World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s jazz history—its past and present—enriches our community and continues to breathe life into our hope of becoming a global city and region.

Join us at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival this weekend! 🎷 This free event features an amazing lineup of international jazz musicians. 🌎 Don’t forget your folding chair to enjoy the tunes.

For more details, visit . See you there! 🎶

This is your last call to register for the “Global Learning for a Local Workforce” educator cohort. Registration closes tomorrow, Friday, September 20—secure your spot today! 🙌🏼

Offered at no cost to Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties school districts, “Global Learning for a Local Workforce” is a program designed for middle and high school educators, counselors, and administrations who are interested in bringing 21st century workforce readiness to their students.

What’s included?
- 4 PD sessions, including 2 site visits with local employers
-Networking opportunities with local businesses, national organizations, and other educational leaders
-Lunch and refreshments
- A $50 Sheetz gift card to offset your travel costs
- Act 48 credit

⏰ Registration closes on September 20. Don’t miss this opportunity, register at worldpittsburgh.org/global-learning-local-workforce

We’re thrilled to announce that David Hickton, founder of Pitt Cyber and former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PA, will join us for Protecting Our Elections: Analyzing 2024 AI Threats & Lessons in Resilience from Around the World.

David founded Pitt Cyber to provide a unique interdisciplinary environment for tackling cyber challenges and address the critical questions of networks, data, and algorithms, focusing on the ever-changing gaps among law, policy, and technology. Recently, he was nominated by President Biden to serve on the Public Interest Declassification Board for a three-year term through January 10, 2027. David is a Non-Resident Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies and a Distinguished Fellow of the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy. From May 2020 to June 2021, he served as staff director and senior counsel to the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

The program will begin at 5PM with networking, interactive AI presentations, and complimentary appetizers, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. This event is free and open to the public.

For more details and to register, visit worldpittsburgh.org/protecting-elections

Don’t miss your chance to join the “Global Learning for a Local Workforce” educator cohort. The registration deadline has been extended to Friday, September 20—secure your spot today!

Offered at no cost to Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties school districts, “Global Learning for a Local Workforce” is a program designed for middle and high school educators, counselors, and administrations who are interested in bringing 21st century workforce readiness to their students.

What’s included?
- 4 PD sessions, including 2 site visits with local employers
- Networking opportunities with local businesses, national organizations, and other educational leaders
- Lunch and refreshments
- A $50 Sheetz gift card to offset your travel costs
- Act 48 credit

Don’t miss this enriching opportunity, to register and learn more visit:
worldpittsburgh.org/global-learning-local-workforce

Apply to be a part of the Global Citizens Fellowship program. 🌎

Through this 7-month multidisciplinary program, leaders from across various sectors will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of global perspectives, forge meaningful connections, and embark on a journey of transformative leadership.

Women from all backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives are invited and encouraged to apply!

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. Applications close on Monday, October 14, at 5PM.

To apply, go to: worldpittsburgh.org/global-citizens-fellowship-2025

📣 IU1 Educators—There’s less than one week left to register for “Global Learning for a Local Workforce,” and we are excited to announce our first site visit!
Through 4 professional development sessions, you’ll gain new skills and insights to prepare your students for the 21st century workforce.

Sessions kick off on Wednesday, September 25, with a visit to DMI Companies, Inc. in Charleroi, PA. There, you’ll tour DMI Companies’ manufacturing plant, hear from team members in various positions, learn about the skills students will need to be competitive in our local workforce, and explore how “global learning” and “future readiness” connect to your classroom or school context.

This opportunity is offered at no cost to middle and high school teachers, counselors, and administrators in IU1. District teams of 2 or more are encouraged to sign up.

To learn more and register, visit worldpittsburgh.org/global-learning-local-workforce

“The U.S. authorities have repeatedly warned that foreign governments would seek to meddle in the upcoming presidential election. It now appears they were right.” Tune in to The Daily where David E. Sanger, a White House and national security correspondent tells the story of the first major cyberattack of the 2024 campaign.

How does this incident fit into the broader spectrum of election threats? What lessons can we draw from elections around the world? Join us for an in-depth discussion with the Alliance for Securing Democracy on September 25, where we’ll explore these questions.

🗓️Wednesday, September 25
Doors open 5PM
📍KST’s Alloy Studios
5530 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. (The entrance is located on Stratford Ave.
🔗RSVP: http://worldpittsburgh.org/protecting-elections
🎧Listen to The Daily with the link in our bio.

“The U.S. authorities have repeatedly warned that foreign governments would seek to meddle in the upcoming presidential election. It now appears they were right.” Tune in to The Daily where David E. Sanger, a White House and national security correspondent tells the story of the first major cyberattack of the 2024 campaign.

How does this incident fit into the broader spectrum of election threats? What lessons can we draw from elections around the world? Join us for an in-depth discussion with the Alliance for Securing Democracy on September 25, where we’ll explore these questions.

🗓 Wednesday, September 25
⏰ Doors open 5PM
📍KST’s Alloy Studios
5530 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. (The entrance is located on Stratford Ave.

🔗RSVP: worldpittsburgh.org/protecting-elections
Listen to the Podcast here: nytimes.com/2024/08/27/podcasts/the-daily/hacking-2024-election.html?smid=url-share

Calling IU1 Educators! 📚
Register for a new professional development opportunity, “Global Learning for a Local Workforce.” This program is for middle and high school educators—from any subject area—in IU1 school districts who are interested in bringing career-connected learning and future readiness to their students.

The program content will be delivered through a combination of 4 in-person and virtual sessions, including 2 in-person site visits. Sessions kick off on September 25 and culminate in a final showcase in mid-November.

This program is offered at no cost to middle and high school teachers, counselors, and administrators in Fayette, Greene, and Washington County school districts.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply by September 18.

For more information—including updated session locations—and to register, visit worldpittsburgh.org/global-learning-local-workforce

Meet our second set of co-chairs for this year’s Soiree – Evan and Holly Frazier! ✨

Evan Frazier is a corporate executive, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and family man. He currently serves as the president and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute and is a corporate director for Dollar Bank. Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier is an educator, digital content creator, podcast host, and was a TV personality on the Lifetime show Dance Moms. She holds a doctorate degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Holly and Evan are deeply involved in the Pittsburgh community, where they serve on multiple nonprofit boards spanning various sectors. Through his work, Evan focuses on developing African American executive leadership, and Holly contributes to Travel and Leisure Asia as a writer and content creator.

They are both thrilled to serve as co-chairs of HARMONIOUS: A Celebratory Symphony of Cultures, motivated by their common passion for supporting organizations that foster youth and adult learning.

Stay tuned for the announcement of our next set of co-chairs coming soon! 🙌🏼

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to worldpittsburgh.org/soiree

Only 2 days until The Role of Arts and Culture in Building Global Cities! Join us on Friday, September 6, for happy hour, a musical performance, and an insightful conversation.

Our featured speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Together, they will explore Pittsburgh's cultural history — from August Wilson to countless jazz legends — and engage with the audience on how we can become a truly global city.

🌟 Dr. Kendra Ross is the Head of Social Impact at Duolingo. She is an award-winning musical artist, educator, executive, and entrepreneur in Pittsburgh, PA. Ross is passionate about cultivating greater equity through arts, culture, education, and technology.

🌟 Janis Burley Wilson serves as the CEO and President of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. She has been a leader in the arts for nearly two decades in Pittsburgh and beyond. In 2011, Wilson pioneered the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, revitalizing the jazz scene in Pittsburgh.

🌟 Dr. Ariel Armony is the author of "Emerging Global Cities: Origin, Structure, and Significance." He serves as the Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs and Director of the University Center for International Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Armony is dedicated to advancing the University's global plan "Embracing the World," which prioritizes global learning, research, partnerships, and community engagement at the heart of the University's mission.

🎶 Musical performance by: Hugo Cruz and Caminos Trio. The band uniquely blends Afro-Cuban, Cuban, jazz, funk, and R&B rhythms and melodies, creating a contemporary sound that honors traditional Cuban forms.

Hear from all our speakers on September 6, starting at 4PM at the Morgan-Lee Arts Centre.

To RSVP and learn more, visit worldpittsburgh.org/arts-global-cities.
Space is filling up. Make sure to secure your spot!

We’re less than a week away from The Role of Arts and Culture in Building Global Cities! 🌎

The significant impact of the arts on our local economy was highlighted recently in Pittsburgh Magazine in collaboration with the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. According to the report, "The arts is a driver of tourism: 29% of respondents were visitors and 56.2% of those reported 'the primary purpose was to specifically attend a performance, event, exhibit, venue or facility.' The arts supported 18,538 jobs and contributed $267 million in tax revenue to local, state and federal governments."

Dr. Kendra Ross, Janis Burley Wilson and Dr. Ariel Armony will delve into Pittsburgh's rich cultural history—from August Wilson to countless jazz legends—and discuss how we can leverage this heritage to become a truly global city.

RSVP today and don't miss this insightful conversation and musical performance by Hugo Cruz and Camios Trio! 🔗 worldpittsburgh.org/arts-global-cities

🗓️Friday, September 6
⏰Musical performance & happy hour: 4PM
Conversation/Q&A: 5PM
📍The Morgan-Lee Arts Centre
2900 Bedford AvePittsburgh, PA 15219

We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our newest program, Protecting Our Elections: Analyzing 2024 Threats & Lessons in Resilience from Around the World. 🌎

Join us and the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund to explore threats to the 2024 US election and others around the world, including from foreign influence, the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), and false election integrity narratives.

🗓 Wednesday, September 6
⏰ Doors open 5PM
Conversation/Q&A: 6PM
📍KST’s Alloy Studios
5530 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
🔗RSVP: worldpittsburgh.org/protecting-elections

Make sure to secure your spot. 🙌🏼

Applications are NOW OPEN for our Global Citizens Fellowship! 🌎

Through the Fellowship, Pittsburgh leaders across sectors will deepen their understanding of global perspectives, cultivate meaningful connections, and begin to transform their leadership. The cohort program will run from January through August 2025.

Women from all backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives are invited and encouraged to apply! 🙌🏼

To learn more and apply by October 14, visit: worldpittsburgh.org/global-citizens-fellowship-2025

What is the role of Arts and Culture in Building Global Cities? Join us next Friday, September 6, at 4 PM for a special evening of conversation and music as we explore this question. 🌎

The program will start with a happy hour featuring a musical performance by Hugo Cruz and the Caminos Trio. Followed by an insightful discussion exploring Pittsburgh's rich cultural history with Dr. Kendra Ross, Janis Burley Wilson, and Dr. Ariel Armony.

🗓️Friday, September 6
⏰Musical performance & happy hour: 4PM
Conversation/Q&A: 5PM
📍The Morgan-Lee Arts Center
(Located in the Hill Dance Academy Theatre building)
2900 Bedford AvePittsburgh, PA 15219
🔗 Register today: worldpittsburgh.org/arts-global-cities

Last Friday, we had the opportunity to bring together our Global Citizens Fellows for a full day of workshops focused on AI, AI governance, and present challenges associated with its rapid deployment. 🌎

Throughout the day, we were thrilled to be joined by David Hickton, , Alison Treaster, .ai , Dr. Heather Ashby, and the National Security for Peace, and Chris Martin from the AI Hub. We also heard from Rachael Dean Wilson and Bret Schafer from the .

Stay tuned for more updates from this wonderful cohort as they advance through their program and for the upcoming launch of the next cohort. 🙌🏼

A big thanks to for hosting our Fellows!

We’re thrilled to introduce the first set of co-chairs for our Soiree, HARMONIOUS: A Celebratory Symphony of Cultures. 🎶

🥁Drumroll🥁 Leigh Solomon Pugliano and David-Michael Pugliano! ✨(, )

Leigh is an entrepreneur, musician, and strategist currently leading The Equity | Impact Center (). David-Michael a site development consultant, music producer, and co-founder of .

The couple proudly embraces their diverse immigrant roots, which inspire their community work and life at home with their three daughters. David-Michael, a child of Italian immigrants, and Leigh, a Guyanese immigrant, understand the value of accepting and celebrating cultures and cultivating global awareness.

“We are honored to serve as co-chairs for this event and support the Council’s mission to connect people around global issues and vision for a globally connected world that is equitable and just for all,” the couple says about our upcoming celebration on October 4. 🎉

We are grateful to Leigh and David-Michael for supporting the Council and making our Soiree successful!

Stay tuned we’ll be revealing the next set of Soiree co-chairs very soon! 🙌🏼

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to bit.ly/wac-soiree-2024

We're thrilled to introduce the first set of co-chairs for our Soiree, HARMONIOUS: A Celebratory Symphony of Cultures. 🎶

🥁Drumroll🥁 Leigh Solomon Pugliano and David-Michael Pugliano! ✨
Leigh is an entrepreneur, musician, and strategist currently leading The Equity Impact Center . David-Michael is a site development consultant, music producer, and co-founder of .

The couple proudly embraces their diverse immigrant roots, which inspire their community work and life at home with their three daughters. David-Michael, a child of Italian immigrants, and Leigh, a Guyanese immigrant, understand the value of accepting and celebrating cultures and cultivating global awareness. 🌎

“We are honored to serve as co-chairs for this event and support the Council's mission to connect people around global issues and vision for a globally connected world that is equitable and just for all,” the couple says about our upcoming celebration on October 4. 🎉

We are grateful to Leigh and David-Michael for supporting the Council and making our Soiree successful!

Stay tuned, we will be revealing the next set of Soiree co-chairs very soon! 🙌🏼

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to bit.ly/wac-soiree-2024

To learn more about Leigh and David-Michael's work, visit:
Limelight Creative: limelightcreative.com
Equity | Impact Center: equityimpactcenter.org

📢 Undergraduate students: Apply to be the Council's nominee for the Student Scholars program!

If selected, the Student Scholar will have the opportunity to attend the WACA National Conference at no cost and participate in an exclusive excursion into DC to envision their global future and prepare to take the next steps in their education and career.

⏰ The deadline to apply is Monday, Sept 2. Don’t miss out!

To apply and learn more visit: bit.ly/waca-conference

We're excited to announce a new speaker and a special musical guest for our upcoming event on September 6! 🎉

Join us for happy hour with a performance by Hugo Cruz and Caminos Trio, followed by an insightful discussion featuring Dr. Kendra Ross, Janis Burley Wilson, and Dr. Ariel Armony.

Together the speakers will explore Pittsburgh's cultural history – from August Wilson to countless jazz legends – and engage with attendees on how we can become a truly global city. 🌎

What to expect? Incredible music. Engaging discussion. Delicious appetizers with select complimentary drinks. 🙌🏼

Secure your spot today and register for this free program by visiting worldpittsburgh.org/arts-global-cities

🗓 Friday, September 6
⏱ Musical performance & happy hour: 4PM
Conversation/Q&A: 5PM
📍The Morgan-Lee Arts Center
(Located in the Hill Dance Academy Theatre building)
2900 Bedford AvePittsburgh, PA 15219

We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars and join us on Friday, September 6, for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ariel Armony and Janis Burley Wilson.

Pittsburgh has played an important role in the arts throughout our region’s history. It was home to world-renowned playwright August Wilson and a stomping ground for countless jazz legends.

Make sure to save your spot for happy hour and an enriching conversation to explore how leveraging our rich cultural history can help us become a more global city. 🌎

🗓 Friday, September 6
⏱ Program will start at 4PM with networking and happy hour followed by the conversation and Q&A at 5PM.
📍 The Hill District. Exact location coming soon!
🔗To RSVP, visit: worldpittsburgh.org/arts-global-cities

It’s ! 🌍

Today, we celebrate the incredible impact of nonprofits across all sectors working to build a better world!

At the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, we are guided by our vision of a globally minded and globally connected world that is equitable and just for all.

Our programs create spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, engage, and take meaningful action toward this vision.

You can help us make a difference! 🙌🏼

- Donate
- Attend one of our upcoming programs
- Sign up for our newsletter
- Follow, share and interact with our posts!

Together, we can build a brighter, more just world.

To learn more, visit us at worldpittsburgh.org

It's ! 🌍

Today, we celebrate the incredible impact of nonprofits across all sectors working to build a better world!

At the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, we are guided by our vision of a globally minded and globally connected world that is equitable and just for all.

Our programs create spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, engage, and take meaningful action toward this vision.

You can help us make a difference! 🙌🏼

- Donate
- Attend one of our upcoming programs
- Sign up for our newsletter
- Follow, share and interact with our posts!

Together, we can build a brighter, more just world.

To learn more, visit us at worldpittsburgh.org

Time is running out to vote for our youth team’s proposal for !

Their workshop, “Youth-Adult Partnership for Inclusive Decision Making,” will highlight the importance and benefits of youth voices and youth-adult partnerships in learning environments and other intergenerational spaces.

Voting closes at midnight tomorrow, August 18! Create your free account and vote at: bit.ly/VoteWACP

Soiree presale ends at midnight! ⏰ This is your last chance to buy Soiree tickets at this special discounted rate. 🎉

HARMONIO𝐔𝐒: A celebratory symphony of cultures… 🎼

This year, our theme celebrates the multifaceted harmony that results when people of all different backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences draw on their unique cultures – their food, language, rituals, and especially music – to create something layered and new.

Here's a taste of what you can expect:
🎶 Unexpected and complementary musical performances
✨Signature cocktails and a global fusion menu
✨ Celebrate our 2024 Illuminate Award winners
✨Unique photo moments
💃 A killer dance party
… and so much more!

🎟️ Secure your tickets now: 🔗 bit.ly/wac-soiree-2024