Last Month: 5th Annual One World Gala, International Visitors & More
Welcome our New Board Director
Board Members are the voice of our mission, they steer us towards a sustainable future by making sure our nonprofit has adequate resources to advance in our impact to promote global competence in the community. For the incoming year we are pleased to announce an additional Board Director to the World Affairs Council.
Please join us in welcoming Dale Dean, Owner, President, and Chief Executive Officer of DeanHouston Inc. where he specializes in B2B Integrated Marketing Communications and Branding. He founded DeanHouston on June 15, 1988 along with partners Greg and Pam Houston. They currently have locations in Cincinnati, Chicago, Ontario, and Shanghai. He recently joined the Council after inspiring and dedicating time to elevating the council’s brand and designing the Council’s world class website.
WACA Council of the Month
Having recently navigated the challenge of launching a new and improved website, WACA is keeping an eye out for member Councils that are taking on such a big challenge. We recognize World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as our Council of the Month to highlight their world-class website and re-branding.
In partnership with one of the Council’s vital sponsors, Dover Corporation, and its global marketing firm, DeanHouston, the Council came up with a winning formula. WAC Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s blog posts celebrate inclusive branding and the launch of their new name and logo reveals a deliberate process worth noting.
“DeanHouston stepped up with an investment of time and expertise to advice the Council leadership through a name change, new logo, messaging, marketing tools, and website. As a small nonprofit organization leading global education efforts, connecting local business and family to world leaders, and creating a culturally aware and informed community, our online and outward presence has shifted to meet the needs of today’s society,” said Michelle Harpenau, Executive Director. “What you see today came out of this process to better share out story.” And what a story it is!
Thank you to the World Affairs Council of America for the recognition.
Board Member of the Month: Dr. Richard Lauf
Richard I. Lauf, Ph.D.
World Affairs Council Board Chair
Dr. Lauf worked for Procter & Gamble from 1972-2001 in a variety of line management and staff roles in manufacturing, information technology, interactive marketing, and corporate new ventures. For six years he held an internal consulting position. In that capacity he led planning efforts that improved strategic options for coping with the hyperinflation in Venezuela and the economic crisis in Mexico. He guided the integration of Richardson-Vicks’s Mexican operations into P&G. He led the initial sourcing study for European manufacturing and distribution following the opening of EU trade policies by the Schengen Agreement.
He holds a Ph.D. in Business and Information Technology from the Union Institute and University. His field of study centered on the ways that networks, whether technology, human or business, are reshaping business models, society and national security. He is currently an independent researcher and writer. He has published case studies on digital diplomacy at the US State Dept, file sharing in the music industry, mobile games, and the use of social media to on-board new employees in companies and the military.
He served in the U.S. Army as an infantry platoon leader, including service in the Republic of Viet Nam, where his awards include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.
In addition to his work with the World Affairs Council, he is a Board Member of the Cincinnati Opera, and also active in the English-Speaking Union and the Foreign Policy Leadership Council.
Read his latest blogs: Staying Informed – Discerning Real From Fake News & Board Member of the Month: Dr. Richard Lauf
Ambassador Kenton Keith visits Greater Cincinnati
Thank you to the Foreign Policy Leadership Council, Xavier University the Edward B. Brueggeman Center for Dialogue for hosting Ambassador Kenton Keith. During his visit he spoke on the topic of Iran versus Saudi Arabia on 91.7 WVXU Cincinnati Edition, round-table style at Northern Kentucky University, and at the Schiff Conference Center at Xavier University for a dinner and dialogue.
“It was very useful for me. I found a couple of questions in Ambassador Keith’s presentation to explore in my research and I had a great conversation with a couple who spent more time in the region than I did. These are always wonderful ways for me to calibrate my research and teaching.”
– Marsha Robinson, Assistant Professor, Miami University
5th Annual One World Gala and Global Trivia Competition
Our One World Gala was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our 5th Annual One World Gala! This year we had special guest emcee, Thane Maynard director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – during the auction he invited his friend Caspian, a beautiful Eurasian Eagle Owl to join the fun!
Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors who have supported our build for global education and promotion of international awareness through education. Their sponsorship helps expand our outreach to local schools through our Global Education programs. These programs impact students in powerful ways that sustain well beyond a one-time engagement.
Title Sponsor
The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation
Ambassador Sponsor
Dover Foundation
Diplomat Sponsors
UBS Financial Services, Inc., Downtown Cincinnati
UBS Financial Services, Inc., The Towers At Kenwood
Miami University Global Initiatives
Graydon, Head, & Ritchey LLP
DHL Express
University of Cincinnati International
University Cincinnati Health
Miami University Department of Political Science
Kuy Plastic Surgery
AquiSense Technologies
Richard Lauf, Ph.D.
Mary Ann Buchino, Ed.D.
Global Citizen Sponsors
RiverPoint Capital Management | Anonymous | Anonymous | Anonymous
Global Education Sponsor
Cincinnati World Cinema | Anonymous | Anonymous
In-Kind Donations
Bob Betz, Boi Na Braza, Coffee Emporium, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati, Reds, Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati World Cinema, Cincinnati Zoo, concert: nova, Coopers Hawk & Winery, Diane Firsten, Ensemble Theatre, FC Cincinnati, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Jan Scherbin, Know Theatre, Krombholz Jewelers, Kuy Plastic Surgery, Northside Distillery, Paragon Salon, Public Media Connect – CET & ThinkTV, Shakespeare Company, Queen City Opera, Tanya’s Image & Wellness Salon, Upper Eden, Villa Sanctuary, Vine Hill Farm LLC, Vintner Select Fine Wines, WVXU
Special thanks to Michele Mansfield, 2018 One World Gala Event Chair
Thank you – The Phoenix, DeanHouston, Sheng Yin, Volunteers, Board Members & Staff
World Leaders Visit Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
In the month of February, the council hosted 19 Brazilian English teachers who were participating in an intensive English program at Ohio University. These visitors stayed with local family members over a weekend to practice their English and soak up American culture. The teachers enjoyed visiting with local families and seeing what their hosts deemed the very best of Cincinnati. From the fond and emotional goodbyes, it was apparent that powerful connections can be made even over a short time.
A special thank you to our local hosts and volunteers, without you these memorable experiences couldn’t be possible. Your generosity in opening up your homes to these international visitors will be fond memories of our area for years to come.
“Hosting international visitors is a unique benefit offered to members-first. Visitors are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and have been recognized as leaders effecting real change in their home communities. Connect with these leading individuals from around the world by hosting them for dinner in your home.”
– The Goldberg Family, World Affairs Council Member
Meet our Global Guide: Zade Nabi
Nationality: First Generation Palestinian American
Education: Political Science & History at UC
Occupation: Campaign Associate & Warehouse Operator
Discussion topics: Palestinian-Israel Conflict, Globalization, Stoicism, Political and Historical thoughts and methods
Advice for future guides: Be the strongest one in the room, and by that I mean be the leader of the people around you, show them your confidence. Of course, if you need to prepare what you will say, do it. Even the best speaker in the world prepares. Practice and preparation go hand in hand. Use your preparation skills to gather up the information you want to talk about and practice how you will portray your information.
Join the Global Ed Network TODAY!
In partnership with school districts, global community partners, and collaborating businesses, the World Affairs Council champions global education efforts through innovative, interactive, and experiential approaches. For our Global Ed Network, we design yearlong academic enrichment and leadership opportunities for students and teachers to focus on cross-cultural experiences, global careers, and knowledge activities.
Bring the world to your district today! We’ll partner with you to create a program that fits your needs.
To learn more visit our website.
Upcoming World Affairs Council Events
March 26 | When U.S. foreign policy goals conflict with conduct of American businesses abroad with Qaisar Shareef, retired P&G including P&G Pakistan and P&G Ukraine – SIGN UP HERE
April 26 | The Future of Failed, Failing, and Fragile States with Carl Koppell, VP, Applied Conflict Transformation, United States Institute of Peace
May 22 | The Future of China’s Maritime Aspirations with Lyle Goldstein, Associate Professor & Director, China Maritime Studies Institute at Naval War College
International Community Events
March 8 | International Women’s Day – creating a culture of equality
March 9-10 | Grand Tastings – Featuring samples of more than 700 wines from more than 250 wineries across the globe, while guests enjoy delicious food and a silent auction
March 14 | Stir! Multicultural Networking Reception – Hosted by our Cincinnati Multicultural Chamber Collaborative
March 15 | British Tea Tasting at Churchill’s Fine Teas – taste your way through the history of tea in Britain, where over 150 million cups of tea are consumed each day
March 31 | 1954 Miles – group art show at Wave Pool – aims to give a voice to a few artists from LA Frontera, to use the space as a megaphone to represent the complex thoughts and feelings that come from people living in the contested border between Mexico and the United States
April 7 | International Dinner and Talent Show – put on by NKU’s International Student and Scholar Services
Visit our website for even more local events!
