These words describe every member of our team, regardless of their specific job. And we all have the same North Star -- driving global business and global good so the world is a better place.
Program Coordinator of Fellowships
World Trade Center Institute
World Trade Center Institute
Events & Series Coordinator
World Trade Center Institute
Ashley joined WTCI in 2023 to help coordinate our growing repertoire of events and series. She has worked in multiple spheres of the events industry, including as a Community Program Manager for Corporate Office Properties Trust. Immediately preceding her employment at WTCI, she worked as a veterinary technician for 6 years. She has also participated in the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms program, serving on host farms in Colorado.
Ashley has a Bachelor’s Degree from Towson University in art history with a minor in mass communications.
Fun fact: Ashley completes the New York Times crossword puzzle every day.
World Trade Center Institute
Ashley joined WTCI in 2023 to help coordinate our growing repertoire of events and series. She has worked in multiple spheres of the events industry, including as a Community Program Manager for Corporate Office Properties Trust. Immediately preceding her employment at WTCI, she worked as a veterinary technician for 6 years. She has also participated in the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms program, serving on host farms in Colorado.
Ashley has a Bachelor’s Degree from Towson University in art history with a minor in mass communications.
Fun fact: Ashley completes the New York Times crossword puzzle every day.
Editorial Director
Curtis joined WTCI in 2022 with nearly a decade of experience in journalism and communications. A third generation journalist, he has worked in both print and digital media telling stories across the commercial and political landscapes. He has worked with thought leaders to develop messaging campaigns and ghostwritten for senior leaders at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Throughout his career, Curtis has emphasized clear, concise storytelling above all else. Whether writing a profile of an award winner or developing a communications plan to promote a new initiative, he elevates the core of the story to the forefront.
Curtis holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He previously worked at Hanley Wood, Imagination agency, and as a contractor at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Curtis also spent time working as a freelancer with Nerd Wallet, Industry Dive and several other clients.
Fun fact: Curtis once baked along with a season of the Great British Bake Off.
Curtis joined WTCI in 2022 with nearly a decade of experience in journalism and communications. A third generation journalist, he has worked in both print and digital media telling stories across the commercial and political landscapes. He has worked with thought leaders to develop messaging campaigns and ghostwritten for senior leaders at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Throughout his career, Curtis has emphasized clear, concise storytelling above all else. Whether writing a profile of an award winner or developing a communications plan to promote a new initiative, he elevates the core of the story to the forefront.
Curtis holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He previously worked at Hanley Wood, Imagination agency, and as a contractor at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Curtis also spent time working as a freelancer with Nerd Wallet, Industry Dive and several other clients.
Fun fact: Curtis once baked along with a season of the Great British Bake Off.
Marketing Coodinator
World Trade Center Institute
Dana started as a WTCI intern in January of 2023 and joined full-time as Marketing Coordinator seven months later. She previously worked in marketing, sales, and public relations in the Biotech industry.
Dana graduated from Towson University and holds a Bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in business analytics. During her time on campus, she was heavily involved with several organizations’ leadership boards running $1000+ fundraisers, and hosting school-wide events.
Fun fact: Dana has been bungee jumping in El Salvador.
World Trade Center Institute
Dana started as a WTCI intern in January of 2023 and joined full-time as Marketing Coordinator seven months later. She previously worked in marketing, sales, and public relations in the Biotech industry.
Dana graduated from Towson University and holds a Bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in business analytics. During her time on campus, she was heavily involved with several organizations’ leadership boards running $1000+ fundraisers, and hosting school-wide events.
Fun fact: Dana has been bungee jumping in El Salvador.
Senior Director of IT & Finance
World Trade Center Institute
Daniel has with WTCI since 2007, always in the IT and finance space. He has worked in the United States and Indonesia, where he was born. His jobs have included being the operations accountant at Dreyfus Corporation, net asset value accountant at International Fund Services and marketing and business development manager at Dun & Bradstreet Indonesia.
He has a Master of Business Administration degree, with a concentration in finance, from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
Fun fact: Daniel helps young musicians find volunteer opportunities to perform at nursing homes.
World Trade Center Institute
Daniel has with WTCI since 2007, always in the IT and finance space. He has worked in the United States and Indonesia, where he was born. His jobs have included being the operations accountant at Dreyfus Corporation, net asset value accountant at International Fund Services and marketing and business development manager at Dun & Bradstreet Indonesia.
He has a Master of Business Administration degree, with a concentration in finance, from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
Fun fact: Daniel helps young musicians find volunteer opportunities to perform at nursing homes.
CEO
Eddie has worked at WTCI since 2007. He has served in various leadership roles, including chief operating officer. His passion for international business and affairs, coupled with a desire to develop the next generation of global leaders, has contributed to the success of many of WTCI’s professional development programs.
Prior to WTCI, Eddie worked with TESSCO Technologies Inc., a leading global supplier of wireless communications products. He also played a central role in the development of Gems of the Earth, a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic development in the rural communities of Brazil, making modern technology accessible to all who seek it.
Eddie and his family migrated to the United State from Brazil when he was 11. He is an advocate for human rights issues and serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services.
Eddie earned his bachelor’s degree in international business from Towson University and Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University. He has also studied culinary arts at Académie de Cuisine.
Fun fact: Eddie is an All-American Soccer Player.
Eddie has worked at WTCI since 2007. He has served in various leadership roles, including chief operating officer. His passion for international business and affairs, coupled with a desire to develop the next generation of global leaders, has contributed to the success of many of WTCI’s professional development programs.
Prior to WTCI, Eddie worked with TESSCO Technologies Inc., a leading global supplier of wireless communications products. He also played a central role in the development of Gems of the Earth, a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic development in the rural communities of Brazil, making modern technology accessible to all who seek it.
Eddie and his family migrated to the United State from Brazil when he was 11. He is an advocate for human rights issues and serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services.
Eddie earned his bachelor’s degree in international business from Towson University and Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University. He has also studied culinary arts at Académie de Cuisine.
Fun fact: Eddie is an All-American Soccer Player.
Senior Manager of Fellowships
World Trade Center Institute
Gina came to WTCI in February 2022 with more than 10 years of restaurant management experience, including four years as general manager of Concord Hill in Brooklyn, N.Y. During the global pandemic, she instituted the Open Streets program on the block where she worked. This program created more space for pedestrians, bikers, and outdoor seating, forging an environment for her community to come together.
She completed her undergraduate degree at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she studied acting.
Fun fact: Gina has traveled cross country three times and can hold her own at a poker table.
World Trade Center Institute
Gina came to WTCI in February 2022 with more than 10 years of restaurant management experience, including four years as general manager of Concord Hill in Brooklyn, N.Y. During the global pandemic, she instituted the Open Streets program on the block where she worked. This program created more space for pedestrians, bikers, and outdoor seating, forging an environment for her community to come together.
She completed her undergraduate degree at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she studied acting.
Fun fact: Gina has traveled cross country three times and can hold her own at a poker table.
Senior Manager of Human Resources & Administration
World Trade Center Institute
Jennifer started at WTCI as an intern in 2011. She was responsible for the research and design of our global exchanges. She came back to the organization in 2018 to work on issues related to human resources and administration. In between, she worked at the Office of Technology Services at Towson University, Corporate Office Properties Trust and a staffing agency.
Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in international business and a minor in Asian studies, from Towson University. She has a master’s degree in human resources from the University of Maryland.
Fun fact: When she was part of the Children’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., Jennifer travelled to Great Britain, Brazil and Argentina to sing.
World Trade Center Institute
Jennifer started at WTCI as an intern in 2011. She was responsible for the research and design of our global exchanges. She came back to the organization in 2018 to work on issues related to human resources and administration. In between, she worked at the Office of Technology Services at Towson University, Corporate Office Properties Trust and a staffing agency.
Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in international business and a minor in Asian studies, from Towson University. She has a master’s degree in human resources from the University of Maryland.
Fun fact: When she was part of the Children’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., Jennifer travelled to Great Britain, Brazil and Argentina to sing.
Vice President of Membership & Business Development
Jeremy is WTCI’s first vice president of membership and development. In this role, which he stepped into in February 2022, he will help build new opportunities to expand the reach and influence of the organization; grow and diversify membership; and raise the awareness, engagement and impact of WTCI.
He has more than 25 years of experience in this field, including at the Greater Baltimore Committee, United Way of Central Maryland, City of Baltimore Department of Transportation, Office of Governor Martin O’Malley, Baltimore City Council, Baltimore County Government, Office of Harford County Executive and Maryland General Assembly.
Jeremy graduated from the University of Baltimore as a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy and government. He is a proud Baltimorean living in the same house his grandfather was born in, located in Locust Point.
Jeremy is WTCI’s first vice president of membership and development. In this role, which he stepped into in February 2022, he will help build new opportunities to expand the reach and influence of the organization; grow and diversify membership; and raise the awareness, engagement and impact of WTCI.
He has more than 25 years of experience in this field, including at the Greater Baltimore Committee, United Way of Central Maryland, City of Baltimore Department of Transportation, Office of Governor Martin O’Malley, Baltimore City Council, Baltimore County Government, Office of Harford County Executive and Maryland General Assembly.
Jeremy graduated from the University of Baltimore as a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy and government. He is a proud Baltimorean living in the same house his grandfather was born in, located in Locust Point.
Vice President of Operations
World Trade Center Institute
Julie worked at WTCI from 2004 through 2016 and then started working at the organization again in 2021. In her current role, she oversees technology, human resources, client services and finance – all things she had a hand in during her first stint at the organization. She fine-tuned many of those skills when working at an international education firm in Britain during her hiatus from WTCI. There, she managed more than 150 projects in 32 countries, all related to promoting sustainable social, environmental and economic development.
She has a master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in international business, from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in management, from Stephen F. Austin State University. Julie has a license in management from the SKEMA business school in France, the country where she was born.
Fun fact: Julie's maiden name, Vinatier, means “wine merchant” in ancient French.
World Trade Center Institute
Julie worked at WTCI from 2004 through 2016 and then started working at the organization again in 2021. In her current role, she oversees technology, human resources, client services and finance – all things she had a hand in during her first stint at the organization. She fine-tuned many of those skills when working at an international education firm in Britain during her hiatus from WTCI. There, she managed more than 150 projects in 32 countries, all related to promoting sustainable social, environmental and economic development.
She has a master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in international business, from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in management, from Stephen F. Austin State University. Julie has a license in management from the SKEMA business school in France, the country where she was born.
Fun fact: Julie's maiden name, Vinatier, means “wine merchant” in ancient French.
VP of Innovation & Strategic Development
World Trade Center Insitute
Kristin has more than 20 years of experience in international business, economic development, and growth marketing for private sector and non-profit organizations. She focuses on accelerating rapid growth for start-up entities and undervalued organizations.
Among the jobs she has had are executive vice president of economic development for the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, an entity that serves a 13-county distressed rural region in Appalachia. She also was the vice president of marketing for Fransmart, the leading U.S. franchise consulting firm. In that job, she worked on the franchise launches for Five Guys Burgers & Fries and The Halal Guys and secured the firm’s first multi-unit Middle East and North Africa development deal. Prior to all of this, she was an intern at WTCI during college.
Kristin earned a degree in international studies, with an emphasis on business, from Johns Hopkins University.
Fun Fact: Kristin served as a U.S. House of Representatives congressional page during her junior year of high school.
World Trade Center Insitute
Kristin has more than 20 years of experience in international business, economic development, and growth marketing for private sector and non-profit organizations. She focuses on accelerating rapid growth for start-up entities and undervalued organizations.
Among the jobs she has had are executive vice president of economic development for the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, an entity that serves a 13-county distressed rural region in Appalachia. She also was the vice president of marketing for Fransmart, the leading U.S. franchise consulting firm. In that job, she worked on the franchise launches for Five Guys Burgers & Fries and The Halal Guys and secured the firm’s first multi-unit Middle East and North Africa development deal. Prior to all of this, she was an intern at WTCI during college.
Kristin earned a degree in international studies, with an emphasis on business, from Johns Hopkins University.
Fun Fact: Kristin served as a U.S. House of Representatives congressional page during her junior year of high school.
Manager of Global Engagement
Loren creates learning opportunities for people in the Mid-Atlantic and other countries who are interested in pursuing, or already are involved in, careers that span the globe. She has done globally-focused programming for nearly 20 years. She spent nearly 10 years administering a United States Department of State-sponsored study abroad program focused on learning critical languages. She also has spent time working in higher education administration and on professional and high school student exchange programs.
Loren has a master’s degree in international education from the George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Washington.
Fun fact: Loren served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kyrgyzstan.
Loren creates learning opportunities for people in the Mid-Atlantic and other countries who are interested in pursuing, or already are involved in, careers that span the globe. She has done globally-focused programming for nearly 20 years. She spent nearly 10 years administering a United States Department of State-sponsored study abroad program focused on learning critical languages. She also has spent time working in higher education administration and on professional and high school student exchange programs.
Loren has a master’s degree in international education from the George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Washington.
Fun fact: Loren served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kyrgyzstan.
Director of Events & Series
World Trade Center Institute
Maggie has worked at WTCI since 2019, primarily in the context of event planning. She brings to the organization experience in marketing, interior design, real estate, visual merchandising and product development for e-commerce, as well as corporate event planning. The Annapolis native has a bachelor's degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Tampa.
Fun fact: Maggie is a licensed real estate agent.
World Trade Center Institute
Maggie has worked at WTCI since 2019, primarily in the context of event planning. She brings to the organization experience in marketing, interior design, real estate, visual merchandising and product development for e-commerce, as well as corporate event planning. The Annapolis native has a bachelor's degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Tampa.
Fun fact: Maggie is a licensed real estate agent.
Membership & Business Development Coordinator
Meilin jioned WTCI as an events intern in 2021. Meilin has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in project management and business analysis, from Towson University. She graduated in 2022 with a distinction of University Scholar granted by the Honors College. She also served as president of her sorority for one year, tackling the transition from virtual events to in-person events and full operation.
Fun fact: Meilin took American Sign Language courses for 6 years consecutively while in school.
Meilin jioned WTCI as an events intern in 2021. Meilin has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in project management and business analysis, from Towson University. She graduated in 2022 with a distinction of University Scholar granted by the Honors College. She also served as president of her sorority for one year, tackling the transition from virtual events to in-person events and full operation.
Fun fact: Meilin took American Sign Language courses for 6 years consecutively while in school.
Digital Specialist
Michelle is responsible for all digital marketing and communications tools at WTCI, including the website, social media, and email marketing. She began her career in journalism and digital media in 2013 at Baltimore magazine. She was the digital content producer providing content for the magazine’s website, managing email marketing, and producing the magazine’s podcast, Baltimore Boomerang. From there, she took her journalism and communication background and jumped feet first into the world of marketing in her tole at the Baltimore-based tech company Mindgrub Technologies.
Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism from Morgan State University.
Fun fact: Michelle has a mommy blog about being a first-time mom during a pandemic.
Michelle is responsible for all digital marketing and communications tools at WTCI, including the website, social media, and email marketing. She began her career in journalism and digital media in 2013 at Baltimore magazine. She was the digital content producer providing content for the magazine’s website, managing email marketing, and producing the magazine’s podcast, Baltimore Boomerang. From there, she took her journalism and communication background and jumped feet first into the world of marketing in her tole at the Baltimore-based tech company Mindgrub Technologies.
Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism from Morgan State University.
Fun fact: Michelle has a mommy blog about being a first-time mom during a pandemic.
VP of Global Engagement & Fellowships
World Trade Center Institute
Since 2006, Nina has worked with funders, participants, and local professional resources and community organizations across the United States to create high-impact interactions for foreign and domestic audiences. She is driven by the transformational power of citizen diplomacy that leads to stronger international ties between people and nations.
Before coming to WTCI in December 2022, Nina led the transition of the federal awards portfolio of Graduate School USA’s International Institute to American Councils for International Education. This involved integrating all programs, processes, and systems with the new organization. She also managed all aspects of grant capturing and administration for the organization. And she built collaborative relationships with program partners and domestic and international stakeholders.
Prior to that, Nina shepherded the Graduate School USA’s International Institute, where she also led a cross-departmental effort to bridge the activities of domestic workforce development training with global engagement programs and initiatives.
Nina’s career in global exchanges started at WTCI in 2006,. Under her leadership, the footprint of the exchange programs in Maryland broadened and deepened through attracting and managing new local and international professional exchange initiatives, academic enhancement programs, and international business networking receptions.
Nina holds a master’s degree in applied economics from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Towson University. She started her higher education at the American University in Bulgaria, where she studied economics and political science. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and holds a certificate in International NGO Management through Cornell University.
Fun fact: Nina is an avid supporter of heritage language learning and volunteers as the executive director of the Bulgarian Cultural Center of Baltimore.
World Trade Center Institute
Since 2006, Nina has worked with funders, participants, and local professional resources and community organizations across the United States to create high-impact interactions for foreign and domestic audiences. She is driven by the transformational power of citizen diplomacy that leads to stronger international ties between people and nations.
Before coming to WTCI in December 2022, Nina led the transition of the federal awards portfolio of Graduate School USA’s International Institute to American Councils for International Education. This involved integrating all programs, processes, and systems with the new organization. She also managed all aspects of grant capturing and administration for the organization. And she built collaborative relationships with program partners and domestic and international stakeholders.
Prior to that, Nina shepherded the Graduate School USA’s International Institute, where she also led a cross-departmental effort to bridge the activities of domestic workforce development training with global engagement programs and initiatives.
Nina’s career in global exchanges started at WTCI in 2006,. Under her leadership, the footprint of the exchange programs in Maryland broadened and deepened through attracting and managing new local and international professional exchange initiatives, academic enhancement programs, and international business networking receptions.
Nina holds a master’s degree in applied economics from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Towson University. She started her higher education at the American University in Bulgaria, where she studied economics and political science. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and holds a certificate in International NGO Management through Cornell University.
Fun fact: Nina is an avid supporter of heritage language learning and volunteers as the executive director of the Bulgarian Cultural Center of Baltimore.
Vice President of Marketing
World Trade Center Institute
Wally started his journey at WTCI as an intern in 2010 and quickly moved into full-time jobs here related to events and marketing. Prior to joining WTCI, he was a marketing intern at the Emerging Technology Center in Baltimore, where he managed the organization’s website and assisted with social media and marketing efforts.
He earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts, with a concentration in painting and multimedia design, from Tufts University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Baltimore. The Baltimore native serves as a weekend mentor for Bridges, an academic and cultural enrichment program for East Baltimore youth and is on the Board of Directors for Blue Water Baltimore.
Fun fact: Wally produced a hip-hop song that was then distributed internationally
World Trade Center Institute
Wally started his journey at WTCI as an intern in 2010 and quickly moved into full-time jobs here related to events and marketing. Prior to joining WTCI, he was a marketing intern at the Emerging Technology Center in Baltimore, where he managed the organization’s website and assisted with social media and marketing efforts.
He earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts, with a concentration in painting and multimedia design, from Tufts University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Baltimore. The Baltimore native serves as a weekend mentor for Bridges, an academic and cultural enrichment program for East Baltimore youth and is on the Board of Directors for Blue Water Baltimore.
Fun fact: Wally produced a hip-hop song that was then distributed internationally
Program Coordinator, Global Exchanges & Fellowships
World Trade Center Institute
Originally from Shanghai, China, Ziqi ventured to Philly for graduate studies. She recently completed a 1-year nonprofit leadership program at Penn and is excited to embark on her first full-time role at WTCI.
Ziqi's journey in the nonprofit world began early in 2020 during her junior year when she worked at a local sex-education organization and organized a sex-education exhibition in China. She contributed to youth development programs at Save the Children and interned as a strategic partnership intern at Children International, helping them to raise funds. Beyond work, Ziqi is passionate about arts and literature, looking forward to exploring Baltimore's galleries, museums, and bookstores.
Fun fact: Ziqi founded a rap club during her freshman year of college.
World Trade Center Institute
Originally from Shanghai, China, Ziqi ventured to Philly for graduate studies. She recently completed a 1-year nonprofit leadership program at Penn and is excited to embark on her first full-time role at WTCI.
Ziqi's journey in the nonprofit world began early in 2020 during her junior year when she worked at a local sex-education organization and organized a sex-education exhibition in China. She contributed to youth development programs at Save the Children and interned as a strategic partnership intern at Children International, helping them to raise funds. Beyond work, Ziqi is passionate about arts and literature, looking forward to exploring Baltimore's galleries, museums, and bookstores.
Fun fact: Ziqi founded a rap club during her freshman year of college.