Mortada Mohamed – President

Mortada Mohamed brings extensive international trade expertise and senior diplomatic experience to the board. He currently serves as the President of the World Affairs Council of Austin and Executive Director for the Texas International Business Council. His deep commitment to global commerce is further reflected in his service as a speaker for the U.S. Department of State’s International Speakers Program throughout North Africa and the Arabian Gulf region, lecturing on private-sector engagement.

A dedicated advocate for economic development, Mortada’s volunteer consultation work on behalf of ACDI/VOCA (funded by USAID) has taken him deep into Africa, Siberia, and Eastern Europe to assist developing nations. His career includes serving as the Regional Trade Director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism Division. He also shares his expertise locally as an adjunct professor of international business at several Central Texas universities and colleges.

Ben Ramirez III – Vice President

Ben Ramirez III brings over 25 years of global economic development and technology cluster expertise to the board. He currently manages Foreign Trade Zone #183 of Central Texas—overseeing annual member exports totaling $250-$500 million—and serves as Vice Chair of the Texas Camino Real District Export Council following an appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. His deep commitment to cross-cultural exchange is further reflected in his service on the board of Austin Sister Cities International and as President of the Austin Saltillo Sister Cities Association.

An economic strategist and entrepreneur advisor, Ben’s work with technology ecosystems has earned national recognition, including an appointment to the U.S. Department of State’s Speaker and Specialist Program to present overseas on the economic impacts of technology industry clusters. His career includes serving as the International Economic Development Manager for the City of Austin, where he led government initiatives spanning foreign direct investment, culture, and education, and serving on the board of CleanTX.

Ben holds a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Michigan and a JD from the University of Toledo.

Ana-Barbara Llorente – Treasurer

Ana-Barbara Llorente brings a wealth of global auditing expertise and financial governance to the board. She currently serves as the Treasurer for WAC Austin, where she supervises all bookkeeping, tax compliance, and transparent accounting procedures. Her deep commitment to local and international community leadership is further reflected in her service as Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Austin International School and as President of Bilingual Toastmasters in Austin.

A certified public accountant, Ana-Barbara’s executive career spans finance, management, and public accounting across diverse industries in both the U.S. and European Union markets. She is a licensed CPA in the United States (and holds its equivalent credential in Spain) and currently operates as a partner at Pendas Consulting, LLC, an international accounting and finance firm. Additionally, she actively volunteers locally with Foundation Communities.

Ana-Barbara holds a BA in Business and a Master in Accounting and Auditing from the University of Oviedo in Spain, where she also completed advanced PhD research specializing in Materiality in Auditing.

Enes Bilgin – Board Secretary

Dr. Enes Bilgin brings a sophisticated background in systems engineering and a lifelong passion for global policy to the board. He currently serves on the Business Outreach Committee for WAC Austin, driving initiatives that connect local industry with global insights. His deep commitment to public engagement and youth mentorship is further reflected in his volunteer work preparing high school students for competitive national and international science project competitions.

A researcher and engineering professional, Enes’s interest in international relations and political science spans decades, rooted in a family tradition of political organization in Turkey. His career bridges advanced technical development and civic education, focusing on methods to engage the public and youth in global affairs. He currently works in machine learning at Latitude AI.

Dr. Bilgin holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Bilkent University in Turkey and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Boston University.

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Polina Anastassieva – Business Development

Polina Anastassieva brings a dynamic blend of private-sector risk management and firsthand international perspective to the organization. She currently leads Business Development initiatives for WAC Austin, expanding the Council’s regional network and corporate partnerships. Her deep commitment to cross-cultural collaboration is rooted in her background as a Moscow native, fluent in multiple languages, and shaped by her residency in Washington, D.C., studying national and global politics.

A risk and fintech professional, Polina’s corporate career includes managing corporate risk and operational assets for major global brands, including Apple and eBay. Her diverse professional background also features public-sector service within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the nation’s fourth-largest environmental agency.

Polina holds a BBA in International Business from St. Edward’s University, where she is currently completing her MBA while remaining actively involved in the university’s community initiatives.

Polina@wacaustin.org

Ellen Murry – Program Coordinator

Ellen Murry brings a wealth of international expertise and local community leadership to the board. She currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the World Affairs Council of Austin and co-chair of the Globalist Coffeehouse. Her deep commitment to cross-cultural exchange is further reflected in her service on the board of the Austin Sister Cities International Oita, Japan Committee, and her longtime membership with the Rotary Club of Austin University Area.

An educator and accomplished author, Ellen’s work has earned national recognition, including awards for her book, Notes on the Republic, and for a distinguished orientation audiovisual presentation narrated by Bill Moyers. Her career includes more than a decade of teaching English abroad in Saudi Arabia and Japan, as well as instructing ESL locally at Austin Community College. Ellen’s professional and personal travels span Africa, Central America, the Middle East, and Asia.

A native of Louisiana, Ellen holds a BA in History from Louisiana State University and an MA in Sino-American Relations and Twentieth-Century Chinese Foreign Policy from Texas A&M University.

ellen@wacaustin.org

Melody Borg – Project Manager

Melody Borg brings an international strategic perspective and a robust background in academic research to her role. She currently serves as a Project Management Volunteer in Washington, D.C., supporting outreach, partnership growth, and inclusive global engagement. Her deep commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue is further reflected in her previous leadership as president of the International Student Association and founder of the Global Affairs Society at St. Edward’s University.

A strategist and researcher, Melody’s work focusing on international market entry, localization strategy, and virtual collaboration has been selected for presentation at regional academic conferences, including the Southwest Academy of Management and the Honors Symposium. Her background spans academic and leadership residency across both the United States and Europe.

Originally from France, Melody holds a B.B.A. in International Business and Management from St. Edward’s University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Global Strategy and Analytics, specializing in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, at Johns Hopkins University.

melody@wacaustin.org

Liz Wiley – Attorney

Liz Wiley brings a sophisticated legal background in data governance and a deep knowledge of technological innovation to the organization. She currently counsels corporate clients with Fulton Jeang PLLC, a certified women-owned law firm recognized as a leader in intellectual property law. Her deep commitment to ethical business operations guides her corporate advisory work, specifically regarding the deployment of emerging digital tools.

An attorney and tech entrepreneur, Liz’s recent professional focus centers on co-founding startups within the emerging technology space. Her current enterprise leverages a proprietary agentic platform, where she directs corporate policy regarding AI governance frameworks and agent management ethics.

Liz holds an extensive record of legal advocacy and corporate governance counseling, bridging the intersection of intellectual property law, commercial compliance, and technological strategy.

Rebeka Renczes – Project Manager

Rebeka Renczes brings a cross-cultural perspective and a passion for community building to the organization. She currently serves as a Project Manager for WAC Austin, contributing to the development of international gatherings and global exchanges. Her deep commitment to fostering international relationships is further reflected in her professional work with Austin Sister Cities International, supporting initiatives that strengthen municipal and cultural ties worldwide.

An international business professional and former collegiate athlete, Rebeka’s background as an NCAA basketball player has shaped her team leadership, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in diverse environments. Her career focuses on building meaningful connections and leveraging global insights to enrich Austin’s international community.

Originally from Hungary, Rebeka moved to the United States to pursue her higher education and holds a degree in International Business from St. Edward’s University.

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Ashley Ramnath – Marketing Strategist

Ashley Ramnath brings a data-driven approach to brand development and public communication to the Council. She currently serves as the Marketing Strategist for WAC Austin, leading brand strategy, communications, and community outreach to broaden public engagement with global affairs across Central Texas. Her deep commitment to inclusive education is rooted in her multicultural background and a professional philosophy centered on making global dialogue accessible to all communities.

An analyst and entrepreneur, Ashley’s career includes managing large-scale educational accounts as a Data Specialist at Apple and driving corporate retail strategy as a Pricing Analyst at Whole Foods Market. Her innovative approach to market gaps is further demonstrated by her work as the founder of Halummy, an inclusive confectionery start-up.

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Management Information Systems from Lamar University, and a Master of Science in Data Science from Texas Tech University.

ashley@wacaustin.org

DeQuan Carter – Young Professionals Intern

DeQuan Carter brings a dedication to international diplomacy and academic leadership to the Council’s student initiatives. He currently serves as an Intern with the World Affairs Council of Austin, supporting international business outreach, event planning, and research initiatives that strengthen Austin’s global partnerships. His deep commitment to organizational leadership is further reflected in his roles as Vice President of the Global Affairs Club and Vice President of Alumni Relations for Delta Sigma Pi.

An aspiring foreign service officer, DeQuan’s professional development includes completing a competitive management and sales internship with Sherwin-Williams, where he built core competencies in corporate leadership and strategic communication. His career goals focus on leveraging international business strategy and cross-cultural collaboration to serve in U.S. embassies abroad.

Originally from Barbados, DeQuan is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business at St. Edward’s University, with an expected graduation in May 2026.

dq@wacaustin.org

Jake Wiley – Communications Intern

Jake Wiley brings a strong foundation in media production and humanitarian leadership to the communications team. He currently serves as a Communications Intern for WAC Austin, leveraging digital media to build community engagement and professional relationships. His deep commitment to international service is reflected in his position on the board of directors for the Anker Christensen Charitable Fund (ACCF), a non-profit dedicated to serving communities in Nicaragua, which he visits every summer to strengthen local partnerships.

A student-athlete and media creator, Jake’s background includes serving as the Sports Media Director for GC3 Media in Kansas, where he produced radio broadcasts, authored feature articles, and managed digital content. He also balances his academic pursuits with leadership roles locally, serving as a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and competing in NCAA baseball.

Originally from Dallas-Fort Worth, Jake is currently pursuing a B.A. in Communication and Media Studies at St. Edward’s University.

jake@wacaustin.org