Helping Pittsburgh see the big picture since 1931.
The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of key international issues that affect our community and world. In 2023, our focus issues include Global Migration, Women and Girls, and Climate Action, with the overarching themes of truth and compassion.
Established in 1931, our programming is designed to foster global mindedness and global connectivity in Pittsburgh. Our approach is centered around creating inclusive and accessible experiences that generate transformed leadership for youth, business and community leaders, and educators – and a greater sense of belonging for all.
For this vision of the future to become a reality, the Council works to create and execute diverse, bold, and engaging programming throughout the Western Pennsylvania region. We work hard to ensure that meaningful, action-oriented global learning opportunities are at the heart of our work and that our programs reflect the great diversity of our world across generations.
Our Vision
Our vision is a globally minded and globally connected world that is equitable and just for all.
Our Mission
Our mission is to convene and connect people around global issues to build a competitive, thriving, and inclusive Pittsburgh.
Theory of Change
If We Work In Partnership With Young People, Educators, Business Leaders,
And The Community At-Large To
Explore & Educate
On critical global and local issues
Convene
People of diverse lived experiences
Inspire & Support
Leadership and advocacy
Then Pittsburghers Will Have
Informed Dialogue
and deepened understanding of global & local issues
Greater Empathy
for those different from them
Relevant Skills
& meaningful Relationships
And Therefore Pittsburghers Will
Which Will Result in
Transformed Leadership
Inclusive Policies & Practices
Greater Acceptance & Sense of Belonging
Shared Learning & Innovative Problem-Solving
And Ultimately Realize Our Vision Of
World Affairs Council Staff
President & CEO
Betty Cruz
Betty Cruz assumed the role of President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh in January 2020.
Director of Youth Programming
Kathleen Newell
Kathleen Newell joined the council team in April 2017 as an Education Program Manager.
Director of Operations
Joe Poskin
Joe Poskin oversees operations and human resource services for the World Affairs Council.
Strategic Programming Manager
Heather Joy Lombardi
Heather Joy Lombardi joined the team as the Strategic Programming Manager in January 2023.
Communications Coordinator
Kara Bowen
Kara Bowen joined the council team in June 2021 as Communications Coordinator. Kara previously served as a Communications Consultant at Lumina Foundation.
Youth Programming Coordinator – Global Minds
Mary Pancoast, JD
Mary Pancoast joined the Council in February 2023 as Youth Program Coordinator for Global Minds.
Senior Youth Programming Coordinator — Engagement
Shawn Reming Jr., PhD
Shawn M. Reming Jr. joined the Council in May 2021 and is the Senior Youth Programming Coordinator — Engagement.
Operations Coordinator
Lauren Scholle
Lauren Scholle joined the Council full-time in January 2022 as an Operations Coordinator.
Board of Directors
Chairperson
Saleem Ghubril
Executive Director, The Pittsburgh Promise
Vice Chair
Margaret C. Gleason
Partner, Jones Day
Secretary
Barbara E. Barnes, M.D., M.S.
V.P. of Sponsored Programs, Research Support & Continuing Medical Education, UPMC
Treasurer
Patrick Forster
Partner, Healthcare Industries, PricewaterhouseCoopers
President & CEO
Betty Cruz
President and Chief Executive Officer, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
Director
Alan L. Ackerman, Esq.
Retired, Attorney-at-Law
Director
Ariel C. Armony, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs and Director, University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh
Director
Catherine Augustine, PhD
Director, Pittsburgh Office; Senior Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation
Director
Jenna Baron
Executive Director, ARYSE
Director
William F. Benter
Chairperson and International CEO, Acusis
Director
Kathleen Buechel
Executive Director, The Benter Foundation
Director
The Honorable Rich Fitzgerald
Chief Executive, Allegheny County
Director
The Honorable Edward C. Gainey
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh
Director
Lynette Horrell
Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Director
Peyton Klein
Founder, Global Minds Initiative
Director
Michael Morley
Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company
Director
Paul Overby
Honorary Consul, Federal Republic of Germany in Pittsburgh
Director
Ihab Salib
Senior Vice President, Federated Hermes
Director Emeriti
*Alan H. Finegold
Esq. , Law Offices of Alan H. Finegold
Director Emeriti
F. Worth Hobbs
Former President, Alcoa Foundation
Director Emeriti
**The Honorable Dick Thornburgh
Former Attorney General of the United States, Former Governor of Pennsylvania
Director Emeriti
**James M. Walton
Chairperson, The Heinz Endowments
*Past Chair | ** Deceased
Youth Board
Alekhya Buragadda
Zachariah Jonassaint
Peer Khan
Harshitha Lingam
Aavin Mangalmurti
Ayushma Neopaney
Jake Rechenmacher
Yu Xiao
Mary Zagrocki
World Affairs Councils of America
The Council is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America, an association of more than 90 councils in 40 states. Nearly 200,000 people are members at Councils nationwide, and the network reaches tens of thousands more individuals through a variety of outreach activities in schools and communities. The World Affairs Councils of America network is the largest non-profit international affairs organization in the world.
The Council also is an Educational Improvement Organization, as designated by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. Click here to find out how businesses can receive tax credits for supporting Council school programs. A copy of the official registration and financial information for the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999