Upstate International’s executive director shares her global journey
Tracie Frese’s curiosity about the world began deep in the pages of National Geographic, delivered monthly to her mailbox. Her parents’ interest in the world enhanced Frese’s global wonder. She remembers family dinners at Japanese restaurants, attending live cultural performances, and perhaps most significantly, watching her father’s video of the Taj Mahal. The early exposure brought the magazine to life, sparking a lifelong passion for Frese.
A military brat with many of her formative years spent in Alaska, Frese recognizes the value of her unique upbringing, which set her on a path leading to Greenville and toward becoming the executive director of Upstate International, where she facilitates an ecosystem of acceptance. Upstate International (UI) offers programs including language classes, a lunch and learn series, resources for expats, and an annual global business and world affairs conference.
Frese’s Alaskan childhood taught her lessons of independence, resourcefulness, and the importance of embracing community. After moving to South Carolina in middle school, Frese witnessed social divisions in the school system—a very different reality than hers in the Last Frontier.
She briefly lost touch with her international interest as a young adult, but the passion reignited after moving to Malaysia. During her time abroad, Frese’s childlike sense of wonder flourished while exploring bustling street markets, experiencing cross-cultural interactions, and noticing the acceptance that radiated through the Southeast Asian country. In a primarily Muslim-majority nation, Native Malay, Chinese, Buddhist, Indian, Hindi, and Sikh people were free to publicly celebrate “all in the streets—all right there,” Frese reflects with awe.
Upstate International was formed 25 years ago to help relocated international families adjust to their new lives in South Carolina by offering community and support. Since its founding, international business has continued to boom in the Upstate, with large organizations like BMW and Michelin employing a significant portion of the workforce. Frese comments on the power of community for an international company’s longevity: “When a company’s leadership engages in community, those are the ones [businesses] who stay long term.”
The international presence has become deeply interwoven into the Upstate’s fabric. Every March, Upstate International Month, the UI event with perhaps the most citywide involvement, takes place. On March 1, Clemson University rings in the event by playing international students’ home anthems from the carillon. Throughout the Upstate, globally themed events feature food, music, and other cultural activities, many hosted by internationally owned businesses. By hosting events like Upstate International Month, UI promotes community and encourages participation.
When you walk into Upstate International’s headquarters, there’s a palpable feeling of warmth. A sign bearing the words “Everyone smiles in the same language” is hung proudly on the wall. In conversation, Frese exemplifies the organization’s mission of acceptance. Her passion is apparent in every initiative she mentions. In parting, Frese commends the Upstate for its welcoming atmosphere. However, she encourages the community to go deeper than a passing smile or a baked good delivered to a neighbor’s door. “Take the opportunity to invite your neighbor to lunch, learn about their background, and introduce them to friends,” she says. It will make a world of difference.
Upstate International Month
Since 2013, Upstate International has hosted a month-long celebration of cultural diversity. Past events have included:
- International coffee & cuisine tastings
- University lectures on global issues
- Internationally themed music and dance performances
- Film/documentary screenings
- Patrick’s Day celebrations
- International cooking classes
- Bilingual storytimes
- Trivia night
- Artist receptions and galas
Check out this year’s events by visiting upstateinternational.org/calendar. If you’re interested in hosting a future event, volunteering, or donating, reach UI at info@upstateinternational.org or 864.631.2188. Participation by host businesses and organizations is free of charge.
Lunch and Learn Series
UI’s Beyond the Headlines Lunch and Learn Speaker Series was designed to bring in expert academic and research institution thought leaders to talk about global headlines in an unbiased and thought-provoking way. All events are hosted at the Kroc Center from 12-1:30pm. Attendance is free with an option of lunch for $14.
Upcoming Events:
-March 8 – Foreign Aid: A Key Component of Economic Statecraft with Amira Jadoon
-April 11 – Refugees: Lives Between Nations with Brandon Baughn
-May 3 – The Race to Electric Cars: Energy and Transition to Electric Vehicles with Mike Smith
Learn more about Upstate International by visiting upstateinternational.org.
Photograph by Sabina Cavalli.
