Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening featuring the presentation of the Global Unity Award!
Stay tuned for more details on this amazing German event in the D.C. area!
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Date May 1, 2026
LocationThe Schuyler Room | Hamilton Hotel | Washington, D.C.
Join us on May 1, 2026, for the WunderbarTogether Gala — the flagship annual fundraising event of the German International School Washington (GISW).
More than a celebration, the Gala is a powerful expression of our mission: to educate and inspire globally minded students who bridge cultures, languages, and nations. As one of the leading German international schools in North America, GISW is a living embodiment of the German-American partnership — preparing the next generation of leaders through bilingual excellence, academic rigor, and a deep commitment to intercultural understanding.
Rooted in the spirit of the original WunderbarTogether campaign initiated by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Goethe-Institut, our Gala carries that vision forward. While the campaign highlighted transatlantic collaboration across all 50 states, GISW brings that collaboration to life every day — in our classrooms, on our campus, and throughout our international community.
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.
JENS HANEFELD began his professional career after studying modern history and English language and literature in 1991 when he joined the Foreign Service as an attaché.
After working in London, Sofia and Washington, he became an advisor in the Political Department of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin in 2000. From 2001 onwards, he was personal advisor to various State Secretaries at the Federal Foreign Office. From 2005, he headed the Office of State Secretaries at the Federal Foreign Office before becoming envoy and permanent representative of the ambassador in Washington in 2009.
In February 2014, Jens Hanefeld joined the Volkswagen Group as Senior Vice President and Head of International & European Policy and Trade Policy. From September 2024 to July 2025, he took over as German Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union before becoming German Ambassador to the United States of America in July 2025.
Jens Kuhlen joined gategroup in April 2015, and currently serves as President, gategroup North America and Member of the Executive Management Board.
During his tenure at gategroup, Jens has served as Vice President of Group Controlling and Chief Financial Officer for North America. He was appointed President of North America in 2022, focusing on organizational alignment, enhancing communication and teamwork, and integrating the two countries into one cohesive region.
Before joining gategroup, Jens had significant experience in business partnering in Senior Finance roles, interim management, and advisory in restructuring efforts and corporate banking. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Mannheim, Germany.
German-speaking artist Häana brings together classical elegance and modern innovation. A vocalist, violinist, and electronic performer using the Push instrument developed by Ableton in Germany, she captivates both traditional and contemporary audiences alike.
Häana has performed at leading corporate and tech events including Intel, Apple, Amazon, CES Las Vegas, Ferrari, and Nike, as well as major cultural stages such as Burning Man (with Skrillex), Coachella, and SXSW. Featured in Vogue and BerlinLosAngeles Sister City Magazine, she is currently a voting member of the Grammys 2026.
Her performance promises a refined and immersive musical experience that perfectly reflects the transatlantic spirit of the Gala.
House music pioneer Eric D. Clark is an internationally acclaimed producer, DJ, and cultural voice. His iconic track From Disco to Disco has become a global dance anthem and was named one of the “Best Singles of the Century” by Spex.
A multi-instrumentalist, writer, lecturer, and recipient of the Holger Czukay Career Prize, Eric has performed at MoMA New York, the Montreux Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, Centre Pompidou, and numerous international arts festivals, as well as exclusive events for Chanel, Hugo Boss, Louboutin, and Porsche.
At the WunderbarTogether Gala, he brings a powerful legacy of musical innovation and cultural dialogue to the stage.
Align your organization with international leadership, education, and diplomacy. Sponsorship opportunities provide prominent brand visibility, meaningful engagement with distinguished guests, and direct impact on GISW’s mission.
Corporate and individual sponsorship levels are available.
Secure your place at one of Washington’s premier international evenings.
All tickets include access to the Champagne Reception, Premium Open Bar, and Gourmet Seated Dinner.
Ticket availability is limited.
Guests will enjoy:
Distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, corporate sector, and cultural community will gather to celebrate the strength of the German-American partnership and the future we are building together.
Proceeds from the WunderbarTogether Gala directly support the German International School Washington — strengthening academic programs, expanding access through tuition assistance, and investing in innovative learning environments that empower our students to thrive in a global world.
By attending, sponsoring, or partnering with us, you are not simply supporting an event — you are investing in the next generation of transatlantic leaders.