About Us
WACNO is an apolitical organization that seeks to broaden local communities’ global perspectives through speaker programs, discussion groups, and educational experiences.
Founded in 1944, the World Affairs Council of New Orleans (WACNO) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to presenting diverse views on a variety of international topics.
WACNO is part of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA), which is made up of over 90 councils nationwide.
WACNO is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).
Our Mission
We strive to promote public understanding of the world – its people, politics, economies, and cultures – and the United States’ foreign policy to foster engagement in international affairs and cooperation with peoples of all nations. We accomplish our mission by presenting lectures, organizing discussion groups, educational outreach programs, and hosting social events.
Our Team
Alla Rosca
President
John Hazlett
Board of Directors
Sam Tarpley
Fellow
Fitzpatrick Nedd
Treasurer
Leo Krasnozhon
Fundraising Committee Lead
Mariana Rodrigues
Communications Committee Lead
James Mokhiber
Board of Directors
Masse Ndiaye
Board of Directors
Annabelle Shapiro
Fellow
Lidia Zhigunova
Secretary
The World Affairs Council of New Orleans is a proud member of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA)
WACA serves as the national office for the network of more than 90 member organizations in 40 states working to engage and educate Americans across the country about global affairs and foreign policy.
WACA traces its earliest roots to 1918 when the League of Free Nations Association was formed to support President Woodrow Wilson’s efforts to achieve a just peace. The founding members, among them John Foster Dulles and Eleanor Roosevelt, worked to promote awareness of critical international issues affecting the U.S., and nurture grassroots citizen involvement in international affairs. By 1947, the group operated as a national organization that was composed of a network of independent community councils. In 1986, the National Council of World Affairs Organizations national office was established in Washington, D.C. This office evolved into the World Affairs Councils of America.
