World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Bites & Bytes: Google's Latest AI Rollouts Virtual Workshop
2025-10-16 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Join us in partnership with the Hamilton County Educational Service Center (HCESC) for an informative workshop focusing on how to utilize AI in the classroom. Led by HCESC’s Instructional Technology Consultant, Sara Sheldt, learn how Google’s new AI tools—including Gemini—are transforming and supporting both educators and students.
These innovations are especially valuable for today’s global classroom, enhancing accessibility, collaboration, and cross-cultural learning. This workshop is offered in collaboration with the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, as part of our shared commitment to promoting education for all.
The workshop will go from 11:30-12:15PM and will be $20 per person.
About Sara:
Sara Sheldt is an Instructional Technology Consultant with Hamilton County ESC, bringing 20 years of experience in education. She supports schools and districts in integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning, with a current focus on artificial intelligence tools. Sara is passionate about helping educators leverage technology to engage students, differentiate instruction, and bring real-world skills into the classroom while also simplifying their tasks to give them more time to focus on what matters most.

Engaging Youth in Our Communities IVLP Group
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-12
More information coming soon

Rule of Law and the U.S. Judicial System IVLP Group
2025-09-17 - 2025-09-23
More information coming soon.

U.S. Judicial System: Protecting Women and Children IVLP Group
2025-08-27 - 2025-09-01
With delegates from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Costa Rica, Jordan, Pakistan, Philippenes, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Ukraine.

PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES

The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Explore the rule of law and the U.S. judicial system, with special emphasis on the policies, programs, and legal structures in place to protect women and children as well as legislation, programs, and the legal system evolving in addressing juvenile justice;
Gain an understanding of the court system established to address crimes against women and children such as family court;
Become familiar with the juvenile justice system in the United States and best practices in treatment and rehabilitation tailored to the needs of juvenile offenders and their
families;
Explore training of law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges to understand and address crimes against women and children and how best to treat juvenile offenders;
Gain insight into the role of the NGO sector in providing research and social services to protect women and children and prevent crimes against them;
Examine methods to address juvenile delinquency such as restorative justice programs; and
Create linkages among professionals in the legal field working to promote international cooperation in strengthening access to justice for women and children.

Farmer's Market & Friends - Be an Ambassador for Your City!
2025-08-02 09:00 - 13:00 | North South Baking Company, 39 W Pike, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
Join the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky for a global gathering right in the heart of our local community! Discover the opportunities we have for you to get involved with our organization!
Register now to visit our booth at the Covington Farmers Market and:

Learn about the World Affairs Council and how you can get involved.
Explore fun ways to connect with people from different countries.
Great conversations can happen right at your kitchen table.
A simple way to help build friendships across the globe.

Want to learn more? Visit us August 2 at the Covington Farmers Market!
Stop by our booth and get a free pastry voucher from North South Baking! Visit the bakery and connect with visiting delegates.
This event is free, but you must visit us at the booth to claim your pastry voucher.
This event receives support from Marriott International and Global Ties U.S. Learn more about the Dinner Diplomacy Program, a small grants initiative.

Combatting Illegal Fishing IVLP Group
2025-07-30 - 2025-08-04
With delegates from Algeria, Angola, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa.

The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Review best practices for law enforcement to deter foreign fishing vessels from engaging in illicit activity;
Observe best practices in sustainable fisheries management and product traceability (from extraction to commercialization), and address the key role of maritime domain awareness (MDA) and interagency coordination;
Explore state, local, and federal strategies for addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing;
Encourage collaboration between government agencies, environment and policy NGOs, think tanks, fisheries-related industry representatives, and other relevant U.S. stakeholders to deter IUU fishing in exclusive economic zones (EEZ); and to
Facilitate conversation and collaboration on the successful creation and implementation of enforcement frameworks, agendas, roadmaps, and/or joint programs particularly as they relate to overlapping and/or disputed territorial claims.

TechGirls 2025 Program
2025-07-26 - 2025-07-30
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women ages 15-17 years old from around the world, including the United States, to pursue careers in STEM.

Volunteer to host TechGirls from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and the United States from Saturday, July 26 to Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Build meaningful, cross-cultural connections that last a lifetime!

SIGN UP TO BE A HOME HOST
SIGN UP TO BE A JOB SHADOW MENTOR

Economic Development through the Arts IVLP Group
2025-06-26 - 2025-07-01
More information to come!

Key Export Controls Seminar with Mohawk Global
2025-06-19 14:00 - 16:00 | New Riff Distilling, 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY, 41073, United States
Designed for those involved in international trade and compliance, the session covers foundational topics such as “What is an Export?” and an introduction to key regulatory frameworks, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Whether you’re new to export compliance or seeking to strengthen your expertise, this seminar delivers the essential tools and insights to navigate the complexities of export control regulations confidently.
Read More Here

Leadership in Law Enforcement IVLP Group
2025-06-18 - 2025-06-24
With delegates from Australia, Estonia, Germany, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Philippines, SriLanka, and Suriname.

The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Examine the relationships and balance between law enforcement and combating crime;
Observe policing practices in rural and urban areas; and
Explore methods for assessing the security needs of a multi-faceted communities through planning, communication, and use of volunteers.

Fusion: A Multicultural Experience-- In Partnership with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
2025-06-12 16:30 - 18:30 | The Metropolitan Club, 50 E. RiverCenter Blvd. Suite 1900, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
Join us for an exciting evening of networking and cultural exchange! This dynamic event brings together members of the business community from across the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region to foster connection, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate unique experiences and points of view. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore new business opportunities, or gain insights into different cultural perspectives, Fusion is the perfect fit.
Plus, as a special treat, each guest will receive one complimentary drink ticket and light appetizers to enjoy. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, engage, and celebrate with fellow professionals in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere!
Event Schedule:
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM: Networking
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Program
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Networking & Connections

Transparency and Accountability in Government IVLP Group
2025-05-28 - 2025-06-02
Delegates are from Belize, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Poland, Republic of North Macedonia, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia, Uganda.

PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Enhance understanding of ethical systems for accountability and transparency in government in the United States;
Explore the role of citizens, traditional and new media, academia, and civil society in fostering transparency and accountability in government, including highlighting the mechanisms that enable citizens to foster good governance, ethical standards, and accountability at the local, state, and federal levels.
Examine the effect of transparency on trade, investment, and economic development; and
Address international efforts to strengthen the integrity of governments.

Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Celebration
2025-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Headquarters, 935 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071, KY, 41071, United States
To celebrate the recipients of the World Affairs Council’s Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Grant, we cordially invite you to Headquarters in Newport, KY on Wednesday, May 21st.
The Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Grant in Honor of Richard I. Lauf is a grant opportunity for students, educators, and school organizations alike to create or expand on a project that benefitted their school or community based on the United Nations Global Goals. This is Global Impact, Local Action.
We look forward to seeing you there as we hear from the students and educators about their projects in action!

2025 One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition
2025-04-11 18:00 - 23:00 | Details will be given upon ticket purchase.
The World Affairs Council is excited to host you for our 12th Annual Gala, our most popular annual fundraiser! Join us on April 11, 2025 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at a beautiful venue in Clifton for the 12th One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition.
Giving at any level matters! As our organization’s vital annual fundraiser, we strive to connect our community with the full potential of embracing a truly global perspective and community building activity. The World Affairs Council is Greater Cincinnati’s focal point for international education, interaction, and connection. We help our region to compete in the global arena and prepare our young people for success through an appreciation of global fellowship and cultural diversity in the classroom and in the workplace. The Council is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization.
The Gala promises to be the most exciting event of the century – and an evening of fun and global connections that showcases our beloved City’s global sparkle! The Global Trivia Game will be the highlight of the evening! The top teams will win valuable prizes from some of Cincinnati’s most popular restaurants and businesses.

Young Professionals Social at Revel OTR
2025-03-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Revel OTR, 111 E 12th St, Cincinnnati, OH, 45202, United States
Join World Affairs Council ‘s staff and our Young Professional Advisory Group for our next YP Social at the Revel OTR Urban Winery! Meet other young professionals and strengthen your connections within the Cincinnati region. Whether your career takes you around the world or keeps you local, globally minded individuals exist across all industries. The Young Professional Advisory Group aims to promote the World Affairs Council’s mission in igniting the community’s engagement in foreign affairs and its diverse cultures. Sponsored by: World Affairs Council’s Young Professional’s Advisory Group

International Women's Day Celebration - Networking Happy Hour and Panel Discussion
2025-03-07 16:00 - 19:00 | New Riff Distilling, 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY, 41073, United States
BUY TICKETS HERE
We are thrilled to invite you to our Inaugural International Women’s Day Celebration—an event you won’t want to miss!
When: Thursday, March 7th | 4–7 PM
Where: New Riff Distilling
This is your chance to connect with other ambitious women from across the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati region! Engage in meaningful networking, spark new opportunities, and be inspired by a powerful discussion on entrepreneurship and empowerment led by our incredible panelists.

2025 Annual Meeting
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:30 | The Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St #1100, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202, United States
Register Today!
During the 2024 year, the World Affairs Council has continued to provide a wide variety of educational and professional opportunities for students and teachers; fostered impactful international exchanges; and connected our community through inspiring speaker events. The event offers a chance to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about global affairs from throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.
Join us as we:

Celebrate the achievements of 2024 and the incredible impact you helped make possible.
Honor community members whose dedication has made a difference.
Share stories and highlights of our global and local successes.
Unveil exciting plans for the year ahead.

We look forward to reflecting on the 2024 community impact as we could not have done it without your support.
Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to serving the community, diminishing boundaries, and fostering global understanding. Together, we’ll continue:

Creating international connections.
Raising awareness of pressing global issues.
Cultivating empathy and understanding in the next generation.

Seats are limited, so save your spot today and be part of this vital work.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you and share how YOU can make a difference!

IVLP Exchange Program: Combating Trafficking in Persons
2025-02-12 08:00 - 2025-02-15 17:00
Delegates are from Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Djibouti, Guinea, Lesotho, Madagascar, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, and Togo.

The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Define human trafficking in persons, review forms of human trafficking, and discuss how to identify screening indicators;
Review U.S. government strategies to combat international trafficking in persons, including crimes against women and children, by examining the formulation, administration, and enforcement of U.S. policy on the national, state, and local levels;
Examine the roles that government, law enforcement, the courts, and local organizations play in detecting, preventing, and prosecuting trafficking crimes;
Explore initiatives to recognize, protect, and assist victims of abuse and trafficking, including victim recovery and reintegration programs;
Identify underlying factors that make victims vulnerable to traffickers in order to advocate for implementation of anti-trafficking policies and programs in their home countries;
Investigate international law enforcement cooperation in trafficking in persons cases; and
Upon return to their home country, participants will bring lessons both from U.S. partners and from their fellow leaders to develop community-driven action plans and advocate for change in country policies that align with international agreements and best practices.

IVLP: Disability Rights and Independent Living
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-12
With delegates from Georgia.
Themes for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Examine federal, state, and local laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
Explore public and private sector funding and programs for services and quality of life enhancing programs for persons with disabilities;
Learn how various governmental and NGO entities, advocacy associations, media outlets, and grassroots organizations influence policy and raise awareness about disability issues; and
Create professional networking opportunities that facilitate long-term dialogue among the visitors and their American counterparts.

Save the Date: 18th Annual Education Summit December 5th
2024-12-05 08:00 - 14:00 | Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Dr, Highland Heights, KY, 41099
This year’s theme: Youth Empowerment!
Students, teachers, staff join the World Affairs Council for our biggest education event of the year! Through workshops, networking, and the career fair, empower high school students to become local leaders with a global mindset!
The summit will be held at the Student Union at Northern Kentucky University on December 5, 2024.
We are currently looking for speednetworkers! Have a career that takes you around the world? Have experiencing traveling or working abroad? Have insightful career advice that will inspire students? Volunteer with us!
Sign Up Here
For more information reach out to Melissa McDonald, Director of Global Education, at mmcdonald@cincyworldaffairs.org

Around the World in 5 Tea & Dessert Pairings
2024-11-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Churchill’s Fine Teas, 3438 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45208, United States
Fueling Inspiration: One Steep at A Time!
All contributions will benefit World Affairs Council 100%.

Join us to celebrate and be thankful for the many cultures that specialize in tea in November!
To honor “tea culture” in our community, we are excited to introduce a special event that presents teas and desserts featuring different culture backgrounds. Bring your friends (or the whole family) to follow us around the world as we showcase 5 perfect pairings of teas with decadent desserts enjoyed by different cultures from the East to the West hosted by Churchill’s Fine Teas in Hyde Park Square.
Hear the stories and the lifestyle of the cultures behind these teas and desserts. Enjoy the live “music” performance, while you enjoy these diverse teas and dessert pairings. You will exclusively be meeting the owner, Angela Qu, as well to hear her story and passion for tea and her community.
Join us for what will most likely be the most delicious and culturally inspiring day you have ever had.
Meet the Owner – “Our Journey”
Like a lot of small businesses, Churchill’s began with a small spark of passion. Over the last twenty years that spark has ignited and grew into two shops with a team passionate about tea and sharing tea moments. Churchill’s Fine Teas has been serving teas and promoting health benefits of teas in our communities for over 20 years. Many of our customers and team members have become friends. We’ve remained woman owned and operated as we’ve moved, expanded, opened pop-ups and new locations, won awards, and collaborated with the very best of Cincinnati. We’ve finished every single day with a feeling of gratitude to have such amazing and passionate customers, partners, neighbors, tea growers and brilliant team members. Our founder created the business to promote the English tea culture in 2003 and has established it as a staple in our communities. Today, our mission continues and expands to different tea selections and tea cultures. Yerba Mate, Matcha, and Bubble Teas are trending and we would like to introduce you to the fascinating cultures behind them, besides our staple selections of black tea, green tea, oolong tea, white tea, rooibos, and herbal & wellness blends.
As we celebrate the last twenty years, our commitment to our customers for the next twenty years is the same – “Fueling Inspiration, One Steep At A Time!”
We wish you the best on your tea journey,
Angela Qu and the Churchill’s Fine Teas Team

Día de Muertos - Young Professionals Social
2024-11-01 16:00 - 18:00 | The Globe Covington, 12 E 5th St, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
Network with Other Globally Minded Peers!
Join World Affairs Council ‘s staff and YP Inaugural Young Professional Advisory Group at The Globe Covington! Meet other young professionals and strengthen your connections within the Cincinnati region. Whether your career takes you around the world or keeps you local, globally minded invdividuals exist across all industries. The Young Professional Advisory Group aims to promote the World Affairs Council’s mission in igniting the community’s engagement in foreign affairs and its diverse cultures. Sponsored by: World Affairs Council’s Young Professional’s Advisory Group

IVLP: Youth Empowerment and Civic Engagement with delegates from Africa (countries TBD)
2024-10-31 - 2024-11-06
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Explore and connect with youth-serving institutions in the United States that work to promote youth leadership, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship.

Examine strategies and approaches for facilitating political participation, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement among young people.

Gain knowledge and skills to strengthen institutional capacity of youth empowerment organizations in Serbia.

Establish and foster relationships between U.S. and Serbian youth organizations.

Dinner host volunteers needed Sunday, October 14th!
2024-10-13 17:00 - 2024-10-14 19:00
New Volunteer? Sign up to volunteer here!
Volunteered in the past? Reach out to Emily Rose at erose@cincyworldaffairs.org!
We are proud to announce that we are hosting an IVLP group from October 12th-16th! One of the opportunities we provide for both delegates and our community is home hosting, an evening in which we ask people to open their homes and host dinner for our delegates. Whether it’s a home meal or an outing to your favorite restaurant, food acts as a conversation starter, breaking down barriers and fostering international connections!
Delegates are from Serbia.
They will be visiting Cincinnati to learn about Youth Empowerment and Civic Engagement!

IVLP: Youth Empowerment and Civic Engagement with delegates from Serbia
2024-10-12 - 2024-11-16
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Explore and connect with youth-serving institutions in the United States that work to promote youth leadership, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship.

Examine strategies and approaches for facilitating political participation, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community engagement among young people.

Gain knowledge and skills to strengthen institutional capacity of youth empowerment organizations in Serbia.

Establish and foster relationships between U.S. and Serbian youth organizations.

We’re still in need of dinner host volunteers for Sunday, October 13th! Reach out to Emily Rose, International Programs Lead, at erose@cincyworldaffairs.org for more information!

Fireside Chat with Deputy Ambassador Axel Dittmann
2024-10-01 17:00 - 19:00 | First District Cafe, 525 Scott St, Covington, 41011, United States
Deputy Ambassador Axel Dittmann of the German Embassy Washington will be visiting Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this October!
Deputy Ambassador Dittmann will discuss the state of U.S. and German trade relations. The event will be October 1st at 5pm at First District Cafe.
The event is free for all WAC members and European American Chamber of Commerce (EACC) members. Tickets are $10 for non members.
REGISTER HERE

IVLP: Integrated Cybersecurity Education with delegates from Indonesia
2024-09-19 - 2024-09-24
Themes for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Exchange cybersecurity best practices with U.S. experts in government, industry, and academia;

Explore methods to strengthen cyber workforce development programs;

Establish a network of U.S. and Indonesian cyber leaders to facilitate cooperation and integration of cyber defense strategies and capabilities;

Highlight the importance of using software and hardware in education and production environments that is trusted and independent of foreign government interference; and

Develop active and lasting partnerships between Indonesia and U.S. cyber professionals and educators to broaden and deepen the cyber collaboration.

Delegates will be in town from September 19-24, 2024. Thank you to everyone who volunteered for dinner hosting!

“The Art of Presidential Persuasion” with Talmage Boston
2024-09-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Bricker Graydon LLP: Scripps Center, 312 Walnut St #1800, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202, United States
REGISTER HERE

Buy his newest book, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-the-Bes…
The President of the United States shapes the national and world order. How he has achieved this over our history has come largely by his ability to persuade others to follow his leads. Given we are in a Presidential election year, the art of persuasion will be a key aspect to who wins the outcome.
In this presentation, Mr. Talmage Boston, presidential historian, will describe the powers of persuasion used by eight of the greatest presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Reagan.
Come hear presidential historian Talmage Boston deliver this important message on September 5, as he discusses his new book, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents—which has been endorsed by the country’s leading presidential historians, including Pulitzer Prize winners Jon Meacham, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Annette Gordon-Reed.
How the Best Did It takes the leadership lessons gained from our greatest presidents and makes them instructive today for all leaders who seek to enhance their performance.

Want to get promoted without being seen as a self-promoter? Do what Washington did.
Want to reduce conflict among your group’s factions? Do what Jefferson did.
Want to know how to take the high road when major problems arise? Do what Lincoln did.
Want to expand your power into entirely new areas of influence? Do what Theodore Roosevelt did.
Want to move the needle steadily until ultimate goals are achieved? Do what Franklin Roosevelt did.
Want to have your team work like a well-oiled machine? Do what Eisenhower did.
Want to grow in expertise while leading? Do what Kennedy did.
Want to inspire optimism throughout your enterprise? Do what Reagan did.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP DIGITAL LITERACY & BICOMMUNAL COMMUNICATION
2024-08-11 - 2024-08-26
We need home hosts! Click here to learn more!
The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP): Digital Literacy is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), administered by Legacy International. We will have 20 youth leaders from Cyprus!
The Digital Literacy program will empower participating youth to…

Learn to use digital media to promote active citizenship and democratic principles through storytelling, audiovisual techniques, engaging campaigns, and facts-based approaches.
Recognize manipulation, misinformation, and disinformation in the digital information space and avoid its spread.
Use their social media presence to promote positive actions and shared values in their communities – from environmental stewardship to the prevention of gender-based violence.
Be aware of emerging trends in technology, like artificial intelligence, that affect digital spaces and democratic communication
Lead in their communities by promoting positive community action and understanding the responsibilities of citizenship and the power of civic engagement.
Build opportunities for mentorships with US-based organizations and school partnerships.

Home stays are a crucial component of this program that enrich the intercultural experience by allowing these leaders to become more deeply immersed in our local culture. They are also a unique opportunity for host families to learn from and form a long-lasting friendship with an individual from a different country without even leaving Cincinnati!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Home hosts needed for short stay with high school aged TechGirls!
2024-07-26 - 2024-07-31
Click here to learn more!
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women (ages 15-17). The students have been selected and provided security screening by the US Department of State to participate in a 3-week program during the month of July. They are focusing on building understanding of careers in tech fields and relationships with incredible local companies in the region. The students are from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia.
They will be in Cincinnati/NKY from July 26th-31st and we need individuals, couples, or families who are willing to host one or two of these amazing on these dates.
Volunteered in the past? Email Melissa Mcdonald, Director of Global Education, at mmcdonald@cincyworldaffairs.org
First time Volunteer? Fill out the form
Here are some photos from last year!
