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The World Affairs Council of Connecticut is pleased to announce the addition of new leaders joining the CTWAC Board of Directors.
This strong group of community leaders contributes an abundance of experience, vision, and commitment to the mission of the World Affairs Council, propelling global engagement and informed discourse in our community.
With the harnessed skills, talents and energy of this accomplished team, we look forward to an exceptional 2016-2017 season.
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Peter G. Kelly, Esq.
Founder and Senior Principal of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
It is with a deep respect for his legacy of work and appreciation of his commitment to the betterment our global community, that we announce
Peter G. Kelly, Esq.
will reprise his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Kelly is a longtime supporter and friend of the Council, international visionary, and pillar of the Hartford community.
Mr. Kelly has served in over a dozen National Democratic Party leadership posts. Mr. Kelly is also one of the original architects of the U.S. private sector initiative on democratization efforts abroad. He was a founder and Treasurer of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. He was a founder, Chairman and Director of the Center for Democracy, a bipartisan foundation, from 1984 to 1997. He serves currently as a director and Chairman of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems based in Washington, D.C. and as a director and Vice Chairman of IFES, Ltd. based in London, UK.
Over the years, Mr. Kelly has served on over three dozen civic boards, local, national and international. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center and St. Francis Care, Inc. He is Director and Past Chairman of MetroHartford Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Immediate Past Chairman of the World Affairs Council of Connecticut, a Founder and Chairman of Malta House of Care Foundation, Inc. (funding free primary health care to the uninsured of Central Connecticut), Trustee of CNA (formerly known as The Center for Naval Analyses) and Director of the Phillips Screw Company.
Mr. Kelly received his J.D. from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, his B.S.,
magna cum laude, from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. In 2003, Mr. Kelly received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Central Connecticut State University.
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What most interests you in your current work? What global issue is fascinating you right now?
Most Americans move around from day to day with little, if any, notice of what is going on around them. Yet, each is potentially impacted by events taking place elsewhere. Whether it is Great Britain leaving the EU (and thereby impacting costs of exports or stability of Europe) or rampant terrorism originating in the Mideast but leaking into our backyards in the form of "lone wolf" bloody assaults, or many other issues. Today's alert citizen, whether a business person or political/community leader, must have a better understanding of his or her World.
I have worked around the World for over forty years and have touched almost every piece of geography or culture and worked within them. Today, my focus is on the interface of Islam and the West. Getting a better understanding of Islam and assuring that Islamic people reach out to us in the West is a critical set of steps that must be pursued. Indeed, excluding the politics of the statement, the four minutes of Dr. Kahn talk at the Democratic Convention did more to achieve that goal than anything we have seen or heard to date.
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Why do you support the Council?
The World Affairs Council has brought an extraordinary parade of leaders before our people. These presentations have raised high quality, civil debate and discussion to many of us where silence had prevailed in the past. With a small staff led by Megan Torrey and a young and active board of directors, the Word Affairs Council of CT is prospering.
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Se-Min Sohn
Vice President Business Development at Precinmac
Se-Min Sohn previously served as vice president and we are thrilled to announce he will be contributing his extensive experience in leadership and deep commitment to the CT community in his new role as President of the CTWAC Board of Directors.
Se-Min is currently a Vice President at Precinmac, a portfolio of GenNx 360 headquartered in NYC. Within the community, Se-Min serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Goodwin College. He also presides on the Board of Directors of The Hartford Club. He is actively involved with the Asian American Business Development Center of NY, Catholic Charities of Hartford, Caribbean Trade Council, and the American Diabetes Association. Se-Min has been recognized by the Asian American Business Development Center of NY as one of the "Outstanding 50" Asian Americans for his efforts and contribution to business and community.
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What is the most interesting part of your job?
The most interesting part of my job is the people I work with, and the experiences we share. Everyone comes from different backgrounds. And because of that, we all have different perspectives on how to develop solutions. Diversity and representation in our communities is key, as it opens the door to successful global cooperation. I'm very optimistic about the future, especially the younger generation.
What global issue is fascinating you right now?
I'm "fascinated" (I won't say in a good or bad way) over the current presidential race. I see this as a global issue, only because of the impact the US has on the global environment. I think we're at a turning point in US history, the next regime will truly set the pace for our children. And I'm optimistic because we're still an amazing country, we have a responsibility to set an example for the world.
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Why do you support the Council?
The World Affairs Council of CT is a unique organization, and we serve a focused purpose to promote global education through our many amazing programs. I support the Council because I feel it's a tremendous cause, and we have a great group of people moving it forward.
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Cynthia Bell-Bucha
Writer & Publisher
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Cynthia earned a double degree in Broadcast Journalism and minor in economics from the American University. She also has a M.A. in History from Iona College. Her areas of professional experience include Broadcast journalism, publishing, and education. In the past, she has proposed, created and helped develop a magazine for The World Affairs Council of America, which was endorsed by the National Board of Directors. Currently, she is a contributing writer to TownVibe and publisher of six lifestyle magazines that serve Connecticut and upper Westchester, New York.
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What is the most Interesting part of your job?
I love what I do as a writer because each and every assignment is something new. It is not only a creative process, but a profession where I am always meeting interesting people and am constantly learning.
What global issue is fascinating you right now?
I don't think I would say that I am fascinated by ISIS, but I am certainly extremely concerned by this group of radicals. I wrote my Master's thesis on the Genocide in Rwanda and there is no doubt that ISIS is trying to annihilate a populous and anyone who challenges their authority. The interesting and disturbing fact is that many members of ISIS probably don't even know what the Koran says and can't even recite the Five Pillars of Faith.
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Why do you support the Council?
I believe in the mission of the Council: to educate and inform people about international issues. I strongly support the belief that with a better education comes more understanding and hence greater tolerance for diversity among people - their ethnicity, culture and religious beliefs. The root of most conflicts comes from people's ignorance and lack of tolerance for others who are unlike themselves.
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Kevin Bechard
Instructor of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing at
Manchester Community College
Kevin joined Manchester Community College in 2014 as an instructor of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing. He has taught at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted, CT; York County Community College in Wells, Maine; and SanfordBrown College in Farmington, CT. Kevin holds a Master of Business Administration Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Finance from University of Hartford. Kevin is the former chairman of the Viscogliosi Entrepreneurship Center and currently serves on its advisory board. He also serves on the Northwestern Connecticut Community College Business Advisory Board and the East Hartford High School Academy of Finance Advisory Board.
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What is the most interesting part of your job?
As an academic, the most interesting part of my job takes place in the classroom, a conduit for the exchange of ideas, values, and beliefs from students of diverse backgrounds. I embrace the reciprocity of learning. Student questions, feedback, and discussions always provide additional insight and perspectives, deepen my level of knowledge, and inspire me to reflect, challenge my own beliefs, and conduct additional research. As a result, I continually grow and evolve into a better educator.
What global issue is fascinating you right now?
Syrian Refugee Crisis, Global Drinking Water Crisis, Education and Advancement of Women, and Climate Change.
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Why do you support the Council?
It's simple, without dialogue and awareness, change cannot take place. The council works with educators, students, government, business leaders, and community members, and creates engaging and thought-provoking programs that highlight important global issues affecting citizens. I support The World Affairs Council of CT because this organization
makes a difference and through my support, I can help influence positive change.
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| Jason Giulietti Vice President of Business Recruitment, CERC
As Vice President of Business Recruitment, Mr. Giulietti supports the state's business development and recruitment initiatives by cultivating and managing relationships with strategic partners and prospective business clients interested in doing business in Connecticut. Prior to joining CERC, Mr. Giulietti served as senior vice president of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, focusing on initiatives supporting workforce investment, manufacturing and membership enhancement. In his hometown of West Hartford, he serves on the Board of Assessors and the Republican Town Committee. Mr. Giulietti was named a "40 Under Forty" award recipient by both the Hartford Business Journal and Connecticut magazine. He holds a master of public administration degree and a bachelor's degree in political science, both from the University of Connecticut.
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What is the most interesting part of your job?
I love all aspects of my role at the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CERC). On a daily basis, I get to work with companies from around the world to discover the many assets of Connecticut. Having grown up here, I get to sell a state that is extremely well positioned in the global economy and a gateway into the largest marketplace in the world. The world continues to become smaller through uses of technology and means of transportation, but the value in sitting across from a client and sharing why Connecticut is the best place to live and work is a passion that emanates through all aspects of my work at CERC. This excitement makes it no longer a job.
What global issue is fascinating you right now?
When I look at the global marketplace, I continue to get intrigued by the use of the Internet as a resource, tool and military tool. The Internet has connected the world in such a way, that distance no longer matters. Time zones have faded away and are replaced by live communication and instant responses. I am concerned about the global security issues that can affect massive populations of people both in US and abroad based on the interconnectedness to our everyday lives. The Internet has caused revolutions, manipulated national security and been incredibly powerful tool of innovation for developing countries. How the world deals with the Internet will be critical to our future.
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Why do you support the Council?
I am proud to join the board of the World Affairs Council, to help advance their important work advancing public knowledge about global issues, many of which affect us right here close to home. They have an impressive legacy, and provide a perfect fit with my work at CERC, where I am collaborating with businesses from throughout the world on a daily basis, explaining the many advantages of Connecticut.
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Sanjay Gupta
Founding member of TAU Investment Management
Sanjay is a founding member of TAU, with a long track record of managing successful teams in the context of high uncertainty, highly distressed business/financial situations and pre-/post-merger environments, including turnarounds. He is an advisor to UHNW individuals, early stage ventures, and funds. Previously, he served as an advisor to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Member of the Forbes 50 wealthiest Americans, and participated in the sale of Abraxis Bioscience in a public transaction valued at $2.9 BN USD. Earlier, Sanjay co-founded a technology company directly out of college which later transformed into a boutique strategy consultancy with a Fortune 50 client list and also managed a multi-family office with an investment portfolio focused on healthcare innovation in India.
Sanjay was educated at the University of Oxford, where he completed graduate studies in finance and strategy. He studied Philosophy and Bioethics at Georgetown University, as well as Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. He has completed post-graduate education in finance, private equity, and venture capital at the Harvard Business School. In 2010, Sanjay was named a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum.
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Dr. Shyamala Raman
It is with great pleasure and appreciation that we announce Dr. Shyamala Raman, longtime board member and friend of the World Affairs Council, will now join the Council as an Honorary Board Member.
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Can you describe your work and background?
I am an educator.
I am grateful to caring teachers, professors and parents, who instilled in me an unquenchable desire for learning, an avid yearning for interrogation and an abiding interest in multiple perspectives.
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
I would love to see as much of the world as possible. Having been to Kigali, Rwanda, Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates and to Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, I would like to travel to spots where I can observe women's agency in action.
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Why do you support the Council?
Given an interdependent world and the need for democratizing the awareness, perspective and literacy about global issues, the World Affairs Council has been doing yeoman's work to educate the public on important issues. The World Affairs Council of CT provides a much-needed central gathering place for such education and networking to take place.
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A special thank you to our outgoing President,
Jay Bruns.
Jay lead the Board of Directors with extensive international expertise and dedication.
Thank you for all your work and service.
Thank you to our entire Board of Directors for their leadership, hard work, and passion for global education in our community. With the harnessed skills, talents and energy of this accomplished team, we look forward to an exceptional 2016-2017 season.
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*Executive Committee
Dr. Saud Anwar
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Pulmonary, Critical Care Specialist, Physician
Kevin Bechard, Manchester Community College
Cynthia "Chintz" Bell-Bucha, TownVibe
Don Borod, McCarter & English LLP
Judson Bruns, The Hartford Financial Services Group
Cameron Burns, Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc.
John Paul Callahan, Reid and Riege, P.C.
Mark Caplan, KPMG
Dr. Xiangming Chen, Trinity College
Donna Collins, Hartford Business Journal
James Connor, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
Alex Corl, The Lee Company
Laura Dambier
Andi Chang Donovan, Gerber Technology
Dilton Dornelas, Webster Bank
Asma Farid, Tariq Farid Foundation
Matthew Fehmel, Colt's Manufacturing Company
Jason Giulietti, CERC
Edward Guay, Wintonbury Risk Mgmt
Sanjay Gupta, TAU Investment Management
Jessica A.R. Hamilton, Robinson & Cole
Walter Harrison, University of Hartford
Christopher Healy, Healy Strategy
Arthur House, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
Richard Huebner, Visual Technologies Inc.
Peter G. Kelly, Esq., Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
John Lucker, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Michele Metcalf, UCONN CIBER, School of Business
Rebecca Nolan, MetroHartford Alliance
Chuck Reagan
Leslie Robertson, TD Bank
John Schuyler, Marcum LLP
Se-Min Sohn,
Precinmac
Edward Stockton, Stockton Associates
Dr. Daniel Weiner, Office of Global Affairs, UCONN
F. Scott Wilson, Pratt & Whitney
Dana Wilson, Grant Thornton
Honorary
Dr. Shyamala Raman
Mrs. Charles Jacobson
Louise E. Loomis, Ed.D., ThinkWell Center LLC
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The World Affairs Council of Connecticut
1049 Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
info@ctwac.org
860-241-6118
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