About Us

Empowering globally minded leaders

with ideas and connections to build a better world

George Kolotov

WTCI helps existing and emerging leaders develop the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to create a healthy economy, environment, and society in the Mid-Atlantic and globally.

Our Mission

To empower globally-minded leaders from the Mid-Atlantic with ideas and connections to drive growth and global good.

Our Vision

Existing and emerging global leaders feel connected and inspired to strengthen business and build a better world.

World Trade Center Institute's Global Business Network

Our Network

Our network includes 3,500+ companies and hundreds of nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies -- making it the largest network of globally-minded businesses in the Mid-Atlantic. Although they represent different sectors, these businesses are united in at least one way. Each is led by purpose-driven people who want to share what they have learned and have candid conversations with their peers so they and those around them become more robust and competent leaders. And the world becomes a better place. Our network also includes the hundreds of people from other countries who come to the Mid-Atlantic each year to learn from the region’s experts via our global exchange programs.

What Drives Us

A connected community is a powerful community. People within it share ideas and perspectives, as well as confide in and coach each other. We have created a connected community that includes thousands of existing and emerging globally minded and purpose-driven business leaders from the Mid-Atlantic – making it the largest of its kind in the region. 

Their learning with us can start when they decide to pursue a career in business and remain uninterrupted throughout their life, so they can adapt their thinking to new challenges that need novel solutions. The learning opportunities are fun and inspirational, so people can be their best selves – a necessity to turn ideas into action locally and globally. 

The Power of a Connected Community
Leslie Morales and the Bulgarian Embassy at WTCI's 30th Anniversary

What We Do

WTCI hosts events where people can learn and connect. We also offer fellowships to executives who want to grow into the C-Suite at global entities, as well as high school and college students who want a career that touches many cultures and countries. We also help people from other countries learn about a range of issues from their counterparts in the Mid-Atlantic. Find out more about our programs and events, including how you can sponsor them.

Our Core Values

We welcome diverse viewpoints, enjoy connecting people and embrace authenticity. We also are committed to the long-term success of WTCI, have an insatiable appetite for learning, and believe in work-life balance. 

Leslie Morales and Eddie Resende at Taste of Business

Harold_Adams_President_HLA_LLC.jpg

Our Founder

In 1989, Harold Adams co-founded WTCI and became its first board chair. The globally-known architect served in that role for three decades.

He always led with integrity, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a seemingly endless well of enthusiasm for the work he did.

His passion and vision will continue to guide WTCI as the organization moves forward.

Our Impact

84%

of global executives who have gone through our fellowship program have been promoted after completing the program

470

people have received fellowships from WTCI

1496

people attended WTCI events in 2023

356

people from more than 80 countries typically participate in WTCI’s global exchanges annually

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