Jayne Herring Jayne Herring completed her degree in International Studies (Asia focus) and Human Rights (Public Policy Focus) at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in addition to pursuing condensed coursework in London and in Nishinomiya, Japan, at Kwansei Gakuin University. Her experiences in politics, community engagement and donor stewardship have equipped her with a diverse skill set crucial for leading the World Affairs Council of Orange County into its next phase of growth and impact. Herring has served in various leadership positions, including supporting the international board of trustees at the ICSC headquarters in New York and internationally. She has also served as the organizing director for a state-level political campaign, and most recently as Director of special events at Pacific Symphony. Her commitment to humanitarian causes led her to serve as a volunteer assisting resettlement caseworkers at the International Rescue Committee in Dallas. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated leadership and advocacy, serving in roles such as trustee of the Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center, and as board secretary and human rights ambassador for the United Nations Association of Orange County. As director of special events at the Pacific Symphony, she cultivated an extensive expertise in fundraising event management, having successfully orchestrated annual events that generated more than $2.8 million in net revenue over the span of one year, surpassing all goals. Helene Reola, our Operations Manager, brings over 15 years of expertise in operations management, legal administration, and nonprofit leadership. She holds a Harvard Business Degree (where she was the Executive Vice President of Student Government of all 12 graduate schools overlooking 15,000 students), and an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Southern California (USC). Following her advanced studies, she took her expertise to The Hague, where she worked on disarmament initiatives under the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC). From co-founding international B Corporations to streamlining operations as a Chief Legal Administration Officer, she’s driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact. Helene is thrilled to contribute to the growth of the World Affairs Council of Orange County under dynamic and inspiring leadership. Kyle Stafford, our Programs Manager, is eager to enhance the program offerings and increase their frequency, with a focus on expanding the reach of Academic World Quest and the Young Professionals and Intercollegiate Network (YPIN). A graduate of the University of California Riverside (UCR) with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and U.S. History, Kyle is passionate about involving youth in international affairs. He brings valuable experience as a former financial analyst and currently serves as the community advisor for UCR’s Model United Nations program. Our 2024-2025 Interns: Research Development/Financial Intern, Corporate Strategy Outreach & Donor Relations Born in Denver, Colorado, Jack is a 4th year International Studies and Political Science student with a minor in Economics and Accounting at the University of California, Irvine. He is currently the Research and Development Intern at the WACOC. He is also the current treasurer for the Men’s Rowing Team at UC Irvine, with aspirations of competing in World Rowing events after university. He has career aspirations of working in the financial industry, especially on an international level. Media & Events Production Coordinator Intern, Audio/Visual & Marketing Focus Ari Brelig is WACOC’s current Media & Events Intern. Born and raised in Bonnieville, Kentucky, Ari is currently a fourth-year student at the University of California, Irvine pursuing a degree in Political Science as well as Film and Media Studies. He currently works in Marketing and Media at RFX Media, a production company and visual effects house based in Los Angeles. He also works part-time as an Operations Manager for UCI’s Student Center and Event Services, as well as serves as Historian for his local chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International. Membership Outreach & Event Planning Intern Vanessa Hicks is a second-year student at the University of California, Irvine pursuing a degree in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. She is currently interning at WACOC as the Programs/Events & Outreach Coordinator. Previously, she worked as an intern at a non-profit organization offering support to immigrant women and children. She also has a strong background in Mock Trial and Model United Nations. Originally from San Diego, California, Vanessa aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in family law and policy. Research Development/IT logistics Analysis Intern, Operations Strategy Quy is a 4th year Business Economics and International Studies major at the University of California, Irvine. She is from Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Currently she is interning at WACOC as a research and development. In school, she has been involved in Associated Student for UCI, Irvine Trading and Investment Group, UCI Blockchain, and Finance Association. She has an interest in financial analytics and understanding business development. Her plan after graduation is to pursue a Master in Finance or an MBA degree and hopefully can obtain her CFA. Her hobbies include traveling and exploring new places, her favorite destination is Japan. In her family, she has a brother and a sister and is the youngest amongst her siblings. Youth Affairs & Outreach Intern, Youth Programs Gabriel is a 3rd year Political Science student and University California, Irvine. Currently, working as a Speech and Debate coach and serving as an intern for the Associated Students or UCI, he has a passion for advocacy and education. After earning his undergraduate degree, he wishes to go to law school to pursue a career in the legal field. Gabriel is the eldest of two younger siblings and is living in Anaheim Hills, CA. Operations/HR Policy & Procedures Intern & Member Management Ryan Takeji Adams is currently an intern with the U.S. Department of State and the World Affairs Council of Orange County. Previously, he worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Office of Public Affairs under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Ryan is pursuing a B.A. in Political Science and Social Policy & Public Service at the University of California, Irvine. He has been awarded honors and the Regents Scholarship for academic excellence. He hopes to pursue a master’s in Political Communications or Government. Originally from Orange County, California, Ryan aspires to become a member of Congress, Crisis Communications specialist within government, and a Foreign Service Officer, aiming to create positive change in his community through public service diplomacy, and crisis management. In his free time, Ryan enjoys staying active in local and national politics by organizing and championing causes that Gen-Z has been fighting for. Administrative/Special Projects Intern, Marketing & Program analysis Amanda Joline Tang is currently a second-year student pursuing a degree in Political Science (Law focus) and European Studies (Russian and Modern Europe Focus) at the University of California, Irvine. She is also involved at UCI’s chapter of Amnesty International as a Public Outreach and PR Officer, as well as KUCI 88.9 FM as a News Intern and DJ in training. Amanda has been involved in Clove Lakes Rehabilitation Center in Staten Island, NY since 13 as a volunteer in the performing and visual arts sector and is currently assisting as an artistic director. Her background in clarinet and theatre has also led her to become an advisor and audiovisual editor for Woodwind Melodies, a Northeast Tri-state based musical 501(3)(c). Throughout her education and career, Amanda has always advocated for giving back to the community through mentorship and raising awareness.
Meet Our Staff
President & CEO
jayne@worldaffairscouncil.org
Helene R. Veracruz
Operations Manager
helene@worldaffairscouncil.org
Kyle Stafford
Programs Manager
kyle@worldaffairscouncil.org
Jack Berry
Ari Brelig
Vanessa Hicks
Quy Le
Gabriel Lopez
Ryan Takeji Adams
Amanda Tang
orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org
World Affairs Councils of America
The World Affairs Councils of America is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to engaging the public and leading global voices to better understand the world, America’s international role, and the policy choices that impact our daily lives and our future.