Private Dinners

Discover firsthand insights from a leading diplomat at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte's exclusive private dinner and discussion with Marie Yovanovitch on November 29, 2023. As the former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2016-2019) and author of "Lessons From The Edge: A Memoir," Yovanovitch brings expertise in diplomacy, conflict conflict management, and relationship building. During the dinner, Ambassador Yovanovitch will share her insights on Ukraine's relentless efforts to counter Russia's invasion of this former Soviet country, and U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic endeavors to counter and minimize Russian aggression in the region. 

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for an exclusive private dinner and discussion with Ambassador Jo Ellen Powell on October 25, 2023. As a career diplomat and former U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (2010-2013) and Executive Director of the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, Powell shares her personal insight into the importance diplomacy, the modernization of the United States Foreign Service, and the ways to increase America's influence in the world through diplomacy. 

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for an intimate private dinner and discussion on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, with Daniel Runde is a a senior vice president, director of the Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD), and holds the William A. Schreyer Chair in Global Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a leading global think tank. He is also the author of "The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership through Soft Power" published in February 2023.  Daniel will answer your questions over dinner and explore how soft power shapes America's influence. He'll offer perspective on how diplomacy, economic engagement, and cultural exchange can address global challenges and shape a brighter future. His book, "The American Imperative" is a must-read for those passionate about revitalizing America's global leadership and driving positive change worldwide.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for an intimate small-group discussion on Wednesday, May 17 with Dr. Michael O’Hanlon, Senior Foreign Policy Fellow at the Brookings Institution. He will offer insight into military trends over the course of history and answer your questions about regional security, defense strategies, and the future of the military in a world that's constantly changing. 

Ambassador Santiago Cabanas will answer your questions about Spain's relationship with the United States, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, regional security in Europe, and more. 

Yaya Fanusie will answer your questions about China's digital currency platform and what it means for the future of financial institutions, national security, and the global economy. In addition, he'll address the future of digital currency 

Dave Rank will answer your questions about China's relationship with the United States, its ongoing conflict with Taiwan, regional security in the Asia-Pacific region, and more. 

Michael will answer your questions about FFTC's role in the Carolinas, global giving trends, and the importance of philanthropy and community engagement in the Queen City.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for a private dinner and small group discussion with Marc Polymeropoulos, former head of counterintelligence in Europe and Eurasia for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for a private dinner and small group discussion with Roman Popadiuk, an American career diplomat of Ukrainian descent and the first U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.