Article by Kari McKahan
Photos By Antonio Mandralis

Stepping through the door of the Office of the New York City Commission for the United Nations Consular Corps and Protocol--on an impressively high floor of Two UN Plaza--a vibrant woman with bright blue eyes stands at the door. Clad in a lovely pastel suit, Theresa Behrendt, President of the Sister City Program of the City of New York, heads to the conference room. She can't wait to share her first "Irish connection."

Last year, Behrendt's two year old Horse of the Year in New York was entered in Ireland's 2000 Guineas race but had to bow out due to a leg injury. Fortunately, this horse, Incurable Optimist, is now at stud and has already had 15 mares (several Irish) this season. The Behrendts attended the 2000 Guineas anyway and marveled at the graciousness of the Irish people. Near Saratoga, New York, at their Orange Country equestrian center, Fox Hollow of Warwick, co-owned with husband John, she explains, "we have a lot of Irish that are associated with the horse industry from trainers to jockeys. We have Irish Hotwalkers, and if you come to visit us at Saratoga, you can get a Guinness at the track."

In addition to their center, the Behrendts' own several race horses stabled at Belmont that race in the New York Circuit--Belmont, Aquaduct, and Saratoga. Speaking of the Equestrian Center, Behrendt says, "We started and built it and we did everything from breeding to showing to training; from dressage to hunter jumpers, and now we're pre dominantly in the racing industry as a hobby: this is our passion and hobby for both of us."

But horse racing and the Saratoga scene isn't Behrendt's only Irish connection. Because of her deep associations with the Irish community, "everyone assumes that I'm Irish. My Grandfather was from Sweden, but I recently found out that there are very strong Viking connections to the Irish, so I do believe that every one of us has a little bit of Irish in us."

As President of the Sister City Program, Behrendt finds herself with strong international connections as well. Founded in the 1950's during the Eisenhower administration, the Program's original mission was to open lines of communication between countries and cultivate cross-cultural exchanges in an effort to point out that the similarities we share as humans far outweigh any difference in customs. Since then, this mayor-to-mayor initiative has grown into an extensive international program, with its' headquarters located in Washington DC.

Behrendt's personal mission is to "revitalize the Program in light of the 21st Century." She has revamped the staff and recruited noted ambassadors to act as representatives for various cities such as Budapest, Cairo, Madrid, Santo Domingo, Pome, and Tokyo. She adds, "I'm hoping London will soon be a Sister City as they have just elected their first mayor."

The internet boom and other technological advances facilitate instant communication previously not possible with sister cities around the world. A strong supporter of technology's benefits, Behrendt has built a savvy website featuring photos of political leaders, signed proclamations, and in the near future; streaming video. Confident that this is the way of the future, she states, "It's more cost effective and reaches the maximum number of people with our message. There are less massive committees, but more creativity." In celebration of New York's 40th anniversary with Tokyo, the Sister City Program produced a video linking the two cities which will soon be broadcast on the website. The Program is currently working with the Hungarian Consulate in Budapest to set up online chatrooms between young Hungarian immigrants in New York and those at home to foster their shared cultural heritage. Additionally, the Program recently acquired and donated computers to elementary schools in Tura (a city on the outskirts of Cairo) rather than conducting the usual exchange program for teachers.

Born out of shared experience, these cultural exchanges create the "instant connections" Behrendt has with citizens and leaders around the world. With more than 20 years experience working in the private sector and in the Federal government, she modestly states that she achieved her position with, "a fair amount of management experience, internatio-nal exposure, and a sensitivity to what needs to be done in a short amount of time with a limited amount of resources, and with the maximum effects."

Born in Maryland, the 40+ Behrendt moved to Hawaii at two months of age; for the next 20 years she lived with her family all over the world. Recalling her childhood she said that when most children were reading Little Red Riding Hood, her father brought home children's books from Japan.

One of Behrendt's other passions has spurred an idea that's becoming a reality. "In another life" as she puts it, she has spearheaded a project to open a women's museum at New York City's Battery Park City, across from the Jewish Museum. Funds have been allocated by Governor Pataki and development on the new Women's Museum & Leadership Center is under way. It is the third sister to two other women's museums--one in Texas and another in Washington DC - each with its own particular emphasis. "Our focus is to enrich women's lives with their own history and encourage them to believe that there are no boundaries. Here at the Leadership Center you will have the greatest of the greats in every discipline, whether its the arts, the sciences or business come to speak and conduct symposiums for women."

Behrendt eloquently speaks of her deep commitment to women's issues. "Interestingly enough, my life has emerged into an interest in women of all ages. I was so busy in my career in international politics that I didn't really take time to lift up my head and see where everybody else was. Now that I have that opportunity, I want to bring young women along to share what I've learned with as many others as possible." Even her interest in horses has been used to enhance a woman's experience. "I've talked to many women who had an interest [in ridingl in childhood, or have always had an interest that they haven't been able to pursue, so as of last week, we started a Women's Racing Syndicate." "We have purchased a Ally, a two year-old ready for racing, and the name of the horse is Lift the Veil, [representing] the significance of women all over the world to be able to progress, and she will racing in Belmont in a very short amount of time."

"It is exciting to get more women involved and have them not lose that wonderful childhood thread," she adds.

Visions of potential futures for women and all people connect with her definition of success. She believes success comes in many forms: "Respect from my peers, respect for my superiors, and respect for myself."

How does she achieve that? "By being the very best that I can be." She pauses thoughtfully, and then continues, "Set your goals high. I truly believe that all you really need to achieve it is there as long as you share and give everyone an opportunity to be a part of achieving the goal. [ would say if I've had success it's because of the great people that I've surrounded myself with." Characteristically wise and modest, this everpostive inspiration codcludes, "There's a wonderful saying, "There is no distance a person cannot go if he or she is not afraid of who gets the credit."