The World Affairs Councils of America, based in Washington DC, supports, strengthens, and represents a national network of 90 nonpartisan organizations working to deepen their communities’ global perspective.
For the first time, the national Council will hold its annual Council Leadership meeting in the Cincinnati region June 8-10.
Representatives from 30 domestic chapters are expected. Cincinnati has one of the oldest, most established chapters, celebrating its Centennial year in 2023.
At a time of rapid global change, the Council network plays a vital role in fostering informed dialogue and international understanding.
As part of the meeting, on Monday evening, the group will hold a welcome reception and opening public speaker program with Co-Owner of FC Cincinnati, Jeff Berding at TQL Stadium. This featured keynote explores how elite sport serves as a powerful engine for economic growth and international diplomacy, transforming Cincinnati into a world-class global city. He will share his “Berding Blueprint” for leveraging soft power and global talent networks to bridge the gap between local impact and transnational influence.
On Tuesday evening, the group will be at Sparkhaus, 727 Madison Avenue, Covington for interactive community art piece created with the local non-profit organization, Art Equals. This piece will be displayed at the World Affairs Councils National Office in Washington DC.
On Wednesday, approximately 40 registrants will take part in a private tour of the National Underground Freedom Center in Cincinnati, followed by a walk through Findlay Market by local ambassador, Joe Wilmers.
“As a Cincinnati native who grew up on the West Side with family ties to Austria, I’ve always held a global perspective—and after more than 15 years with this Council network, hosting this national event is an incredible personal and professional milestone,” said Michelle Glandorf, President & CEO, World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.
“While we may be a small council, we are taking on a massive initiative. I am beyond proud of our staff, community partners, and leadership who believe so deeply in this work. Bringing leaders from across the country to our region allows us to showcase the strength of our local community while building a powerful, collaborative nonprofit network. The knowledge and ideas shared here will ripple outward, impacting communities across the U.S. and the world. Global engagement is more important than ever, and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are stepping up in a big way to prove we belong on the global stage.”
The national chapter was founded to increase understanding of international events and cross-cultural exchange at the end of World War I to encourage engagement and work to nurture grassroots citizen involvement in international affairs.
The World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati/NKY, with operations based at Northern Kentucky University, is the bridge that connects the world to one of America’s most vibrant regions. Through global education, international exchange, and cultural awareness initiatives, this non-profit membership-based organization strengthens Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s international identity and engages individuals in foreign affairs.
World Affairs Councils of America