Wunderbar­Together Gala

March 29, 2025

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening featuring the presentation of the Global Unity Award.
Stay tuned for more details on this premier German event in Washington D.C.!

Date March 29, 2025

Location Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C.

Theme Bridging Cultures, Building Futures

AttireBlack-Tie optional

Get your Ticket Become a sponsor

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HOSTED BY German Internation School Washington D.C.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Condor AKHEmbassy of the Fedaral Republic of Germany Washington
Wartburg College bayme vbm Kleindiek nanotechnik Embassy of Lichtenstein Sage Dining Services Ekdom Neuropsychology Group

About the
Wunderbar­Together Gala

The WunderbarTogether Gala celebrates the remarkable partnership between Germany and the U.S., reflecting the spirit of the WunderbarTogether Campaign initiated by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Goethe-Institut in 2018. This campaign highlighted the strong transatlantic relationship by fostering dialogue and collaboration across cultural, economic, and educational spheres. From 2018 to 2019, it organized over 2,800 events across all 50 states, engaging more than 500 partners to promote mutual understanding and partnership. Today, "WunderbarTogether" symbolizes the enduring connection between Germany and America.

The German International School Washington D.C. is honored to host the gala that embodies the campaign's spirit of international collaboration and education.

We are excited to announce that proceeds from the gala will directly support two major school improvement projects:

  • A brand-new Elementary School playground, creating a safe and engaging space for our youngest students.
  • A main hallway renovation in the Main Building School, adding four new breakout classrooms to enhance learning opportunities.

Keynote Speakers

Andreas Michaelis

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States

Andreas Michaelis

Andreas Michaelis has been Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States since August 2023. Before he was State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin from. January 2022 until July 2023. Previously, he served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and before that as State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin.

Andreas Michaelis joined the German Foreign Service in 1989. He served as Private Secretary to the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, at the Embassy in Tel Aviv, and subsequently held several positions in Bonn and Berlin including Spokesman of the Federal Foreign Office. Michaelis then served as Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore, as Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs and as Director for Near and Middle Eastern Affairs and North Africa at the Foreign Office, before being appointed Ambassador to the State of Israel and then Political Director of the Federal Foreign Office.

Andreas Michaelis studied Political Sciences and Philosophy at the Universities of Hannover and Oxford.

Mikko Turtiainen

Director of Sales, Condor Airlines

Mikko Turtiainen

Mikko is an airline professional with nearly 25 years of experience, spanning two airlines. He has also gained valuable insight while holding a Board position with Amadeus Finland and part of the advisor committee to Visit Finland. The majority of his career has been with the passenger business of an airline, in management positions in both Sales, Distribution and Revenue Management. He extended his airline experience by leading an airline cargo sales team for a good four years. He has been a spokesman for the airlines for two decades and has been involved in a multitude of public speaking events throughout his career.

Over the past decade, Mikko has contributed to the airlines’ strategy work, as well as a key figure in the implementation of strategy. He strongly believes change is for the good of a company and has put a lot in understanding change management. He is happily married for over 20 years, a proud father to three children, and enjoys the company of the black labrador, Zola.

Dr. Christoph Schemionek

President and CEO of the German Delegation of German Industry and Commerce and President of the Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT)

Christoph Schemionek

Dr. Christoph Schemionek is the President and CEO of the German Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Washington, DC, and President of the Representative of German Industry and Trade (RGIT). He previously was the Senior Director for Regional Economic Policy at RGIT, where he was responsible for RGIT’s “German Business in the USA” project, which visualizes the economic contribution of German-owned affiliates in the United States.

As RGIT’s World Bank Liaison, he also supported German companies to successfully navigate the World Bank’s procurement process. Christoph holds a Ph.D. in Geography.

Performer

Haddaway Logo

Haddaway Wunderbar at Together Gala

Haddaway is best known for his 1993 hit single “What Is Love,” which topped the charts in 13 countries and reached the top 10 in many others, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Haddaway’s big break came when he signed with Coconut Records in 1992. The song “What Is Love” became a defining track of the 1990s dance music scene and remains a beloved classic. Haddaway is known for his charismatic stage presence.

Intrigue International

Intrigue Media is a U.S.-based, internationally focused media company delivering smart, apolitical global news straight to the inboxes of over 100,000 professionals across government, corporate, and academic sectors.

Their flagship newsletter, “International Intrigue,” was founded by former diplomats and media experts to cut through the noise and make sense of today’s complex world affairs. With clarity, wit, and a no-nonsense approach, they break down the biggest global stories—keeping their readers informed without the political spin.

Want to stay ahead of the world’s most important developments? Join the intrigue!

MC - Sherrie T. Beckstead

Sherrie Beckstead at Together Gala

We are thrilled to announce Sherrie Beckstead as the MC (Master of Ceremonies) for our Wundertogether Gala 2025!

Sherrie is a visionary leader and businesswoman, co-owner of Liljenquist & Beckstead and Lenkersdorfer Fine Jewelers, and a trailblazer in digital marketing and corporate mentorship. She’s deeply committed to community and cultural initiatives, serving on prestigious boards such as the Middleburg Film Festival and Georgetown Lombardi Breast Cancer Center. Sherrie’s passion extends to philanthropy, including her cause-branded jewelry line, The Lockkeepers Collection, which supports preservation efforts for national monuments.

An award-winning advocate for excellence, Sherrie’s presence promises to make our Gala unforgettable.

Gala Theme: Bridging Cultures, Building Futures

The theme of our gala, "Bridging Cultures, Building Futures," underscores the importance of fostering connections across cultural divides to create a better future for all. This theme captures two key elements:

Bridging Cultures

Emphasizes the necessity of understanding, respecting, and celebrating cultural differences. It reflects our efforts to create meaningful connections between people from diverse backgrounds, promoting empathy, tolerance, and collaboration. By bridging cultures, we aim to overcome barriers and build a more inclusive world.

Building Futures

Focuses on the long-term benefits of cultural exchange and international collaboration. By investing in these relationships today, we lay the groundwork for a more peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected future. This involves creating opportunities for future generations to thrive in a world where cross-cultural understanding and cooperation are the norms.

Sponsorship Opportunities

For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at giving@giswashington.org. We look forward to the possibility of working together to make this gala a resounding success.

Sponsorship Levels

Corporate Leaders

$35,000

Purchase Sponsorship

  • Prominent seating with dinner (menu) for 10 guests
  • Full-page advertisement in the program
  • Logo listed prominently in the program
  • Logo on display at your table
  • Logo on both the GISW website and the WunderbarTogether Gala website
  • Social media promotion

International Leaders

$25,000

Purchase Sponsorship

  • Main seating with dinner (menu) for 10 guests
  • Full-page advertisement in the program
  • Logo listed in the program
  • Logo displayed at your table
  • Logo on both the GISW website and the WunderbarTogether Gala website

Community Leaders

$15,000

Purchase Sponsorship

  • Main seating with dinner (menu) for 10 guests
  • Full-page advertisement in the program
  • Logo listed in the program
  • Logo on display at your table
  • Logo on both the GISW website and the WunderbarTogether Gala website

Partner Level

$7,500

Purchase Sponsorship

  • Main seating with dinner (menu) for 5 guests
  • Half-page advertisement in the program
  • Logo on both the GISW website and the WunderbarTogether Gala website
  • Logo listed in the program

Business Level

$1,000

Purchase Sponsorship

  • Main seating with dinner (menu) for 2 guests
  • Company name listed in the program

Individual Sponsor Level

$500

Purchase Sponsorship

  • Seating with dinner (menu) for 1 guest
  • Individual’s name listed in the program

Additional exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available.
Please contact giving@giswashington.org for more information.

For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at giving@giswashington.org.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

We thank the following individuals for their generous support:

Barbara Johanna Nighbert

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