With diverse experience in the consumer and pharmaceutical Public Relations industry, I am responsible for supporting and executing against communications objectives to increase WTCA’s global visibility and foster stronger relationships among Members.

Previously, I worked at a healthcare communications agency, where I served a vast portfolio of clients, ranging from multinational pharmaceutical companies to specialized biotech firms. I also oversaw project management for both national and global communications campaigns, implementing a wide range of communications tactics, and providing strategic counsel to clients. Prior to this, I interned at the largest Public Relations firm worldwide, where I supported numerous consumer initiatives.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Syracuse University, and speak fluent Spanish, having been raised in Honduras for 18 years.

Many years within World Trade Centre organization, in Membership and also as an Executive Assistant to President & CEO.

Carolina Blackburn supports the WTCA RDM Latin American Office in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, facilitating the relation between the Members of the Region with the WTCA.

She is a lawyer and a candidate for an specialization degree in Government, Management and Public affairs at Universidad Externado of Colombia in alliance with the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University of NY.

Throughout her career Carolina Blackburn has worked in corporate and commercial law. In 2012, she was appointed as a consultant for Institutional Relations at the Dispatch of the Superintendent of Industry and Commerce in Colombia. One year later she was appointed as the Executive Director of the Colombian Chamber of the Apparel and Sewing Industry, representing this conglomerate and more than 1.5 million jobs before the Colombian Government and international entities. From this position, Carolina Blackburn participated in the negotiations of the Pacific Alliance Commercial Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement with Japan regarding the textile and apparel sector.

With more than 15 years of experience positioning brands, organizations and thought leaders, I am charged with spearheading organizational strategy for both communications and member relations/services.

Before joining WTCA I worked at a boutique integrated communications agency providing strategic counsel to local, regional and global brands and executives. Before that I opened the first corporate communications and press office in the Americas for one of the world’s largest scientific, technical and medical publishers.

I hold a Master of Science in Strategic Communications from Columbia University in New York City, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. And when I am not in the office you can find me on the ice playing hockey in a New York City adult league, exploring the city I love, or striking out to distant horizons pursuing my passion for travel.

As an Accounting Manager, I generate accounts receivable invoices and maintains customer invoices files and collect WTC Dues. I also assist with month end closings and year-end audits.

Brief description of my job: I liaise with WTCA members in Greater China and Asia Pacific region, support major activities of WTCA, assist in business and government relations, monitor WTCA trademark usage in China, and provide support in operation of Beijing Representative Office

Favorite place I have traveled for work: Xiamen on the southeast coast of China, for its welcoming people, favorable weather and fascinating city views.

A business leader I look up to: Bill Gates for his passion, effort and achievements in saving and enhancing people's lives around the world through both his work in the technology industry as well as his foundation. He is truly carrying out his social responsibilities as a powerful industry and community leader.

Lead and coordinate the Association’s accounting, financial plans, budget management functions and audit. Ensure organizational accounting procedures conform to generally accepted accounting principles and government regulations. Monitor financial and operational performance of the organization.

Favorite place I have traveled for work: St Petersburg, Russia because it seems frozen in time with the culture, history and architecture.

A business leader I look up to: Steve Jobs, a visionary, inventor and entrepreneur. His influence on technology and the music industry have been one of the greatest turnarounds in business history.

As a staff member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) since 1987, I have worked in various capacities, from Office Manager to HR and Marketing, and in 2008 officially on the WTCA Events. Today, as Events Manager, I am responsible for handling the pre-and-post promotion, coordination and reporting of the WTCA’s yearly events. They include: the WTCA Board Meetings--handling all meeting logistics and specifics for the WTCA Board of Directors group; MIPIM--the world’s leading real estate exhibition and conference, managing the WTCA exhibition booth; WTCA General Assembly (GA), official meeting of the WTCA-- collaborating with GA hosts, during the planning and operation of the GAs; Member Seminar—the WTCA training platform for staff of WTCs, bringing new concepts & ideas each year. I meet with local vendors, hotels, and all who help support our events, to ensure all logistics and budgets are met, to best serve our global network, providing stellar events with great programming.

Favorite place I have travelled for work: During my travels, there have been various locations I’ve thoroughly enjoyed for their culture, but especially the people I have had the pleasure to meet and work with. Having to select one location is very difficult since there have been so many. For example, I have fond memories from South Africa during my visit to both Johannesburg & Cape Town while experiencing the safari, the beauty of the country and the great hospitality from those who today I call friends. Mumbai and Moscow are two locations that I will always cherish in different ways, especially those who I had a chance to work with closely.

A business leader I look up to: Mr. Guy Tozzoli, WTCA President & Founder, who gave me the opportunity to work at the WTCA. He developed the WTCA with a vision to help unite all nations through peace & stability through trade. Mr. Tozzoli was a great leader with tremendous charisma and leadership, who passed on February 4, 2013 and many will remember him as fondly as I do.

As content manager, I manage all WTCA online communications. As part of my role I plan, create, curate, execute and measure content delivered at all digital media touch points including the WTCA platform and social media assets. I also assist members with the platform onboarding process.

Favorite place I have traveled to for work: Mumbai tops my list! I attended the GA in Mumbai and just fell in love with the land of Bollywood.

A business leader I look up to: My mentor Daisaku Ikeda, he is a true global leader who has never stopped learning, he has been conferred with 300 honorary doctorates and professorships from universities around the world.

My responsibilities include preparing the financial reports, managing the investments, assisting with payroll and 401K and managing all WTCA bank accounts.

A business leader I look up to: I look up to Steve Jobs for turning Apple into such a global technology company. Apple's product has dominated the market and continues to do so because it's a strong and reputable product.

I assist Dr.Ronderos in Information requests for WTCs in Latin America ( Mexico, Central and South America). I support world trade center activities in the region and work closely with the headquarters team in New York.

Bella brings 20 years of WTC experience to her role having been an active business member of the WTC Long Beach, EVP of the WTC Los Angeles-Long Beach, CEO of the WTC San Diego, as well as a director of the WTCA board. She has gained a reputation as a well-connected international business and non-profit executive, advisor, negotiator and revenue-generator. Bella is putting that expertise to work leading efforts to grow and sustain the WTCA network and deliver progressive insights, counsel and services to members.

I am responsible for protecting WTCA's most valuable asset, its trademarks. I also assist Mr. Richie with other legal matters such as licensing and corporate governance.

Favorite place I have traveled for work: Spain because, well, who doesn't like Spain?

A business leader I look up to: Richard Branson for his effortless style and ability to connect with people.

Julia brings with her 20+ years of B2B international marketing expertise across a variety of industries and world regions. As a former business member of WTC San Diego, she feels particularly connected to the World Trade Center Operations and their membership needs. Julia joined us in July 2013 to help drive the WTCA’s marketing and digital platform strategies.

Julia received her MBA in International Marketing from Thunderbird. She speaks German and English fluently and Spanish conversationally.

Favorite travel location: The more remote, the better. A current favorite is Burma.

My position is as "the director of first impressions" for WTCA. I answer phone calls, greet visitors, and respond to inquiries about our organization. I manage the front desk, maintain the appearance of the office and all of its needs, and assist all Team Members with various administrative tasks.

Favorite place I have traveled for work: Last February 2013, Kinear Young, Kristina Muller and I went on a road trip and visited these WTCs: WTCs Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. It was an enjoyable learning experience for all of us.

A business leader I look up to: I admire anyone who has achieved success in something they passionately believe in, and with that, they give back to those in need, either in the U.S., or anywhere in the world.

During the past 9 years, Ms. Leclercq has been a Senior Manager at the WTC Lille where she was heavily involved in it’s core functions including the Business Club, Business Services and Member Services. She has also worked extensively with other regional institutions and organizations devoted to international trade.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Languages and Civilization from International Business School ESTICE. Between 1990 and 1998, she was administration and finance manager at the Chamber of Commerce Franco-Belge. Estelle has also been a board member in a non-profit organization for youth care and delinquents since 1987.

Coordinating new WTCA Membership and License Applications and working directly with Applicants and Regional Development Managers to ensure timely receipt of required supporting documentation before their review at the Executive Committee meeting.

Responding to WTCA Members' inquiries and requests, and general questions about the WTCA Membership and License Application.

Manage and assist with the overall functions and financial processes of the Accounting and Finance Department. Responsible for human resources, payroll and assist with processes of accounts payable, receivable, collections, bank reconciliations, general ledger and reports.

A business leader I look up to: Oprah Winfrey is one of the most respected and admired Global Media Leaders and Philanthropists. She overcame adversity to become a benefactor to others.

Oversee all legal matters affecting the WTCA -- including corporate governance, trademarks, licenses/contracts and employment matters -- and provide legal advice to WTCA's Board, management, and Members.

Favorite place I have traveled for work: Taipei, because it is the birthplace of my wife, as well as a fascinating and exciting city.

A business leader I look up to: John Mackey, co-founder of "Whole Foods Market". Strong advocate of free markets and community responsibility; takes $1 annual salary, donated stock portfolio to charity and established emergency fund for needy employees.

I support WTCA members through all aspects of the accreditation process; from assessing their readiness to undergo the process, providing information and training, assisting during the self-assessment phase, and finally, to conducting the on-site evaluation.

Ms. Song manages the membership base of over 300 World Trade Centers worldwide. She assesses proposals for all new and future World Trade Center establishments while directing new business development opportunities for WTCA Members. She also oversees the operations and major activities of all WTCs.

Carlos Ronderos Ph.D. supports WTCA activities in Mexico, Central and South America. Doctor Ronderos has been involved in WTC development and played an important role in the development of WTC in Colombia, Chile, Uruguay and Panamá during the nineties.

Dr. Ronderos has had a long involvement in international trade, having been a professor of International Trade at universities both in Colombia and the United States. He is an economist with a doctorate degree with studies in Bogotá, Scotland and Buenos Aires.

Dr. Ronderos is a former Minister of Trade of Colombia, has been an adviser both to the WTO and UNCTAD. He is a consultant to both private and public companies on international trade and has been involved in the discussion of a number of free trade agreements.

Simone joined the World Trade Centers Association in August 2013. As executive assistant, Simone aids CEO Eric Dahl and EVP Bella Heule by providing high-level information management support. She acts as the primary contact for all internal and external correspondence for the CEO and EVP, and assists in the facilitation and execution of administrative responsibilities throughout WTCA. Simone manages all aspects of the WTCA internship program, including marketing, recruiting, hiring, and orienting interns.

Simone graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and global studies, with an emphasis in Asian studies. She lived in Freiburg, Germany for one year, where she furthered her international relations education at Albert-Lüdwigs-Universität. Simone is a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, and is fluent in English, German, and highly proficient in Spanish.

Prior to working for WTCA, Simone worked closely with international non-profits located in Austin, TX and New York, NY. She is active in the New York City business community, as a member of the German-American Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Wang draws from his twenty years of expertise in businesses relations and trade in the U.S., China and other Asian countries to lead WTCA’s efforts in developing business relations in Asia Pacific region.

Prior to his appointment to WTCA, Mr. Wang served as Vice President of the World Trade Center San Diego. During his tenure, he organized 19 trade missions to Asia with participation of companies and senior State and local government/business leaders, and provided thousands of small and medium-sized companies with assistance in information, communications and connections for doing business in Asia.

He holds a Masters of Pacific International Affairs (MPIA) degree from the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IR/PS) at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), in addition to M.A. and B.A. degrees from Hangzhou University (now Zhejiang University), China.

Improve database systems and data collection efforts, prepare reporting for executive management or board review, manage integration of membership information and communication systems with digital platform. Respond to member inquiries, oversee WTCA Newsletter, and project manage the redesign and update of select marketing material.

Favorite place I have traveled to for work: WTCs Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Greater Philadelphia in February 2013 with my colleagues for my first WTC on-site visits to learn more about their facilities and service offerings, their challenges, and how they would like to contribute to and benefit from the WTCA network.

A business leader I look up to: Christine Lagarde, International Monetary Fund Managing Director, for having become the first woman in several noteworthy posts, her global leadership and network building skills, and her pragmatic style.

Brief Description of my job: I provide assistance in localizing major WTCA documentation and interfaces into Chinese; plan and execute WTCA events for the region; assist member WTCs in event developing/implementing and other services; manage special programs/projects; develop and manage training and certification programs for the region; and provide help in interpretation and translation.
Favorite place I have traveled for work: Australia, for its air, water, its sporting, outdoor, beach-loving culture, people's life and working styles, etc.
A business leader you look up to: Steve Jobs, because he is a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer revolution and for his influential career in the computer and consumer electronics fields.