WorldChicago

Our commitment to citizen diplomacy has resulted in thousands of leaders and students learning more about Chicago and its people who are part of a vibrant professional, academic and cultural community.

The world is your classroom! 🌎✈️ Last month, our 2026 Youth Diplomats cohort gathered at the Mallers Building for a dive...
05/05/2026

The world is your classroom! 🌎✈️

Last month, our 2026 Youth Diplomats cohort gathered at the Mallers Building for a dive into International Education Pathways.

Led by former WorldChicago Board Member Bernard Ramos, President of Educational Perspectives, nfp, the session brought together a powerhouse panel of eight global education experts to demystify the process of studying and working abroad. From the University of Glasgow to DePaul University, our learned that an international degree isn't just a dream—it’s an attainable reality

Panelist Nargis Sarwari from Educational Perspectives shared her moving journey from Afghanistan, reminding our diplomats never to take the accessibility and technology of their Chicago classrooms for granted.

The session didn’t shy away from the hard truths of navigating student visas and grading systems, but the takeaway was clear: studying abroad is a life-changing investment. Did you know that students who study internationally join a rare group (less than 10% of U.S. graduates) and tend to earn significantly more annually than their peers?

As our panelists encouraged the group: “If you’re wondering, if you’re hesitant, if you’re reluctant—just do it.”

We are so proud of these young leaders as they continue to build their diplomatic muscles and prepare for their upcoming peer exchange in Kalamazoo, MI! 🚌💨

Professional exchanges change how Chicago leaders approach their work. “Slovenia places meaningful emphasis on education...
04/17/2026

Professional exchanges change how Chicago leaders approach their work.

“Slovenia places meaningful emphasis on education for people leaving incarceration—recognizing it not just as a credential, but as a foundation for dignity, stability, and opportunity. I was struck by a philosophy grounded in trust, responsibility, and reintegration rather than isolation.” — Matthew McFarland, Vice President at TASC, Inc.

Matthew participated in WorldChicago's Chicago to Slovenia exchange exploring entrepreneurship and justice-impacted communities. He returned with expanded perspectives on education-centered reentry approaches, structured work opportunities, and trust-based reintegration models.

Our professional international exchanges connect Chicago leaders with global counterparts to share best practices, build partnerships, and bring innovative solutions back home.

Interested in a curated exchange for your organization? Contact us: [email protected]

Introducing Bennett Piscopo, Director of Operations for Graduate Programs & Global Initiatives at Northern Illinois Univ...
04/15/2026

Introducing Bennett Piscopo, Director of Operations for Graduate Programs & Global Initiatives at Northern Illinois University and Chair of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board.

Bennett has been a familiar face at WorldChicago for years — attending Youth Diplomats keynote events, supporting the Chicago Marathon, and featured in our December 2025 newsletter. Now he steps into a leadership role, bringing his expertise in international academic partnerships and a deep belief that diversity and genuine human connection are what make global engagement meaningful.

Welcome, Bennett — and congratulations on stepping into the Chair role. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366

Introducing Madhura Rajasingham, Global Beta Development Lead at Google and member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate...
04/14/2026

Introducing Madhura Rajasingham, Global Beta Development Lead at Google and member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board.

Madhura spent a year and a half living in Europe through Loyola University Chicago's dual degree program, studying international affairs and participating in global diplomacy in business. Now based in Chicago, she brings a tech industry perspective and a genuine passion for building bridges between cultures and communities.

Welcome, Madhura! Chicago's global future is in good hands. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366

Introducing William Irvin, General Civil Litigation Associate at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani and member of WorldChicag...
04/14/2026

Introducing William Irvin, General Civil Litigation Associate at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani and member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board.

William's path to global engagement started in a Spanish immersion classroom in kindergarten. It deepened when he studied abroad in Santiago, Chile, where he taught English in one of the city's most underserved neighborhoods. Today, as a Notre Dame Law School graduate and Chicago-based attorney, he brings a sharp lens on how international relationships shape business, law, and policy.

Welcome, William! The world needs more globally minded lawyers. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366

Introducing Marina D'Arco, Transaction Advisory Services Associate at Ankura Consulting and member of WorldChicago's ina...
04/13/2026

Introducing Marina D'Arco, Transaction Advisory Services Associate at Ankura Consulting and member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board.

Marina studied in both Paris and Rome, worked as an au pair in Italy, and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Finance and International Business. She brings a fresh energy to the board — and a firsthand understanding of how living and working across cultures changes the way you see the world.

Welcome, Marina. Chicago is lucky to have your global perspective. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366

Introducing Quentin Turner, Certified Travel Advisor, Fellow for the World Mediation Organization, and Program Assistant...
04/13/2026

Introducing Quentin Turner, Certified Travel Advisor, Fellow for the World Mediation Organization, and Program Assistant at the American Swedish Institute — and a member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board, joining us from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Quentin brings a rare combination of heritage studies, event strategy, and global travel expertise to the board. From organizing international festivals to conducting field research with UNESCO in Zanzibar, he approaches citizen diplomacy as both an art and a discipline.

Welcome, Quentin! Minnesota to Chicago — we're glad you made the trip. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366

Introducing Rashmi Bajaj, Associateat Kaufman Hall and member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board. Rashmi's conn...
04/12/2026

Introducing Rashmi Bajaj, Associateat Kaufman Hall and member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board.

Rashmi's connection to WorldChicago runs deep — she was a Youth Diplomat from 2015 to 2019, attending exchanges, facilitating dialogue, and even traveling to Washington D.C. to visit the State Department. Now, nearly a decade later, she's back — this time as an Associate Board member. Her journey is a testament to what the Youth Diplomats program can set in motion.

Welcome back, Rashmi! From Youth Diplomat to Associate Board member — this is the WorldChicago pipeline in action. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366

Introducing Matthew Patten, Global CSR and Strategic Partnerships Specialist at Lions Clubs International Foundation and...
04/12/2026

Introducing Matthew Patten, Global CSR and Strategic Partnerships Specialist at Lions Clubs International Foundation and member of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board.

Matthew's commitment to international exchange started early — a People to People trip to Europe as a young student lit a spark that never went out. Since then he has managed international development programs across Ethiopia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Tajikistan, and the Philippines, and previously collaborated with WorldChicago through Meridian International Center.

Welcome, Matthew! That spark turned into a career. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366

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