Newsletter: August 2025 
Greetings!
After a long summer break (a warmish one in Charleston!), we’re excited to be back in your inbox. As our fall program approaches, we’re gearing up with engaging speakers and new perspectives to keep you informed and inspired.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
MAY 20. New Threats to Journalism. Award-winning war correspondent Andy Alexander spoke at the Charleston Library Society, highlighting the mounting threats to journalists and their sources. Alexander:
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Emphasized the core values of independent journalism: accuracy, fairness, and depth
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Warned of the growing risks to sources from digital surveillance
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Called for greater transparency in reporting and stronger verification practices
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Advocated for improved news literacy education, particularly for younger generations
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Noted the U.S.’s low ranking in global press freedom and stressed the urgent need to protect and support independent reporting
Upcoming Events
SEPTEMBER 18. Married to the CIA. Rolf and Rosie Mowatt-Larssen will speak about their shared journey in foreign policy and intelligence. Rolf, a former CIA officer with deep expertise on Russia and national security, and his wife Rosie will offer rare personal insights into life inside the world of espionage and diplomacy. Don’t miss this captivating conversation between two partners devoted to each other—and to service on behalf of the nation. At the Charleston Library Society. Register here.
OCTOBER 13. Taiwan's Security. As China intensifies military pressure on Taiwan, how might the U.S. respond? With Chinese president Xi aiming for "reunification" by 2027, Taiwan's security is a critical issue for Washington. Dr. Michael Sun—retired Taiwanese Army colonel and political science professor at the Citadel—brings deep expertise to this complex topic. Join us as he explores the rising threat, Taiwan’s defense posture, and the implications for American foreign policy. At Capers Hall, The Citadel.
Photo: pxhere.com
NOVEMBER 18. Is Democracy in Retreat? This timely talk by retired Ambassador Jimmy Story will explore whether promoting democracy should remain a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in an era marked by the erosion of democratic values, the rise of autocracies, and the sobering fact that the vast majority of the world’s population does not live in a democracy. While these trends challenge the global order, globalization is not going away—and our interconnected world demands cooperation. From pandemics and supply chain disruptions to climate change, mass migrations, and cybersecurity, nations must honor their international commitments and work together to address the most pressing challenges of our time. At the Charleston Library Society. Register here.
APRIL 21-29, 2026. Join fellow globetrotters on a small-group journey that explores the history, art, and culinary treasures of Umbria, Italy. Book and pay in full by December 22 for a $500 discount. Details here.
Member Spotlight
Katie Ovenden is the Field Marketing Manager for the Southern Region at Volvo Cars USA, based at the company’s U.S. production facility in Ridgeville, SC. In this key role, Katie implements Volvo’s global brand and product marketing strategy across 13 states and 7 major markets in the Southeast. She joined Volvo in 2018 and has spent the last seven years helping drive Volvo’s visibility and impact in one of its fastest-growing regions.
Before joining Volvo, Katie worked with the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) as a project manager and advisor. Her work focused on attracting both domestic and international companies to the Charleston metro area by highlighting its advantages as a strategic hub for investment. Her position at CRDA took her across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, promoting Charleston as a destination for global business and innovation.
Katie passion for international engagement and cross-cultural dialogue led her to WACC. She’s inspired by opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds and explore how common ground can emerge from diverse perspectives.
Katie’s global perspective is also reflected in her academic and nonprofit work. She serves on the board of Global Charleston, a nonprofit that supports international residents and businesses relocating to the Lowcountry. Her commitment to fostering inclusive, globally minded communities is deeply rooted in her own background: She holds dual degrees in economics and international business management, with a minor in global politics, from Clemson University. She also studied in the Balkans and had a teaching stint at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Katie also served as a graduate assistant at the Center for China Studies and worked with Engineers for Developing Countries in Haiti’s Central Plateau.
Raised in a military family, Katie has lived across the United States and abroad—experiences that shaped her worldview and commitment to building bridges between cultures. She now resides in Mt. Pleasant with her husband and three children.
Katie’s story is a testament to the value of curiosity, communication, and international exchange—and to the profound impact one person can have in shaping how communities and companies engage with the wider world.
