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
Meet Our Team
President & CEO
Betty Cruz
Betty Cruz assumed the role of President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh in January 2020.
Deputy Director
Dara Goldhagen
Dara Goldhagen joined the Council as deputy director in August of 2023.
Director of Youth Programming
Kathleen Newell
Kathleen Newell joined the council team in April 2017 as an Education Program Manager.
Communications Manager
Kara Bowen
Kara Bowen joined the Council team in June 2021.
Youth Programming Manager
Alicia Cagle
Alicia Cagle joined the Council in June 2023 as the Youth Programming Manager.
Youth Programming Coordinator – Global Minds
Mary Pancoast, JD
Mary Pancoast joined the Council in February 2023 as Youth Program Coordinator for Global Minds.
Senior Operations Coordinator
Lauren Scholle
Lauren Scholle is Senior Operations Coordinator and joined the Council full-time in January 2022.
Intern
Marilyn Horton
Marilyn joined the Council team as an intern in January 2023. She is currently studying Criminal Justice & Legal Studies at Robert Morris University.
Youth Fellow — Fundraising & Development
Giuliana A.
Giuliana A. is our Youth Fellow for Fundraising & Development for the 2023-24 school year.
Youth Fellow – Global Minds
Izzy L.
Izzy L. is our Youth Fellow for Global Minds for the 2023-24 school year.
Youth Fellow — Careers & Conferences, Public Programming
Lucia M.
Lucia M. is our Youth Fellow for Careers & Conferences — Public Programming for the 2023-24 school year.
Youth Fellow — Careers & Conferences, Youth Programming
Kristina W.
Kristina W. is our Youth Fellow for Careers & Conferences —Youth Programming for the 2023-24 school year.
Youth Fellow — Communications
Julia T.
Julia T. is our Youth Fellow for Communications for the 2023-24 school year.
Youth Fellow — Youth Voice & Partnerships, Hybrid Programs
Morgan M.
Morgan M. is our Youth Fellow for Youth Voice & Partnerships, Hybrid Programs for the 2023-24 school year.
Youth Fellow — Youth Voice & Partnerships, Virtual Programs
Praneeth O.
Praneeth O. is our Youth Fellow for Youth Voice & Partnerships, Virtual Programs for the 2023-24 school year.
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
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
Aavin M.
Avery N.
Makenzie S.
Natalia C.
Nandana M.
Pavel M.
Sophie G.
Tom O.
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.