BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Tennessee World Affairs Council - ECPv6.13.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Tennessee World Affairs Council X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.tnwac.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Tennessee World Affairs Council REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250206T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250206T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250113T160352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T175709Z UID:38450-1738859400-1738864800@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:A Conversation on Israel\, Iran\, Syria\, and the Shifting Geopolitics of the Middle East (webinar) DESCRIPTION:A Conversation on Israel\, Iran\, Syria\, and the Shifting Geopolitics of the Middle East (Webinar)\n \n\n\nDoes it feel like the Middle East is changing faster than you can keep pace with?\nJoin TNWAC and The World Affairs Council of Miami on Thursday\, February 6th from 10:30am – 12:00pm CST for a free virtual Distinguished Speaker conversation on Israel\, Iran\, Syria\, and the Shifting Geopolitics of the Middle East. URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/a-conversation-on-israel-iran-syria-and-the-shifting-geopolitics-of-the-middle-east-webinar/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6-Feb-2025-Conversation-on-Israel-Iran-Syria-WACM-copy.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250213T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250213T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250128T180542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214328Z UID:38497-1739469600-1739473200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Reshaping of The Middle East (webinar) DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \n  \nReshaping of The Middle East\nTuesday\, February 13th – 12:00pm-1:00pm\nPresident Donald Trump returned to office on January 20\, 2025 facing a Middle East that has witnessed historic and tectonic shifts in the four years since he left office. The Israel-Hamas war\, broader conflicts and tensions in the region\, and major changes in Syria and Lebanon are among the events that have reshaped the regional landscape. What are the Trump administration’s likely priorities for the Middle East in the coming year\, and what dynamics and issues within the region will present the biggest challenges and opportunities? Please join the Tennessee World Affairs Council for an online discussion with Brian Katulis\, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute\, as part of its Global Dialog Webinar Series. \n\n\nSpeaker: Brian Katulis (Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy)\nBrian Katulis is a Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy at the Middle East Institute. He was formerly a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP)\, where he built the Center’s Middle East program and also worked on broader issues related to U.S. national security. \nHe has produced influential studies that have shaped important discussions around regional policy\, often providing expert testimony to key congressional committees on his findings. Katulis has also conducted extensive research in countries such as Egypt\, Israel\, Jordan\, and the Palestinian territories. His past experience includes work at the National Security Council and the U.S. Departments of State and Defense. \nEducation\nMaster in Public Affairs\, Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs Bachelor of Arts in history and Arab and Islamic studies\, Villanova University Fulbright scholar in Jordan\, 1994 – 1995 \nRegions of Expertise\nEgypt\, Israel\, the Palestinian territories\, Jordan \nIssues of Expertise\nNational security\, U.S. foreign policy\, diplomacy \nModerator: Dr. Breck Walker\n \n  \nBreck Walker pursued a twenty years’ career international business\, law\, and finance\,\nbefore turning to academia. For several years\, he taught foreign policy courses at\nSewanee\, The University of the South\, and worked as a contract historian for the Office\nof the Secretary of Defense Historical Office\, researching and writing on early Pentagon\npolicies in the computer security and cyber areas. Dr. Walker is currently retired. \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/reshaping-of-the-middle-east-webinar/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TNWAC-2-13-2025-Horizontal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250305T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250305T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250211T153159Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214247Z UID:38595-1741197600-1741201200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Geopolitical Divergences on the Korean Peninsula (Webinar) DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nGeopolitical Divergences on the Korean Peninsula\nWednesday\, March 5th – 12:00pm-1:00pm\nIn recent months\, North and South Korea have seen a divergence in their geopolitical fortunes. On December 3\, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law\, setting off a political crisis that has seen President Yoon impeached and hindered Seoul’s ability to coordinate with the new Trump administration. In contrast\, North Korea continues to deepen its relationship with Russia to which it has exported 9 million artillery shells and provided more than 10\,000 troops in exchange for food\, fuel\, and advanced military technology. Please join the Tennessee World Affairs Council for a discussion of the current state of affairs in North and South Korea\, as well as how they are adapting to changes in geopolitics.  \n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n\nTroy Stangarone (Director of the Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy; Deputy Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at The Wilson Center)\nTroy Stangarone is the Director of the Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy and the Deputy Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the Wilson Center. Mr. Stangarone specializes in economic and foreign policy relations on the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region. \nIn addition to his work at the Wilson Center\, Mr. Stangarone is columnist for The Korea Times and a contributing author for The Diplomat. He is also a member of the Steering Committee for the North Korea Economic Forum at the George Washington Institute for Korean Studies\, a member of the Korea-America Student Conference’s National Advisory Committee and on the Board of the International Council of Korean Studies. \nPrior to joining the Wilson Center\, Mr. Stangarone was Senior Director and Fellow at the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) where he oversaw the Institute’s programmatic initiatives and focused on issues pertaining to economic and foreign policy on the Korean Peninsula. During his time at KEI\, he was also a 2012-2013 Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in South Korea\, sponsored by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies\, and a Posco Visiting Fellow at the East-West Center. Mr. Stangarone also previously worked on Capitol Hill for Senator Robert Torricelli on issues relating to foreign affairs and trade. \nMr. Stangarone holds an MSc. in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Memphis. \nModerator:\nNatalie Thibault (Talent Executive | NBJ 40 Under 40 | Nashville Emerging Leader | MBA Candidate)\nNatalie is an Award-Winning Global Leader with expertise in talent strategy and operational excellence. For 17+ years\, Natalie delivered high impact results in one of the most complex\, matrixed\, fastest growing\, and innovative Fortune 10 tech companies in the world. She is now pursuing her MBA at Belmont University in Nashville\, Tennessee. \nNatalie values immersive international experiences to learn first-hand about politics\, food\, art\, geography\, global economics\, etc. At 68 countries and counting\, she believes it builds an almost instant connection when you can say ‘I know something about where you are from’. One of her favorite local hobbies is Salsa Dancing each week at Plaza Mariachi. \n\n\n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/geopolitical-divergences-on-the-korean-peninsula-webinar/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TNWAC-3-5-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250318T161500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250318T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250128T182250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214202Z UID:38503-1742314500-1742320800@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The Middle East on Fire DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nThe Middle East on Fire\nThe Middle East is witnessing the almost total collapse of deterrence as both state and non-state actors take huge risks amid the region’s deepening cycles of conflict and violence. Continued escalation lays bare the reality of a region that has grown profoundly more perilous since Hamas’s October 7 terror attack and the ensuing Gaza conflict. The Middle East is no longer bound by established rules of engagement and modes of deterrence. Assumptions undergirding the behavior and risk calculus of many state and nonstate actors in the region are increasingly obsolete. Clear redlines and mutually accepted rules of the game are glaringly absent. So\, too\, are reliable channels through which the warring parties can de-escalate. \nThe United States can rebuild its waning influence and play a decisive role in restoring deterrence in a region where countries and militant groups now feel able to act recklessly. But it has to recognize first that its current policies are inadequate and outdated. It continues to rely largely on conventional military approaches to deterrence that fail to account for the shifts roiling the region: emboldened nonstate actors\, unrestrained state actors\, and disruptive technologies. Washington must help all parties minimize the likelihood of miscalculation and work to stop the erosion of deterrence that has inflamed violence. If it does not do so\, it will risk being drawn into a regionwide conflict with global implications. \nTuesday\, March 18th I 11:15 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:\nBelmont University – Massey Rogers Boardroom (Parking on Inman Center)\n1601-1603 Wedgewood Av. Nashville\, TN 37201 \n\n  \n\n\nSpeaker: Mona Yacoubian (VP of Middle East North Africa Center\, United States Institute of Peace)\nMona Yacoubian is vice president of the Middle East and North Africa center at USIP. She brings more than 30 years of experience working on the Middle East and North Africa. Her work has centered on conflict analysis\, governance and stabilization challenges\, and conflict prevention. \nSince returning to USIP as a senior advisor in 2017\, her work has focused on Syria\, Lebanon and Iraq. Additional research interests include Russia’s role in the Middle East and violent extremism. In 2019\, she served as executive director of the Congressionally-appointed Syria Study Group\, which USIP was mandated to facilitate. \nYacoubian joined the U.S. Institute of Peace after serving as deputy assistant administrator in the Middle East Bureau at USAID from 2014 to 2017\, where she had responsibility for Iraq\, Syria\, Jordan and Lebanon. Prior to joining USAID\, Yacoubian was a senior advisor at the Stimson Center focusing on the Arab uprisings with an emphasis on Syria. Prior to joining the Stimson Center\, she served as a special advisor on the Middle East at the U.S. Institute of Peace\, where her work focused on Lebanon and Syria as well as broader issues related to democratization in the Arab world. From 1990 to 1998\, Yacoubian served as the North Africa analyst in the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research. \nYacoubian was a Fulbright scholar in Syria where she studied Arabic at the University of Damascus from 1985 to 1986. She has held an international affairs fellowship with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and is currently a CFR member. She earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s in public policy from Duke University. \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-middle-east-on-fire/ LOCATION:Belmont University – Barbara Massey Rogers Center Board Room\, 1900 Belmont Blvd.\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TNWAC-3-18-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250325T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250325T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250204T223459Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214011Z UID:38565-1742920200-1742925600@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The Dollar is the Globe’s Reserve Currency: Once you lose it\, you never get it back DESCRIPTION:Presents \n \n  \nThe Dollar is the Globe’s Reserve Currency: Once you lose it\, you never get it back\nJoin us for AllianceBernstein’s President and CEO Seth Bernstein for an insightful discussion on the importance of the dollar for the U.S. and the rest of the world. Seth Bernstein (no relation to the firm) has led AllianceBernstein since 2017. AllianceBernstein is a leading global investment management firm that offers diversified investment services to institutional investors\, individuals\, and private wealth clients in major world markets. \nTuesday\, March 25th I 11:15am – 1:00pm\nat \nHolland & Knight \n511 Union Street Suite 2700 Nashville\, TN 37219 \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Seth Bernstein (President and CEO\, AllianceBernstein)\n \nSeth Bernstein was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of AllianceBernstein (AB) in 2017. In 2018\, he was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Asset Management of Equitable Holdings. Prior to his appointment at AB\, Bernstein had a distinguished 32-year career at JPMorgan Chase\, most recently as managing director and global head of Managed Solutions & Strategy at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. In this role\, he was responsible for the management of all discretionary assets within the Private Banking client segment. Among other roles\, Bernstein served as managing director and global head of Fixed Income & Currency for 10 years\, concluding in 2012. Prior to that\, he held the position of CFO at JPMorgan Chase’s Investment Management and Private Banking division. \nBernstein holds a BA in political science and economics from Haverford College. He is Vice-Chair of Haverford College’s Board of Managers and the Clerk of the board’s Investment Committee. Bernstein is also a member of the Council of Foreign Relations in New York\, as well as a Board of Trustees member of the Brookings Institution and a governor of the Investment Company Institute\, both in Washington\, DC. In addition\, he serves as a trustee of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville\, TN. \nModerator: Karl Dean\n \nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990.  He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-dollar-is-the-globes-reserve-currency/ LOCATION:Holland & Knight\, 511 Union Street Suite 2700\, Nashville\, TN\, 37219\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Distinguished-Speaker-Website-Email-Templates-2025-Blue.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T170000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250315T203532Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214108Z UID:45524-1743436800-1743440400@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Foreign Policy Town Hall (webinar) DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nForeign Policy Town Hall\nMonday\, March 31 – 11:00pm CT – 12:00pm CT\nJoin Senator Murphy and fellow citizens across the nation for a town hall on U.S. Foreign Policy. We’ll address the massive changes to the State Department\, the role of the U.S. in conflicts around the world\, and relationships with allies and adversaries alike. \n\n  \n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n\n\nU.S. Senator Chris Murphy\nU.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)\, is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee; the Health\, Education\, Labor\, and Pensions Committee; and the Appropriations Committee. He previously served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives\, representing Connecticut’s fifth congressional district. Before being elected to Congress\, he served for eight years in the Connecticut state legislature. \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/foreign-policy-town-hall/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TNWAC-3-31-2025-Horizontal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250213T152243Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T213755Z UID:38612-1744129800-1744135200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Diplomacy in the 21st Century DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nDiplomacy in the 21st Century\nIn an increasingly interconnected world\, U.S. diplomats face a growing array of complex global challenges—from climate change and cyber threats to geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises. As these challenges evolve\, the question arises: Are our diplomats equipped with the tools\, resources\, and support they need to navigate them effectively? Against the backdrop of a transitioning administration\, this discussion will explore the state of the U.S. Foreign Service\, the key role diplomats play in safeguarding American interests\, and what the future holds for diplomacy in a rapidly changing global landscape. \nTuesday\, April 8th I 11:15 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:\nBass Berry & Sims\n21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500 Nashville\, TN 37203 \n\nSpeaker: Thomas Yazdgerdi (President\, American Foreign Service Association)\n \nA member of the Senior Foreign Service\, Tom Yazdgerdi served from 2019 to 2023 as the AFSA State VP and is proud of the many wins that AFSA has gotten for our members. Before that\, he was special envoy for Holocaust issues in the European and Eurasian Bureau at the Department of State. \nMr. Yazdgerdi has served as director of the Office of South Central European Affairs\, political counselor at U.S. Embassy Kabul\, head of U.S. Consulate Kirkuk\, and deputy political counselor for Iran affairs at U.S. Embassy Baghdad. He also served as deputy chief of mission and political economic chief at U.S. Embassy Pristina during the run-up to and aftermath of Kosovo independence. \nBefore joining the Foreign Service in 1991\, Mr. Yazdgerdi worked on Capitol Hill. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Central European history\, security studies\, and American diplomatic history from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/diplomacy-in-the-21st-century/ LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims – New Location\, 21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TNWAC-4-8-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250317T182247Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192652Z UID:45601-1744223400-1744227000@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:International Careers Panel (Hybrid Event) DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nInternational Careers Panel\nThe International Careers Panel is part of our Global Dialogue Webinar Series. This event will bring distinguished professionals together to share their experiences and insights and discuss the preparation and transition from college to careers\, including the tools\, skills\, and competencies needed to enter the profession\, the upsides and downsides of working in those jobs\, and internship opportunities in their organizations. These panels are aimed at college\, high school\, and young professionals\, but they’re open to everyone\, including TNWAC members and partner institutions across Tennessee. \nWednesday\, April 9 I 1:30pm CT / 2:30pm ET – 2:30pm CT / 3:30pm ET\nVenue:\nUniversity of Tennessee (Toyota Auditorium)\n1640 Cumberland Ave Knoxville\, TN 37996 \nSpecial Needs\, Accommodations\, and Event Questions: \nWe strive to be open and inclusive with our events. Please contact us at either info@TNWAC.org or at (309) 550-0782 if you need any accommodations\, special requests\, or have additional event-related questions. \n_______________________________________ \nModerator:\nDr. Gretchen Neisler\, PhD (University of Tennessee Vice Provost for International Affairs\, Director\, Center for Global Engagement)\nGretchen Neisler\, Vice Provost for International Affairs at the University of Tennessee\, works with faculty\, staff\, students and key stakeholders to understand and deepen their engagement as global citizens. Dr. Neisler has successfully managed over $120 million in grant funding to support the work of international research and development. Gretchen believes higher education must support students in understanding their role as global citizens and use the institutional strength of knowledge creation to solve global challenges the world faces. Additionally\, she feels the role of higher education in a community is to understand its societal needs and work collaboratively to meet those needs. Gretchen has worked for 20 years to build global networks that enhance research productivity and preparing a new generation of leaders to take the world’s stage by understanding that problems span geographic boundaries. Her passion is derived from the belief that science has the power to positively impact society and higher education is vital to sharing this knowledge with community stakeholders. Gretchen is an experienced leader with strengths in organizational change and team development. She holds a PhD. in higher education administration from Michigan State University. \nPanelists:\nMajor General William B. Hickman\, US Army (Retired)\nHickman served 36 years in the United States Army\, much of which was spent deployed to Europe and the Middle East. He commanded troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. In 2005-2006\, he was a senior leader in the Train and Assist Command in Iraq. In 2007-2008\, he commanded troops during the surge in Baghdad. He finished his Army service\, first as the deputy commander of US Army Central in Kuwait\, supporting operations across the Middle East with an emphasis on Iraq\, Syria\, and Afghanistan. His final assignment was as the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy at the Allied Command Transportation\, Norfolk\, Virginia. \nSince retiring from the US Army\, Hickman has published a political science textbook\, Understanding the US Military\, as a co-editor. Additionally\, as a Lecturer in Political Science\, he co-taught a Vanderbilt undergraduate class on the Iraq War (Spring Semester 2024). \nHickman earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the ROTC program. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. \nCasey Santos is the (Chief Technology Officer at Caliber)\nCasey Santos is the CTO of Caliber\, a family of automotive repair and service brands. She also is an independent board director\, and advisor with expertise in leveraging AI\, data analytics\, and cloud technologies to drive innovation and business value while managing cybersecurity\, resiliency\, and regulatory compliance. Formerly the Chief Information Officer at Asurion\, SVP of Business Process Innovation at AllianceBernstein\, and CIO at General Atlantic\, she began her career at NASA’s Mission Control as an aerospace engineer and later transitioned into IT consulting and senior technology leadership roles at McKinsey\, and McKinsey’s private investment office.\nMs. Santos serves on the boards of Omnicom\, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (as Audit Compliance and Risk Committee Chair)\, and Nashville Electric Service\, and is a Special Advisor for Generative AI at Vanderbilt University. She has also held leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as the Nashville Technology Council\, AWS\, Zoom\, and Writer. A recipient of honors from HITEC\, Nashville Tech Council\, WomenTech\, and Constellation Research\, she holds degrees from MIT (B.S.)\, Wharton (M.B.A.)\, and the Lauder Institute (M.A.). \nDr. Krystyne Savarese (Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director\, UT Knoxville Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration)\nIn her role as associate vice provost and executive director of the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration\, Krystyne Savarese strives to ensure all UT students are set up for success in achieving their goals. In this role\, she leads the unit’s efforts including career services\, employer development\, exploration\, and the implementation of the Vol Edge. \nKrystyne has served in a variety of roles in over 20 years in higher education. She started her career at Ohio State University in residence life\, later serving in the Center for the Study of Student Life\, and finally in the Office of Legal Affairs where she managed the university’s policy portfolio. Prior to her time at UT Knoxville\, Krystyne served as the senior director of residence life at Rutgers University\, New Brunswick. \nOriginally from Southern California\, Krystyne has a B.A. in English from the University of California\, Irvine\, and a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/international-careers-panel-2025/ LOCATION:University of Tennessee – Toyota Auditorium\, 1640 Cumberland Ave\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37996\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TNWAC-4-9-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T130000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250204T182933Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T170842Z UID:38556-1745407800-1745413200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Innovation\, Creativity\, Character: Equipping People for Transformative Leadership in the 21st Century DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nInnovation\, Creativity\, Character: Equipping people for Transformative Leadership in the 21st Century\nHigher education at its best prepares students both for their first jobs and for opportunities well into the future. Currently the curricula and mindsets of too many institutions reflect an orientation toward 1995 rather than 2050. We need frameworks that blend innovation (and an entrepreneurial mindset)\, creativity\, and character to enable students to become equipped for the leadership the world needs. \n                Belmont has long had a focus on innovation\, creativity\, and character. We are now doubling down on the importance of those themes and especially their intersections. We are focused on equipping students with the mindsets\, skills\, and character to prepare them both for their first jobs and for lifelong learning so they are equipped for jobs\, roles\, and leadership we can’t even anticipate yet – both locally and globally. \n\n  \nSpeaker: Dr. L. Gregory Jones – President of Belmont University\n \nGregory Jones is President of Belmont University. Prior to serving at Belmont Greg served in a variety of faculty and administrative leadership roles at Duke University. Greg is known as a leader and strategist whose creative engagement has helped institutions across the world and in local communities to create transformational resource models. He is known for an entrepreneurial mindset as well as emphases on character and purpose in higher education\, emphases in his leadership at Belmont. He is the author or editor of 19 books\, and has authored more than 200 essays/articles. He is known for books on forgiveness (Embodying Forgiveness and the co-authored Forgiving as We’ve Been Forgiven)\, Christian leadership (the co-authored Resurrecting Excellence) and social innovation (Christian Social Innovation). His most recent book is the co-authored Navigating the Future: Traditioned Innovation for Wilder Seas (2021). \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/innovation-creativity-character/ LOCATION:Belmont University Janet Ayers Academic Center Fourth Floor Conference Space C\, 1803 15th Ave S\,\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TNWAC-4-23-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250507T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250507T193000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250408T174108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T144720Z UID:45926-1746639000-1746646200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Global Eats: India - An Evening at Jashan Indian Brasserie DESCRIPTION:  \n \npresents \nGlobal Eats: India – An Evening at Jashan Indian Brasserie\n  \n \nWednesday\, May 7 I 5:30pm – 7:30pm\nOur “Global Eats” events offer a unique cultural and culinary experience that brings the world to your plate. Join us as we explore authentic cuisines from around the globe at local restaurants featuring rich and exotic flavors. These events go beyond dining\, offering rich conversations about the featured country’s history\, culture\, and traditions\, often with guest speakers or cultural demonstrations. Led by a host country representative\, “Global Eats” is the perfect blend of food\, culture\, and learning\, providing a delightful way to connect with diverse perspectives while enjoying a shared meal with fellow globally-minded individuals.\n** Dinner will be served family-style. Your $40 ticket includes non-alcoholic drinks\, your entree\, and gratuity.**  \nDinner Menu Includes: \nSamosa\, Pomegranate Bhel\, Kung Pao Chicken\, Dal Tadka\, Paneer Saag\, Chicken Tikka Masala\, Naan / Garlic Naan\, Basmati Rice\, Gulab Jamun \nRegister Now \n  \n\nFeatured Speaker:\n             Akki Grover (Operating Partner\, Jashan Mahati LLC) \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n \n  \nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \nDonate URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/global-eats-india-an-evening-at-jashan-indian-brasserie/ LOCATION:Jashan Indian Brasserie\, 2100 21st Ave. South\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States CATEGORIES:Global Eats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TNWAC-Global-Eats-5-7-2025-Rectangle-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250513T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250513T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250430T203829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T171149Z UID:46112-1747155600-1747159200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (Webinar) DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nThe power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (webinar)\nTues. May 13 – 12:00 pm-1:00 pm\nView Recording\n  \n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n  \nTerrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner\, T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC)\nTerrence H. Burns is a seasoned international sports and Olympic marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing communications\, brand management\, and sponsorship marketing. As the Chairman and Owner of T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC\, based in Nashville\, TN\, he specializes in global sports consulting\, working with high-profile clients such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC)\, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee\, and bids for major events like the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games\, Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup\, and Doha 2030 Asian Games. His career highlights include contributing to six winning Olympic bids (Beijing 2008\, Vancouver 2010\, Sochi 2014\, PyeongChang 2018\, Los Angeles 2028\, Salt Lake City 2034) and two FIFA World Cup bids (2018\, 2026). \nFeatured Moderator:\n  \n \nKarl Dean\nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990. He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-power-of-the-olympic-brand-and-the-geopolitics-of-global-sport-webinar/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TNWAC-5-13-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250514T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250514T130000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250408T180301Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T144551Z UID:45935-1747222200-1747227600@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Global Geopolitics 2025: What is happening\, why\, and where is this all likely to go? DESCRIPTION:presents \n \n  \nGlobal Geopolitics 2025: What is happening\, why\, and where is this all likely to go?\nWednesday\, May 14 I 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:\nOmni Hotel (Broadway Ballroom West)\n250 Rep. John Lewis Way South\,  Nashville\, TN 37203 \n*Parking is not included in your ticket price. Valet parking is available at the hotel for $25** \nRegister Now \n  \n\n  \nSpeaker: ADMIRAL MICHAEL S. ROGERS\, U.S. NAVY (RETIRED)\n Admiral Rogers is a member of the Board of Directors or Advisory Board to multiple companies in the private sector. He also works in the consulting and venture capital arenas across the globe while also speaking internationally to various business and academic groups in the areas of cyber security\, geopolitics\, technology\, leadership\, and crisis response. He can be seen on major media outlets across the globe on occasion addressing those same issues. He is a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management’s and works with DoD in the mentoring and professional development of its General and Flag officers. \nMike served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 37 years ending his service as a four-star admiral. Admiral Rogers retired from the U.S. Navy in 2018 and culminated his career in uniform with a four plus year tour as both the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director\, National Security Agency – creating the DoD’s then newest combatant command (the senior-most war-fighting organizations within the DoD) and leading the largest intelligence organization in the free world. In those roles\, he worked with the senior-most leadership of the U.S. government\, the DoD and the Intelligence community as well as their international counterparts in the conduct of cyber and intelligence activity across the globe. He also assisted in the development of national and international policy with respect to cyber\, intelligence\, privacy and technology – including extensive work with corporate leadership in the finance\, IT\, telecommunications and technology – and global security more broadly. \nPrior to his final duties he also served as Commander\, U.S TENTH FLEET/Fleet Cyber Command and the Director of Intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the INDO-PACIFIC Command. He served afloat and ashore around the world during his career. \nHe is a graduate of Auburn University and holds a Masters in National Security (East Asia) and is a distinguished graduate of the National War College and a graduate of highest distinction from the Naval War College. He is also an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow and a Harvard Senior Executive in National Security alum. \n  \n\n  \n \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/global-geopolitics-2025-what-is-happening-why-and-where-is-this-all-likely-to-go/ LOCATION:Omni Hotel\, 250 Rep. John Lewis Way South\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Luncheon ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TNWAC-5-14-2025-Horizontal-Updated.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250630T163415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T152109Z UID:46542-1755705600-1755712800@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:China's Push for Superpower Status in a World in Turmoil DESCRIPTION:  \n \n \nWednesday\, August 20 I 11:00 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue: \nHolland & Knight \n511 Union St. #2700 Nashville\, TN 37219 \nIs China the Next Global Superpower? \nChina is on the move—vying with the U.S. for dominance in trade\, technology\, and global influence. As American alliances waver and Beijing aligns with powers like Russia and Iran\, China is making strategic advances across Africa\, Latin America\, and the global South. Meanwhile\, cutting-edge technologies like DeepSeek AI and EV supremacy suggest a “Sputnik moment” for the U.S. \nBut the story isn’t one-sided. Inside China\, mounting debt\, a shrinking workforce\, and rising youth unemployment paint a more complex picture. How is President Xi’s tech-driven vision reshaping the economy\, and what does it mean for the rest of the world? \nIn this timely and provocative discussion\, China expert Dexter Tiff Roberts will unpack: \n· China’s strategy to challenge U.S. global leadership \n· Emerging tech and economic rivalries \n· Beijing’s growing influence in the Global South \n· Internal economic pressures threatening China’s rise \n· What does it all mean for global stability\, trade\, and power dynamics \nThis is a must-attend for anyone interested in global affairs\, U.S.-China relations\, and the forces reshaping the 21st century. Whether you’re a student\, policymaker\, business leader\, or globally curious\, you’ll leave with sharper insights into the world’s most consequential geopolitical rivalry. \n  \n\n \nSpeaker: Dexter Tiff Roberts\n \nDexter Tiff Roberts is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global China Hub; publisher of Trade War\, a weekly on US-China relations and the Chinese economy; instructor in Chinese politics at the University of Montana; author of The Myth of Chinese Capitalism (St. Martin’s Press\, 2020). He is the founder and publisher of Trade War\, a weekly newsletter on Chinese business and politics\, with over 5\,000 subscribers from government\, finance\, and academia\, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub\, and an instructor in Chinese politics and history at the University of Montana. He is a sought-after commentator on the Chinese economy and U.S.-China relations\, with his analysis featured in Foreign Affairs\, The Washington Post\, Politico\, The Wall Street Journal\, Bloomberg\, NPR\, the BBC\, and CNN. \nRoberts served for more than two decades as China bureau chief and Asia News Editor at Bloomberg Businessweek\, based in Beijing\, where he covered China’s accession to the World Trade Organization\, the impact of the Global Financial Crisis\, and the rise of authoritarian leader Xi Jinping. He has reported from all of China’s provinces and regions\, including Tibet and Xinjiang\, as well as from Mongolia\, Cambodia\, and North Korea. Previously\, he was director of China affairs at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center. \nRoberts has won numerous journalism honors for his writing\, including Overseas Press Club and Society of Publishers in Asia editorial excellence awards. He is regularly asked to share his views on China. He has spoken at the Council on Foreign Relations\, the National Endowment for Democracy\, the Asia Society\, the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco\, the Contemporary Centre for China Affairs at India’s Ministry of External Affairs\, as well as at numerous universities in the U.S.\, China and Hong Kong. He has lectured on Chinese disinformation at the Foreign Service Institute at the U.S. Department of State\, and provided testimony on the Chinese economy to the congressionally mandated U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and the UK Cabinet Office. \nRoberts holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanford University and a Master of International Affairs\, with a focus on China\, from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He studied at National Taiwan Normal University’s Mandarin Training Center in Taipei and speaks fluent Chinese. Roberts’ first book\, The Myth of Chinese Capitalism: the Worker\, the Factory and the Future of the World (St. Martin’s Press)\, was chosen as one of The Economist’s “best books of the year” for 2020\, and was a best seller in Chinese\, published by Taiwan’s Gusa Publishing. \nModerator: Jeremy Goldkorn\n \n\nJeremy Goldkorn is an editorial fellow at the Asia Society’s ChinaFile\, the editor of The China Week\, and founder of the Rhyming Chaos podcast. He co-founded the Sinica Podcast in 2010\, and was editor-in-chief of The China Project from 2016 to 2023. Goldkorn moved from his hometown of Johannesburg\, South Africa to China in 1995 and became managing editor of Beijing’s first independent English-language entertainment magazine. He later edited and founded several other publications\, including the website Danwei\, which tracked Chinese media\, markets\, politics and business\, which was acquired in 2013 by the Financial Times. While in China\, he lived in a workers’ dormitory\, produced a documentary film about African soccer players in Beijing\, and rode a bicycle from Peshawar to Kathmandu via Kashgar and Lhasa. He moved to Nashville\, Tennessee in 2015. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town. \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/chinas-push-for-superpower-status/ LOCATION:Holland & Knight\, 511 Union Street Suite 2700\, Nashville\, TN\, 37219\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TNWAC-8-20-2025-Horizontal-Updated-Again.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T170000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250717T192250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T200239Z UID:46668-1756051200-1756054800@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Greenland and the Geopolitics of the Arctic (Webinar) DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nGreenland and the Geopolitics of the Arctic\n(webinar)\nSunday\, August 24 – 11:00 am-12:00 pm\nAs climate change accelerates the melting of Arctic ice\, the region is rapidly emerging as a new geopolitical frontier. The Arctic holds immense strategic value due to its untapped natural resources—estimated to include 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its natural gas—as well as critical rare earth minerals essential for modern technologies. Melting ice is also opening new maritime routes that could significantly shorten global shipping times\, increasing the region’s economic and military importance. \nMajor powers\, including the United States\, Russia\, and China\, are expanding their presence in the Arctic\, viewing it as a key arena for influence\, resource competition\, and military positioning. The Arctic’s role in global security is further underscored by its proximity to the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) gap\, a vital chokepoint for NATO defense strategy. \nWithin this broader context\, the Trump Administration renewed U.S. focus on Greenland as a strategic asset. Greenland’s geographic location makes it a cornerstone of Arctic defense\, prompting the administration to place its military installations under U.S. Northern Command in 2025. The island’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals also attracted attention\, particularly as the U.S. sought to counter China’s dominance in critical supply chains. \nPresident Trump’s controversial proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark\, while dismissed by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders\, reflected a broader ambition to assert U.S. dominance in the Arctic. However\, this approach drew criticism for marginalizing Greenlandic voices and treating the territory as a geopolitical commodity rather than recognizing its people as autonomous actors. As Greenland moves toward greater self-determination\, future U.S. engagement will need to balance strategic interests with respect for local governance and aspirations. \nThe World Affairs Council of Atlanta speaks with the authors of the book “Greenland – A Journey from the Earliest Times to a Modern Society\,” published in March 2025. Mira Kleist is Head of the Greenland Practice\, Kaya Partners. Jens Heinrich\, Ph.D. is Head of Mission\, Greenland Representation in Denmark. Bo Lidegaard\, Ph.D. is Co-founder\, Kaya Partners. \n\nSpeakers:\nMira Kleist is a Greenland native\, based in Nuuk\, and is a former diplomat with a decade of expertise in global Arctic affairs\, Greenland–EU relations\, indigenous peoples’ rights\, and security policy. Mira’s background includes roles as a civil servant at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greenland\, a posting to the Greenlandic EU Representation in Brussels\, a Social Affairs Associate at the UN headquarters in New York\, and a Senior Advisor at the Danish Ministry of Defence. Mira is currently the Head of Greenland Practice and the climate policy advisory\, Kaya Partners. \nJens Heinrich\, Ph.D. is a Greenlandic-Danish historian\, trained at the University of Greenland. His phd-thesis was on the modernization of Greenland during and following World War II. He has worked on historical enquiries\, been a member of the Greenland Reconciliation Commission and has been an external lecturer at the University of Greenland and University of Copenhagen.  Heinrich is head of the Greenland Representation in Copenhagen\, Government of Greenland \nBo Lidegaard\, Ph.D. is an historian\, author and political advisor\, formerly long serving Danish diplomat and top foreign affairs\, national security and climate change advisor to consecutive Danish Prime Ministers. After leaving public service in 2011\, he served as editor in chief for the leading daily Politiken and in 2022 he co-founded Kaya Partners where he has since devoted his time\, presently running offices in Copenhagen\, Nuuk and London. Lidegaard has published several bestselling volumes on contemporary history\, including the US – Greenland – Denmark triangle since WWII.     URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/greenland-and-the-geopolitics-of-the-arctic/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TNWAC-8-24-2025-Rectangle-scaled.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250701T195415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T164044Z UID:46583-1756314000-1756317600@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (Webinar) DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nThe power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (webinar)\nWednesday\, August 27 – 12:00 pm-1:00 pm\n\nWhat do the Olympics reveal about international influence\, branding\, and global power? Join TNWAC on Wednesday\, August 27th\, for a fascinating webinar moderated by Karl Dean featuring Terrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner\, T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC). \n\nTerrence will explore how the Olympic Games transcend sport to shape geopolitics\, national identity\, and global narratives.\n\nWhat You’ll Learn: \n– How the Olympic brand has become a tool of soft power \n– The intersection of global sports\, politics\, and diplomacy \n– Real-world insights into international branding and influence \n\n\nView Recording \n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n  \nTerrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner\, T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC)\nTerrence H. Burns is a seasoned international sports and Olympic marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing communications\, brand management\, and sponsorship marketing. As the Chairman and Owner of T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC\, based in Nashville\, TN\, he specializes in global sports consulting\, working with high-profile clients such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC)\, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee\, and bids for major events like the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games\, Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup\, and Doha 2030 Asian Games. His career highlights include contributing to six winning Olympic bids (Beijing 2008\, Vancouver 2010\, Sochi 2014\, PyeongChang 2018\, Los Angeles 2028\, Salt Lake City 2034) and two FIFA World Cup bids (2018\, 2026). \nFeatured Moderator:\n  \n \nKarl Dean\nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990. He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-power-of-the-olympic-brand-and-the-geopolitics-of-global-sport-webinar-2/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TNWAC-8-27-2025-Rectangle-scaled.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250903T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250903T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250630T180541Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T162332Z UID:46551-1756915200-1756922400@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Truly a Turning Point?  Europe’s New View of Transatlantic Security DESCRIPTION:  \n \n\nTruly a Turning Point?  Europe’s New View of Transatlantic Security\n\nWednesday\, September 3 I 11:00 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\n\nThree years ago\, Germany’s leader said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marked a turning point.  Europe could no longer count on the framework of postwar international agreements to keep war from its borders.  In February of 2022\, it seemed Europe’s threat perception had changed for good.  Three and a half years on\, we’ll examine whether that holds true.  How has Europe’s approach to security changed — and can European countries sustain it? How can we measure change in the years ahead?  What will transatlantic security look like five years from now?  Join us for a discussion about what changes we can (and can’t) expect — and what it means for the United States.\n\nVenue: \nBass Berry & Sims \n21 Platform Way S Suite 3500 Nashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n  \n\nSpeaker: Robin Quinville\n \nRobin Quinville spent more than 30 years as a U.S. diplomat\, serving primarily inEurope. Her postings included two multilateral organizations (the Organization onSecurity and Cooperation in Europe and NATO) and bilateral postings to Cyprus (2000-2003)\, Bosnia (2004-2006)\, Greece (2006-2008)\, the United Kingdom (2009-2012)\, andthree postings to Germany (1988-89; 2012-2015; 2018-2021). She also spent a year(2008-2009) in Baghdad\, Iraq. In Washington\, she directed the Office of WesternEuropean Affairs at the Department of State and spent a year as a Wilson Center State Fellow. Quinville’s last diplomatic assignment was as DCM and then Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Berlin; she left the diplomatic service after returning to Washington in July 2021. Quinville then spent a semester as the Sol M. Linowitz Visiting Professor of International Affairs at Hamilton College in Clinton\, New York in the spring of 2022; she also taught for the Bush School of Government in Washington\, D.C. in the summer of 2022. She joined the Wilson Center as Director of the Global Europe Program in May 2022. A native of California\, Quinville lives in Arlington\, Va. \n  \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/europes-new-view-of-transatlantic-security/ LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims – New Location\, 21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TNWAC-9-3-2025-Horizontal-Updated.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T161000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250630T183031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T163552Z UID:46557-1758211800-1758218400@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Trump 2.0: US Policy Shifts Amid a Changing Middle East Landscape DESCRIPTION:  \n \nTrump 2.0: US Policy Shifts Amid a Changing Middle East Landscape\n  \nEight months into the second Trump administration\, the Middle East has become a more prominent focus of overall U.S. foreign policy. This first eight months was one of high operations tempo for the United States and included President Trump’s Gulf trip; a major policy shift to lift sanctions on Syria and meet with Syria’s de facto leader\, Ahmed Al-Sharaa; U.S. military strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites along with U.S. support for a 12-day Israeli military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear program\, military leadership\, and infrastructure; and diplomacy in the region led by prominent Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Tom Barrack. \nThe impact of these significant actions by the United States in the Middle East remains mixed. Close U.S. partners in the Middle East\, particularly the countries Trump visited in May\, have seen new opportunities to deepen strategic\, economic\, energy\, technological\, and military ties with the United States. However\, the impact of Trump’s tariffs and broader trade war may ultimately undercut these openings to strengthen bilateral relations and incentivize regional partners to diversify their global economic relationships. \nIran\, Israel-Palestine\, and the Houthis in Yemen remain the three major unresolved variables in the Middle East equation. While Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure suffered considerable damage\, it is unclear if these actions will produce a lasting resolution to concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and destabilizing actions. The weakest link in U.S. policy in the Middle East remains the Israel-Palestinian front as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. In contrast\, Syria and Lebanon present key opportunities for U.S. policy and engagement\, but this will require sustained U.S. diplomatic engagement over the months and years ahead. \nThis presentation will assess whether Trump 2.0’s overall foreign policy approach—characterized by transactional diplomacy\, selective military engagement\, and attempts to use America’s economic power to gain global leverage—is likely to produce a more durable and sustainable security environment in the Middle East\, amid a rapidly evolving regional landscape. \nThursday\, September 18th I 11:10 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\n  \nVenue: \nHolland & Knight \n511 Union St. #2700 Nashville\, TN 37219 \n  \n  \n\nSpeaker: Brian Katulis\n \nBrian Katulis is a Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy at the Middle East Institute. He was formerly a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP)\, where he built the Center’s Middle East program and also worked on broader issues related to U.S. national security. \nHe has produced influential studies that have shaped important discussions around regional policy\, often providing expert testimony to key congressional committees on his findings. Katulis has also conducted extensive research in countries such as Egypt\, Israel\, Jordan\, and the Palestinian territories. His past experience includes work at the National Security Council and the U.S. Departments of State and Defense. \nEducationMaster in Public Affairs\, Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs Bachelor of Arts in history and Arab and Islamic studies\, Villanova University Fulbright scholar in Jordan\, 1994 – 1995 \nRegions of ExpertiseEgypt\, Israel\, the Palestinian territories\, Jordan \nIssues of ExpertiseNational security\, U.S. foreign policy\, diplomacy \nModerator: Dr. Breck Walker\nBreck Walker pursued a twenty-year career in international business\, law\, and finance\,before turning to academia. For several years\, he taught foreign policy courses atSewanee\, The University of the South\, and worked as a contract historian for the Officeof the Secretary of Defense Historical Office\, researching and writing on the early Pentagonpolicies in the computer security and cyber areas. Dr. Walker is currently retired. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/trump-2-0-us-policy-shifts-amid-a-changing-middle-east-landscape/ LOCATION:Holland & Knight\, 511 Union Street Suite 2700\, Nashville\, TN\, 37219\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TNWAC-9-18-2025-Horizontal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250919T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250919T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250909T160848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T165444Z UID:46928-1758301200-1758304800@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Nashville at the Crossroads: Global Growth\, Local Challenges\, and Future Opportunities (webinar) DESCRIPTION:  \n \nNashville at the Crossroads: Global Growth\, Local Challenges\, and Future Opportunities\nNashville is experiencing rapid growth\, bringing with it both unprecedented opportunities and pressing challenges. On the local front\, issues such as workforce readiness\, housing affordability\, and infrastructure—particularly transportation—remain at the center of public concern. These challenges are compounded by broader economic uncertainty and federal policy disruptions. \nAt the same time\, Nashville is positioned for transformative opportunities. The redevelopment of the East Bank presents one of the city’s most significant growth prospects\, while international connections continue to expand. From new international flights and an ambitious tourism push\, to showcasing Nashville globally through its music\, culinary scene\, and cultural assets\, the city is actively elevating its international profile. \nMiddle Tennessee is also witnessing the steady expansion of international companies and an influx of foreign investment\, further reinforcing its role as an emerging global hub. Together\, these dynamics highlight Nashville’s dual reality: a city balancing the demands of sustainable local growth with the potential of international opportunity. \nThis talk will explore the critical intersection of these trends\, asking what Nashville’s future could look like as it strives to overcome challenges and seize opportunities on both the local and global stage. \nFriday\, September 19 I 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm\n* Webinar Event *\nView Recording\n\n \nFeatured Speaker: Lori Becker (Market President and Publisher of the Nashville Business Journal)\n \nLori Becker is a strategic executive leader with a track record of driving growth\, innovation and civic impact. As market president and publisher of the Nashville Business Journal\, she leads the region’s most influential business media company. Under her leadership\, the organization has achieved double-digit profit and top-line revenue growth\, launched scalable innovations adopted across 45+ markets\, and built nationally recognized teams. She is a trusted advisor to business and civic leaders across industries\, recognized for shaping Nashville’s economy through collaborative\, high-impact initiatives. \nA native of Bowling Green\, KY.\, and graduate of Western Kentucky University\, Lori joined NBJ in 2008 after a decade as a reporter with daily newspapers. \nLori is a board member and past chairwoman for the March of Dimes’ Middle Tennessee chapter\, an executive board member for Scouting America Middle Tennessee Council and a member of the 2019 class of Leadership Nashville. \nShe and her husband\, Michael\, live in Franklin with their two children\, ages 13 and 11\, and two rescue dogs. \nModerator: Karl Dean\n \nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990. He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/nashville-at-the-crossroads/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TNWAC-9-19-2025-Horizontal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251002T161500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251003T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250630T135155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T163117Z UID:46473-1759421700-1759514400@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The Frontlines of Trade: Why Global Supply Chains Are America’s National Interest DESCRIPTION:Presents \n \nThe Frontlines of Trade: Why Global Supply Chains Are America’s National Interest\nJoin GEODIS CEO Mike Honious as he explores why supply chains are no longer just a business function—they’re a national priority. From pharmaceuticals to electronics equipment\, discover how resilient logistics systems fuel America’s economy\, security\, and independence. Learn what every leader must understand about the new global battleground: trade. \nThursday\, October 2nd I 11:15 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue: \n \n501 Commerce St\, Nashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n\nSpeaker: Mike Honious (President and CEO of GEODIS’ Americas)\nAs President and CEO of GEODIS’ Americas region\, Mike Honious oversees the Americas\, including contract logistics\, transportation management\, freight forwarding\, engineering and technology\, IT\, and ProVenture (a U.S.-based subsidiary of GEODIS focusing on industrial real estate) and Material Handling Resources (one of the country’s leading material handling distributors owned by GEODIS). Mike has served several roles over his nearly 20-year tenure at GEODIS and was most recently named President and CEO of the Americas in 2020. Today\, Mike leads the region’s more than 17\,000 teammates across eight countries\, continuing to offer a better way to deliver for its customers. \n  \nEducation: – University of Dayton\, BS Industrial Engineering Technology – Harvard Executive Strategy – Vanderbilt Executive Leadership – University of Tennessee Supply Chain Forum – Penn State Supply Chain Executive Leadership \nOrganizations: – Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (January 2024 – December 2025) Nashville Branch Board of Directors – LEAD Public Schools Metro Nashville (February 2019 – Present) Board Chair – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville (January 2023 – Present) Board Member – GEODIS Foundation and GEODIS Compassion Fund (2010 to Present) Director & Co-founder  \nHonors & Awards: – DC Velocity Rainmakers Award (2022) – Nashville Business Journal Power 100 (2022-2023) – Nashville Post In Charge List (2021-2023) URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-frontlines-of-trade/ LOCATION:AllianceBernstein\, 501 Commerce St\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TNWAC-10-2-2025-Horizontal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251008T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251008T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250917T221208Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251015T222035Z UID:46964-1759942800-1759946400@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Emerging Foreign Policy Doctrine in a Brutally Challenging World (webinar) DESCRIPTION:  \n \nEmerging Foreign Policy Doctrine in a Brutally Challenging World\nThe global landscape facing the still-new hands of the Trump Administration includes a dizzying assortment of economic\, political\, and military challenges. The policy rhetoric often believes the actual courses being steered. That makes it difficult to sketch out the foreign policy doctrine that will mark President Trump’s second term. However\, there are some characteristics emerging that allow early assumptions on how America will navigate a world order that has profoundly changed from what came before. We’ll explore the trends with a distinguished panel of foreign policy historians \nWednesday\, October 8th I 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm\n* Webinar Event *\n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n  \nWatch now\n\n \nIntroduction: LCDR Patrick Ryan\, USN (Ret) (President Emeritus\, Tennessee World Affairs Council)\n \nPatrick Ryan is the founding president and President Emeritus of the Tennessee World Affairs Council. He served 26 years in the U.S. Navy as a Submariner\, Surface Warfare Officer\, and Intelligence Officer. He ran a newsletter publishing business focused on Middle East affairs for 17 years. Ryan serves as President of the Tennessee Submarine Memorial Association. He writes a Substack.com column titled “There and Here\,” looking at current events. \n \n \n \n \n \nPanelist: Dr. Amy Sayward (Professor of History\, Middle Tennessee State University)\n \nDr. Amy Sayward is a professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University and is the new director of its campus American Democracy Project. She recently completed a decade as the executive director of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR). She is the author of several books on the United Nations and Tennessee history. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nPanelist: Dr. Thomas Alan Schwartz (Professor of History and Political Science\, Vanderbilt University)\n \nThomas Alan Schwartz is a Professor of History and Political Science at Vanderbilt University. Educated at Columbia\, Oxford\, and Harvard Universities\, he is the author of the books America’s Germany: John J. McCloy and the Federal Republic of Germany (1991) and Lyndon Johnson and Europe: In the Shadow of Vietnam (2003)\, and the forthcoming\, Henry Kissinger and American Power: A Political Biography (Hill and Wang\, 2020). Along with Matthias Schulz\, he produced the edited volume\, The Strained Alliance: US-European Relations in the 1970s\, (2009). He has received fellowships fromthe German Historical Institute\, the Norwegian Nobel Institute\, the Woodrow Wilson Center\, and the Social Science Research Center. He served on the Historical Advisory Committee of the Department of State\, and was the President of the Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations. He has taught the History of the Vietnam War class at Vanderbilt for the last thirty years. While teaching at Vanderbilt\, he has received the Madison Sarratt Teaching prize (2013) and the Alumni Education Award (2008). \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nPanelist: Dr. Breck Walker (Board Member\, Tennessee World Affairs Council)\n \nBreck Walker pursued a twenty-year career in international business\, law\, and finance\, before turning to academia. For several years\, he taught foreign policy courses at Sewanee\, The University of the South\, and worked as a contract historian for the Office of the Secretary of Defense Historical Office\, researching and writing on early Pentagon policies in the computer security and cyber areas. Dr. Walker is currently retired. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/emerging-foreign-policy-doctrine/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TNWAC-10-8-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251015T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251015T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250630T185504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T201151Z UID:46563-1760544000-1760551200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The Global Country Music Scene in 2025 DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n \n\nThe Global Country Music Scene in 2025\n\nThe global influence of Country Music is expanding at an extraordinary pace\, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for artists around the world. This presentation will explore how the Country Music Association (CMA) is leading the way in building international connections\, opening new markets\, and driving growth across borders. With international consumption of Country Music reaching an all-time high in key territories\, Trahern will share the data and insights fueling this global momentum\, while emphasizing the industry’s role in empowering today’s artists to prioritize international development for sustained success.\n\n\n \nWednesday\, October 15 I 11:00 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue: \nBass Berry & Sims \n21 Platform Way S Suite 3500 Nashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n  \n\nSpeaker: Sarah Trahern \n \nSarah Trahern was named CEO of the Country Music Association on January 1\, 2014. She helms the organization’s three acclaimed network television properties (“CMA Fest\,” “CMA Country Christmas\,” and the CMA Awards)\, one of the biggest music festivals in the world\, and serves as President of the CMA Foundation\, which funds meaningful music education initiatives across the country. Throughout her career\, Sarah has been an advocate for Country Music\, the artists\, songwriters\, and the extensive creative and business communities that fuel the format. With foresight and determination\, she has crafted a brand identity for country music at the highest level and has been at the forefront of some of the industry’s most ambitious initiatives\, fostering gender equality\, inclusion\, and preserving the legacy. \nPrior to CMA\, Sarah was General Manager of cable network Great American Country (GAC)\, where she had executive oversight of the network’s creative and digital initiatives. Sarah joined Scripps-owned GAC in 2005 and was quickly promoted to SVP of Programming before being named GM in 2010. Sarah began her career at C-SPAN in Washington\, D.C.\, covering politics and public affairs before moving to Nashville in 1995 to oversee specials and entertainment series for The Nashville Network (TNN). After her time at TNN\, she launched her own successful company\, Sterling Television\, working with several networks including DIY\, HGTV\, and CMT\, where she produced Johnny Cash’s memorial service. \nA leader with vision who values relationships\, Sarah has been recognized as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs. She is consistently included on Billboard’s Country Power Players list and was named “Executive of the Year” in 2017. In 2011\, she was the subject and honoree of the prestigious Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum\, presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame\, and has also been honored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In July 2024\, she was also honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award by the Grand Ole Opry. Lauded for her business contributions\, Sarah demonstrates an equally strong commitment to the community. She serves on boards for the Monroe Carroll Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt\, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum\, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation (NCVC)\, Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management\, Leadership Nashville\, and the Music City Bowl. She also chaired the Entertainment Committee for the 2016 NHL All-Star Game in Nashville and served on the 2018 NFL Draft Committee. She is an alumna of both Leadership Music and Leadership Nashville. \nA graduate of Georgetown University with an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University\, Sarah grew up in Champaign-Urbana\, Illinois. \nModerator: Karl Dean\n \nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990.  He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/luncheon-with-sarah-trahern/ LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims – New Location\, 21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TNWAC-10-15-2025-Horizontal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251023T223000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T003000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250919T152619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T220510Z UID:46993-1761258600-1761265800@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Fall Happy Hour & Networking Event (Cancelled) DESCRIPTION:  \n \n \n \nDear TNWAC Community\,\nWe regret to inform you that our upcoming Fall 2025 Happy Hour\, originally scheduled for October 23\, has been canceled due to an unexpected change by our venue host. We know many of you were looking forward to reconnecting in person\, and we share your disappointment. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Stay tuned for updates on future events and gatherings.\n– The TNWAC Team\n  \n  \n  \n \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/fall-2025-happy-hour/ LOCATION:Trinetix\, 750 Health Park Drive\, Building Two\, Suite 290\, Brentwood\, TN\, 37027\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TNWAC-10-23-2025-Cancelled.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251027T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251027T180000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250930T171646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T165127Z UID:47040-1761584400-1761588000@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:An "Americas First" Foreign Policy: Opportunities and Risks in U.S.-Latin American Relations (webinar) DESCRIPTION:  \n \nAn “Americas First” Foreign Policy: Opportunities and Risks in U.S.-Latin American Relations\nThe United States is often accused of ignoring its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean. However\, in the lead-up to his first international trip\, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote that the administration would have an “Americas First” foreign policy—and thus far\, much of the administration’s foreign policy has focused on the Hemisphere. While there has been an emergent bipartisan consensus on identifying some of the key issues related to U.S. hemispheric relations\, there has been a profound shift in how the Trump administration has approached regional relations and issues. \nThis shift comes at a time when the United States is increasingly concerned about growing Chinese influence in the region\, has taken a harsher line on immigration\, labeled regional criminal organizations as foreign terrorists\, and is rewriting trade relations. At the same time\, the region continues to face development and security challenges while simultaneously dealing with democratic backsliding. Adam Ratzlaff (CEO and Founder of Pan-American Strategic Advisors) will discuss continuity and change in U.S. regional relations and what the opportunities and challenges are moving forward. \nWednesday\, October 27 I 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm\n* Webinar Event *\nView Recording \n– \n\n–\nModerator: Dr. Liane Hentschke (Executive Director\, TNWAC)\n \nFormer professor and researcher in Music Education at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS – Porto Alegre\, Brazil. During her career\, she served on several organizations related to international cooperation: Director of Institutional and International Cooperation of CNP (Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development); Director of International Affairs of UFRGS; President-Elect\, President\, and Past-President of the International Society for Music Education – ISME; Vice-President of the International Music Council – IMC\, advisory body for music to UNESCO. Her publications include books\, book chapters\, prefaces\, and refereed journal articles published in Brazil\, England\, Australia\, Argentina\, Hong Kong\, Germany\, and Spain. She was an invited lecturer at the University of Nebraska and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign\, and acted as a grant development consultant for the Illinois Community College. For A3ES – Portugal\, she worked on the Accreditation of Higher Education degrees. Dr. Hentschke is currently Executive Director of the Tennessee World Affairs Council in Nashville\, TN. \n \n \n \nSpeaker: Adam Ratzlaff is the founder and CEO of Pan-American Strategic Advisors\n \nAdam Ratzlaff is the founder and CEO of Pan-American Strategic Advisors–a boutique consulting firm and think tank focused on the Western Hemisphere–and a member of Diplomatic Courier’s World in 2050 Brain Trust. With over a decade of experience researching regional affairs\, Ratzlaff has consulted for the World Bank\, the Inter-American Development Bank\, the U.S. Department of Defense\, and the U.S. Department of State. Ratzlaff is the author or co-author of over 130 public-facing analyses\, reports\, and academic works on topics related to Inter-American affairs. His work has been featured in The New Orleans Times-Picayune\, Global Americans\, The National Interest\, Responsible Statecraft\, and the Modern War Institute at West Point\, among other publications. Ratzlaff is a PhD Candidate (ABD) in International Relations at Florida International University and holds an MA from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies (University of Denver) and a BA from Tulane University\, where he triple-majored in international relations\, economics\, and Latin American studies. \n  \n\n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/an-americas-first-foreign-policy/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TNWAC-10-27-2025-Horizontal-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251028T223000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251029T003000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250918T002711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T030428Z UID:46978-1761690600-1761697800@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Global Eats: The Russia-Ukraine War – Ripples Across Central Asia DESCRIPTION:  \n \n  \nGlobal Eats: The Russia-Ukraine War – Ripples Across Central Asia\, Influences from the Past\, Implications for the Present and Future\nTuesday\, October 28 I 5:30pm – 7:30pm \nOur “Global Eats” events offer a unique cultural and culinary experience that brings the world to your plate. Join us as we explore authentic cuisines from around the globe at local restaurants featuring rich and exotic flavors. These events go beyond dining\, offering rich conversations about the featured country’s history\, culture\, and traditions\, often with guest speakers or cultural demonstrations. Led by a host country representative\, “Global Eats” is the perfect blend of food\, culture\, and learning\, providing a delightful way to connect with diverse perspectives while enjoying a shared meal with fellow globally-minded individuals. \n  \n**Your $45 ticket includes non-alcoholic drinks\, your entrée\, and gratuity. ** \n  \n\n\nFeatured Speaker: Mark Reese (President & CEO\, Suhbat LLC)\n \nMark Reese is a Central Asia specialist with 30 years of experience\, having spent a significant amount of time in the region. As a Peace Corps volunteer in 1994\, he witnessed the immediate turmoil of the post-Soviet era and the emergence of new states where leaders tried to chart new paths. He’s currently focused on teaching and education development in Central Asia and the United States. \nHis passions also extend to sharing Uzbeki literature with the world\, presenting several works to Nashville during the Southern Festival of Books in early October. His effort to promote the Uzbek language and culture\, including his English translation of Oʻtkan Kunlar\, earned him Uzbekistan’s Presidential Order of Doʻstlik. \nPreviously\, Mark led translation and cultural advisement activities for government and private industry clients in Afghanistan and the United States. As Founding Director for the Center for Regional Studies at the United States Naval Academy\, he developed a comprehensive midshipman education program. \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/global-eats-the-russia-ukraine-war/ LOCATION:OSH Restaurant & Grill\, 216 Thompson Lane\, Nashville\, 37211\, United States CATEGORIES:Global Eats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TNWAC-Global-Eats-10-28-2025-Rectangle.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251106T171000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251106T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250729T185940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T030222Z UID:46743-1762449000-1762455600@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Leading through Partnership: Tennessee’s Strategy for Global Investment DESCRIPTION:  \nThis event is sold out\n \nLeading through Partnership: Tennessee’s Strategy for Global Investment\nJoin TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter on November 6 as he delivers the keynote address for the Tennessee World Affairs Council Distinguished Speaker Series. He will highlight how Tennessee’s focus on building strong\, long-term relationships has made it a trusted partner for global companies for decades. With more than 1\,000 international businesses operating in the state\, these global brands are not only a testament to Tennessee’s welcoming business climate—they are among its strongest selling points in attracting new investment. Through the keynote address\, attendees will gain a better understanding of how the state’s commitment to partnership\, connectivity\, and a personalized approach continues to set Tennessee apart on the global stage. \nThursday\, November 6th I 11:10 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue: \n \n1221 Broadway\, Suite 1300 \nNashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n  \n\n \nSpeaker: Stuart McWhorter (Commissioner\, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development)\nStuart C. McWhorter has served as TNECD commissioner since July 2022. During his tenure\, TNECD has nearly 120 projects\, which represent more than 17\,000 job commitments and $9.7 billion in capital investment. Of those projects\, more than 28 percent were the result of foreign direct investment. \nMcWhorter has a diverse background in entrepreneurship\, corporate finance\, and strategic planning. He served as co-founder and chairman of Clayton Associates with over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship and early-stage investing. \nMcWhorter stepped away from Clayton Associates in 2019 to join Governor Lee’s administration as Commissioner of the Department of Finance and Administration. He led the drafting of two fiscal year state budgets\, co-chaired the Governor’s Healthcare Modernization Task Force\, and was appointed director of the Tennessee Unified Command Group to coordinate the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. \nIn addition\, McWhorter previously served as the CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and chairman of the Board of Directors of Nashville-based FirstBank Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK). He received his Master of Health Administration from The University of Alabama-Birmingham and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Clemson University. \nMcWhorter resides in Nashville with his wife\, Leigh Anne\, and their five children. \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/leading-through-partnership-tennessees-strategy-for-global-investment/ LOCATION:First Bank\, 1221 Broadway\, Suite 1300\, Nashville\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TNWAC-11-6-2025-Horizontal-scaled.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20250930T153143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T173637Z UID:47026-1762966800-1762974000@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:U.S. and Japan: Allies in Security\, Partners in Economic Prosperity DESCRIPTION:U.S. and Japan: Allies in Security\, Partners in Economic Prosperity\nThe Tennessee World Affairs Council\, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville\, is hosting a panel discussion about Japan and its close relationship with the US. Panelists from Kobe University in Japan and the Hudson Institute in Washington\, DC will discuss the longstanding alliance between the US and Japan\, geopolitical and security challenges in the region faced by both countries\, and the strong economic relationship between these two great powers due to trade and Japanese investment in the US\, especially in Tennessee. \nWednesday\, November 12\, 2025 I 11:00am-1:00pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue: \n \n21 Platform Way South – 23rd FloorNashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n– \n\nOpening Remarks: Mr. WATANABE Shinji (Consul-General of Japan in Nashville)\n \nWatanabe Shinji assumed his post as Consul-General of Japan in Nashville in April 2024. This is his second diplomatic assignment in the United States\, following his first assignment at the Consulate-General in Denver\, Colorado. Trained in the Swedish language\, he has also served at the Embassy of Japan in Sweden on three occasions\, with his most recent assignment being the Deputy Chief of Mission. \nPrior to his assignment as Consul-General\, he worked as the Director of Exchange Programs Division\, Minister’s Secretariat\, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan from February 2021. The division is responsible for policies on people-to-people exchanges including the Fulbright Program\, JET Programs\, and sports exchanges. Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987\, Consul-General Watanabe has held various positions in fields such as international cooperation\, public relations\, and international exchange. \nConsul-General Watanabe was born in Fukuoka\, Japan. He graduated from Doshisha University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He also studied at Uppsala University in Sweden from 1989 to 1990. Consul-General Watanabe is married with two adult children. \nModerator: Andrew McDermott (Founder\, Mission Value Partners LLC)\n \nAndrew was born and raised in Memphis\, TN. After graduating from Princeton with a degree in history\, he joined NEC Logistics in Tokyo in 1992. In 1994 he fell into a finance career courtesy of JPMorgan\, where he worked on deals ranging from Chinese infrastructure finance to venture capital to tech IPOs in Hong Kong\, New York\, Singapore and San Francisco. He joined Southeastern Asset Management in 1998 and helped lead its international business until 2009 from Memphis\, Tokyo and London. In 2010\, he founded Mission Value Partners\, a Japan-focused investment firm\, in Sonoma\, CA and returned to Tennessee in 2021. His Tokyo-based partner\, Yohei Yamada\, spent six years in Maryville\, TN before returning to Japan to attend college at Keio University and pursue his PhD in Computational Neuroscience at the University of Tokyo. His essay “Let’s talk about Japan Hard Power: Japan’s industrial power-base: under discussed\, under appreciated\, undervalued\,” can be found on the Japan Optimist substack. He has contributed to the Asia-Law Institute’s Nippon Steel symposium and participated in numerous events dedicated to combining the best of the US and Japanese systems\, using Tennessee as a model of co-operation. Andrew currently resides in Nashville with his wife Kelly and four children. He enjoys rock climbing and fishing in the Smoky Mountains. \nPanelist: Dr. William Chou (Senior Fellow & Deputy Director\, Japan Chair\, Hudson Institute)\n \nWilliam Chou is a senior fellow and deputy director of Hudson Institute’s Japan Chair. His work at Hudson focuses on US-Japan/Indo-Pacific relations\, with an emphasis on economic security\, trade and investment\, and regional partnerships. Recent projects include the Nippon Steel-US Steel partnership\, critical mineral supply chains\, trilateral US-Japan-EU economic security cooperation\, and US-Japan energy partnerships with Southeast Asia.Dr. Chou writes and speaks regularly on policy issues\, with his writing and analysis appearing in publications such as The Wall Street Journal\, Bloomberg\, Politico\, The Washington Post\, Nikkei\, The New York Times\, and the Financial Times.He holds a BA in history from Yale and a PhD in history from The Ohio State University\, with a dissertation on Cold War US-Japan commercial and diplomatic relations. He is a former fellow at the Smithsonian\, the Clements Center at UT-Austin\, and the University of Tokyo. He got his start as a research analyst at the Institute for Defense Analyses during the Iraq War.A native New Yorker\, Dr. Chou is a former Jeopardy! champion. \nPanelist: Dr. Tosh Minohara (Professor of International Relations & Security Studies\, Kobe University)\n \nDr. Tosh Minohara is Professor of Ko\, where he holds a joint appointment with the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies. He received his B.A. in International Relations from the University of California\, Davis\, and his Ph.D. in Political and Diplomatic History from Kobe University. He is the founder and chairman of the Research Institute of Indo-Pacific Affairs (RIIPA)\, a nonprofit organization certified by the Cabinet Office. He is also a senior advisor to KREAB Japan and the National Security Group of the Global Tekijuku\, as well as a member of the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives (Kansai Keizai Doyukai). In addition\, he was formerly an external advisor to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)\, lecturer at both the Japan Maritime and Air Self-Defense Force (JMSDF/JASDF) Command and Staff Colleges\, and has served three tours (2011\, 2022\, 2023) on the JMDF training squadron as an academic observer/lecturer. He is the author of numerous books and articles\, including the most recent\, The Handbook of Japan’s Foreign and Domestic Policies During the Decade of Abe (Amsterdam University Press\, 2025). His academic achievements have been recognized as a recipient of both the Shimizu Hiroshi Prize (2002) and the Japan Academic Research Award (2019). \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/us-and-japan-2025/ LOCATION:Pinnacle Financial Partners\, 21 Platform Way South - 23rd Floor\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TNWAC-11-12-2025-Rectangle-Updated.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260115T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260115T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20251117T181218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T164953Z UID:47203-1768500000-1768503600@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The influence and expansionist drive of China in Serbia and the threat to Western security (Webinar) DESCRIPTION: \n  \n\n \nThe influence and expansionist drive of China in Serbia and the threat to Western security\nJoin us for a timely webinar with Miroslav Ivica Emejdi\, German Senior Police Commissioner and security policy expert\, as he explores China’s growing influence and expansionist ambitions in Serbia—and why it matters for Western security. \nDrawing on his recent book\, Emejdi will explain how the Balkans are often misunderstood or overlooked by Western policymakers and have become a key battleground where Beijing\, Moscow\, and Brussels compete for power and strategic direction. \nHe will discuss how historical miscalculations and slow Western responses have allowed rivals to gain ground\, and why Serbia—an EU accession candidate—is far more important than many realize. With insights recognized by senior European and UN officials\, Emejdi offers a clear warning: understanding Serbia’s geopolitical role is essential to safeguarding the West’s ability to meet future global challenges. \nThis is a must-attend program for anyone interested in global affairs\, European security\, or great-power competition. \n \nThursday\, January 15\, 2026 I 12:00pm – 1:00pm\n \nView Recording\n  \n  \n\n \nFeatured Speaker: Miroslav Ivica Emejdi (German Senior Police Chief Commissioner)\n \nMiroslav Ivica Emejdi is a Senior Police Chief Commissioner in Germany with long-standing experience in state security\, counterterrorism\, and the fight against organized crime. Over two decades of service\, he has worked in specialized units addressing extremism\, politically motivated violence\, and international law enforcement cooperation. \nIn recognition of his role in the investigation following the 2011 Islamist terrorist attack that targeted U.S. Air Force Airmen\, he received a personal commendation from the four-star General commanding U.S. Air Forces in Europe.International EngagementEmejdi is an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). He has also been a featured speaker at national and international security institutions\, including intelligence services\, and at a multinational counterterrorism forum hosted by U.S. Army Europe. His career reflects a strong transatlantic dimension and a deep engagement at the intersection of European and American security concerns.Author and AnalystHe is the author of ‘Key Country Serbia – How Misjudgments Weaken the West’ (ibidem / Columbia University Press\, forthcoming 2026). The book analyzes Serbia and the wider Western Balkans as pivotal but often underestimated regions in Western security architecture\, highlighting how Russian and Chinese influence challenge Western strategies. He is also working on a forthcoming book on the Albanian Mafia and its transnational connections\, including links to Latin America\, United States and Europe’s security architecture. His work analyzes how overlooked regions and criminal networks shape the stability of the West. He has also been interviewed by Germany’s leading professional journal on criminology.Areas of ExpertiseEmejdi’s expertise covers geopolitics\, transnational organized crime\, and the strategic competition of great powers. His analyses connect ground-level security realities with broader strategic questions facing NATO\, the European Union\, and the United States. In his presentations\, he emphasizes why close transatlantic cooperation is indispensable in addressing these challenges. \nFeatured Moderator: Mark Reese (President & CEO\, Suhbat LLC)\n \nMark Reese is a Central Asia specialist with 30 years of experience\, having spent a significant amount of time in the region. As a Peace Corps volunteer in 1994\, he witnessed the immediate turmoil of the post-Soviet era and the emergence of new states where leaders tried to chart new paths. He’s currently focused on teaching and education development in Central Asia and the United States. \nHis passions also extend to sharing Uzbeki literature with the world\, presenting several works to Nashville during the Southern Festival of Books in early October. His effort to promote the Uzbek language and culture\, including his English translation of Oʻtkan Kunlar\, earned him Uzbekistan’s Presidential Order of Doʻstlik. \nPreviously\, Mark led translation and cultural advisement activities for government and private industry clients in Afghanistan and the United States. As Founding Director for the Center for Regional Studies at the United States Naval Academy\, he developed a comprehensive midshipman education program. \n  \n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/how-china-is-expanding-its-influence-in-europe/ LOCATION:Zoom CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TNWAC-1-15-2026-Horizontal-Updated.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260121T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260121T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20251117T174839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T233125Z UID:47198-1769014800-1769022000@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:The power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport DESCRIPTION:  \n \n\n \nWith the 2026 Milan–Cortina Olympic Winter Games just weeks away\, the Olympics are once again at the center of global attention. \nBut what most people see on television is only the surface. \nBehind the athletes and ceremonies is one of the most powerful global brands in the world—shaping diplomacy\, national image\, corporate strategy\, and geopolitical influence in ways few fans ever see. \nOn January 21\, Terrence Burns will be speaking at the Tennessee World Affairs Council Distinguished Speaker Series Luncheon about the power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport—what’s really happening behind the scenes\, why it matters now\, and what Milan–Cortina reveals about the future of the Games. \nIf you’re interested in global affairs\, international business\, or how soft power actually works\, I hope you’ll join us. \n————– \nWednesday\, January 21\, 2026 I 11:00am-1:00pm\n* Luncheon Event *\n  \nVenue:  \nPinnacle Financial Partners \n21 Platform Way South 23rd Floor \nNashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n– \n\n \nFeatured Speaker: Terrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner\, T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC)\n \nTerrence H. Burns is a seasoned international sports and Olympic marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing communications\, brand management\, and sponsorship marketing. As the Chairman and Owner of T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC\, based in Nashville\, TN\, he specializes in global sports consulting\, working with high-profile clients such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC)\, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee\, and bids for major events like the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games\, Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup\, and Doha 2030 Asian Games. His career highlights include contributing to six winning Olympic bids (Beijing 2008\, Vancouver 2010\, Sochi 2014\, PyeongChang 2018\, Los Angeles 2028\, Salt Lake City 2034) and two FIFA World Cup bids (2018\, 2026). URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-power-of-the-olympic-brand-and-the-geopolitics-of-global-sport/ LOCATION:Pinnacle Financial Partners\, 21 Platform Way South - 23rd Floor\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TNWAC-1-21-2026-STD-Horizontal-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260204T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260204T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20260111T200256Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T215227Z UID:47290-1770224400-1770231600@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Latin America in a Post-Liberal World DESCRIPTION:  \n\n \n \nAmbassador McKinley will address how the political and economic landscape of Latin America has changed over the past decade\, with an emphasis on challenges and opportunities. He will also examine Latin America’s growing international importance and its relations with the United States. \n————– \nWednesday\, February 4\, 2026 I 11:00am-1:00pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:  \nBass Berry & Sims – 21 Platform Way S\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n– \n\n \nFeatured Speaker: Ambassador Michael McKinley \nOver the course of his 37-year career in the US State Department\, Ambassador McKinley served as US Ambassador to Peru (2007-2010)\, Colombia (2010-2013)\, Afghanistan (2014-2016)\, and Brazil (2017-2018)\, and closed out his career as senior advisor to the Secretary of State. He helped conclude free trade agreements with Peru and Colombia\, as well as key security and economic accords with Brazil. His experience with regional conflicts and peace negotiations over three decades across three continents was central to his work as an ambassador in Colombia and Afghanistan. Ambassador McKinley is currently a Senior Counselor at The Cohen Group consultancy in Washington\, DC\, and is a non-resident senior adviser at CSIS. His articles on foreign policy have appeared in Foreign Affairs\, Foreign Policy\, Washington Post\, Politico\, and other publications. He is also the author of a book on colonial Venezuelan history\, published by Cambridge University Press\, and holds a Master’s and DPhil from Oxford University. \n  \n  \n  \n\n  URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/latin-america-in-a-post-liberal-world/ LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims – New Location\, 21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TNWAC-2-4-2026-Horizontal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260218T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260218T190000 DTSTAMP:20260508T101137 CREATED:20260123T222901Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T185806Z UID:47307-1771434000-1771441200@www.tnwac.org SUMMARY:Africa’s Global Rise and Why It Matters to the United States DESCRIPTION:  \n\n \n \nAfrica’s growing geopolitical importance is reshaping global dynamics in ways that increasingly affect the United States at home. As the continent emerges as a major driver of economic growth\, innovation\, and demographic expansion\, its role in global trade\, energy security\, supply chains\, and diplomatic influence continues to expand. At the same time\, increased engagement by global powers—including China and Russia—has elevated Africa’s strategic significance for U.S. foreign policy and national security. \nUnderstanding Africa’s political and economic trajectory is therefore not only a matter of international relations\, but one that directly connects to American competitiveness\, workforce development\, economic opportunity\, and global leadership. Through this conversation\, TNWAC seeks to highlight why Africa matters to Tennessee and how global developments increasingly shape domestic realities. \n————– \nWednesday\, February 18\, 2026 I 11:00am-1:00pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:  \nBass Berry & Sims – 21 Platform Way S\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n\n \nFeatured Speaker: Chidi Blyden (CEO and Principal at Culturally Bound)\nMs. Chidi Blyden (chee-dee\, blī-den)\, is an accomplished executive leader and former U.S. foreign policy advisor whose expertise bridges national security\, defense\, economic development\, and international policy. As Principal of Culturally Bound Consulting\, she leverages over two decades of transformative leadership to deliver actionable advice and strategies that address Africa’s complex challenges and unlock its potential by leveraging Africa’s Diaspora and culture. \nPrior to creating Culturally Bound\, Ms. Blyden was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) where she oversaw the daily management of the agency’s mission to advance transformative projects in infrastructure\, economic empowerment\, and community development. She chaired the Investment Management Committee\, responsible for MCC’s $1B in annual investments\, providing recommendations to the CEO on MCC’s $8 billion portfolio of active programs. \nMs. Blyden served in the Biden-Harris administration Pentagon\, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for African Affairs. She managed the Department of Defense’s relationships with 53 African nations and played a pivotal role in rethinking the U.S.- Africa defense relations securing and administering nearly $1 billion in funding for security cooperation\, cybersecurity\, maritime security\, humanitarian and disaster relief\, defense institution building and partnership exercises. \nWith over 15 years of government service\, Ms. Blyden served in the Obama Administration as the Special Assistant and Africa Peacekeeping Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense\, overseeing defense policy for East and Central African countries\, and served as the Department of Defense’s lead for the President’s African Leaders’ Summit in 2013 and 2022. Her tenure also included advising the House Armed Services Committee on African nations and the Western Hemisphere’s defense and security priorities from 2019-2021\, as well as her role at the National Defense University’s Africa Center for Strategic Studies from 2008-2012. \nA socio-cultural expert on Africa’s conflicts and development issues\, Ms. Blyden’s work centers on the cultural underpinnings of policy\, development and community-driven security and strategy in African contexts. As the first Africa Director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)\, she led the creation and implementation of culture-specific training for the Nigerian Armed Forces focused on minimizing civilian harm during the Boko Haram crisis in 2017-2018. Beyond her governmental roles\, Ms. Blyden is a passionate mentor and advocate for women and young leaders\, especially in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented. She is renowned for her ethical leadership and her unwavering commitment to uplifting others within the national security and defense sectors. Her impactful public service has earned her several accolades\, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service (x2)\, the “Trailblazer Award” from the Black Professionals in International Affairs Association\, the “Selfless Service” Award by the African Defense Attachés Association\, and “Aggie Impact” Award from the Black Former Students Network at Texas A&M University. \nMs. Blyden has also contributed to academia as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University in the Security Studies Program and is a regular lecturer at esteemed institutions\, including Harvard\, Texas A&M Bush School for Government and Public Service\, the National Defense University\, and international institutions. She is a Political Fellow with the Truman National Security Project\, and served on the Board and Leadership Council for Memunatu Magazine. She is a member of the Leadership Council for Women in National Security\, Women in International Security and sits on the Board of Directors of the Sitar Arts Center\, the Women Foreign Policy Group and the National Board of the World Affairs Councils of America. \nA graduate of Texas A&M University (BSc\, Sociology) and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University (MSc.\, Conflict Analysis\, and Resolution)\, Ms. Blyden was raised in Fort Worth\, Texas\, and traces her heritage to Sierra Leone. She is fluent in English and Krio\, with conversational proficiency in Pidgin and French. URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/africas-global-rise/ LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims – New Location\, 21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TNWAC-2-18-2026-Horizontal-1.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR