The Columbus Council on World Affairs

06/20/2026

World Refugee Day celebrates and honors the courage of people forced to flee either home countries. In Columbus, here are some ways to uplift the stories and voices of our local communities.

06/18/2026

The world is closer than you think. 🌎

We're excited to launch the Global Learning Gateway, a new way to discover global conversations, cultural experiences, and learning opportunities happening both here in Central Ohio and from our network of partners.

Our first edition includes:

🌎 NATO in a Changing World with former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison
📚 The Columbus Book Festival
✈️ A conversation on the future of air travel and global connectivity in Central Ohio
☘️ The Dublin Irish Festival
🎙️ A discussion with author Elliot Ackerman on the future of war, technology, and geopolitics

Whether you're interested in culture, current events, travel, literature, or global affairs, the Global Learning Gateway is your connection to what's happening beyond your backyard.

🔗 Explore the first edition here: https://ow.ly/y6xN50ZcQ3W

06/17/2026

🌎 Welcome to the team, Pedro Rosales-Diaz!

Pedro joins CCWA as our new Development Intern and is currently pursuing a PhD in Latin American Cultural and Literary Studies at The Ohio State University.

This summer, he'll help support the launch of the Global Scholars Alumni Network, conduct grant research, and analyze program data to help strengthen and grow our impact.

We're excited to have him on board—welcome, Pedro! 👏

06/16/2026

⚽🌎 The World Cup is here—and Columbus is ready to celebrate!

Even though no matches are being played here, you can still experience the excitement of the world's biggest sporting event by eating your way around the globe right here in Central Ohio.
From authentic Argentine and Brazilian cuisine to French bakeries, Japanese ramen, Moroccan favorites, and more, Experience Columbus has rounded up local spots that represent countries competing in this summer's tournament.

Grab your friends, pick a match, and discover a new favorite restaurant while celebrating the cultures that make the World Cup a truly global event.

Read the guide: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/blog/post/eat-around-the-world-cup-in-columbus/
What's your favorite international restaurant in Columbus? 👇

The biggest FIFA Men’s World Cup ever is coming to North America this summer with 16 cities in three countries hosting the event. The World Cup will officially begin on June 11, and match play will continue through July 19. Even though Columbus is not hosting any World Cup matches, you can still g...

06/15/2026

Welcome to the team, Disha Hoque!

Disha joins CCWA as our new Marketing & Communications Intern and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Journalism at Ohio University.

As a Global Scholars Diploma alum from Pickerington, Disha knows the impact of global learning firsthand. This summer, she'll be helping us tell the stories of our students and alumni while supporting multimedia projects that highlight the power of global education.
We're excited to have her on the team and look forward to sharing the stories she'll help uncover.

Join us in welcoming Disha!

05/21/2026

Today for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re celebrating Roma, a recent Global Scholars graduate from Dublin City Schools. 💙

As part of her Take Action Project focused on UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health & Well-Being, Roma organized and taught two free adaptive dance workshops for children, teens, and adults with disabilities in partnership with Adaptive Programming at the Dublin Community Recreation Center.

Her workshops created an inclusive space for participants to learn, move, connect, and have fun together through dance.

Accessibility is a challenge faced by communities around the world, and Roma’s project is a reminder that meaningful local action can make participation and belonging possible for more people.

Global Scholars empowers students to engage with real-world issues and turn ideas into action within their own communities.

05/14/2026

🚨 JOB ALERT 🚨

We’re hiring a Program Coordinator to support the Global Scholars Diploma program at the Columbus Council on World Affairs.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve shared stories of students leading Take Action Projects, alumni creating change in their communities, and educators helping students connect local and global challenges. The impact of this program continues to grow — and we’re looking for someone ready to help take it even further. Help us deliver high-impact programming that empowers our communities to think globally and act locally.

If you’re ready to use your skills for something that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Full job description and application instructions available on our website at:
https://ow.ly/GiEP50YZ9zy

Know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word!

05/12/2026

The future feels brighter after spending the day with the students of the 2026 Global Scholars Diploma Take Action Project Fair & Graduation.

From tackling real issues in their communities to exploring global careers and perspectives, these students reminded us what’s possible when young people are given the tools, support, and opportunity to lead.

Throughout the event, students shared how the program expanded their understanding of the world, introduced them to new cultures and ideas, and inspired future paths in international business, community impact, and global leadership.

What stood out most was their belief that change starts locally, but thinking globally makes that change stronger.

We’re incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and grateful to the educators, families, and partners who continue to invest in the next generation of globally minded leaders.

https://vimeo.com/1191240632

05/06/2026

Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference.

For Anna, a graduate our Global Scholars Diploma program, that “small thing” was a name.

After noticing how often students’ names are mispronounced, she created “Pronounce With Purpose”—a tool that helps teachers and staff learn names correctly through phonetic spelling and audio.

What may seem minor isn’t. Names carry identity, culture, and belonging.

Her work—grounded in global research and local impact—is now gaining wider attention, including a feature on WBNS-TV.

🎥 Watch the story: https://ow.ly/pqUf50YVK3i

Through Global Scholars, students don’t just learn about the world—they take action to shape it. Anna is now working with educators across Westerville City Schools to bring this tool into classrooms and even graduation ceremonies.
One small thing. Big impact.

Columbus Council on World Affairs Board Chair Alyson Helwagen and Westerville North senior Anna Leslein discuss "Pronounce with Purpose."

05/04/2026

Some people leave a job. Darian Raissi decided to leave a lasting mark… quite literally. 😅

After nearly two years as Program Manager, Darian has been instrumental in growing the impact of the Global Scholars Diploma—expanding opportunities, supporting students, and helping shape the next generation of global leaders. His work (and apparently his face) will be permanently embedded in CCWA history.

We’re going to miss his energy, creativity, and commitment to the mission—but we couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.

Darian is headed to Georgetown University to study law (because clearly, he hasn’t made enough of an impact already). ⚖️

Join us in wishing him the best of luck—and don’t worry, we’ll keep the tattoos.