World Affairs Council
of Houston
2014 Annual Report
The World Affairs Council of Houston promotes better understanding of
the world - the people, politics, economies and cultures - enabling our
citizenry to participate more effectively in the global community.
VALUES
EDUCATION
Recognizing education as the tool that helps improve the self and others, WACH seeks to
contribute to the continued education of all by offering new perspectives for consideration on
international matters.
EXCELLENCE
The Council aims to present programs that are characterized by integrity and expertise. Our staff
have a personal and professional interest in global issues, actively researching and developing
to bring the most timely and insightful programs to Houston.
RESPECT
WACH believes in free and fair discussion. As a private, non profit, nonpartisan organization,
the Council promotes dialogue, understanding, and respect of the other through the exchange
of ideas and perspectives in a respectful environment.
COMMUNITY
WACH operates as the hub for a citizenry with a global mindset. As an organization, it serves
as a platform that bridges the gap between our local and global neighbors in an increasingly
interconnected world.
SERVICE
In its capacity as a nonprofit, the Council encourages investing in and supporting the community
and does so through a variety of initiatives, principally through education, dialogue and travel.
World Affairs Council of Houston - (713) 522-7811 - www.wachouston.org
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Council programs provoke thought and encourage discussion about our world—its peoples, politics,
economies, and cultures. We present many voices and different views, and are inspired and sustained
by the passion and curiosity of our members.
Al Qaeda 3.0
Peter Bergen, Journalist
January 07, 2014
An Uncertain Road: Muslim Integration into Europe and the U.S.
Mehdi Hasan, Huffington Post U.K.
April 17, 2014
An Emerging Palestinian State - Is Institution Building Succeeding
Nathan Brown, George Washington University
January 16, 2014
Turkey at the Crossroads
Joshua W. Walker, German Marshall Fund
April 22, 2014
Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War
Robert Gates, Former Secretary of Defense
January 22, 2014
Cuba: What Every American Needs to Know
Julia Sweig, Council on Foreign Relations
April 30, 2014
Is Hassan Rouhani an Iraniani Gorvachev
Nader Hashemi, University of Denver
January 23, 2014
Kim Jung Un’s North Korea: Paranoia and Turmoil Withi the Secretive Regime
Egypt: New Opportunities for Oil & Gas Exploration
Egyptian Delegation
February 03, 2014
Croatia and the Changing Map of Europe
Ivo Josipovic, President of Croatia
May 15, 2014
Crisis in Ukraine: Balancing Energy and Politics Between East and West
Lee Feinstein, German Marshall Fund
February 10, 2014
Syria and the Broader Middle East: The View from Qatar
H.E. Mohammed Al Kuwari, Ambassador of Qatar to the U.S.
May 21, 2014
The Second Arab Awakening and the Battle for Pluralism
Marwan Muasher, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
February 13, 2014
Changes in Iran Sanctions: Risks and Opportunities for Houston Companies
Frank Schuchat, Schuchat International Law Firm
May 28, 2014
Thin Ice: The Dangerous Instability of U.S. Russia Relations
Matthew Rojansky, Kennan Institute
February 18, 2014
Boko Haram & Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Thomas Dempsey, Africa Center for Strategic Studies
June 02, 2014
War Front to Store Front: Leveraging America’s Greatest Strength -- Its Private
Sector
Paul Brinkley, North America Western Asia Holdings
February 19, 2014
Lawrence in Arabia: Imperial Ambitions and the Making of the Modern Middle East
Inside Iran: What’s Next -- Peace or War?
Robin Wright, Author and Journalist
February 26,2014
Why Foreign Policy Begins at Home, But Cannot End There
Richard Haass, Council on Foreign Relations
March 03, 2014
U.S. and Russia: The Limits of Partnership
Angela Stent, Brookings Institution
March 06, 2014
Venezuela Imploding
Mark Schneider, International Crisis Group
March 20, 2014
Freedom and Power in the Digital Age
Ross LaJeunesse, Google Inc.
March 27, 2014
Somebody’s Watching Me: Surveillance, Terrorism, and Civil Liberties
Robert Chesney, University of Texas
March 28, 2014
Local Courage, Global Impact: The Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela
H.E. Ibrahim Rasool, Ambassador of S. Africa to U.S.
April 10, 2014
Bruce Bechtol, Angelo State University
May 08, 2014
Scott Anderson, Author and Journalist
June 05, 2014
China in the Age of Ambition
Evan Osnos, The New Yorker
June 12, 2014
American Diplomacy in a Changing Middle East
Dennis B. Ross, The Washington Institute
June 19, 2014
Welcome Reception - Former President of Nigeria
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria
June 20, 2014
The Path to Peace: American Leadership and the Two State Solution
Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Street
June 23, 2014
The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba
Julia Cooke, The New School
August 06, 2014
Ukraine’s Crisis, Russia’s Policy, Western Responses
Glen Howard, The Jamestown Foundation
August 20, 2014
Caught at the Border: Central America’s Immigrant Children
Carl Meacham, CSIS
August 27, 2014
Libya Briefing: Security Challenges & U.S. Options
Jonathan Winer, Department of State
August 28, 2014
The Way Forward for Palestinians and Israelis
Ari Shavit, Haaretz Daily
November 17, 2014
Ports and Prosperity
Seth Cropsey, Hudon Institute
September 11, 2014
Pakistan
Christine Fair, Georgetown University
November 20, 2014
Public - Private Partnerships for Global Health Delivery
Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Peace Corps
September 15, 2014
American Diplomacy
Christopher Hill, University of Denver
December 02, 2014
U.S.-India Relations & the Modi Government
Alyssa Ayres, CFR
September 25, 2014
Photography Contest & Comedian Mo Amer
December 10, 2014
Romania: The Key to Diverse, Secure Energy for Europe
Victor Ponta, Romanian Prime Minister
September 26, 2014
Oil-to-Cash: Fighting the Resource Curse
Todd Moss, Center for Global Development
October 01, 2014
The Rise and Inevitable Fall of ISIS
Bobby Ghosh, Journalist
October 07, 2014
Cyber War, Espionage, & Terrorism
Ralph Langner, Brookings Institution
October 15, 2014
Syria
Johs Landis, University of Oklahoma
October 20, 2014
America in the Middle East
Michael Doran, Brookings Institution
October 28, 2014
The Evolution of the Global Terrorist Threat
Bruce Hoffman, Georgetown University
November 04, 2014
Impact
General Membership: 5,577
Public Programs and Donor Events: 150
Total Annual Attendance: 31,500
THE DILLON ANDERSON LECTURE
On National Security and the Military
We owe our freedom today to the efforts of countless leaders and workers. As one of our nations first national
security advisors, Dillon Anderson was a well known soilder, statesman, and diplomat. We honor him and all those
who have served in the armed forces through a lecture each fall. In 2014 Richard Danzig, 71st Secretary of the Navy,
spoke to us regarding risks to our security that may come from adversarial countries, criminal enterprises, terrorrist
organizations, malevolent individuals, and nature itself.
Are We Ready for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Threats? Cyber, ISIS, Ebola and More
71st Secretary of the Navy
November 11th, 2014
Past speakers:
2013 – Michael Hayden
2012 – Michael Chertoff
2011 – Robert Gates
2010 – Stephen Hadley
2009 – Condoleezza Rice
NOTABLE SPEAKERS
Peter Bergen, CNN
Among our distinguished Council Cabinet speakers this year was Peter Bergen,CNN’s top
National Security Analyst. Also a fellow at Fordham University’s Center on National Security
and the director of the New America’s Foundations National Security Studies Program, Bergen
is known for both his print and television journalism. He discussed Al Qaeda and Osama bin
Laden, a topic which he has written four books about, three of which are New York Times Bestsellers.
Richard Haass, Council on Foreign Relations
President of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a world-class scholar and
diplomat, Richard Haass joined the Council at the Junior Leauge to discuss restoring
American leadership and shaping the next century’s foreign relations. Haass served as
a member of the National Security Council staff for President George W. Bush, and the
director of policy planning in the State Department for President George H.W. Bush
Haass is the author of twelve books on American foreign policy, including his most recent
book: ‘Foreign Policy Begins at Home: the Case for Putting America’s House in Order.’
THE JONES AWARD
Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones International Citizen 2014
Each year the World Affairs Council honors a Houstonian who -- in the
spirit of Jess and Mary Gibbs Jones has contributed to the international
life of the city. Jesse H. Jones was a visionary in his recognition that the
city’s future depended on our international engagement and was largely
responsible for securing the funding for the Houston Ship Channel.
Recognizing: John B. Wlaker, EnerVest, Ltd.
Speaker: Mary L. Landrieu, United States Senator
Energy and Our National Secutiry
April 4, 2014
CORPORATE PROGRAMS
Mayor Brown Energy Innovation Series
Shouldn’t shale energy resources be Washington’s mightiest weapon? Elizabeth
Rosenberg is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy, Environment and
Security Program at the Center for a New American Security. She served as
senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for terrorist financing and
financial crimes, and Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Oil and Natural Gas as a Tool Against Putin?
Elizabeth Rosenberg, Center for New
American Society
April 21st, 2014
WorldQuest 2014
World Quest is an exciting game of international trivia, played with teams
of ten with four rounds of questions. Questions are timely and relevant,
covering topics such as intenraitonal poplitics, current events, economics,
geography, and culture. The corporate challenge allows representatives
from each corporation to compete with trivia knowledge from around the
globe.
WorldQuest Team Sponsors
CHEVRON
Schlumberger
GAS Unlimited
K. Oganowski
OL
J.Ewing
S. Mohammed
EDU
UHY LLP.
K.Olsen
M.Rifkind
Accenture
Shell
IN2 Oil Gas
PwC
Baker Hughes
E. Kostiuk
F. Yacob
Congratulations to the Winning Teams
First Place: Hemorrhagic Dance Fever - AIG
Second Place: Crimea River - OL
Third Place: The Ambassadors -- F. Yacob
COUNCIL CABINET
The Council Cabinet, our fastest growing membership group, provide both the support and leadership necessary
to accomplish our goals. Thanks to Diane Gendel, head of our Cabinet Development Team, we are able to open
membership to all interested with a tax deductible on contributions of or above $1,000.
Al Qaeda 3.0
Peter Bergen, Georgetown University
January 07, 2014
An Emerging Palestinian State - Is Institution Building Succeeding
Nathan Brown, George Washington University
January 16, 2014
Global Connection Series: Croatia
Josip Josko Paro, Ambassador of Croatia
January 27, 2014
The Second Arab Awakening and the Battle for Pluralism
Marwan Muasher, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
February 13, 2014
Thin Ice: The Dangerous Instability of U.S. Russia Relations
Matthew Rojansky , Kennan Institute
February 18, 2014
Inside Iran: What’s Next -- Peace or War?
Robin Wright, Author and Journalist
February 26, 2014
Venezuela Imploding
Mark Schneider, International Crisis Group
March 20, 2014
Freedom and Power in the Digital Age
Ross LaJeunesse, Google Inc.
March 27, 2014
Local Courage, Global Impact: The Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela
H.E. Ibrahim Rasool , Ambassador of S. Africa to U.S.
April 10, 2014
Turkey at the Crossroads
Joshua W. Walker, German Marshall Fund
April 22, 2014
Global Connection Series: France
Sujiro Seam, Consul General of France
April 25, 2014
Cuba: What Every American Needs to Know
Julia Sweig, Council on Foreign Relations
April 30, 2014
Kim Jung Un’s North Korea: Paranoia and Turmoil Withi the Secretive Regime
Bruce Bechtol, Angelo State University
May 08, 2014
Croatia and the Changing Map of Europe
Ivo Josipovic, President of Croatia
May, 15, 2015
Syria and the Broader Middle East: The View from Qatar
H.E. Mohammed Al Kuwari, Ambassador of Qatar to the U.S.
May 21, 2014
Global Connection Series: Argentina
Daniel Deodato, Consul General of Argentina
May 22, 2014
Lawrence in Arabia: Imperial Ambitions and the Making of the Modern Middle East
Scott Anderson, Author and Journalist
June 05, 2014
China in the Age of Ambition
Evan Osnos, The New Yorker
June 12, 2014
Global Connection Series: Greece
Georgios Papanikolaou, Consul General of Greece
June16, 2014
American Diplomacy in a Changing Middle East
Dennis B. Ross, The Washington Institute
June 19, 2014
The Path to Peace: American Leadership and the Two State Solution
Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Street
June 23, 2014
The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba
Julia Cooke, The New School
August 6, 2014
Ukraine’s Crisis, Russia’s Policy, Western Responses
Glen Howard, Jamestown Foundation
August 20, 2014
Ports and Prosperity
Seth Cropsey, Hudson Institute
September 11, 2014
U.S. - India Relations and the Modi Government
Alyssa Ayres, CFR
September 25, 2014
Oil - to - Cash: Fighting the Resource Curse
Todd Moss, Center for Global Development
October 1, 2014
The rise and Inevitable Fall of ISIS
Bobby Ghosh, Journalist
October 7, 2014
Dissidents in China, Russia and Cuba
Emily Parker, New America Foundation
October 8, 2014
Cyber War, Espionage, and Terrorism
Ralph Langner, Brookings Institution
October 15, 2014
The Rise of ISIS: On the Ground in Syria and Iraq
Barak Barfi, New America Foundation
November 18, 2014
What Happens in Syria Does Not Stay in Syria
Joshua Landis, University of Oklahoma
October 29, 2014
Political Crisis in Pakistan
Christine Fair, Georgetown University
November 20, 2014
The Evolution of the Global Terrorist Threat
Bruce Hoffman, Georgetown Univeristy
November 4, 2014
The Frontlines of American Diplomacy
Christopher Hill, University of Denver
December 2, 2014
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The Young Professionals Group is made up of motivated individuals, aged 21-40, who are interested in learning
about their world. YPG members meet and discuss international issues with policy-makers, foreign correspondents,
and local business leaders. Events allow members to develop leadership skills, make new acquaintances, and
build a network.
North Korea: Inside the Hermit Kingdom
Bruce Bechtol, Angelo State University
January 9, 2014
Venezuela on the Edge: Life After Chavez
Rory Carroll, The Guardian, Fmr. Latin American Bur. Chief
June 26, 2014
Turkey, the Opposition & Erdogan
Yurter Ozcan, Republican People’s Party (CHP)
February 6, 2014
‘Argo’ Screening With Two fof the Actual U.S. Embassy Hostages
Joe & Kathy Stafford, Through the FBI
August 19, 2014
War Front to Store Front: Leveraging Ameriac’s Greatest Strength
- It’s Private Sector
Paul Brinkley, North American West Asia Holdings
February 19, 2014
Modi and the Future of India
Dhruva Jaishankar, German Marshall Fund
September 18, 2014
Time to React: The EU and Crisis Response
Heidi Hardi, University of Texas at Arlington
February 27, 2014
Energy 360L The Future of Energy
Helge Haldorsen, Statoil
March 12, 2014
LessonsYet to be Learned: Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam
Celeste Ward Gventer, Fmr Dep. Assit. Sec. of Defense
March 27, 2014
Somebody’s Watching Me: Surveillance, Terrorism, and Civil Liberties
Robert Chesney, University of Texas Law School
March 28, 2014
Rise of the Radical Right in Europe?
David Art, Tufts University
April 3, 2014
Degrading the Threat: Global Counter-Terrorism Strategies
James G. Conway, Fmr. FBI and President of Global Intel, Inc.
September 23, 2014
Private Energy Hall Tour - at HMNS
Houston Museum of Natural Science
October 2, 2014
Now I Know Who My Commerades Are: Internet Dissidents in China, Russia, Cuba
Emily Parker: New America Foundation
October 9, 2014
Putin’s View: Ukraine and the World from a Russian Perspective
Thomas Garza, University of Texas at Austin
October 16, 2014
Midnight in Mexico: Cartels and Narco Violence
Alfredo Corchado, Mexican Bureau Chief, Dallas Morning News
November 11, 2014
Africa Rising: How 900 Million African Consumers Offer More Than You Think
Vijay Mahajan, University of Texas, McCombs School
May 1, 2014
The Rise of ISIS: On the Gound in Syria and Iraq-A First Hand Account
Barak Barfi, New America Foundation
November 19, 2014
The New Cold War?: Ukraine, Putin and the European Union
Nadiya Kravets, Harvard University
May 14, 2014
The Kurds: Autonomy, ISIS, and Their Alliance With the West
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Jamestown Foundation
December 3, 2014
Tunisia: The Arab Awakening’s Best Chance for Success?
Hatem Goucha, Bechtel Corporation
June 11, 2014
Holiday Party 2014
December 17, 2014
Reception: China in the Age of Ambition
Evan Osnos, The New Yorker
June 12, 2014
Impact
YPG membership: 1,136
Total program attendance: 1,651
Average attendance for regular events: 64
YPG members who are either donor or cabinet level members: 44
EDUCATION OUTREACH
The Education Outreach of the World Affairs Council
brings current, international information to students and
teachers in the Houston area. Most student programs
are hosted without charge; we work with both public and
private schools. Our goal is to allow student leaders an
opportunity to meet and interview people of historical
significance in a group setting.
9,500
4,00
125
95
30,000
5,000
IMPACT
students attend Education Outreach programs
teachers attend professional development workshops
schools, colleges, and universities participate
programs for students and teachers
students impacted by WACH lesson plans
awarded in college scholarships
Conversations with History and Noon Briefings
Several times a year, students have the opportunity to attend one of the Council’s luncheons. Speakers have
included former CIA director Michael Hayden and former president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon. In 2014, 200
students attended a luncheon.
Libya Briefing: Security Challenges & U.S. Options
Jonathan Winer, Department of State
August 28, 2014
The Key to Diverse, Secure Energy for Europe
Victor Ponta, Prime Minister of Romania
September 26, 2014
Dillon Anderson Luncheon
Richard Danzing, 71st Secretary of the State
November 11, 2014
Academic WorldQuest
Students put their world-affairs knowledge to the test in this fun, fast-paced, quiz of international facts. Students prepare for the game by keeping up on world news from pre-selected sources for three months prior to
the contest. The winning team is sent to Washington, all expenses paid, to compete nationally. Average attendance: 400 students yearly.
Foreign Language Luncheon Awards
The Foreign Language Awards Luncheons are half day events that honor students, recognize their work and
give them a place to demonstrate their foreign language skills. Native speakers attend the themed luncheons
to provide students the opportunity to use their language skills in a real world setting. Luncheons are open to
huigh school students with coversational proficiency in the following lanuagues: Arabic, French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Madarin and Spanish. 1000 students attended the luncheons in 2014. . Students demonstrate their
language ability through skits, poems, plays, and musical performances.
Gobal Ambassadors
Global Ambassadors are young people who have lived or worked abroad and have expertise on a foreign
country. They visit schools, bringing artifacts, family pictures, and sharing their experiences with students.
Russia
Kingwood High School
February 21, 2014
China
Carl Wunsche High School
October 1, 2014
North Korea
Clements High School
October 8, 2014
Egypt
St. Johns High School
April 8, 2014
Russia
Patrick Henry Middle School
October 6, 2014
Russia
Dulles High School
November 20, 2014
Speaker-to-School
When possible, we bring guest lectures to area schools to speak at conferences or general assemblies.
Turkey Today
Yurter Ozcan, Turkish Political Analyst
The Awty International School
February 6, 2014
Local Courage, Global Impact: The Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela
H.E. Ibrahim Rasool, Ambassador of South Africa to the U.S.
Lone Star College International Conference
April 11, 2014
European Union Security Policu
Francis Burwell, VP & Director - Transatlantic Relations,
Atlantic Council
April 21, 2014
EU-Russia-Ukraine Relations
Erik Brrattberg, Resident Fellow - International Security
Atlantic Council
April 23, 2014
Africa Rising
Vijay Mahajan, Author & Professor, UT Austin
Memorial High School
May 1, 2014
Global Health Careers
Blake A. Dublin, Project Manager
Iman A. Shebaro, Assistant Director
Texas Children’s Hospital International Services
Memorial High School
October 8, 2014
Internet Dissidents in China, Russia, and Cuba
Emily Parker - New America Foundation
Startford High School
October 9, 2014
Putin’s View: Ukraine & the World From a Russian Perspective
Dr. Thomas Garza - University of Texas at Austin
Startford High School
October 16, 2014
What Happens in Syria Does Not Stay in Syria
Joshua Landis, Univeristy of Oklahoma
October 20, 2014
Midnight in Mexico: Narco-Violence & the Cartels
Alfredo Corchado, Mexico Bureau Cheif, Dallas Morning News
November 11, 2014
India and it’s Future with Modi
Dhruva Jaishankar, German Marshall Fund - Asia Program
Lone Star Community College
September 18-19, 2014
Arab World
Raami Khouri
YES PREP Sharpstown
November 13, 2014
Creativity for Peace
St. Johns School and The John Cooper School
October 7, 2014
North Korea Global Nomads
LINK - Liberty in North Korea
Celments High School and Sharpstown International High School
December 2, 2014
International Careers Night
Many of our students dream about international careers. To help them explore the available options, the
Council sponsors International Careers Night annually during National Education Week. Students learn from
professionals in the field of international affairs, oil and gas sector, finance, law, diplomacy, and more.
2014 Panel:
Patricia Villafranca, FBI
John Roberts, U.S. Department of State
Nicole Minor, The Pangaea Network
Grier Wilt, NASA
World Culture Summit
This half-day event brings global cultures alive
for 6th-grade students. Students participate in
a fact-finding scavenger hunt called “Around
the World in 60 minutes.” They learn about the
culture, politics, and economics of a featured
region. Students engage with the various
presenters at exhibit booths and answer
questions related to a country or region.
This year, we welcomed 600 students to our
Exploring Africa Summit. Carlisha Williams,
Founder and CEO of Women Empowering
Nations, an NGO working with girls from
Oklahoma and The Gambia, Africa.
Young Leaders Forum
The Young Leader’s Forum is a speaker series by students and for students. Held five times a year, it gives high
school students an opportunity to meet world leaders and discuss current global issues that concern them
most. Students act as event hosts and introduce speakers. Public speaking, leadership skills and protocol are
stressed at each forum. Recently, Madeleine Albright talked to students about US foreign policy, Ambassador
Ryan Crocker gave a briefing on Iraq, and Vicente Fox talked about the challenges Mexico faces in the current
economic climate.
Inside Iran
Robin Wright, Author and Journalist
February 26, 2014
Oil-to-Cash: Fighting the Resource Curse
Todd Moss, Center for Global Development
October 1, 2014
Turkey at the Crossroads
Joshua Walker, German Marshall Fund
April 22, 2014
Global Terrorist Threat
Bruce Hoffman, Georgetown University
November 4, 2014
Kim Jung Un’s North Korea: Paranoia and Turmoil Within the Secretive Regime
Bruce Bechtol, Angelo State University
May 8, 2014
The Way Forward for Palestinians and Israelis
Ari Shavit, Journalist
November 17, 2014
Tracking Global Health Challenges -Texas Children’s Hospital Global Health Initiative
Adam Gibson, International Business Development Specialist,
Blake Dublin, Project Manager,
Elsie Ishigami, Manager of Global Initiative for Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
September 18, 2014
North Korea Global Nomads
LINK: Liberty in North Korea
December 2, 2014
World Affairs Student Scholarship
Each year, with the assistance of the Greater Texas Foundation, the Council awards one $2,500 scholarship to a
deserving high school student. The recipient must have a demonstrated academic ability, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. They must have an interest in international issues and have attended at least
three Council events. IMPACT: Over $25,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving students in the
Houston area.
Student Diplomats
High school students who attend three or more Council programs during the year are recognized as Student
Diplomats at an end of season ceremony. They receive a t-shirt and a certificate, and can add Student Diplomat
participation to their college applications. It is evidence of an academic, extracurricular activity that demonstrates seriousness and readiness for college-level work. IMPACT: 350 students received the Student Diplomat
award in 2013.
Global Perspectives Workshop for Educators
Created to expand our impact on teachers in the Houston
area, Global Connections is an exciting partnership between
the World Affairs Council of Houston and Federal Reserve
Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch. Through this program, we
offeredr four professional development workshops in 2014.
These half-day professional development workshops give
teachers classroom-ready information on the economic,
political, and cultural issues of the country. Each workshop
includes lectures by leading experts, lesson plans, and
instructional resources. The content and curriculum are
designed for teachers at the middle school, high school,
and college level.
The State Board of Educator Certification has approved the World Affairs Council to furnish continuing professional
education to teachers. The workshops are pending approval for four hours of Gifted and Talented credit.
Women & Global Poverty
Jeni Klugman, Director, Gender & Development, World Bank
Chinhui Juhn, Professor of Economics, University of Houston
Cristal Montanez Baylor, Executive Director, Hashoo Foundation
January 25, 2014
Cuba Today
Dr. Andy Gomez, Uiversity of Miami- Cuba Center
Dr. Jeff Lash, Professor of Geography, U of H Clearlake
Melissa Cohen-Nickles, World Cultures Teacher, First Colony Middle School
Director
September 13, 2014
World Refugees
Sara Kauffman, Director, Refugee Services of Texas
Amelia Delanda, Refugee Outreach Worker, HISD
Ali Al Sudani, Director of Refugee Services, Interfaith Ministeries
Marie Moreno, Principal, Las Americas School
March 1, 2014
The Ukraine
Dr. Serhuy Kudelia, Baylor University
Michael Cecire, Black Sea Analyst
Kseniya Kylova, Russia Global Ambassador
November 8, 2014
Educator Forums
Our forums are one or twohour workshops, each fully
accredited, on very specific topics.
Digital Tools for an International Classroom
Ben Blink, Public Policy Analyst, Google
March 26, 2014
Jews in Shanghai
Liao Guangjun, Section Cheif of Shanghai
Hongkou District Foreign Affairs Office
Advisor to Curator of the SHanghai Jewish
Refugees Museum
September 11, 2014
Global Port of Houston
Gilda Ramirez, Port of Houston Authority
Pat Jasper, Director of folklore, Houston Arts
Alliance
Linda Ho Peche,
December 3, 2014
International Travel for Teachers
International travel helps teachers enhance their skills and increase
their knowledge. When teachers travel together, they exchange
teaching tips and share classroom ideas, making the trip beneficial
on many levels. We have hosted teacher trips to China, Vietnam and
Cambodia, Turkey, Russia, India, Canada, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia
with expenses largely paid by the Council. Priority consideration is
given to those whose subject area is most relevant to the destination
and to teachers who participate in World Affairs Council programs.
The Council is pleased to sponsor international travel opportunities
for teachers to thank them for all their hard work.
Cuba
5 Teachers
March 6, 2014
Getting to Know the European
Union: Berlin, Brussels, Warsaw
10 Teachers
March 11, 2014
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL - A Bridge to Understanding
International travel is a natural extension of the Council’s mission. Destinations are chosen for their geopolitical
interest, as we explore critical regions during times of change. Pre-trip briefings help travelers get the most out
of each trip. Working with Houston’s diplomatic corps, we are able to arrange in-country briefings and extraordinary people-to-people exchanges. Though our goals are serious, we also want people to have fun. A rich,
learning experience is combined with good hotels, visits to cultural and historical sites, and exposure to the local social life. Friendships made on the trips continue, through post trip gatherings and further travel. In 2014,
Council members traveled to Cuba, Washington D.C., Berlin and Warsaw, Tanzania, Cyprus, Greece, and Iran.
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
Officers
John Bretz, Chairman
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Michaela E. Greenan, President
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Arnold Johnson, Vice-president
Noble Energy, Inc.
Mark Anderson, Treasurer
UHY LLP
Nancy MacKimm, Secretary
Jones Day
Board of Directors
Peter A. Barbara
McGriff, Seibels, Williams of TX, Inc.
George Boss
The Boss Group
John Brantley
Bracewell Giuliani LLP
John Brantley
Bracewell & Guiliani LLP
John Bertz
Andarko Petroleum Corporation
Shell Oil Company
Martha Turner Properties
Shara Fryer
Radio Host KTRN
Leyla Rzakulieva
ExxonMobil
Diane Gendel
Civic Leader
Andrew Schirrmeister, III
Schirrmeister Diaz-Arrista-Berm, LLP
Michaela Greenan
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Jennifer M. Smith
Baker Botts LLP
Judge Lynn N. Hughes
United States District Court
Robert Smith III
Texas A&M
Arnold Johnson
Noble Energy, Inc.
S. Soma Somasundaram
Dover Corporation
David B. Jones
Dini Partners
Telisa Toliver
Chevron
Stephen Kramer, MD
FaberKramer Pharmaceuticals
William J. Toomey, II
BB&T Branch Banking and Trust Company
Layne E. Kruse
Norton Rose Fulbright
Jesse Tutor
Accenture (retired)
Christine LaFollette
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Jose Valera
Mayer Brown LLP
Lindy Looger
EOG Resources, Inc.
Astrid Van Dyke
Van Dyke Energy Company
Nancy MacKimm
Jones Day
Gene H. Vaughan
Vaughan Investments
Beth Madison
Madison Benefits Group
Rich Chandler
CBI
Sid McClendon
Galen Cobb
Halliburton
Pat Moran
Moran Exploration LP
Alan R. Crain
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Sally Morian
Dixie Chemical
Phil DeLozier
EnerVest, Ltd.
Ewell“Pat” Murphy, Jr.
Attorney
Dan Domeracki
Schlumberger
Peter Nassab
ConocoPhillips
Antony DSouza
DNV GL
Maureen O’Driscoll-Levy, MD
Civic Leader
Michol L. Ecklund
Marathon Oil Company
Matthew Pilon
Simmons and Company International
Benjamin Fink
Western Gas Partners, LP
Louis Raspino
Pride International (retired)
Dick Francis
Martha Rocks
Advisory Board
Charles Butt
Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr
Robert L. Clarke
James C. Day
Joe Foster
Robert Ivany
Charles Miller
Chase Untermeyer
Ed Wulfe
Board Diplomat
Charles C. Foster
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Revenue Travel General Programs
Membership & Donations
Travel
Programs $484,944.92
$1,141,718.34
$360,380.79
Membership and Dona2ons Expense Employee expenses
General office
Program
Marketing
Travel
$580,500.84
$154,328.60
$497,992.10
$56,485.62
$381,725.24
Travel Employee expenses Marke6ng Program General Office CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT
$60,000
Chevron
Shell
$50,000
Anadarko Petroleum
Moran Exploration LP
$30,000
$35,000
Madison Benefits Group
Schlumberger
$25,000
BP
CB&I
Baker Hughes
ConocoPhillips
Marathon Oil Company
$15,000
$20,000
Noble Energy, Inc.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Wells Fargo
ExxonMobil
Occidental Petroleum
Halliburton
$7,500
$10,000
Deloitte LLP
DNV GL
Four Point Energy
Phillips66
Mayer Brown LLP
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
Vinson & Elkins
Amegy Bank
American Energy Partners, LP
Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Cadence Bank
Carleton Speed Family Foundation
Evercore Partners
Haynes and Boone
Jones Day
Opportune LLP
Schirrmeister Diaz-Arrastia
Brem, LLP
UHY LLP
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Foundation
Aramco Services
EnerVest, Ltd.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Zions Management Contributions
$5,000
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Bank of America
BB&T Branch Banking and Trust
Company
James & Theresa Day Foundation
Dover Corporation
EOG Resources, Inc.
Ernst & Young
Federal Reserve Bank
Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation
Hart Energy
Hilcorp Energy Company
Insperity
J.P. Morgan
Lathom & Watloms LLP
$2,500
Accenture
FosterQuan L.L.P.
Frost Bank
Houston Public Media
Jackson Walker, L.L.P.
Post Oak Bank
Raymond James
Wortham Insurance & Risk Management
Zenith International Holdings LTD
Lockton Companies
Macquarie Tristone
McGriff, Seibels & Williams of TX, Inc.
Nalco Company
PESA
Petrologistics LP
Port of Houston Authority
The Powell Foundation
Quantum Energy Partners
Quantum Resources
Simmons & Company International
SM Energy
Thompson & Knight
Union Bank
Van Dyke Energy Company
Western Gas Partners, LP
$1,000
Burleson LLP
Dini Spheris
Fabre-Kramer Pharmaceuticals
National Oilwell Varco
$500
Taipei Economic and Culutural Office
Federal Reserve Bank
DONORS
$20,000 - $25,000
Phil DeLozier
Pat Moran
$10,000-$19,999
Benjamin and Jennifer Fink
Maureen O’Driscoll-Levy
The John Walker Family
$5,000-$9,999
Mark Anderson
Dan Domeracki
Michaela Greenan
Arne Johnson
Judge Lynn and Olive Hughes
Alan Livingston and Nancy Sauer
Lindy Looger
Scott Marks
Sarah Morian and Michael Clark
Soma Somasundaram
$2000-$4,999
John Bretz
Linnet Deily
Shara Fryer
Stephen and Lauren Kramer
Layne Kruse
Sid McClendon
Kim and Melody Meyer
Ewell Murphy, Jr.
Louis and Cheryl Raspino
Bruce Siberts
Jennifer Smith
Mike Osbourne and Ginger Snider
Eugene and Susan Vaughan
Bill and Agnete Vaughan
William Wally
$1000-$1,999
John Ambler
Rudeina and Leen Baasiri
Joni Baird
Pamela Baker
Peter and Jackie Barbara
John Barlow and Peggy Overly
Tony Best
Rob Bilger
Dana Blume
James A. and Susan Boone
George and Anne Boss
Larry and Bowden Ambrose
John R. Brantley
Johnny Brooks
Scott Bub
C. Robert Bunch and Lilia Khakimova
D Burhan and Misako Ajouz
Terry Burleson
Anne Butler
Rich Chandler
Oakley Cheney
John Chimenti and Madge Bender
Virginia Clark
Galen Cobb
Jann Cobler and Carrington Weems
Leon and Julia Codron
Carolyn Colias
Dan Condley
Paul Cornell
Alan and Malinda Crain
Sharon Curran-Wescott and Earle F. Wescott
Maria Curtis
Lance Dardis
Platt Davis
Chad and M. Elizabeth Deaton
John Dickerson and Karolina Adam
Richard Dickson
Joe Dilg
Mark W. and Laura Dobbins
Stan Doctor
Steve and Jennifer Dolman
Jimmy and Karen Dunne
Michol Ecklund and Nicole Singer
Richard Eichler
Charles Gregory Evans
Richard Arthur Evans and Raymond Garcia
Harry and Diane Gendel
Rae Fairfield
Ursula Felmet
Raquel Fernandez and Richard Dickson
William and Elizabeth Finger
Del Fischer and Carol King
Charles Foster
Joe and Harriet Foster
Dick Francis
Robert and Jo Ann Fry
Emily Gautreaux
Hannah Gibson
Carman Gillis
Jill Glanville
Michael Glover
Bob and Sandy Gomel
Vijay and Marie Goradia
Nancy Grason and Richard Dixon
Kim Gustavsson and Jack Caliva
Zahava Haenosh and Bill Spitz
Joseph and Merrill Hafner
Kathryn Hale
Uzi and Micki Halevy
Mark and Kristin Hall
Dan Hammer
Muhammad and Sabeen Hasan
David Haug
Jeffery Hildebrand
Howard House
Matthew and Mary Ann Hughes
Lindsay Hyman
Roger Igo
Robert Ivany and Dr. Hans Stockton
Jhershierra Jelsma
Arnold Johnson
John Paul and Martha Johnson
Catherine Kaldis
John and Alayne Kane
David and Amy Kapiloff
Arthur Kaplun
Stephen and Ann Kaufman
Robert Keepers
Ed Klein
Igor Kliakhandler and Ekaterina Podossinnikova
Alma Kombargi
SreyReath and SreyRam Kuy
Christine LaFollette
Cynthia Laird
Jenna Laird
Bruce Laws
Ariel and Doreen Leibovitz
Jorge and Ann Leis
David LePori
Irwin and Ora Levowitz
Mike Loya
David Lumpkins
Kris Lyons
Nancy MacKimm
Beth Madison
Jay and Shirley Marks
Steve and Mary Lynn Marks
Vicki Martin-Odette
Aubrey McClendon
Loraine McMurrey
Nancy McNee Newell
Nolan Metzger
Jay Mincks
Bruce and Janet Misamore
Michael Moore
Nancy Morrison
Peter Nassab
Michael Osborne and Ginger Snider
Ayaz Nasser and Manoush Shahbaz
Victor Obadiah
Rob and Linda Parrish
Michael Pearson
Daron Peschel
Matthew and Priscilla Pilon
Pamela Powers
Perry and Rose (Bunny) Radoff
TJ Raguso
Gilda Ramirez
Ben A. and Linda C. Reid
Michael and Anne Reizer
Anthony Reso and Natalie Breath
Anne Retzler and Ron Baklarz
Martha Rocks and Marvin McMurrey
Lili Rubin
Gail Rosenthal
Lili Rubin and Richard Scheckter
Daniel Sadik
Andrew Schirrmeister, III
Sue Schwartz
Sajid Sharif
Mark and Sylvia Russell
Don Schlossberg
Joan Schnitzer-Levy
Hermann and Gertrud Schroeder
Sue Schwartz
Nithy Sevanthinathan
Jo Sherwood and Dino Romano
Loren Singletary
Linda Skiles
Alan Smith
Ryan Smith
George Solich
Veronica and Katherine Smith
Robert Smith III
John and Katherine Stanton
Maria Straus
Heather Swannie
Bill Taylor and Jacqueline Hamilton Taylor
Richard and Kathleen Theriault
Tim Thompson and Carmenza Perdomo
DONORS
Telisa Toliver
William Toomey, II
Gerard and Kim Trevino
Keith and Jane Trotman
Nancy Turner
Jesse and Betty Tutor
Kristen Vacek
Jose Valera
Astrid Van Dyke
Wil VanLoh, Jr.
Philip Vasquez
Michael Walsh
Gantt Walton
Jack and Diane Webb
George Willy and Chiranjaya Nanayakkara
Steven Wisch
Win and Mary Wolff
Daisy Wong
Susan Wong and Joni Verdina
Susan Wood
George Wozencraft
Shirley Wozencraft and Charles Goodwin
Michael Wynne
Mike Yawn
Frank and R. Linda Yelin
Yousuf and Omar Zakaria
Fred Zeidman
$500-$999
Rafael and Normal Alvarez
Pamela Boring
Charles and Anne Duncan, Jr.
Elsie Eckert
Hebert and Mary Goodman
Brad and Linda Harmes
Malcom and Kate Hawk
Judy and Steven Howell
David Jones
Russell Neel and Debra Fabian
Pete Seale and Chalon Fontaine
Robert Shelton
Irena Witt
Beth Wolff
$250-$499
Dorit and Marty Aaron
Vera and Andrew Baker
Karriette Bearden
Don and Lynne Best
Mike and Donna Boyd
John Brett and Lindsay Mae Wright
Bette Brinson
Marilyn Caplovitz
John and Margot Carter
Keith And Sandra Chunn
Gus and Karen Comiskey, Jr.
Caludine de Ramaix Cloots and Yves Cloots
Patricia and David Dewhurst
John and Margaret P. Douglass
Carl and Katherine Evans
Clint and Kryston Fisher
D.V. “Sonny” Flores
Theodore and Louana Frois
Terry and Shifra Gardner
Sherry Harber
Russell and Maarit Harp
Thomas and Rana K. Hassen
George and Antonia Helland
Michael and Nancy Henderek
Anna Marie Hinojos
Jamie House
Robert and Darelen Howell
Deborah and Tracy Hubbs
Pat and Pamela S. Hughes
Bob and Kathryn Hurt
Sandra and Richard Jackson
Linda and Charles Jenkins
David Jones
Richard Josephson
Raymond and Barbara Kalmans
Leonidas (lee) Kapetanakis
Salim and Adam Kassam
John and Leanne G. Kessler
Jamil and Farooq Khan
Robert Kruckemeyer
James (Jim) and Pat Lanier
Amy Lecoq and Richard Shapiro
Calvin Leeke
Max and Rochelle Levit
Pat Lykos and William A. Allen
Cora Mach
Marion McCollam
Gery McGreevy
Nelson Messinger and Elizabeth Scarborough
Janet Moore and Harvin Moore IV
Susan Morrison
Karen and Adam Oganowski
John and Hashuli Papadopoulos
Randy and Jackie Pineda
Lavanya Rastogi
Jo Reid
Raemi Remigio
George Rincon
Eduardo and Aleida Rios
Stephanie and Erin Rudd
Srthur Schechter
Maripat Sexton and Paul Titterington
Leon and Judy Smith
Reed Smith
Yale Smith
Guido Stefanelli
Tina Raham and Jonathan Stewart
Carl Stutts and Tessa Lesley
Linda Suib and Mark Stern
Saddat Syal
Wolfgan and Signe Thoene
Pat and Leon Thomsen
Richard and Ann D. Vaughan
Duane Wagner and Adriana Morales
Anthony and Susan Walter
Joseph Watson and Dr, Bita Esmaeli
Robert and Ann Weisgarber
Karen Wildenstein
Walter and Marions Winius
Robert and Elizabeth Wise
Hugo Zagaria
Syed Zaman and Tina Tran
$125-$249
Rene Algeria
Eric Anderson
Jesse Atkins III
Jide Ayangade and Ann Theresa Wittman
Jack and Sandy Baber
Sharam and Maryam Badrei
Beverly Barrett
Marjorie Meaudet
Nell and Ed Belanger
Farryl Bernell
Ira and Jo Ann Bernstein
Joanne and Donald Brodsky
Ron Chapman
Roger Christensen
Mary and Richard Clark
Marianne Cooley
Carl and Leslie Crow
Joseph Davenport
James Del Monte
Sally Dewitt and Thomas Campbell
Melvin and Frieda Dow
James Easton
J. Chris and Cindy Eckhart
John and Barbars Eckhart
Jack and Diane Eckels
Brendand and Nicole Ederle
Kathleen and Keith Ellison
Dan and Kay English
Eliezer and Ruth Ereli
Dell and Loye Y. Hollis Felder
Steven and Seth Finkleman
Charles and Edith Fischer
Alan and iris Fisherman
Mark and Rajada Fleming
William Flores and Noel Bezette-Flores
DONORS
Angelina Fonseca
Leesa Foster and Dawn Herrington
Dean and Jane Gladden
Jay Glick
Joanne Goff
Jose Gonzalez Jauregui
Michael and Ruzena Gordon
John and Sheryl Gorman
Garry and Nancy Guilloud
Kenneth and Annette Hallock
Joseph and Kristin Hayles
Londa and Tracy Hester
David and Trish Heup
Maureen Higdon
Kurt and Diane Hillman
Mike and Diane Hopkins
Tim Horan
Georges and Anne Marie Hostache
Noel Irizarry and Marielba Diaz
Ravi Jaisinghani and Patty Larason
Robert and Christine Johnson
Whitney Jopling
Celine Kaplan and Jean Mintz
Marvin and Joan Kaplan
Mavis and Wendy Kelsey
Polina Kharmats and Matthew J. Arabie
Kim Klitgord and Susan M. Agar
Elizabeth Kostiuk
Seth and Lynette Kravitz
Jan Lea
Louis LeBourgeois
Kimberly and Timothy Lesniak
Charles and Lucy Lewis
Dennis and Barbara Loughride
Mary and Chuck Marhsall
William and Lucinda Matthews
Amin Mawji
J.D. Mcgraw
Darra McMullen
Audrey and Robert Gordon Meltzer
Suzan Miles
Jane Muse
H.Nuget and Mary Myrick
Norman and Karyn Nabhan
William Nolen
William and Cary Okerlund
Robert Overbey
Ulrike Owens
Erin Powers
Jim Prock and Jeff Brown
Randy and Myra Pullin
James and Patricia Raymond
Fred and Mildred Reitman
Audrey Rose
Lutfi Rukab
John Ruskis G.G.
Susan Rutherford
Dennis Schepps
Linda Schwartz
George Segersbol
Mariana Servitje
Jenny Spalding and Michael Dailey
Millie Stelzig
Myron Steves
Robert and June Stobaugh
Manik Talwani
Libby Taylor and Chelsea Keeton
Halley Trevas
Phillip Tuttle
Joinel (Joe) Vilmael
Laura Vinas Jahn
Bob and Virginia Warnsman
Sherry and Mark Weesner
Mike and Joan Weltzien
Duane Windsor and Sandy Max
Bill Wright III
Michael and Robin Yeager
Matthew and Jodi Zajac
Thank you for
supporting the
Council!