Skip the Small Talk: Connect with People Changing the World

Exclusive for young professionals.

Ready to move from observer to changemaker?

This exclusive event brings together dynamic Global Shapers from the World Economic Forum with Houston’s most engaged young professionals and students for an unforgettable exploration of how YOU can shape the policies that shape our world.

These aren’t your typical speakers—they’re Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees, UN advisors, and startup founders who are actually doing the things you scroll past on LinkedIn. And they want to meet YOU.

• Network with people who get it – No more explaining why you care about global issues to people who don’t
• Drinks & bites included – Because great conversations happen over good wine
• Career intel you can’t Google – How to break into international orgs, policy roles, and social impact careers
• Real talk about making a difference – Skip the “thoughts and prayers,” get actual strategies
• Connect with Houston’s hidden changemaker community – You’ll be surprised who’s in your backyard
• Leave with new contacts – Including direct access to our speakers

Come hungry for knowledge, ready for honest conversations about power and change, and prepared to leave with concrete next steps. The world needs fresh perspectives and bold solutions – and it starts with engaged citizens like you.

Presented by Global Young Professionals in partnership with Global Shapers from the World Economic Forum

Polyglot and first generation Turkish-American. Executive Director of NM Voters First, a nonprofit organization advocating for more voter participation by ensuring that all voters can exercise their right to participate in every public election. Working to support candidates that believe in empowering and enhancing democracy and encouraging legislators to support fair and equitable elections that expand peoples’ political voice.

Extensive experience of nearly 10 years in volunteering with nonprofit organizations, political and civic engagement campaigns, and academic institutions. Co-Founder of Global Shapers Albuquerque Hub, an initiative of the World Economic Forum.

2025 Design & Technology Fellow Joon Baek is a software engineer at Google. He is also a master’s student at Columbia University studying computer science, with a concentration in machine learning. He co-founded Youth for Privacy, advocating for youth privacy rights globally, and has spoken at UN forums on privacy regulations. Joon has also worked on disarmament initiatives with the UN. A veteran of the Korean Army, he aims to leverage his experience in technology and policy to advance inclusive digital governance. He was recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2025

Engaging in multilateral negotiations on Climate and Development Finance with particular interest in Adaptation, Nature, Just transition, Article 6 and Loss & Damage.

Coordinating research programs, academies and opening up spaces to build common positions to discuss challenges and prepare young future climate practitioners to meaningfully engage in the UNFCCC, Financing for Development and national policy-making spaces.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston