WAC Houston

The Pentagon insider America's top leaders trusted for global intelligence Admiral John Kirby draws on his decades-long experience under both the Obama and Biden administrations to offer a compelling, high-level briefing on geopolitical flashpoints shaping U.S. foreign policy today. As Pentagon and State Department spokesperson during Obama’s tenure and National Security Council communications advisor under Biden, Admiral Kirby brings a unique lens on strategy and messaging. He will offer a sharp, insider’s look at the most urgent global flashpoints, Russia’s aggression, China’s rising global influence, and the enduring volatility of the Middle East. Admiral Kirby will explore how U.S. foreign policy has evolved across two Democratic administrations, the legacies they leave behind, and what comes next for America’s global role in an era of great-power competition and regional instability.

The U.S.’ s vital relationship with Canada is one of our nation’s oldest, most dynamic and mutually beneficial international partnerships. Since well before the recent prominence of autocratic governments, Canada has long been a key ally for the U.S. in developing and sustaining a world order defined by open markets, fair trade and the promotion of democratic values. As a founding member of NATO and a dependable economic partner, Canada has long supported key U.S. democratic allies and the integration and growth of our economies. For over 150 years, the U.S. and Canada have shared not just the longest border in the world, but arguably also the most open, peaceful and prosperous border in modern history. In recent years, Canada has been the either the first or second largest trade partner for the U.S.. And unlike with either China or Mexico, the U.S.’s balance of trade with Canada has been much more reciprocal and equitable. The total volume of U.S.-Canada trade more than doubled after the signing NAFTA; and it has grown again, since President Trump and then Prime Minister Trudeau signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement USMCA in 2020. Canada is the 2nd largest international trade partner for Texas; and Texas is 2nd largest U.S. state trade partner for Canada. The economic ties between Canada and Texas are deep and substantial, as the U.S. imports more crude oil from Canada than all other nations combined. Additionally, Canada supplies about 98% of all natural gas imported into the U.S.; and many of Canada’s largest energy companies have their U.S. headquarters in Houston, such as Enbridge. Featured Speaker: Susan Harper - Consul General of Canada in Dallas Susan Harper became Consul General of Canada in Dallas in November 2022, representing Canada in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. She oversees political, economic, public affairs, consular, and commercial services, including the Consulate in Houston. Her previous roles include Consul General in Miami, Canada’s Senior Arctic Official, Director General for trade policy, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Embassy in Washington, and Ambassador to Uruguay. She has also held trade postings in Yaoundé, Paris, and Buenos Aires. Before her diplomatic career, she taught at Cambrian College and George Brown College. She holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and an Honours BA in Math and English from Queen’s University. She has two children. Featured Speaker: Peter V. Sheffield - Vice President External Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge Pete Sheffield is Vice President External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge, where he oversees enterprise-wide public policy and government affairs, sustainability strategy and reporting, and corporate partnerships. Sheffield was previously VP of U.S. External Affairs to Enbridge and served as vice president of energy policy and government affairs for Spectra Energy Corp, overseeing the company’s government relations activities and public policy. He joined Duke Energy in 2002, serving as director of external relations. Prior to that, Sheffield was press secretary to the United States House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce, serving as primary spokesman and senior advisor to two chairmen. Sheffield holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He currently serves on the Board of the Canadian American Business Council and the Sustainability Advisory Council to the New York Stock Exchange.

In 2026, Houston will stand at the center of the global sports universe, hosting the FIFA World Cup. But behind every spectacular goal,  and every roaring crowd, lies a sophisticated world of international diplomacy that most fans never see. At this unprecedented look behind the scenes of global sports diplomacy, you’ll discover how nations compete not just on fields and courts, but in boardrooms and diplomatic circles to earn the right to host the world’s most prestigious sporting events. What Happens Before Kick-off? From the Olympics to the World Cup, major sporting events represent far more than athletic competition, they’re exercises in soft power diplomacy that can reshape a city’s international profile for generations. Our distinguished speakers will pull back the curtain on the complex world of: The Bidding Wars: How cities compete for years, sometimes decades, to win the right to host major sporting events, navigating political alliances, economic commitments, and diplomatic relationships that span continents. Beyond Infrastructure: What it really takes to be selected as a host city. It’s not just stadiums and hotels. Discover the intricate web of governmental coordination, security arrangements, international partnerships, and diplomatic protocols.  The Diplomatic Playbook: How sports events become vehicles for international relations, economic partnerships, and cultural exchange that extend far beyond the final whistle or last out. Houston’s Winning Strategy: Learn the insider story of how Houston successfully positioned itself to host both the 2026 World Baseball Classic and the FIFA World —two victories that required years of strategic relationship-building and diplomatic maneuvering. Featured Speaker: Chris Canetti Chris Canetti is the President of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Bid Committee and Host Organizing Committee. A veteran sports executive with over 30 years of experience, he previously served as President of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash, where he was instrumental in building Houston’s profile as a global sports city. Under his leadership, Houston secured its role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the largest sporting events in the world. Featured Speaker: Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland Ambassador Hennessey-Niland was the Director of Inter-Governmental Affairs for the 1994 USA World Cup Organizing Committee.  In this role he worked closely with FIFA, U.S. Soccer, the Federal government and state and local authorities as well as with the governments and national federations of the participating teams in the run-up and execution of the first world cup ever held in America.  He subsequently assisted U.S. Soccer at the 1998 World Cup in France and at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999 in the U.S.  He is a UEFA qualified “B” license Coach, previously coached Texas A&M”s men’s soccer club, and continues to play when he has time Featured Speaker: Angela Hucles Mangano Angela Hucles Mangano is the President of Women’s Soccer for the Houston Dash. She serves as the Chief Soccer Officer for the team and brings nearly four decades of experience in the sports industry as an executive, motivational speaker and athlete. Hucles Mangano is also two-time Olympic gold medal winner with the U.S. Women’s National Team and appeared in more than 100 matches for the United States. She spent nine seasons in Boston playing for the Boston Breakers, both in the WUSA and WPS professional soccer leagues, and Boston Renegades. Following her retirement from professional soccer, the Virginia Beach, Virginia native also spent time as a commentator for ESPN, NBC and FOX during their coverage of international events like the Olympic Games and FIFA Women’s World Cup. She also served on the board of non-profit organizations like You Can Play, which is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans, and was a Regional Director at Up2Us.

Join us on The Greater Loop podcast as we dive into the world of offshore drilling with Stuart Vogt, Vice President of Corporate Tax at TransOcean. Discover the complexities of tax compliance, the fascinating engineering behind drilling rigs, and the global impact of hydrocarbons. Stuart shares insights on navigating geopolitical challenges, the future of energy, and the rewarding experiences of working across cultures. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the vital role of energy in our world. #OffshoreDrilling #EnergyIndustry #GlobalInsights

Join us for a conversation with Nadia Bollinger, Vice President and General Manager of Managed Services at HP. Nadia shares her unique journey from Fort McMurray, Canada, to leading a global team at HP. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the impact of AI on IT services, and how the hybrid workforce is reshaping customer expectations. Nadia also reflects on her career growth and the importance of setting ambitious goals.  

In this episode, we delve into the transformative shift towards sustainable energy solutions, spotlighting the potential of geothermal energy and carbon sequestration. Join us as we explore how these innovative sectors are reshaping the energy landscape, offering promising alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Discover the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the quest for a cleaner, greener future. Understand also what the day of a government affairs VP at a global company is like!

Join us for a conversation with Angela Hucles Mangano, a former US Women's National Team midfielder and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Angela shares her journey from a young athlete with boundless energy to a leader in women's soccer, now serving as President and Chief Soccer Officer at the Houston Dash. Discover how her experiences on the field have shaped her leadership style and her passion for transforming club culture. Angela's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the power of sports to bridge cultures and inspire change. Tune in to hear her insights on balancing sports and academics, and her advice for aspiring sports management professionals.

In this timely episode, Ambassador Michael Pelletier unpacks the enduring tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan. He explores the legacy of partition, the paradox of economic ties amid political hostility, China’s growing regional influence, and the challenges for U.S. diplomacy in navigating one of the world’s most volatile rivalries. With firsthand experience in the region and decades of diplomatic insight, Ambassador Pelletier brings clarity to a complex and urgent issue. Whether you're a student of international affairs or simply want to understand what’s at stake when global powers collide, this conversation offers a great context and expertise.

Presented by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston In this episode, James M. Lindsay — Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations — offers a sharp analysis of the early trajectory and defining foreign policy decisions of the current U.S. administration. Drawing on his decades of experience in international affairs, Dr. Lindsay explores key issues reshaping America’s global role, including shifts in trade strategy, evolving alliances, and the ripple effects of new tariff measures. He provides an in-depth look at how the administration is navigating the escalating Iran-Israel conflict — balancing nuclear diplomacy with Tehran while recalibrating U.S. support for Israeli military action — and what this reveals about broader Middle East strategy. Dr. Lindsay also discusses the long-term implications of these early decisions for America’s standing with allies and adversaries alike. Guest: James M. Lindsay is the Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy and Director of Fellowship Affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the host of The President’s Inbox and author of The Empty Throne and America Unbound.  Learn more at wachouston.org  Subscribe and share for more global conversations.

In this inspiring conversation, journalist Loren Grush and pioneering astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher reflect on the historic journey of NASA’s first six female astronauts, chronicled in Grush’s acclaimed book The Six. From media scrutiny to spacewalks and satellite rescues, they share the challenges and triumphs that helped redefine what it means to have the right stuff.

Khaled Elgindy, former advisor to the Palestinian leadership and expert on U.S.–Palestinian relations, offers a sobering look at the future of Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader region following the devastation of October 7 and its aftermath. With decades of peace efforts faltering, Elgindy explores what realistic paths—if any—exist for Palestinians, Israelis, and international actors amid political dysfunction, displacement, and deepening crisis.

Mark Clifford tells the extraordinary story of Jimmy Lai—a self-made billionaire turned fearless pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong—whose bold defiance of the Chinese Communist Party led to his arrest and possible life sentence. From escaping famine in mainland China to founding Apple Daily and challenging authoritarian power, Lai’s life is a powerful symbol of courage, freedom, and the high cost of dissent.

In this thought-provoking episode, Malcolm Gladwell explores the dark side of contagious phenomena—from the rise of social engineering to the unexpected forces behind epidemics like COVID and the opioid crisis—through gripping stories and sharp social analysis. With his signature blend of storytelling and science, Gladwell challenges us to rethink tipping points and the hidden dynamics shaping our world.

Elliott Abrams, one of the foremost architects of Republican foreign policy across multiple administrations, offers a powerful analysis of what Trump’s second-term foreign policy could look like—from Iran and Venezuela to China, Russia, Israel, and beyond. Drawing on decades of high-level experience, Abrams explores how Trump may reshape U.S. alliances, global conflicts, and America's role on the world stage.

Weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador John J. Sullivan warned it was coming. When the attack began, he received a prearranged code—history was unfolding. In this episode, Sullivan shares firsthand insights on U.S.-Russia relations, the war’s impact, and the future of diplomacy. Stay tuned for Part 2!