Karina Mandell, Chair of the new Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee, was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States as a young girl at the age of 7. She traveled to Ukraine recently to reunite with family members. During this trip, she met with the Mayor of Odesa on August 26, 2021, to explore ideas for mutually beneficial partnerships and potential avenues for further collaborations between Baltimore and Odesa (also known as Odessa).
In October 2021, Karina and other leaders of BOSCC met with Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and presented the gifts from Odesa City Council (photo below).
Baltimore and Odesa have been sister cities since 1974 and the relationship is managed by ‘The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore’. In coordination with The Associated, the Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee has recently been formed under the auspices of the Baltimore Sister Cites organization in order to broaden the relationship.
If you are interested in this initiative or want to be a volunteer member of our committee, please contact us at
March 2022 Update
To support the city of Odesa, Ukraine during its time of need:
Donate to our fundraising drive, organized by Baltimore-Odesa Sister City Committee.
