San Diego World Affairs Council upcoming events

Distinguished Speakers North Country Chapter Event: “Beyond the Headlines: Human Security in the Middle East and South Asia” with Bogdan Matuszynski (June 04, 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The North County Chapter of the

San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

A Distinguished Speakers Series Program Featuring

Mr. Bogdan Matuszynski

Thursday, June 4th, 2026

10:00pam - 12:00pm

* Zoom link to be provided upon registration confirmation.*

Limited In-Person Registration Available.

About this Program

Regions across the Middle East and South Asia are often discussed in global affairs headlines daily, yet less frequently understood through lived perspective. For those interested in international affairs, there is real value in looking beyond headlines to better understand the people, cultures, and realities that shape these regions.

Drawing on recent travel and field exposure in Turkey, Syria, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Socotra,Bogdan's program offers reflections on how communities navigate uncertainty, how local dynamics influence outcomes, and how daily life continues amid broader geopolitical challenges.

The discussion will take a practical look at how different parts of society, governments, local leaders, community groups, and even media and social media, interact and influence one another in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance. It will also explore how global education, cross-cultural exchange, and community-based efforts can help people better understand one another and contribute to long-term stability.

At its core, this presentation highlights a simple but meaningful idea: whether locally or globally, individuals can play a role in building understanding, strengthening communities, and creating more constructive dialogue through education, service, and engagement.

In an era shaped by rapid information flow and competing narratives, the ability to question assumptions, improve media literacy, and engage constructively across cultures is increasingly important. This conversation encourages participants to reflect on how greater awareness, combined with service and civic engagement, can help bridge divides and support more informed global perspectives.

This non-partisan program is designed to encourage thoughtful dialogue and will be followed by a moderated Q&A.

About the Speaker: Bogdan“Bogey”Matuszynski

Bogdan“Bogey”Matuszynski is a Rotary Peace Fellow, Fulbright Award recipient, and international educator whose work focuses on human security, conflict management, and global education. A first-generation Polish-Mexican American and San Diego native, he graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution, with minors in Islamic and Arabic Studies and Latin American Studies .

He has traveled to more than 50 countries for research, field engagement, and educational initiatives, including work in post-conflict and politically sensitive regions.

His recent travels include China, Turkey, Syria, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Socotra, where he has engaged with communities to better understand local perspectives and challenges.

As a Fulbright grantee in Spain, Bogdan developed bilingual education and community-based programs, and later completed advanced training in conflict management as a Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. He has designed and led international education initiatives both in-person and online, organizing programs and workshops across the United States, Mexico, Spain, Egypt, Indonesia, and Afghanistan, helping students and professionals access educational and career opportunities.

His distinctions include the Ambassador Charles Hostler Fellowship, the “Quest for the Best” Vice Presidential Service Award, Congressional Certificates of Recognition, the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow distinction for contributions to peacebuilding.

Bogdan also contributes to San Diego Weekly and recently co-founded the San Diego Standouts fellowship, which develops community members’ skills in responsible storytelling and media to promote positive engagement and elevate diverse voices across communities.

Most recently he was appointed to the Rotary District 5340 Peace Committee.Bogdan's work centers on building understanding, expanding opportunity, and helping individuals navigate complex global environments through education, service, and connection.

Through his work, Bogdan focuses on practical ways to build understanding, expand opportunity, and connect people across cultures through education, service, and dialogue.

Engage San Diego: Tough Topics. Real Conversations "After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community" Presented by OneSD (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

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Location of Event:

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies

8980 Villa La Jolla Drive

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About this Program:

This program is part of Engage San Diego: Tough Topics. Real Conversations - a new collaborative initiative from the San Diego World Affairs Council and our partners at OneSD. The series will create space for thoughtful, constructive dialogue on some of the most complex and pressing issues facing the San Diego region today. The series is designed to build bridges across differences, reduce polarization, and empower participants to engage in more informed, constructive conversations. Join us in co-creating a more connected and solutions-oriented San Diego community.

The first of three topics in the series is: After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community

In an era marked by rising polarization, political violence, and deep social divisions, communities across the United States are searching for ways to heal, overcome divisions, and rebuild trust. After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community brings together two powerful voices whose lived experiences demonstrate that transformation, dialogue, and reconciliation are possible—even in the face of profound conflict.

This special Engage San Diego program will feature a conversation with former white nationalist turned peace activist, Arno Michaelis, and peace advocate Tasreen Khamisa, whose life’s work has been dedicated to preventing violence and promoting restorative justice following the tragic loss of her brother.

Together, they will explore the roots of extremism, the pathways individuals take toward radicalization, and, most importantly, the transformative power of empathy, dialogue, and connection in preventing violence, fostering reconciliation and strengthening our communities.

Through candid storytelling and thoughtful discussion, this program will examine how communities can confront difficult truths, while creating opportunities for healing, accountability, and constructive change.

What We’ll Explore

• The psychological and social dynamics that contribute to radicalization and extremism

• Personal journeys of transformation and the possibility of redemption

• The role of dialogue, empathy, and restorative practices in addressing violence and division

• Strategies communities can use to rebuild trust, prevent violence, and strengthen social cohesion

About the Speakers:

Arno Michaelis

Arno Michaelis is a former white supremacist who spent years involved in extremist movements before leaving thta world and dedicating his life to peacebuilding and coutnering violent extremism. Today, he is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and activist working to prevent radicalization and promote compassion and understanding. Learn more here.

Tasreen Khamisa

Tasreen Khamisa is a peace advocate and CEO of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth violence through restorative justice, education, and community engagement. Following the tragic murder of her brother Tariq in 1995, Tasreen chose forgiveness and reconciliation, transforming personal tragedy into a powerful movement for peace. Learn more here.

Andrew Blum, Moderator

Andrew Blum is the Senior Program Director at the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, where he leads the OneSD initiative. OneSD is a growing coalition 50+ organizations devoted to creating a San Diego region where all our welcome and all can thrive. Previously he has served as Executive Director of the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, where he led the growth of the Institute into San Diego’s leading research center on peacebuilding and violence prevention. Learn more about the work Andrew is doing at OneSD here.

***This event is free to the public, but seating is limited

and pre-registration is required. ***

The San Diego World Affairs Council does not endorse any specific political ideology or viewpoint. As a nonpartisan organization, we are committed to presenting a wide range of perspectives to promote informed, respectful dialogue on complex global issues. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Council, its board, or its partners.

Annual Members Meeting & Luncheon: “Reimagining Border Infrastructure: Lessons from CBX" with Eduardo Schutte (June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents

Join us for a special luncheon event featuring a keynote address by Eduardo Schutte, Chief Commercial Officer of Cross Border Express (CBX) and hosted by KPBS journalist Gustavo Solis. This year’s Annual Membership Meeting will center on the timely theme, “Reimagining Border Infrastructure: Lessons from CBX.”

As a senior leader at CBX, Eduardo Schutte will share insights into how the organization has transformed regional connectivity by linking San Diego directly to Tijuana International Airport through a unique binational terminal. His remarks will explore what the CBX model can teach us about the future of border infrastructure, mobility, economic integration, and cross-border collaboration.

Gustavo Solis, an award-winning journalist covering the U.S.–Mexico border region for KPBS, will host the conversation, bringing his deep expertise and on-the-ground perspective to guide a dynamic and engaging discussion.

With more than 30 years of experience across the travel and hospitality industries, Eduardo has held leadership roles in sales, business development, revenue management, and distribution at organizations including Grupo Posadas, TravelClick, LXR, Hilton, and Amadeus. Since joining CBX as Chief Commercial Officer in 2024, he has led demand generation and revenue optimization efforts, helping to further position CBX as a model for innovative, cross-border infrastructure.

100% of Proceeds Support Academic WorldQuest

Every dollar raised through the June 27th Annual Members Meeting & Luncheon directly supports Academic WorldQuest, a program of the San Diego World Affairs Council that empowers high school students across San Diego to explore global affairs, international politics, and world cultures.

Your participation helps provide students with meaningful educational opportunities, competitive academic experiences, and exposure to the global issues shaping our world today. Together, we are investing in the next generation of informed, globally minded leaders.

Unable to attend but still want to support? You can make a donation online or send a check to support Academic WorldQuest. Donate to Support Students

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We hope you will join us for this engaging luncheon and conversation as we reflect on the Council’s work, connect with fellow members and supporters, and hear from leaders shaping the future of cross-border infrastructure.

To purchase your tickets, and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please click here!

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SDWAC THANKS ALL OF OUR EVENT SPONSORS!

Sponsorship Level: Advocate

Sponsorship Level: Supporter