Gmail Amy Howard <howardamyjo@gmail.com> September Dialogue 1 message Nur Chodry <nur@worldaffairscounciljax.org> Tue, Sep 9, 2025 at 11:43 AM Reply-To: Nur Chodry <nur@worldaffairscounciljax.org> To: howardamyjo@gmail.com View this email in your browser THE DIALOGUE September 2025 MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Greetings, Council Sponsors, Members, and Friends, September officially launches our 2025-26 season and I am thrilled to welcome you back! The team has been planning and preparing all summer to ensure we have another educational and entertaining season ahead of us. Coinciding with students returning to school, our Great Decisions high school program recently commenced with a Kick-Off Dinner and Global Trade Dialogue for students and faculty-advisors. We also welcomed our new class of young professionals participating in our Council EDGE Mentorship Program for 2025-26. These young leaders with an interest in world affairs will be interacting with and learning alongside our board and advisory members to continue to hone their leadership skills and prepare to further contribute to our Jacksonville community. Our speaker series opens on September 15 with a Global Issues Evening featuring military veteran and technology executive Jen Easterly, who will speak on “Operating at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity”. We then look forward to welcoming Filiz Garip, Ph.D., as our first Global Business Luncheon speaker on October 14. Dr. Garip, a Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs at Princeton University, will share her perspective on “People on the Move: Science, Policy, and Politics of Immigration”. Then Ambassador John Sullivan, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and former U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation, will present his “Perspective from the Front Lines of Russia’s War Against the West” on October 21. The World Affairs Council is proud to offer educational programs for Northeast Floridians of all ages. We invite you to explore our website for this season’s speakers and events, and to join us in continuing to learn, connect, and engage in global affairs. AMY MARGERUM BERG Board Chair, World Affairs Council of Jacksonville Great Decisions High School Program Kicks Off! Connecting The World: Jacksonville’s Global Trade On September 4, the Council welcomed more than 130 students from 16 high schools across Northeast Florida to the annual Great Decisions Kick-Off Dinner and Dialogue. This year’s conversation, “Connecting the World: Jacksonville’s Global Trade,” brought the topic to life through an engaging panel discussion. The panel explored the industries and trade routes that connect Jacksonville to the world, the role of emerging logistics technologies, and how national policy decisions directly shape our local economy. Students were active participants, asking thoughtful questions and connecting with experts on a subject with both immediate relevance and long-term significance for their future careers. Panelists included Robert Peek, Chief Commercial Officer at JaxPort; Jorge Arce, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service; David Swanson, Professor of Logistics at the University of North Florida; and Dr. Ashwani Dev, Chief Digital Officer at Crowley. The discussion was moderated by Monica Hernández, President of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Learn More 2025-26 Council EDGE Mentorship Program: Building Global Leaders for Northeast Florida The Council EDGE Mentorship Program continues to be one of our most impactful initiatives, connecting young professionals (ages 21–40) with members of our Board of Directors and Advisory Council. Over the course of nine months, mentors and mentees engage in individual and group outings, including Council events, to exchange insights, develop leadership skills, and build relationships that strengthen both professional and civic life. This year, we are proud to welcome four outstanding mentees: Courtney Ardizzoni, paired with Lark Will, brings international business experience and deep community engagement; Jourdan Luke, paired with Tracy Arthur, offers a fresh perspective shaped by global study and nonprofit service; Monique Stewart, paired with Edythe Abdullah, contributes extensive nonprofit leadership and a passion for education equity; and Lindsey Thomas, paired with Soo Gilvarry, leverages her expertise in IT transformation and civic engagement. Together, this impressive group reflects the diversity, talent, and energy driving Jacksonville’s future leadership. We extend sincere thanks to our mentors for investing their time and expertise. Their guidance ensures that the next generation of leaders will carry forward the Council’s mission of fostering global awareness, dialogue, and community impact across Northeast Florida. UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS Sept. 15 | Global Issues Evening Join us for a Global Issues Evening presentation: “The Promise and Peril of Emerging Technology: Operating at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.” Premier Member and Sponsor reception at 6:00 PM followed by the presentation at 7:00 PM at the University of North Florida. Click Here to Reserve Oct. 14 | Global Business Luncheon Join us for a Global Business Luncheon presentation: “People on the Move: Science, Policy, and Politics of Immigration.” Tickets are available for members ($65), nonmembers ($85), and Table Sponsorships for 10 ($1,000). This event is hosted in partnership with The River Club and begins at 12:00 PM inside the River Ballroom on the 35th floor. Click Here to Reserve Oct. 20 | Special Engagement Join us for a Special Engagement from 6:00-8:00 PM featuring “An Evening of Dialogue” with Ambassador John Sullivan at the Ortega Home of Bill and Dori Walton. This gathering is only available to Council Sponsors and Ambassador’s Circle members. Click Here to Reserve Oct. 21 | Global Issues Evening Join us for a Global Issues Evening presentation: “Midnight in Moscow: Perspective from the Front Lines of Russia’s War Against the West.” Premier Member and Sponsor reception at 6:00 PM followed by the presentation at 7:00 PM at UNF. Click Here to Reserve Nov. 3 | Special Engagement Join us for a Special Engagement from 6:00-8:00 PM featuring “An Evening of Dialogue” with Brett McGurk at Epping Forest Yacht Club. This gathering is only available to Council Sponsors, Ambassador’s Circle, and Benefactor members. Click Here to Reserve Nov. 4 | Global Issues Evening Join us for a Global Issues Evening presentation: “Unique Perspectives on Geopolitical Hotspots.” Premier Member and Sponsor reception at 6:00 PM followed by the presentation at 7:00 PM at the University of North Florida. Click Here to Reserve Nov. 12 | Leading EDGE Dialogue Join us for a Leading EGE Dialogue: “The New Global Disorder” featuring former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul. This event will be held virtually on November 12th from 7:00PM - 8:00 PM in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut. Click Here to Reserve Nov. 20 | Leading EDGE Dialogue Join us for a Leading EGE Dialogue: “Headlines & Horizons: Making Sense of a World in Motion” featuring Idrees Kahloon, staff writer from The Atlantic. This event will be held at The River Club in Jacksonville from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM on November 20th. Click Here to Reserve Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon LinkedIn icon Membership Ready to join the over 200 new members this year? Click to explore membership levels or email our membership director. Copyright (C) 2025 World Affairs Council of Jacksonville. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a member or sponsor of the Council, or else have engaged with us previously. Our mailing address is: World Affairs Council of Jacksonville 40 E Adams St., Suite 120 Jacksonville, FL 32202 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe Logo This email was sent to howardamyjo@gmail.com why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences World Affairs Council of Jacksonville · 40 E Adams St., Suite 120 · Jacksonville, FL 32202 · USA