World Affairs Council - Seattle

Meet one of our most recently appointed board members, Greg Quick! Greg directs external engagements for Microsoft's Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs team.

What drew Greg to the mission of the World Affairs Council?
"What drew me to the World Affairs Council was its commitment to bring together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and organizations around a shared understanding that we have more in common than we often take time to recognize. Throughout my career, I've seen that the most complex challenges are rarely solved by a single institution or individual. They require relationships, trust, open-mindedness, humility, and a willingness to learn from one another.

The Council creates that kind of environment. It helps connect Seattle to the world while bringing the world to Seattle, creating opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. The Pacific Northwest is a region shaped by diversity, global commerce, technology, education, and innovation, and the Council plays an important role in helping people engage thoughtfully with international issues and with one another. I was drawn to the board because of its commitment to fostering those connections and to creating shared value that benefits our entire community."

We're glad to welcome him on our board! Learn more about Greg on our website: https://www.world-affairs.org/people/greg-quick/.

Meet Mariam Gohar! She joined the World Affairs Council in June as a Program Coordinator on our Global Leadership Exchange team.

What drew her to the Council?
"I am passionate about the Council's mission of advancing global understanding through people-to-people diplomacy. Throughout my personal and professional experiences, I've seen how international exchanges and relationship-building are critical to humanizing communities, collectively addressing global challenges, and peacebuilding."

Why does she like working on the GLX team?
"I love connecting with leaders from all over the world and learning about pressing issues alongside them, while also fostering cross-cultural connections. My own global exchange experiences have been transformative, so it is especially fulfilling to help create these opportunities for others."

Learn more about Mariam on our website! https://www.world-affairs.org/people/mariam-gohar/

We're hiring! Join the World Affairs Council as our next Program and Communications Officer. In this role, you will help create and deliver discussions on international issues for our members and the broader community while also playing an important role in strengthening the Council's communications and public presence. This role combines program planning, event ex*****on, marketing, and communications.

If you're passionate about global affairs, storytelling, community engagement, and creating meaningful public conversations, we'd love to hear from you!

Learn more about the position and apply on our website: https://www.world-affairs.org/careers/ -702040-program-and-communications-officer-

Join us on Wednesday, August 5, at 5:30 – 8:00 PM in the gardens of Chateau Lill in Woodinville — one of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful event settings overlooking the Sammamish Valley wine country.

Since 1951, the World Affairs Council has united people who believe that global understanding and human connection are the foundation of a better world. This evening is a chance to experience that community firsthand — and your ticket directly supports the work that will carry it forward for the next 75 years.

Register today on our website: https://www.world-affairs.org/event/75th-anniversary-summer-wine-tasting/.

Meet Gretchen Wilson-Prangley! She joined the World Affairs Council in April as our Director of Development. As Director of Development, she is leading fundraising strategy, donor relations, and partnership development in service of the Council's mission to advance global understanding and cultivate an informed, engaged community.

What drew Gretchen to the World Affairs Council?
"I grew up in the greater Seattle area with an early curiosity about international affairs and how I might help build a more equitable world. This curiosity that took me to South Africa, first as a journalist reporting across the continent and then as a nonprofit executive based in Johannesburg for nearly two decades. Now I've come full circle, back home and more committed than ever to the idea of promoting global understanding and connecting this region with communities around the world. As an organization, the World Affairs Council has spent 75 years cultivating people-to-people relationships and building a local community committed to global affairs, and I'm proud to be a part of it!"

We are thrilled that Gretchen has joined us!

The World Cup brought the world to Seattle. Its most important legacy may be the connections and partnerships that remain long after the final whistle.

In a new op-ed our President and CEO Jacqueline Miller co-authored with Joseph Nguyen, they reflect on what the tournament demonstrated about our region's global ties—and why investing in international engagement, diplomacy, and people-to-people connections remains essential to Washington's future prosperity, security, and competitiveness.

Read the op-ed in the Puget Sound Business Journal : https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2026/07/15/seattle-world-cup-nguyen-millePuget Sound Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2026/07/15/seattle-world-cup-nguyen-miller.html

U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)

Reminder: Applications are open to join the 2026-2027 Educator Fellows Cohort!

This fellowship program offers a professional learning community designed for Washington State K–12 educators. Through monthly virtual sessions, quarterly in-person workshops and field experiences, and collaborative projects, Fellows explore strategies for connecting global issues to local contexts—helping students think critically, engage thoughtfully, and understand the interconnected world around them. The program aligns with Washington State Learning Standards and strengthens educators’ capacity to foster civic engagement, cultural understanding, and real-world learning in their classrooms.

The deadline for applications is July 31st! For more information and to apply, please visit our website (link in bio).

Meet Adah Svetlik, one of our wonderful interns who is supporting the Community Programs team! She is currently a student at the University of Washington, where she is pursuing double majors in History and Law, Societies & Justice, along with a minor in International Studies.

Why did she want to join the Council?
"I was interested in joining the World Affairs Council because of their impactful work connecting the Seattle community with both visiting global leaders, diplomats, and expert speakers. I was eager to participate in eye-opening conversations that tackle global issues. The Council’s mission to open discourse between the Seattle community and the people shaping world events, aligns with my personal beliefs that conversations are the most effective way to develop engaged citizens and build global relationships."

Why does she like working on the Community Programs team?
"Working on the Community Programs gives me insight into the work that goes into arranging and facilitating speakers and panels. I have loved attending events and watching incredible people talking about global affairs in different sectors they are passionate about. It has already been fulfilling to more deeply understand the process of preparing for an event and watching the thoughtful conversations that unfold. Being on the Community Programs team positions me as a bridge between these thought-provoking speakers and the larger Seattle community."

Learn more about Adah at the link in our bio!

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome Consul General of India Prakash Gupta for an insightful conversation on the state of the U.S. – India relationship, India's approach towards emerging technologies, the importance of people-to-people ties for India's diplomatic efforts, and India's relations with its neighboring countries. Thank you to Consul General Gupta and Consulate General of India, Seattle for partnering with us, and for everyone who joined us!

Meet Cara Blume, one of our amazing interns who is supporting our community engagement and development team! Originally from Germany, she is currently pursuing her master's in international studies at the University of Washington. Cara is very passionate about cultural exchange and connecting people from diverse backgrounds to learn about different views and experiences. She hopes to build a career in international relations, ideally focusing on transatlantic relations.

Why did she want to join the Council?
"I was interested in the World Affairs Council because of its mission to connect Seattle to the world. Originally from Germany and currently pursuing a Master’s in International Studies at UW, I was looking for a meaningful internship in an international environment. This role allows me to combine my passion for global issues and international relations with my interest in the Seattle community. I’m excited to learn more about nonprofit work and build new connections."

Why does she like working on the Development Team?
"I enjoy working on the Development Team because of the variety of tasks, which has allowed me to build many new skills. I’ve gained experience working with different data systems, updating member information, and refining messaging. I value the responsibility that comes with the role, as it requires strong attention to detail. Since English is my second language, this has also been a great opportunity for me to expand my language skills and I appreciate the great communication with the team!"

Learn more about Cara on our website!