World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

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

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.

SAVE THE DATE: Mohawk Global Seminar
2025-10-23
Registration opens soon!
We look forward to another partnership with Mohawk Global!
Even if you’re not familiar with the topic, this professional development seminar will give you the essential tools understand the complexities of import control regulations!
Date: Thursday, October 23
Location: TBD

West Sixth for a Cause Happy Hour
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | West Sixth Covington Haus, 100 W 6th St, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
Visit West Sixth Covington Haus on Friday, November 14th, and a portion of their proceeds will go the the World Affairs Council!
Each month West Sixth hosts a happy hour for their monthly non-profit partners. A portion of their sales from the Happy Hour go back to the represented non-profit. We are proud to announce our partnership for November!
$1 of the Pay it Forward Cocoa Porters and $2 from the flights will go towards our organization!
Can’t attend the happy hour? No worries! For the month of November they will donate $0.50 for every PIF Cocoa Porter sold. Through the entire month, when someone orders a flight they will also get a wooden nickel that they can use for $1 off merchandise or $1 towards our Sixth for a Cause group.
AND it’s the Friday before International Education Week! Register today to let us know you will be celebrating the end of the work week and the importance of international education!

Global Chat: Your AI Co-Pilot for Glocal Impact (Create and Use a Custom Bot in Under an Hour!)
2025-11-17 16:00 - 17:00
Are you ready to bring high-impact global education into your classroom without adding hours to your planning time?

Join us for an energetic, hands-on session that introduces you to the future of teacher support: Your Custom AI Co-Pilot.
The World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is launching the Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact (YLGI) platform, and we’ve built a dedicated AI chatbot powered by Google’s Gemini technology just for our educators.
In this 60-minute workshop, you will:

Unlock the Power of the YLGI Chatbot: Learn how to use this custom tool to instantly get answers on project deadlines, budget templates, and program rules, so you can focus on mentoring, not managing.
Generate Ideas on Demand: We’ll dive into practical prompts and use the bot to generate tangible ideas for connecting your current classroom topics to Global Themes and local community action. Walk away with ideas you can implement tomorrow, such as:

“How can my 9th-grade history class explore sustainable cities and communities using a Cincinnati-based current event?”
“Give me three quick community engagement activities for a project focusing on access to clean water around the world.”

Become AI Literate: Gain essential skills in AI prompting and learn the responsible way to use these tools to enhance global literacy and project-based learning in your school.

Your Takeaway: You will leave this session with a clear understanding of how to use this AI co-pilot as a permanent, always-on planning assistant, allowing you to lead your students to greater Glocal Impact with less effort!
About Joshua Amstutz – Josh has taught for 15 years, 14 of which have been for the Winton Woods City School District (WWHS). He is the current coordinator of the Academy of Global Studies at Winton Woods High School, the Math Department Head at Winton Woods High School, a certified New Tech Network trained teacher, and a New Tech Network trainer for project based learning at Winton Woods High School. Josh graduated from Capital University with a degree in Integrated Mathematics and from the University of Cincinnati with a MAT graduate degree from the Department of Mathematics.
In addition to his many roles at WWHS, Josh is part of the 2019-2020 Impact U cohort on improvement science through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Strive Partnership. He is a Fulbright Alum from the 2019-2020 cohort of the Fulbright for Global Classrooms program and a TOP alum from the 2025 cohort of the Transatlantic Outreach Program. He was selected as the 2022 AFS-USA Global Educator of the Year and is a current state finalist in Ohio for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). He has also worked closely with the curriculum director and his school’s physics teacher to implement multiple co-taught math and science courses as well as College Credit Plus (CCP) math courses in his school district. He currently teaches a combined math and science course called Pre-Calculus Aligned Physics (PCAP) in addition to CCP Statistics and CCP Calculus.

From Leaf to Matcha: A Holiday Experience at Churchill’s Fine Teas
2025-12-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Churchill’s Fine Teas, 6709 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH, 45227, United States
All contributions will benefit World Affairs Council 100%, a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization. A portion of your ticket is tax deductible.

Celebrate the season with a morning of tea, music, and mindfulness. Join us as we kick off the holidays with an inspiring matcha experience and a live violin performance, setting the perfect tone for a serene and uplifting gathering.

In this immersive workshop, you’ll explore the world of green tea and matcha—from the Camellia sinensis plant to the art and culture behind its transformation into matcha powder. Along the way, we will share stories, traditions, and insights into what makes this centuries-old tea so treasured around the world.

You’ll also enjoy an interactive Matcha 101 session, learning how to whisk matcha at home, use essential matcha accessories, and embrace the art of mindful tea preparation. The experience concludes with a guided tasting featuring a matcha shot, matcha latte, and matcha-inspired desserts, each designed to awaken the senses and celebrate connection.

19th Annual International Education Summit
2025-12-09 08:00 - 13:30 | Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Dr, Highland Heights, KY, 41099
Curious about how the world is changing and what it means for your future?

Designed for high school students and educators, IES offers a day of hands-on workshops, inspiring speakers, and career-focused networking — all centered on how global events and local communities are more connected than ever.
Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, this annual summit helps students explore real-world issues, develop practical skills, and discover career opportunities in a wide range of fields.

What you’ll experience:

Interactive workshops led by students and community leaders.
Community Fair + Speed Networking with local professionals.
Insightful discussions on current international topics and future careers.

Whether you’re planning your next steps or just want to understand the world around you better, this event will give you the tools and confidence to move forward.

Learn more here!

U.S. Approaches to Market-driven Education IVLP Group
2025-12-10 - 2025-12-14
With delegates from Ukraine.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Reskilling adults and vocational training to meet workforce demands
Innovation and entrepreneurship through industry-academia collaboration

Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Grant 2026
2026-01-09
Your World. Your Project. Your $1,000 Opportunity.
The Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact (YLGI) program transforms passion into powerful community action. We believe that global leaders aren’t just in boardrooms—they’re in your classroom. This free, introductory training gives you the foundational skills to identify a local problem, connect it directly to a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), and design a measurable project blueprint. Watch the video to the left to get inspired, then jump into Module 1: Idea to Impact to secure your spot! The module, alongside the corresponding application, are due no later than January 9th, 2026 to be considered!
Only teams who complete Module 1 and submit a strong proposal are eligible to receive the full grant funding and move into the advanced training modules (2-4).
Your journey to making a real-world difference starts right here! Application deadline is January 9, 2026 .
Watch the first module

Supporting Every Voice: AI-Enhanced Classrooms for Multilingual Learners
2026-01-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Artificial intelligence is opening new doors for supporting multilingual learners—making it easier than ever to translate materials, adapt lessons, and connect across languages. In this session, you’ll see how AI can help simplify complex texts, create bilingual resources, and strengthen communication between teachers, students, and families. Learn how to use AI tools thoughtfully to bridge language gaps, celebrate linguistic diversity, and build classrooms where every student feels seen, supported, and included.

Explore AI tools that support multilingual learners through translation, text simplification, and bilingual resource creation.
Learn how AI can strengthen communication between teachers, multilingual students, and their families.
Understand simple, responsible ways to use AI to bridge language gaps and create more inclusive classrooms.

Tickets are $20. Scholarships available!

From Cincinnati to the World: Revolutionary 3D Learning for the Blind
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
Did you know that a 3D printer in North College Hill is changing the way students learn in East Africa?

Join us for an inspiring evening at the Cincinnati Art Museum to discover how the Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired is leading a global movement in accessible education.
What started as a local initiative in Cincinnati has evolved into a worldwide network of innovation. Clovernook is now placing 3D printers and custom-designed model kits in classrooms across Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Vietnam, ensuring that blind and visually impaired (BVI) students have the tactile tools they need to succeed.
Why Attend?

See Innovation in Action: Learn how 3D-printed models of regional monuments and geographies are helping students in Kenya connect with their own culture and landscape.
Global Insight: Meet Dominic Kiamba, a Kenyan-based expert with 20 years of experience, and learn how international partnerships are creating sustainable educational solutions.
Local Impact, Global Reach: Discover why Cincinnati is a global hub for tactile literacy and how our region is exporting “accessible innovation” to the world.

This event highlights a core pillar of the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: the power of citizen diplomacy. By bridging our local expertise with international needs, we strengthen our region’s identity as a leader in global cooperation and development.
Register Now to Secure Your Spot!
Featured Speakers:
Samuel Foulkes, Director of Braille Production & Accessible Innovation, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired: A recipient of a 2025 Kennedy Center Award for their work in cultural accessibility and a board member of the World Affairs Council, Samuel holds six patents for accessible products. He leads Clovernook’s Tactile Literacy program, which empowers organizations globally through technology and training.
Dominic Kiamba, Program Coordinator, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (Nairobi): With over 20 years of experience as a disability inclusion expert, Mr. Kiamba is a leader in advancing Braille literacy across Africa. He works on the ground in Kenya to implement cost-effective, high-tech solutions that foster independence and education for BVI learners.
About Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired:
Since 1903, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired has been providing life-enriching opportunities and empowering people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and full participants in their communities. Clovernook Center’s Braille Printing House is the largest volume printer of braille in the world. Clovernook prints books, magazines and other materials for the National Library Services and braille patrons worldwide. Additionally, Clovernook provides Pediatric Low Vision Clinics, adaptive sports and social activities, as well as employment opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit www.clovernook.org.

WAC Non-Profit Spotlight: Covington Business Council March Luncheon
2026-03-19 11:30 - 13:00 | Embassy Suites RiverCenter, 10 E Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
We are so excited to announce that World Affairs Council will be Covington Business Council’s Non-Profit Spotlight for their March Luncheon. Join us Thursday, March 19 at Embassy Suites RiverCenter from 11:30AM-1:00PM where you will learn about Covington’s new City Hall AND more about the organization!
Covington is a city full of organizations we are lucky to partner with as well as a region we love to showcase to visiting international delegates. It is truly a bridge between the local and global community. We hope you can join us!
Buy tickets today

13th Annual One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition
2026-04-17 18:00 - 22:00
The World Affairs Council is excited to host you for our 13th Annual Gala, our most popular annual fundraiser! Join us April 17 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at a beautiful private club in Clifton for the 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 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.
There are single tickets available at two price points. If you sign up with less than 10 people, you will be assigned a trivia team to play with and/or people will join your table for the evening. Your last day to purchase tickets is April 3, 2026.
Location given upon ticket purchase.

Advancing Cybersecurity and Innovation Policy IVLP Group
2026-05-10 - 2026-05-13
Advancing Cybersecurity and Innovation Policy IVLP Group with delegates from: Benin, Chile, El Salvador, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, and Venezuela.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Explore the role of the public and private sectors in driving cybersecurity innovation.
Examine U.S. cybercrime policies and legislation that address growing challenges of cybercrime and ransomware as well as existing infrastructure in the U.S. that provides mechanisms to assist parties affected or impacted by cybercrime.
Address international efforts to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration between countries, including global cybercrime treaties.

Driving Mutually Beneficial U.S.-India Collaboration on AI IVLP Group
2026-05-13 - 2026-05-16
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
• Showcase U.S. AI infrastructure solutions and best practices;
• Explore training programs and support mechanisms for maintaining AI infrastructure; and
• Highlight opportunities to foster innovation and knowledge exchange between U.S. and Indian researchers.

Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Celebration
2026-05-14 17:30 - 19:30
To celebrate the recipients of the World Affairs Council’s Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Grant on May 14th at the Glendale Lyceum at 5:30PM
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.
We look forward to seeing you there as we hear from the students and educators about their projects in action!

Navigating the Future of Work with AI Panel Discussion
2026-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | First Financial Bank, 1 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
This session is designed to help the next generation of leaders understand and navigate the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. We aim to move beyond the hype and provide practical insights on how AI is transforming industries and what it takes to succeed in this new landscape.
Join us at the First Financial Bank location on E 4th St in the Community Room (1st Floor) from 5:30 PM – 7:30PM May 21st!

Tickets are $10 .

2026 Council Leadership Meeting
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-10
We are proud to announce that the 2026 Council Leadership Meeting will be hosted by the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern KY from June 8-10, 2026. Attendees will have the chance to engage in impactful discussions that will spark innovative ideas at their Councils. Save the date to take part in a cross-river experience of culture, ideas & innovation.

Soccer Diplomacy: A Fireside Chat with Jeff Berding
2026-06-08 17:30 - 19:00 | TQL Stadium
Join us on June 8 for an exclusive Fireside Chat with Jeff Berding, Co-CEO of FC Cincinnati and member of the FIFA World Soccer Committee. This featured keynote explores how elite sport serves as a powerful engine for economic growth and international diplomacy, transforming Cincinnati into a world-class global city. Jeff will share his “Berding Blueprint” for leveraging soft power and global talent networks to bridge the gap between local impact and transnational influence.
To celebrate this connection between the global and the grassroots, the Council will donate FIFA official soccer balls to a local youth program in Jeff’s honor. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the visionary leader redefining what it means for a city to stay “globally connected. The event will serve cocktails and lite bites, with a chance for attendees to tour the stadium.
Early Bird tickets are $20 and will increase to $35 on June 1st.

Fusion 2026
2026-06-11 16:30 - 18:30 | Mercantile Immersive, 120 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
Fusion is an evening of networking and cultural exchange. This event brings together members from various chambers of commerce to foster connections, celebrate, and build meaningful relationships across our business communities. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore new business opportunities, or learn about different cultural perspectives, this mixer is the perfect opportunity.
Event Schedule
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM: Networking
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Program
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Networking & Connections

U.S. State and Local Government IVLP Group
2026-06-17 - 2026-06-19
With delegates from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Introduce the structures and functions of the U.S. federal system of government, with emphasis on the division of authority and responsibility between federal, state, and local governments;
Demonstrate successful models of cooperation among state and local governments, community organizations, and the business sectors;
Examine intergovernmental cooperative organizations, such as Councils of Government and regional planning authorities, as well as innovative public-private partnerships that allow state and local governments to provide enhanced services, encourage economic growth, and ensure public accountability;
Examine various models of state and local governments that demonstrate how they function in the United States and interact with the federal government; and
Explore the fundamental role of freedom of speech and expression in sustaining democratic societies.

Freedom 250: U.S. Science and Technology Entrepreneurship IVLP Group
2026-06-26 - 2026-07-01
With delegates from Angola, Israel, Malaysia, Nepal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Discuss the roles of government, private enterprises, professional organizations, and universities in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting innovation;
Meet with advocates and investors involved in recognizing, promoting, and developing science and tech start-ups;
Discuss how innovations are adopted and diffused into diverse sectors such as medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, and communications;
Assess the role of higher education in advancing technologies and empowering young people in tech fields; and
Share experiences with a variety of U.S. entrepreneurs and innovators addressing technological and social challenges.

Responsible Business Practices IVLP Group
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02
With delegates from Georgia.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
• Demonstrate the impact of U.S. responsible business practices on the local, regional, national, and global economies;
• Illustrate the role of government, public-private partnerships, universities, corporations,
and community organizations in fostering and supporting transparency, resilient supply chains, ethical governance; and
• Examine trends in stakeholder engagement planning, management, operations, and marketing.

Jeni's Ice Cream Fundraiser for World Affairs Council
2026-07-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Factory 52, 2755 Park Ave, Norwood, OH, 45212, United States
Connect with your community and invest in a global future. On July 23rd, the World Affairs Council is gathering at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Factory 52 for an evening of casual networking and philanthropy.
Come meet our Young Professionals group, learn more about our upcoming initiatives, and enjoy Jeni’s famous artisanal flavors.
By joining us, you are actively supporting global literacy and education. Jeni’s is generously donating 25% of all sales from 4:00 to 7:00 PM directly to our global education programs. It is the perfect excuse to treat yourself, catch up with colleagues, and make a meaningful local impact.
RSVP: https://globalcincinnati.networkforgood.com/events/102436-young-professional-ice-cream-social-at-factory-52
