Education Apartheid in Afghanistan was World Affairs Council of Orange County’s first ever Lunch and Learn, in partnership with UC Irvine’s School of Law’s Center on Globalization, Law, and Society and the Afghan Literacy Foundation.
Aditya Arya, executive director and co-founder of the Afghan Literacy Foundation, Hashmat Nadipor, legal expert and leader of the Afghanistan Human Rights Project at UCI Law, and Muslema Purell, assistant religious director at The Majlis, spoke on the impacts of Taliban’s policies on young girls’ and womens’ access to education during this hour-long lunchtime program.
After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, women and girls rapidly returned to schools, creating effects such as increased economy and lower infant mortality rate.
The three experts discussed the short and long-term implications of the termination of both basic and higher education for women after the return of the Taliban in 2021, not just for women, but what it means economically and societally.
Hosted by: Chapman University Organized by: Academic WorldQuest Committee, World Affairs Council of Orange County Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025 Location: Sandhu Conference Hall, Chapman University, Orange, CA Time: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
The Academic WorldQuest 2025 competition brought together some of Orange County’s brightest high school minds for an inspiring day of academic rigor, teamwork, and global awareness. Held on the beautiful campus of Chapman University, this year’s competition served as the local qualifying round for the nationally recognized Academic WorldQuest, hosted by the World Affairs Councils of America in Washington, D.C.
About the Program
Academic WorldQuest is a flagship youth education initiative that promotes global literacy among high school students. Participating teams study an official set of global topics—ranging from international diplomacy to cybersecurity to global health—and test their knowledge in a competitive, quiz-style format. The program is designed to sharpen critical thinking skills, foster international awareness, and inspire civic engagement among the next generation of leaders.
Highlights from the 2025 Orange County Competition
Top Honors: A huge congratulations to Irvine High School’s winning team—Ishaan Gaikwad, Aashay Mody, Suresh Swaroop, and Ryan Lee—who clinched first place and earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to represent Orange County at the national Academic WorldQuest championship. Their stellar performance and teamwork set a high bar for excellence.
Scholarly Competition: Teams from across Orange County gathered at Chapman’s Sandhu Conference Hall to tackle challenging questions across categories such as U.S. foreign policy, international economics, global geography, and more. Students brought impressive focus, poise, and camaraderie to each round.
Inspiration and Impact: The competition not only recognized high academic achievement but also provided students with a meaningful opportunity to engage with real-world issues and develop a deeper understanding of the global landscape. Many students cited the event as transformative—encouraging them to pursue studies and careers in international relations, diplomacy, economics, and public service.
Support the Future of Global Education
The World Affairs Council of Orange County is proud to fund the travel and lodging expenses for our winning team to attend the national competition in D.C., and we rely on the generosity of donors and sponsors to make this experience possible each year.
If you would like to contribute to this life-changing educational initiative, please visit our website to donate or contact our office for sponsorship opportunities.
If you are a high school educator or administrator and would like to pledge your school to participate in next year’s competition, please submit our official Pledge Form or contact us directly.
Let’s continue building the next generation of globally minded citizens—one brilliant student at a time.
Hosted by: Young Professionals Intercollegiate Network (YPIN), a division of the World Affairs Council of Orange County Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Location: Colab Space, 18952 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100, Irvine, CA Time: 6:00 PM
The YPIN: 2025 Kickoff Mixer brought together an energized crowd of students and early-career professionals for an evening of networking, creativity, and insightful discussion. Hosted at the innovative Colab Space in Irvine, the event marked the beginning of another exciting year for the Young Professionals Intercollegiate Network (YPIN)—a key initiative of the World Affairs Council of Orange County aimed at engaging young minds in international affairs and policy discourse.
Featured Speakers
Helen Haig YPIN Co-Chair | Former Advisor to Presidents Reagan & Nixon, and Governor Deukmejian With decades of experience in national politics and international diplomacy, Ms. Haig offered valuable reflections on past and present U.S. foreign policy. Her insights inspired attendees to consider the real-world implications of international affairs and the importance of civic engagement among young professionals.
Stefanie Sobol Trustee, World Affairs Council of OC | Former Senior Humanitarian Response Coordinator, USAID Ms. Sobol addressed recent policy shifts in global humanitarian response and development. Drawing from her experience in crisis coordination, she encouraged attendees to view international challenges as opportunities for thoughtful, ethical leadership.
Event Highlights
Networking with Purpose: Students and early-career professionals connected with peers and mentors, sharing academic paths, professional aspirations, and global interests in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Creative Activities: Guests took part in guided painting sessions, fostering creative expression and stress relief while sparking conversations around identity and culture.
Engaging Games & Prizes: Attendees competed in international affairs trivia and other games, with prizes awarded for participation and insight, adding a lively and fun element to the evening.
Themed Refreshments: A curated spread of international snacks and beverages kept conversations flowing as participants explored topics ranging from foreign policy to career planning.
YPIN’s Ongoing Mission
The Kickoff Mixer served as a vibrant reminder of YPIN’s commitment to building an informed, globally minded next generation of leaders. In addition to mixers, YPIN organizes year-round programming including speaker series, policy simulations, and community events like the popular “Policy in the Park” town halls.
Membership is open to all young professionals and students, with discounted rates for students and leadership opportunities available through the YPIN Committee.
Join the Movement Whether you’re a student passionate about international development or a young professional interested in global business, YPIN offers a space to connect, learn, and grow.
Hosted by: Orange County World Affairs Council Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Location: The Ebell Club of Santa Ana, Santa Ana, CA Time: 6:00 PM Reception | 6:30 PM Program
On the evening of January 28, 2025, the Orange County World Affairs Council welcomed a distinguished panel of experts for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on U.S. Foreign Policy & Strategic Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Held at the historic Ebell Club of Santa Ana, the evening brought together over 100 attendees from across Orange County’s international affairs, academic, and business communities.
Panelists
Matt Kawecki Quad Team Lead, U.S. Department of State With a career spanning nearly 15 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Mr. Kawecki brought a unique insider perspective on the evolution of the Quad alliance (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) and its strategic significance in shaping the Indo-Pacific balance. He shared insights from his current work in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and previously from his diplomatic assignments in China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Oman. His remarks highlighted how the Quad is adapting to regional challenges, including maritime security, technology competition, and supply chain resilience.
Dr. Rafiq Dossani Senior Economist, RAND Corporation Dr. Dossani, an expert in Asian security and development policy, offered deep analysis on the geopolitical dynamics involving China, Taiwan, and the broader region. Drawing from RAND’s ongoing research on middle-power equities and the Belt and Road Initiative, he provided a strategic framework for understanding U.S.-Asia engagement. His perspective added academic depth to the conversation, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, economic diplomacy, and the future of multilateral cooperation.
Gunjan Bagla CEO, Amritt, Inc. Bringing a business and policy lens to the panel, Mr. Bagla shared valuable insights from his two decades of experience advising American corporations on doing business in India. He emphasized the increasing relevance of India as a strategic partner for the United States—not only economically but also geopolitically. His comments addressed how U.S. companies and policymakers can align commercial goals with foreign policy interests, particularly as India rises in global influence. Mr. Bagla’s third appearance with the OC World Affairs Council was met with enthusiasm, especially as he recounted his recent efforts to advocate for a new Indian Consulate in Los Angeles.
Key Themes & Takeaways
The Quad’s Growing Influence: The panel emphasized the Quad’s role in fostering democratic values and practical cooperation on climate change, emerging tech, and defense.
India’s Strategic Position: As a rising power with strong democratic institutions and a young population, India is central to U.S. engagement in the region.
Economic Diplomacy: Panelists underscored the importance of leveraging trade, technology, and investment to deepen regional partnerships and promote stability.
Cross-Strait Tensions: The group explored scenarios related to Taiwan, with emphasis on regional deterrence and the strategic calculus of middle powers.
Community Engagement
The event featured a lively Q&A session, allowing local attendees to pose thoughtful questions on topics ranging from China’s role in the Global South to the potential impact of AI exports. The reception beforehand gave guests a chance to connect with the speakers and fellow attendees over light refreshments. Complimentary parking ensured ease of access for all guests.
Thank You to Our Panelists and Guests The Orange County World Affairs Council is grateful to our esteemed speakers for sharing their time and expertise, and to our audience for their enthusiastic participation. Events like this reinforce the importance of informed, global dialogue at the local level.
Cyber Espionage: Threats & Realities featured Admiral Michael Rogers, former director of the National Security Agency and commander of US Cyber Command on the evening of January 9th at the Irvine Marriott.
Amidst the chaos of the fires in Los Angeles, Admiral Rogers spoke on the ever-evolving cyberspace, AI, and technology, and their impact on our national security, moderated by Serge Tomassian.
Admiral Rogers’ conversation emphasized the emerging use of cyber-attacks to infiltrate U.S. information systems and infrastructures, as well as further steps to guarantee not just quick recovery after but prevention and resilience against cybersecurity attacks.
There was also the debate of AI’s role in cybersecurity, how it may be used in both malicious and benevolent manners in the online battlefield, and to what extent it should be restrained by legal means.
Admiral Rogers stresses the importance of a joint effort between federal, academic, and private areas to further grasp the relatively modern topic of cybersecurity.
Admiral Michael RogersAdmiral Michael Rogers and Serge Tomassian
Hosted by: World Affairs Council of Orange County Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Location: Gulliver’s Restaurant, Irvine, CA Time: 5:30 PM
This year’s Members Holiday Social was a joyful and elegant celebration of community, music, global conversation, and gratitude—set against the warm, classic backdrop of Gulliver’s Restaurant in Irvine. Organized exclusively for Council members, this festive soiree served as a chance to toast the accomplishments of the past year, welcome our new staff and interns, and look ahead with hope and purpose to 2025.
Evening Highlights
World-Class Performances: The evening featured a stunning solo violin performance by Dennis Kim, Concertmaster of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, whose 6:00 PM set captivated the room. Complementing the festive ambiance was smooth live jazz by Jake Brown on saxophone, creating the perfect soundtrack for seasonal cheer and meaningful connection.
Interactive Forum – Air Your Grievances!: In a lighthearted nod to spirited tradition, members were invited to take the mic for a lively open forum. Whether sharing thoughts on global affairs, offering feedback on the Council’s programs, or delivering a classic dad joke, the community’s voices rang out with humor, insight, and passion.
Fine Fare & Festivities: Guests enjoyed an elegant selection of hors d’oeuvres, wine tastings, and signature dishes from Gulliver’s—including a premium carving station supported by our Manzo Sponsorship. The mood was festive and welcoming, encouraging both new and longtime members to connect over shared interests in world affairs.
Membership & Sponsorship Support
This year’s social also marked the final opportunity to lock in current membership rates before the 2025 increase. Many attendees renewed or upgraded their membership during the event, affirming their ongoing commitment to global dialogue and education.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, whose contributions elevated the evening and made it accessible to interns, students, and community partners.
Thank You, Members!
We are truly grateful to our members for your continued support and enthusiasm. Your engagement sustains the mission of the World Affairs Council of Orange County: to promote understanding of global issues and foster dialogue within our local community.
We look forward to seeing you at our events in 2025!
Presented by: World Affairs Council of Orange County Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Location: Norma Kershaw Auditorium, Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, CA Time: 5:30 PM
Against the backdrop of the Bowers Museum’s rich cultural history, the World Affairs Council of Orange County hosted an extraordinary and sobering evening titled “Gangs at Our Border”—an off-the-record conversation featuring Alex Sanchez, former MS-13 leader and co-founder of Homies Unidos; William Wheeler, journalist and author of State of War; and Conor Friedersdorf, staff writer for The Atlantic.
With no cameras allowed and only still photography permitted, the audience was invited into an intimate and frank discussion about youth indoctrination, gang violence, the humanitarian crisis in El Salvador, and the broader implications for U.S. immigration and foreign policy.
Featured Speakers & Key Moments
Alex Sanchez A former high-ranking member of MS-13 and now a community leader, Sanchez offered deeply personal and powerful reflections on his early life in Los Angeles, his rise within one of the world’s most notorious gangs, and his eventual break from that life. He traced his transformation through the founding of Homies Unidos, a nonprofit organization focused on violence prevention, youth empowerment, and reintegration of former gang members. His raw account shed light on the systemic forces that push vulnerable youth into gang life—and what can be done to pull them out.
William Wheeler Drawing from his investigative reporting and acclaimed book State of War, Wheeler contextualized the political unrest and militarized crackdowns in El Salvador. He explained how U.S. foreign policy and the global war on drugs have contributed to cycles of violence and mass incarceration in Central America, deepening the push factors that drive migration to the U.S. border.
Conor Friedersdorf As moderator and cultural commentator, Friedersdorf brought clarity and insight to the evening’s sensitive themes. He challenged the audience to reflect not just on the facts of gang violence but also on the ethical questions of state response, human rights, and the media’s portrayal of marginalized communities.
An Off-the-Record, On-the-Mark Discussion
In line with the event’s off-the-record nature, guests were encouraged to listen deeply, engage respectfully, and absorb perspectives that often go unheard. The lack of refreshments or filming, a requirement of the venue, helped preserve the focused and intimate tone of the evening.
Following the main program, Founders Club donors were invited to a private post-event dinner with the speakers, continuing the dialogue in a secure and confidential setting. This special opportunity underscored the Council’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between experts and community leaders.
Ticketing & Philanthropy
The event drew an engaged and diverse crowd of members, students, and young professionals. Proceeds supported WACOC’s transition to a philanthropy-driven model that allows the Council to expand access to high-quality programming for underrepresented groups in Orange County.
Thank You for Being Part of This Critical Conversation
We are grateful to all attendees, sponsors, and speakers who helped bring attention to a deeply important and complex issue. Gangs at Our Border was not just an event—it was a window into the lives and policy decisions that shape our region and our world.
Hosted by: World Affairs Council of Orange County Organized by: Young Professionals and Intercollegiate Network (YPIN) Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 Location: Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, Irvine, CA Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
On a crisp autumn evening in Irvine, the World Affairs Council of Orange County’s Young Professionals and Intercollegiate Network (YPIN) welcomed guests to a unique and engaging outdoor town hall: Policy in the Park. Held at the scenic Bill Barber Memorial Park, this special event featured a conversation with Helen Haig, veteran policy consultant and advisor under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and California Governor George Deukmejian.
A Conversation Rooted in Experience
Helen Haig captivated the audience with a discussion titled “Policy: How It Works & How to Work It,” offering an inside look at how public policy is shaped behind the scenes. Drawing on her decades of experience at the highest levels of government, Haig provided actionable insights into the policymaking process—from drafting to implementation—and emphasized the role that students and young professionals can play in influencing change at the local, state, and national levels.
Community-Driven Engagement
Attendees included college students, recent graduates, and young professionals across a range of fields, all eager to explore careers and civic engagement paths in public policy. The informal setting created an approachable atmosphere for participants to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with like-minded peers.
The event was intentionally affordable—$10 for general admission, $5 for YPIN members and students—with a light refreshment table and encouragement for attendees to bring potluck items, underscoring the Council’s commitment to accessibility and grassroots participation.
Highlights
Interactive Q&A: Participants took advantage of the casual town hall format to ask wide-ranging questions about policymaking, leadership, and civic involvement.
Affordable Access: Discounted pricing for students and YPIN members helped ensure broad accessibility.
Outdoor Venue: The relaxed park setting contributed to an inclusive, open dialogue.
Looking Ahead with YPIN
Policy in the Park exemplifies YPIN’s mission to empower the next generation of global citizens through education, access, and engagement. The event marked another successful installment in YPIN’s expanding calendar of programs that blend networking, policy education, and real-world experience.
To become a YPIN member, join upcoming events, or get involved in planning, visit: đź”— www.worldaffairscouncil.org
Hosted by: American Legion of Newport Presented by: World Affairs Council of Orange County Special Guest: David Ono, ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor
In a powerful afternoon of remembrance and honor, the World Affairs Council of Orange County (WACOC), in partnership with the American Legion of Newport, hosted a moving tribute titled “Go for Broke”—a celebration of military service and a spotlight on the incredible courage and sacrifice of Nisei soldiers, second-generation Japanese Americans who served during World War II.
The program was led by special guest David Ono, the award-winning anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News, whose storytelling brought history to life and reminded the audience of the often-overlooked heroism of these Japanese American veterans. The event drew a crowd of veterans, students, civic leaders, and community members eager to learn more about this vital chapter in American history.
Honoring the Nisei Legacy
Despite facing severe discrimination and internment at home, thousands of Nisei soldiers answered the call to serve their country with distinction. The program highlighted:
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, famously known as the “Go for Broke” unit, which became the most decorated unit of its size in U.S. military history.
The heroic service of the 100th Infantry Battalion, composed almost entirely of Nisei soldiers from Hawaii.
The critical role played by Nisei linguists in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), who used their Japanese language skills to provide translation, interrogation, and intelligence that were pivotal to Allied success in the Pacific.
Together, these soldiers earned thousands of honors, including Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, and Distinguished Service Crosses—a testament to their valor in the face of dual battles: one on the battlefield, the other against racism and mistrust at home.
Reflections and Remembrance
David Ono’s keynote remarks were deeply personal and illuminating. Drawing from his acclaimed documentary work and firsthand interviews with surviving Nisei veterans, Ono painted a vivid portrait of honor, injustice, and patriotism. His storytelling not only educated but also inspired the audience to reflect on how far the nation has come—and the work that remains in recognizing and preserving diverse legacies of service.
The program concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude to all U.S. veterans and their families, followed by a moment of silence to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Why “Go for Broke” Matters Today
The phrase “Go for Broke”—the motto of the 442nd—symbolized not just military courage, but also the unshakable determination of a generation who, in the face of adversity, chose to fight for a country that had not yet fought for them. Their service laid the groundwork for the civil rights progress that would follow and continues to serve as a powerful lesson in resilience and patriotism.
Thank You to Our Veterans and Supporters WACOC is honored to host events like these that connect the past to the present and celebrate the stories that shape our nation. We extend our sincere thanks to the American Legion of Newport, David Ono, and our community of supporters for helping keep this legacy alive.
This event was hosted by the World Affairs Council Orange County.
John Negroponte is an American diplomat. Negroponte served in the United States Foreign Service from 1960 to 1997. From 1981 to 1996, he had tours of duty as United States ambassador in Honduras, Mexico, and the Philippines. After leaving the Foreign Service, he subsequently served in the Bush administration as U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations from 2001 to 2004, and was ambassador to Iraq from June 2004 to April 2005.
In 2018, he was a James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the Miller Center for Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. He is a former J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of International Affairs at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Prior to this appointment, he served as a research fellow and lecturer in international affairs at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, United States Deputy Secretary of State (2007–2009), and the first ever Director of National Intelligence (2005–2007).
Ambassador John Negroponte, joined McLarty Associates in 2009, following a distinguished career in diplomacy and national security. He held government positions abroad and in Washington between 1960 and 1997 and again from 2001 to 2008. He has been Ambassador to Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Nations, and Iraq. In Washington he served twice on the National Security Council staff, first as Director for Vietnam in the Nixon Administration and then as Deputy National Security Advisor under President Reagan. He has also held a cabinet-level position as the first Director of National Intelligence under President George W. Bush. His most recent position in government was as Deputy Secretary of State, where he served as the State Department’s Chief Operating Officer. While in the private sector from 1997 to 2001, Ambassador Negroponte was Executive Vice President of the McGraw-Hill Companies, with responsibility for overseeing the company’s international activities. During those years he was also Chairman of the French-American Foundation.
Ambassador Negroponte serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Council of the Americas/Americas Society. He is also Co-chairman of the US-Philippines Society and a past member of the Secretary of State’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board. He has also served as Chairman of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance. From 2009 to 2016, Mr. Negroponte taught international relations at Yale’s Jackson Institute and from 2016 to 2018 at The Elliott School for International Affairs at George Washington University. He currently holds the James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. Ambassador Negroponte has received numerous awards in recognition of his more than four decades of public service, including the State Department’s Distinguished Service Medal on two separate occasions, the highest award which can be conferred by the Secretary of State, and on January 16, 2009, President Bush awarded Ambassador Negroponte the National Security Medal for his outstanding contributions to US national security.
Moderator Clayton Dube heads the USC U.S.-China Institute which focuses on the multidimensional and always changing U.S.-China relationship. Dube has earned teaching awards at three universities. Trained as a historian, he first lived in China in 1982-85 and carried out research there in 1989 and 1991-92. He’s visited another fifty-plus times for research, teaching, and to lead groups of students and teachers. Dube is a director of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) and serves on the editorial boards of Education about Asia and the International Review of Chinese Studies. He was previously associate editor of Modern China. Dube has produced several documentary films and consulted on others. The best known of these is the twelve-part Assignment: China series on American media coverage of China since the 1940s.
