OUR LEADERSHIP
Passion, expertise and commitment. World Affairs’ leadership brings rich experience and a forward vision to our work of connecting Philadelphia to the world.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
A trusted Philadelphia trailblazer in global affairs, Lauren leads World Affairs with rich experience and vision. Prior to joining World Affairs, Lauren served as the Deputy Commerce Director of International Businesses & Global Strategy for the city of Philadelphia, strengthening the local economy through global synergy. She has lived in London and Copenhagen and is currently the Honorary Consul of Sweden for Pennsylvania. Lauren serves as a board member of Leadership Philadelphia, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Satell Institute, and Global Philadelphia Association. She is also a member of the International Women’s Forum, Sunday Breakfast Club, and the Forum of Executive Women.
Lauren is the President & CEO of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, the region’s largest and longest-running international nonprofit. World Affairs opens doors between Philadelphia and the world. From powerful speaker events and international exchanges to youth education, to professional development and curated travel programs, this is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.
Previously, she was Deputy Commerce Director of International Business & Global Strategy for the City of Philadelphia. With a focus on global business attraction, foreign direct investment, and promoting exports, her work created jobs and strengthened the local economy. She crafted the global strategy for Philadelphia and hosted thousands of delegations, diplomats, businesses and investors.
Lauren has also served as the Deputy Director at the trade association, Food Export USA – Northeast, promoting U.S. exports in over 40 countries. Lauren has experience running her own consulting firm specializing in international project management and food marketing. She has lived and worked abroad in Copenhagen and London.
Lauren is the Honorary Consul of Sweden for Pennsylvania. Lauren serves as a Board Member for the following organizations: Leadership Philadelphia; Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Satell Institute, and Global Philadelphia Association. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum, Sunday Breakfast Club and the Forum of Executive Women. She also serves on Pennsylvania Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. She earned a B.A. in Communications at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College with minors in Business Economics, Spanish and Philosophy. Lauren is an accomplished speaker at conferences and events around the world. Awards include: 2023 City & State Above & Beyond, 2023 Titan 100, 2023 Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Influence, 2019 “40 Under 40” from the Philadelphia Business Journal and Temple University’s Fox School of Business International Business Partner of the Year in 2016-2017.
MARGARET
HASANI
MARGARET HASANI
Vice President
of Development
& Membership
+1 267-802-1217
Maggie is the Vice President of Development & Membership has been a member of the World Affairs team for more than 9 years, and as a part of executive leadership she oversees all aspects of membership, donor stewardship, and fundraising – supporting World Affairs’ ability to fulfill its mission. Maggie holds a B.A. in International Studies from Arcadia University, with a concentration in globalization, development, and human rights, and a French language minor. While at university, Maggie supplemented her campus learning with studies in Paris, France; Arusha, Tanzania; and Freetown, Sierra Leone, deepening her understanding and appreciation of global perspectives. Maggie lives with her husband in South Philly and enjoys cooking and baking from a steadily growing collection of cookbooks.
Hayley is the Senior Vice President of Programs. Hayley is a highly motivated and results-oriented senior-level nonprofit manager. She has a proven track record in developing and implementing impactful programs, exchanges, and projects focused on international affairs and cultural understanding. In her current role, she oversees all of World Affairs’ adult-facing programs, including its Speaker Programs, Professional Exchanges, Global Leadership Institute, Travel program, and its partnership with the City of Philadelphia on the Sister Cities program. Outside of work, Hayley serves as the Arts Editor for the online digital multi-media magazine, Wild Greens; as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Area Disc Alliance, the region’s premier Ultimate Frisbee association; and on the Board of Directors for the Global Philadelphia Association.
Andrew is the Director of Travel and graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Hospitality Management. Before joining World Affairs, Andrew worked in the international export industry focusing on seafood and food/agricultural products. Beyond his professional experience in international trade, he has a personal love for travel, and is thrilled to work for an organization with such a long, rich history of providing unique, in-depth travel experiences across all seven continents.
