PROGRAMS EDUCATION TRAVEL
ABOUTUS
MISSION
The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is a 503(c)3 non profit, non partisan organization dedicated to promote greater understanding of the world, its people, politics, economies and cultures, and to enable the Greater Houston community to better understand its role and participate more effectively in a global world.
PILLARSOFSERVICE
EDUCATION
The Council connects students to global leaders and offers educators personal and professional development opportunities
PROGRAMS
The Council hosts expert-led lectures, panel discussions, luncheons, film screenings and networking events.
GLOBAL TRAVEL
The Council specializes in small group travel exploring remarkable locations and providing unique travel experiences.
2024-2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Adams, Halliburton
Saba Abashawl, Houston Airport System
Mark Anderson, Board Member
Mamadou Beye, Chevron
Anne Boss, Boss Group
Vivek Chidambaram, Accenture
Alan Crain, Board Member
Heather Cykoski, Schneider Electric
Suzan Deison, Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce
Phil DeLozier, Board Member
Ana Denena, RSM
William Foreman, Orion SA
Lyle Ganske, Jones Day
Diane Gendel, Board Member
Zachary Hodges, Houston Community College
J.J. Hollie, Board Member
Lynn Hughes, U.S. District Court Judge
Agustin Izquierdo, LyondellBasell
Christine LaFollette, Board Member
Laura Logan, ExxonMobil
Beth Madison, Madison Benefits
Sid McClendon, Board Member
David Michels, Kinder Morgan
Jeff Miers, Amazon Web Services
Pat Moran, Moran Exploration
Sallie Morian, DX Service Company, Inc.
Maureen O'Driscoll-Levy, Board Member
Kevin O'Gorman, Norton Rose Fulbright
Bret Oliver, PwC
Susan Osterberg, University of Houston
Chukwuemeka Oyolu, LyondellBasell
Kevin Pasha, JP Morgan
Daron Peschel, Federal Reserve Bank
Dallas Houston Branch
T.J. Raguso, Amegy Bank
Ken Rice, Loomis Armoured U.S. LLC
Brad Ringleb, KPMG
Eddie Robinson, Houston Public Media
Martha Rocks, Martha Turner Realty
Eric Schmauch, United Airlines
Andrew Slentz, HESS
Jennifer Smith, JMS Arbitration
Peggy Smith, Baylor College of Medicine
Soma Somasundaram, ChampionX
Nick Tran, Board Member
Jesse Tutor, Board Member
Rupesh Vadapalli, Deloitte
Jose Valera, Mayer Brown
Michaela van Schalkwyk, Baker Hughes
Stuart Vogt, Transocean
Joe Watkins, Plains All American
Kenneth Tubman Vice President PPA Resources
Elizabeth Matthews Secretary Bristow Group Inc.
Paula Ann Miller Treasurer P A Miller Consulting, Inc.
Antony Dsouza Chairman DNV
Arthur Kaplun President EY LLP
MESSAGE FROM THECEO
I believe that solutions to the world’s most challenging problems are found when we come together to understand each other and work toward a better future.
The World Affairs Council of G global understanding, and to c and experiences come togeth change.
Through thought-provoking p access to international leader Houston since 1969.
Connecting people in this way leads to informed thinking, mutual appreciation, enhanced conversations and unified actions that transcend traditional boundaries and lead to lasting solutions to global problems.
I invite you to become a part of this dynamic global community. A better, more connected future is only possible with individuals like you on our side.
Sincerely,
Maryanne Maldonado Chief Executive Officer
EDUCATION
EMPOWERING THE FUTURE LEADERS
Through our educational programming, students have access to global leaders and build connections with other internationally-minded students, while showcasing their knowledge of current affairs through competitions.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Students Annually 2200+
Schools in the Greater Houston Area 200+
Established High School SWAC Chapters 30+
SWAC
The Student World Affairs Council (SWAC) provides unique opportunities for high school students to learn about the global climate that impacts Houston by learning from internationally acclaimed speakers and exploring different pathways in foreign affairs.
Diplomacy Tour
The Global Diplomacy Tour is an educational initiative for high school students interested in global affairs and international relations. Students engage in dynamic discussions about global careers, working with diverse cultures, and the realities of diplomacy.
ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMPETITION
The Academic WorldQuest is a fast-paced team competition for high school students that tests their knowledge of international affairs and current issues
FOR OVER 15 YEARS
High school students from across Greater Houston go head-to-head for a chance to compete at the national level in Washington, D.C.
GLOBAL HOUSTON MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE
The Global Houston Model United Nations Conference (GHMUN) is the third largest Model UN Conference in Houston. This GHMUN provides high school students with a greater understanding of the United Nations and foreign policy
575 Total Students Served at the 2024 Conference
As the largest learning-based conference in Houston, this immersive global affairs simulation teaches collaboration, leadership, and skill-building.
MERITBADGEPROGRAM
SCOUTINGAMERICA
The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston provides Merit Badge classes designed to improve civic engagement, arm Scouts with global awareness, and create well-rounded Scouts!
GLOBAL SCHOLARS GLOBAL SCHOLARS
ool students!
Global Scholars Academy is an immersive summer enrichment program designed for high school students who are interested in world affairs, international business, diplomacy, foreign policy and more.
85% OF STUDENTS AGREE THAT GSA HELPED THEM UNDERSTAND WHAT A CAREER IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS MEANS
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Diplomatic Simulation: Students develop crucial negotiation and critical thinking skills through exploring the many perspectives of diplomats.
Human Rights Court Simulation: Students address complex human rights challenges by exploring these issues on a practical level.
U.S. Foreign Policy Crisis Simulation: Students solve real-world challenges in teams preparing them to adapt in high-stress environments.
PROGRAMS
NOTABLESPEAKERS
GEORGEW
43rdPresident
NANCYPELOSI
52ndSpeakeroftheUS HouseofRepresentatives
NIKKIHALEY
JOHNBRENNAN 5thDirectoroftheCIA JENPSAKI
29thUS Ambassadorto theUnitedNations
MARKESPER
27thSecretaryof DefenseoftheUS
VLADIMIRKARA-MURZA
RussianOppositionLeader& PoliticalPrisoner
23rdNationalSecurity AdvisoroftheUS
28thUS National SecurityAdvisor
MIKEPENCE 45thVicePresidentof theUS BILL
34thWhiteHousePress Secretary
BAIBABRAŽE MinisterforForeign AffairsofLatvia
FounderofHermitageCapital &'Putin'smostwantedman'
MIKEPOMPEO
70thUSSecretaryof State
JAMESMATTIS
26thSecretaryof DefenseoftheUS
PRINCESSREEMA AmbassadorofSaudi ArabiatotheUS
BusinessJournalist DAVIDBROOKS Columnistforthe NewYorkTimes
CHELSEACLINTON TheClintonFoundation BØRGEBRENDE President,World EconomicForum&Davos
ChiefNationalSecurity CorrespondentforCNN
PROGRAMS
TheCouncilhostsworld-renownedpolicyexperts,thoughtleaders,andinternationally acclaimedauthorsforlectures,paneleddiscussions,luncheons,filmscreenings,and networkingeventsthroughouttheyear
GlobalConversations
The Council welcomes internationally recognized policymakers and experts to share their perspectives and experiences in their field These Global Conversations bring diverse perspectives to the city of Houston.
GlobalYoungProfessionals
Empowering the next generation of leaders, the Global Young Professionals (GYP) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of ambitious individuals passionate about global affairs, cultural exploration and meaningful connections
AnnualEvents
Through Annual Events such as the Jesse H Jones Awards Luncheon and the International Women’s Day Symposium, the Council offers meaningful networking, and educational opportunities
Global Affairs & U.S. Foreign Policy Institute
The Council offers professional foreign policy classes by international affairs experts The Institute is an excellent resource to gain a more comprehensive grasp of the world as it is today and what factors will shape it in the years ahead
GYP events such as Global Minds Gathering and the Culinary Passport series are exclusively designed for Young Professionals seeking to make an impact on the world.
Access global opportunities through exclusive events that are more than just gatherings
etwork and connect with fellow professionals across Houston who share your global mindset.
Elevate your career to discover resources to meaningful connections, impactful networking and professional development
Awards luncheon jesse H. Jones annual
ce, world affairs, and more, g g ed group of individuals for their international impact, exceptional leadership, and outstanding contributions to Houston’s international spirit
THE 25TH LUNCHEON PRESENTED A GLOBAL CONVERSATION WITH The43rdPresidentoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica
PAst honorees
Mark Lashier ofPhillips66, Linda DuCharme ofExxonMobil, Gregory Hill ofHessCorporation, Alistair Vickers & Starlee Sykes ofBP, David Stover ofNobleEnergy, Jeff Shellebarger ofChevron, Jeff Miller ofHalliburton, andmanymore.
A N N U A L
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
WOMEN'S DAY
S Y M P O S I U M
HIP. EMPOWERMENT. ACHIEVEMENT. DIVERSITY.
LEAD is a thoughtfully curated professional development afternoon featuring a pinnacle lineup of presenters offering impactful dialogue followed by a champagne reception in an atmosphere advantageous to meaningful networking and building long lasting relationships.
GLOBAL AFFAIRS & U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INSTITUTE
CAREER ADVANCEMENT
What The Institute offers
Network with fellow professionals
Develop skills in global understanding
Receive a Certificate of Completion
Earn CPE Provider Credit
EXPERT INSIGHTS
Featuring guest speakers such as Diplomats
Former CIA & FBI agents; Energy, Geopolitical, & Cyber Analysts
ONLY TWICE A YEAR
SPRING. PART I
Modern World Order & the Role of the U.S.
Explore the origins of the world’s current geopolitical order and the impact of energy and alliances
FALL. PART II
Dictators, Democracies & Difficult Decisions
Discover the long-term implications of foreign policy and the challenges posed by autocratic leaders
The Global Affairs & U.S. Foreign Policy Institute is a professional development program tailored for individuals interested in international business, government, diplomacy, and gaining a more comprehensive grasp of the world as it is today and the factors that will shape it in the years ahead
TRAVEL
Travel isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about understanding the world and connecting with its people, cultures, and stories. These curated itineraries are designed to ignite your curiosity, broaden your perspective and create incredible memories that last a lifetime.
GLOBAL TRAVEL
“We really enjoyed the trip!! It met or exceeded our expectations. The beauty of the area and the depth and breadth of the history was unmatched in any other place that I have visited.”
-CROATIATRAVELER
“I have been on two WACH tours and they have all had the components of education, emersion into the country’s culture, understanding of the country’s geo politics, food, and camaraderie withnewandoldfriends.“
-SOUTHKOREA/TAIWANTRAVELER
BECOME A GLOBAL CITIZEN
Corporate Partners & Affiliations
