Meet the New Faces of Our Young Professionals Committee
Earlier this month, we welcomed several talented and globally minded leaders to the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (YP) Committee. Now, we’re excited to introduce you to the people behind the titles — the innovators, connectors, and changemakers helping us make our region a more connected, internationally engaged place.
Why the YP Committee Matters
Our YP Committee members play a key role in shaping programs, welcoming international delegations, and building opportunities for meaningful global engagement. They’re the heartbeat of our mission, and they bring creativity, energy, and fresh perspectives to everything we do.
Meet Our New Members:
Sakshi Shah, Software Developer at Midmark Corporation
Sakshi Shah is a 2023 graduate of Miami University and currently works as a Software Developer at Midmark Corporation, where she also mentors interns. Passionate about mentorship and community engagement, she first connected with the World Affairs Council through her volunteer work. As a young professional, Sakshi shares her experiences through social media outreach, participates in events at her alma mater, and serves on her college’s Young Professionals Advisory Council. And now, she is excited to further the mission of the World Affairs Council. Outside of work, Sakshi enjoys budget-friendly travel—averaging 12 trips a year—learning and discussing personal finance, and reading.
Lucas Threlfall, Donation Processing Coordinator at Cooperative for Education
Lucas Threlfall is a nonprofit professional dedicated to fostering globally minded, inclusive communities and empowering people to connect across cultures and borders. He currently serves as Donation Processing Coordinator at Cooperative for Education, supporting programs that expand access to quality learning opportunities in rural Guatemala. An alumnus of the University of Louisville with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Lucas has worked for the Louisville City Council as a staff assistant and served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Madrid, Spain. He is also an active member of the United Nations Association of the USA. In his free time, Lucas enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and discovering new places through travel.
Kelsey Hawkins-Johnson, Program Director at Groundwork Ohio River Valley
Kelsey Hawkins-Johnson has 5+ years experience working at the intersection of equity, climate policy, clean energy, program management, and community engagement in sustainability with local government and organizations. With a BA in Anthropology, her work has taken her abroad to share her research and connect globally on climate and the impact on vulnerable communities. With a focus on ecological relationships and community planning, she has facilitated multiple cohorts of resident climate action planning as the Climate Safe Neighborhoods Program Director at Groundwork Ohio River Valley and managed various initiatives related to clean energy and education in the Greater Cincinnati area. As an active traveler, beginner salsa dancer,avid hiker and lover of culture and conversations , she’s looking forward to joining the World Affairs Council Young Professionals Committee to connect with global leaders and youth!
Here’s to a year of collaboration, impact, and global connection!
