About Us
Our Mission
We work to cultivate an informed public—one that feels welcome to learn, connect, and engage in respectful dialogue and critical thinking on global issues. By fostering a deeper understanding of international affairs and how they affect our community, we create meaningful opportunities for learning in a relaxed, inclusive environment. Through these connections, we help strengthen national security, economic prosperity, and global stability—starting right here at home.
Vision
The World Affairs Council of Louisville & Southern Indiana envisions a secure, prosperous, united, and sustainable world shaped by informed and engaged people.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of collaboration to address global challenges and provide solutions.
Dialogue
We promote open, honest, and respectful dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives and opinions.
Engagement
We empower individuals to become informed and engaged participants in the global community.
Global Citizenship
We believe that people are part of a global community with responsibilities and rights that extend beyond borders.
Sustainability
We are committed to long-term impact through the responsible and strategic use of resources.
Integrity
We are committed to factual, evidence-based analysis and to upholding the highest standards of conduct.
Critical Thinking
We encourage critical thinking and deeper analysis of today’s most complex global issues.
Vision
The World Affairs Council of Louisville & Southern Indiana envisions a secure, prosperous, united, and sustainable world shaped by informed and engaged people.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of collaboration to address global challenges and provide solutions.
Critical Thinking
We encourage critical thinking and deeper analysis of today’s most complex global issues.
Engagement
We promote open, honest, and respectful dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives and opinions.
Integrity
We are committed to factual, evidence-based analysis and to upholding the highest standards of conduct.
Sustainability
We are committed to long-term impact through the responsible and strategic use of resources.
Dialogue
We empower individuals to become informed and engaged participants in the global community.
Our Team
Our Team
Our Board
Wendy Sirchio
We Day Kentucky
Executive Board Chair
Dustin Duncan
Louisville Metro Government
Executive Board Treasurer
Brian Easly
Druthers
Immediate Past Executive Chair
Gloria Murray
Indiana University Southeast
Executive Board Secretary
Michael Mardis
University of Louisville
Executive Committee
Chief Ife Bell
The Office of Zosimli Naa
Executive Board Vice Chair
Firas Aljijakli
KY International Group
Daniel Cohen
University of Louisville
Executive Committee
Amos Izerimana
Louisville Metro Government
Sister Cities Committee Chair
Edgar Valdez
Deloitte
Lily Li
Illinois Tool Work
John Fahland
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Joel Mwambayi
Edward Jones
Steve Runsworth
Retired GE Executive
Jessica Grace
Louisville Tourism
Hans Bruel
Retired Executive
Josh Staten
River Ridge Development Authority
Our Board
Wendy Sirchio
We Day Kentucky
Executive Board Chair
Chief Ife Bell
The Office of Zosimli Naa
Executive Board Vice Chair
Dustin Duncan
Louisville Metro Government
Executive Board Treasurer
Gloria Murray
Indiana University Southeast
Executive Board Secretary
Michael Mardis
University of Louisville
Executive Committee
Daniel Cohen
University of Louisville
Executive Committee
Brian Easly
Druthers
Immediate Past Executive Chair
Amos Izerimana
Louisville Metro Government
Sister Cities Committee Chair
Firas Aljijakli
KY International Group
Edgar Valdez
Deloitte
John Fahland
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Lily Li
Illinois Tool Work
Joel Mwambayi
Edward Jones
Hans Bruel
Retired Executive
Steve Runsworth
Retired GE Executive
Josh Staten
River Ridge Development Authority
Jessica Grace
Louisville Tourism