AboutFGB

A community hub of international activity

Our Cause

I-House is a social gathering space where people from all over the world come together to celebrate our common humanity, share cultural practices and traditions, engage with our differences, cultivate joy, combat isolation, foster civic dialogue, and tackle global issues for a better tomorrow! At I-House, we believe that culture, community, and fellowship are the lifeblood of a healthy and vibrant city, region, and society. We envision a community where all people belong. 

At I-House, our firm stance against racism, oppression, and injustice informs our work for dignity, justice, and belonging. We recognize that the history of slavery, colonialism, and racial inequity in this country disproportionately impacts people of color and affects the ability of all people to thrive. We are committed to addressing historic and systemic racism, striving to be an anti-racist organization, and providing a space to engage in safe and productive civic dialogue. In the face of continued social injustice, we feel it is more important than ever before to celebrate culture, diversity, community, and human connections.

I-House has established a community code of conduct to create a safe, productive and welcoming space and to combat the racism and systems of oppression that often come through in our interpersonal interactions. 

Mission and Purpose​

International House Davis (I-House) connects people, experiences, and perspectives within a global framework. Our programs, classes, services, and events provide opportunities to learn about and experience cultures from around the world, while building connections within our diverse local community.

I-House brings individuals and communities together to explore the global issues of our time and to celebrate culture through talks, workshops, seminars, lectures, and events. We operate from a lens of equity, inclusion, access, and diversity – striving to be at the forefront of conversations around social justice, climate change, and many other issues of global importance.

Our People

Shelly Gilbride

Executive Director
Phone: 530-723-2288
shelly@ihousedavis.org

Michael Pereira

Facilities and Programs Manager
Phone: 530-341-2285
michael@ihousedavis.org

Johanna Abasto

Marketing and Communications Specialist
Phone: 530-302-6636
johanna@ihousedavis.org

Elke Damesyn 

English Language Specialist
elke@ihousedavis.org

Yun Lyu

Administrative and Programs Assistant
yun@ihousedavis.org

Board of Directors

  • Chair: Irena Asmundson
  • Vice Chair: Jim Hill
  • Secretary: Edward (Ed) Callahan
  • Treasurer: Amanda Chehrezad
  • Joanna Regulska, Ex-Officio
  • Tim Ainsworth
  • Jammal Anibaba
  • Bob Biggs
  • Leilani Buddenhagan
  • Bahram Kavousi
  • Tina Castillo
  • Logan Legg
  • Diego Martinez-Campos
  • Susan Hawkins
  • Kristen Shepard
  • Brian Sway
  • Mikael Villalobos

Our Home

Thanks to a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Shunta Yamamoto of Tokyo, I-House found a home at 10 College Park in 1984. The Yamamotos wanted to create a unique space for cultural learning. Our historic building occupies a perfect location right between UC Davis, a world-renowned university, and the growing city of Davis. Our programming is rooted in our distinctive space, and through committed collaborative efforts, in the communities where we live and serve. Our classes, programs, and events attract participants from throughout the Sacramento region. 

Our Supporters

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