Houston's Sister Cities

Ellen Israel Goldberg has a broad background in business, healthcare, education, photojournalism, and creative endeavors--a good foundation for global projects in both professional and volunteer capacities.  She is passionate about building mutual understanding among cultures, with more than 40 years of experience in citizen diplomacy through a variety of local, national, and international activities.

By education, Ellen was a dental hygienist in private practice. Along the way, she was a lecturer and clinical instructor at the University of Texas Dental Branch, then joined her late husband manufacturing office furniture, with stores in five locations. Among her clients were five major consulates in Houston.

Her first trip out of the country was in 1982 when she was 41.  It changed her life. As a result of the visit, she became an author, writing “Finding A Bride and Other Adventures of a Jewish Mother In India.” She also became a photojournalist whose far-reaching articles and pictures have appeared in publications here and abroad.  

Ellen has served on committees and boards, with special interests in the Middle East, India, and Africa.  She has been associated with the sister cities movement since 1993 and was the Founding President of the Houston-Abu Dhabi Sister City Association before serving eight years as the President of Sister Cities of Houston. In 2019, Ellen was appointed as Co-Vice Chair of the Sister Cities International Conference and Co-Chair of the Africa Forum held in Houston. In addition, she was a 2023 plenary speaker in South Africa and was selected as one of the Elders.

She has been acknowledged for her public service. HoustonWoman magazine named Ellen one of Houston's Most Influential Women of 2014.  Her honors include being  named a Global Leader of Influence by the World Affairs Council-Houston, a Global Citizen Award given by the United Nations Association-Houston, and a Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating last year’s International Women's Day.

Ellen’s husband of 60 years passed away in 2022. She has two married children and three grandchildren.  Family is very important to her, and she’s proud that strong values have been passed to the next generations.