where you can hear almost every language spoken around the room.

This year, as the co-chair of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, I was pleased to organize the first-ever table representing Russia at the event. I was joined at the table by Elena Mossina from the lawfirm Baker & McKenzie, one of the few U.S. lawfirms to have an office in Moscow, as well as Gene Meltser of the lawfirm Birg & Meltser, a representative from Geneva Seal, and Bob Pape, an American who is passionate about developing more international connections with Russia.

The event was a wonderful chance to support the Chicago Sister Cities Program, which helps to enhance the city’s presence as an international center of business and culture, and a great way for me to show my pride for Russia.

I am still moved and saddened by the tragic stories coming from Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country on March 11.

So I was very eager to help my good friend, George Hisaeda, the Consul General of Japan, raise money for his country at the Japan Earthquake Relief Fundraiser, organized by several organizations including Chicago Sister Cities International and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.

More than 500 people ― including Mayor Richard Daley, Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Senator Dick Durbin ― attended the event, which was held on April 1 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The elegant affair featured performances by Japanese drummers, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and blues and jazz musicians.

Russian Pointe is also doing its part to support the cause by donating 5 percent of our sales from the Russian Pointe Dance Boutique and online to the relief effort.

I hope both of these actions will bring much-needed help to that part of the world.

Recently, I was appointed to be an honorary member of the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International. The appointment comes just as the committee is planning to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in Chicago.

The Kyiv Committee plans to commemorate the tragedy by hosting a presentation at the Chicago Cultural Center on April 28, which will feature speakers, an awards presentation, and a documentary film about the disaster.

I’m honored to be appointed to this committee, especially because I vividly remember the accident when it happened on April 26, 1986.

At the time, I was a little girl in Russia, and my parents used to take me to a little village in the Ukraine, not far from Chernobyl, during the summers for vacation. It was one of my favorite things to do! I loved picking strawberries and apples and playing by the river in the sunshine.

Then the nuclear reactor at Chernobyl suffered a major meltdown, and my family never went there again.

In addition to all of the people who were sickened or who lost their lives to the radiation, much of the trees, rivers, and animals were also severely affected.

I am glad that I can do my part to honor those who suffered as a result of this disaster.