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The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is organizing a unique, curated tour of China this November. This exclusive program will bring together the worlds of international affairs and classical music by including performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra, creating a harmonious blend of culture, diplomacy, and artistic expression. The program will also feature a celebration of Philadelphia and Tianjin’s 45 year relationship as a Sister City, one of the longest connections between a U.S. city and a Chinese city. The bond began in 1973 when President Nixon authorized The Philadelphia Orchestra to perform in the People’s Republic of China, strengthening relations between the two nations. This November, our group will be welcomed by the city of Tianjin to commemorate this historic bond and honor our shared passion for cultural diplomacy. Highlights include concert performances in Beijing and Chengdu, a Sister Cities diplomacy experience in Tianjin, and a meeting with Tianjin high school students participating in a cultural exchange with Philadelphia.
$6,995 per person plus airfare.
Click here to contact the Travel department for more information on this tour.
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.
As 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.