Who We Are

Passion, expertise and commitment. World Affairs’ leadership brings rich experience and a forward vision to our work of connecting Kentucky and Southern Indiana to the world.

To learn more about the World Affairs Councils of America, click here.

What is our history?

The World Affairs Council of Kentucky & S. Indiana was established in 1984.

It was founded with the goal of increasing international awareness and facilitating connections between Kentuckians and global issues, cultures, and leaders.

In 1990, the Council became a partner of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Today, the Council continues to serve as a hub for global engagement in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

How are we funded?

The World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana is funded through a diverse mix of revenue sources that sustain its mission of fostering global understanding and engagement.

Membership dues from individuals and corporations provide essential support, offering benefits such as discounted event tickets and exclusive networking opportunities. Revenue is also generated through ticket sales, sponsorships, and partnerships for public events such as panel discussions and cultural programs.

Donations and sponsorships from individuals and businesses play a crucial role, often tied to specific events like speaker series or cultural exchanges, as well as general operational support. Grants from foundations, government agencies, and organizations like the U.S. Department of State help fund key initiatives, including the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and educational outreach.

Fees from educational programs, including Academic WorldQuest and professional development workshops for educators, further contribute to funding. Additionally, endowments and legacy giving initiatives provide long-term financial sustainability, ensuring the Council can continue delivering impactful programs that connect the local community to the wider world.

Meet the Team

  • XIAO YIN ZHAO

    President

    Leads the organization’s strategic vision and operations. Contact for high-level partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and organizational inquiries.

    Contact Xiao Yin

  • TOREE DOLL

    Exchange Program Manager

    Oversees international exchange programs. Contact for exchange opportunities, hosting inquiries, and program details.

    Contact Toree

  • BELLA BEILMAN

    Membership & Marketing Coordinator

    Manages memberships, marketing, and communications. Contact for membership questions, marketing collaborations, and media inquiries.

    Contact Bella

  • WILL WIGGINTON

    Sister Cities Coordinator

    Facilitates Sister Cities initiatives. Contact for Sister Cities partnerships, cultural exchanges, and collaboration opportunities.

    Contact Will

  • LARA ZUBER

    Event Coordinator

    Plans and executes events. Contact for event logistics, partnerships, and speaker opportunities.

    Contact Lara

Our Partners

National Partners

It takes a village to create and maintain success. In addition to our local partners we work with national exchange partners to get these prestigious international visitors to our region.

Local Partners

Meet Our Board

  • Brian Easley, Board Chair

    Vice President at Druther's

  • Wendy Sirchio, Vice-Chair

    Diplomat, Community-builder and Communicator

  • Wes Kawata, Treasurer

    VP Leadership and Organizational Development at DDW The Colour House (D.D. Williamson)

  • Gloria Murray, Secretary

    Professor Emeritus and Director Student Success Corp, IUS

  • Sabeen Nasim, Exec. Committee

    Chief Development Officer at Metro United Way

  • Kirsten Wallitsch, PhD, Exec. Committee

    Dean of Student Success & International Programs, Bellarmine University

  • Ife Bell, Exec. Committee

    Co-Founder + Chief Strategy Officer, To Be Consulting

  • John Fahland, Exec. Committee

    Review Appraiser at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

  • Jan Grayson

    Past Board Chair

  • David L. Wiegman, Ph.D

    Emeritus Professor & Emeritus Academic Dean, University of Louisville

  • Amos Izerimana

    Dir. of International & Immigrant Affairs, Louisville Metro

  • Dr. Rene Campbell

    International Virtual Visiting Professor, Public Speaker

  • Roberta Hershberg

    Louisville Global Ambassador

  • Sarah Graves

    Principal of Graves Strategic Partners

  • Michael Mardis, Ph.D

    Vice President for Student Affairs at University of Louisville

  • Saravanan Murugan

    Associate Director of Technology Solutions at Humana

  • Daniel (Dan) Canon

    Civil rights lawyer, Author, and Educator at Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville

  • Austin Levine

    Manager of eCommerce Operation at Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

  • Dustin Duncan

    Grants Compliance Manager at Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency

  • Keith Miller

    Founder and President, Vibe Consultancy

  • Lily Jiaqin Li

    Senior International Accountant, Samtec Inc

  • Joel Mwambayi

    Senior Security Analyst, Edward Jones

  • Edgar Valdez

    Edgar Valdez

    Emerging Infrastructure Platforms, Deloitte Consulting