Meet Our Staff & Interns

Jayne Herring
President & CEO
jayne@worldaffairscouncil.org

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 ICSC international board of trustees at the ICSC headquarters in New York and internationally, planning and managing meetings, conferences, events, and travel in Africa, Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America. She 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 the arts and advocacy for humanitarian causes has led her to serve as a volunteer assisting resettlement caseworkers at the International Rescue Committee in Dallas, 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. Committed to keeping Southern California engaged with foreign policy, she is also a member of Pacific Council on International Policy. 

Helene R. Veracruz
Chief Operations Officer
helene@worldaffairscouncil.org

Helene Reola brings over 15 years of expertise in operations management, legal administration, and nonprofit leadership to our Council. 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. 

2025-2026 Interns:

 

 

Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez is a current 3rd year transfer student at the University of Southern California, pursuing a B.A. in International Relations with an emphasis on Global Business. He received his Associates for Transfer in Business Administration at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, while assuming multiple roles on campus and for Saddleback’s Associated Student Government. He has worked on outreach on behalf of Saddleback’s ASG by creating logo designs, merchandise, and advertisements. With the growing number of international students in Orange County, he also worked closely with Saddleback’s International Student Program and sought for the inclusion of international students on campus. Driven by his cultural exchange in Tangshan, China and study abroad at Oxford University in England, he aims to intern abroad before attending graduate school. In like manner, Alex loves to listen to music in numerous languages, learn extensively about different cultures and customs, and travel.

 

 


Anna Cecilia Fierro

Anna Cecilia is a Santa Ana native pursuing a B.S. at Cornell University in Public Policy & Government with a focus on Latin American politics. She is a Communications Assistant for the Bowers School of Computing and Information Science at Cornell through their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging department. Anna Cecilia has an interest in the combination of art, advocacy, and policy and practices music through her school’s Mariachi Band and public speaking as a captain for Cornell’s Speech Team. She competes on the college forensics circuit and wishes to bring that passion for advocacy to the law field. She hopes to become a lawyer and work on international policy throughout her career. 

 

Elyse Hall

Elyse Hall completed her B.A. at Loyola University Chicago, with focused studies in Sociology, Psychology, and Advocacy & Social Change. While living in Chicago, Elyse worked with several not-for-profit organizations integral to the Rogers Park community, including Centro Romero and Misericordia: Heart of Mercy. In these roles, some of her responsibilities included fundraising, community outreach, and after-school tutoring. Her passion for helping others, combined with her experiences living abroad, has led Elyse to San Diego State University, where she is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Global Politics with a focus on international law and human rights. She is excited to bring her experience to the World Affairs Council of Orange County and help expand international awareness within the community.

 

 

Byron James Atterton

Byron James Atterton is currently an intern with the World Affairs Council of Orange County and a music intern at AVSquad, a creative advertising agency. He is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Music at the University of California, Irvine. Originally from San Diego, Byron has a strong passion for both music and law. He is currently split between pursuing a future in film scoring and a career in entertainment law, which merges his interests in music, media, and legal advocacy. He also teaches piano to K–12 students, sharing his passion for music and education with the younger generation.

 

 

Mia Ben-Zvi

Mia Ben-Zvi is a rising senior at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, California, with academic interests in international relations, global culture, and conflict resolution. She has explored these areas through research on topics such as feng shui and consumer psychology, Holocaust resistance, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, the latter of which was published by the UCI Center for Ethics and Morality.

She has volunteered in Israel supporting refugee communities and serves as a speaker for Student to Student, educating peers about Judaism and antisemitism. Mia is active in Model UN, Speech and Debate, and Mock Trial. As a member of the business team for Serving Advantage, she helps write grants and manage funds to expand access to tennis programs for neurodivergent youth. She is excited to support global education and outreach as an intern with the World Affairs Council of Orange County.

 

Rachelle Lee

Rachele Lee is currently a part-time tutor working with high school students, helping them build confidence and academic skills across a range of subjects. She is an incoming senior at the University of California, Irvine, majoring in International Studies. Born and raised in Southern California, Rachele has developed a strong interest in global cultures, education, and social advocacy. She is currently exploring two professional paths: becoming a high school teacher or pursuing a career as an employee defense attorney.

 

 

 

 

2024-2025 Interns:

Ryan Takeji Adams

Operations/HR, Policy & Procedures, Member Management

Ryan Takeji Adams is a master’s candidate in Conflict Resolution at Georgetown University and currently serves as a congressional intern for Representative Derek Tran (CA-45). He previously held communications internships with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and Social Policy & Public Service from the University of California, Irvine, where he graduated magna cum laude and received the Regents Scholarship. Originally from Orange County, California, Ryan hopes to pursue a career in conflict mediation and crisis communications to help communities and institutions navigate moments of crisis through strategic leadership.

 

Jack Berry

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.

 

 


Amanda Tang

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.

 

 


Gabriel Lopez

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