Meet The
High Council of Global Change (HG-GC)
H.E. David Xavier Sánchez
David X. Sanchez serves as Secretary-General of the Council of Global Change and has served as Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the International Youth Organization for Ibero-america to the United Nations.
He holds degrees in
Business Administration from Catholic University of New Spain (UCNE) and
Economics from Southampton University. He has completed over 100
certifications in finance, diplomacy, innovation, and global policy of
Universities as Columbia, Michigan, Duke, UPenn. He has been awarded the
recognition for his work as Doctor of Laws (LLM) and Doctor of Public
Political Science and Global Governance—by the UCNE in Florida.
Sanchez is recognized for forging strategic partnerships between governments, multilateral institutions, and global capital to deliver pragmatic, high-impact solutions to complex global challenges.
Susan Rockefeller
Susan Rockefeller is a distinguished advocate for environmental sustainability and cultural diplomacy. She is the founder and editor of Musings, a digital magazine that curates ideas and innovations for a more sustainable future.
Ms. Rockefeller serves on the boards of several organizations, including Oceana, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, We Are Family Foundation, Southampton Arts Center, and the Land and Garden Preserve. Her documentary films, such as Food For Thought, Food for Life and Mission of Mermaids, have been featured on prominent networks including HBO, PBS, and the Discovery Channel, amplifying critical conversations on environmental conservation.
Matthew Swift
Matthew A. Swift is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Concordia, the leading nonpartisan global affairs membership organization dedicated to fostering cross-sector partnerships that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Since founding Concordia in 2011, Swift has expanded its reach with high-level summits in major cities worldwide, including New York, Miami, Bogotá, Athens, and London.
Committed to giving back, Swift actively champions civic and philanthropic initiatives through his work with Concordia, which frequently highlights social impact projects and brings together diverse stakeholders to develop sustainable, market-driven solutions for global development, disaster relief, and community resilience.
Consuelo Vanderbilt
Consuelo Vanderbilt is a seventh-generation descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt and the great-great-niece of Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough. She is the founder of C&R Production and co-founder of SohoMuse, an exclusive network designed to connect and empower the global creative community.
Ms. Vanderbilt serves on the board of the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium and has been appointed as an Advisor to the Forbes Council, reflecting her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across various sectors.
Frank Song II
Frank Song II is a globally recognized private equity investor and serves as a Senior Diplomatic Advisor to the United Nations (Permanent Observer OIJ). With expertise in leveraged buyouts, he has successfully completed transactions exceeding $1 billion.
Mr. Song’s journey from overcoming homelessness to achieving prominence in private equity, including his tenure at Accel-KKR, underscores his resilience and dedication to economic empowerment and sustainable development.
Jessica Jackson
Jessica Jackson is an internationally recognized human rights attorney and bipartisan leader specializing in uniting diverse groups to achieve significant impact in public safety and criminal justice reform. As the Chief Executive Officer of REFORM Alliance, she leads efforts to transform probation and parole laws, aiming to reduce the number of individuals unjustly trapped in the criminal justice system.
Ms. Jackson co-founded Dream Corps JUSTICE, a national bipartisan initiative aimed at reducing America’s incarceration rate. She began her legal career at the Habeas Corpus Resource Center in San Francisco, representing death row inmates in their appeals, and continues to champion criminal justice reform and human rights advocacy.
Howard Glicken
Howard M. Glicken is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Americas Group, a consulting and merchant-banking firm specializing in Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
With extensive experience in international business development, Mr. Glicken has been instrumental in fostering economic partnerships and facilitating investment opportunities across the Americas, contributing to regional growth and cooperation
Hector Sulaimán Saldívar
Héctor Sulaimán Saldívar serves as Vice President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), contributing to the global governance and promotion of boxing. In addition to his role in sports administration, he advises Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, on various strategic initiatives.
Mr. Sulaimán is also recognized for his strong alliance with former U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s administration, reflecting his influential presence in international political and diplomatic circles. His multifaceted engagements underscore his commitment to fostering global partnerships and advancing institutional collaborations.
Jaqueline Weld Drake
Jaqueline Weld Drake is an American author, philanthropist, and social figure known for her commitment to Latin American cultural causes and her leadership of the Pan American Society of the United States. She has written extensively about Latin American art and culture and has dedicated much of her life to fostering cross-cultural understanding and supporting charitable initiatives.
Beyond her writing, Jackie is recognized for her dedication to preserving cultural ties between the United States and Latin America through countless fundraising efforts, cultural programs, and her active role in New York’s philanthropic circles.
Jaha Dukureh
Regional Ambassador of UN Women for Africa in February 2018, executive director and founder of the NGO “Safe Hands for Girls,” which provides support to African women and girls who are survivors of FGM (female genital mutilation) and addresses its harmful and lasting physical and psychological consequences.
Dukureh was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in February 2018, has won the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal, and was one of the 100 most influential Africans of 2017 by New African magazine for her work as an activist
Massad Boulos
Massad Boulos is a Lebanese-American businessman and political advisor currently serving as Senior Advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs in the administration of President Donald J. Trump. In this capacity, Mr. Boulos plays a pivotal role in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East, fostering diplomatic relations, and promoting peace initiatives in the region.
His extensive experience in international business and deep understanding of Middle Eastern dynamics position him as a key figure in advancing strategic objectives and facilitating dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
Dr. Massad Boulos serves on the Council of Global Change Board in his personal capacity and not as a representative of any government or public institution
Sarah Boulos
Sarah Boulos is an esteemed cultural entrepreneur and philanthropist, renowned for her pioneering work in arts education and social empowerment across Africa. As the founder of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), Ms. Boulos has transformed access to creative expression, providing thousands of young people with training in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts—often in underserved communities.
Through her visionary leadership, SPAN has become a beacon for cultural development and personal transformation, nurturing talent, promoting social inclusion, and building bridges across cultural and socioeconomic divides.
Marla Maples
Marla Maples is a producer and philanthropist dedicated to supporting a multitude of non-profit organizations. Her commitment to humanitarian causes is exemplified through her involvement with the Global Lyme Alliance, where she has been honored for her efforts.
Ms. Maples continues to leverage her platform to advocate for health awareness and philanthropic initiatives worldwide.
Simon Kim
Seoul-born restaurateur Simon Kim fulfilled his lifelong dream of opening a game-changing Korean restaurant with the arrival of COTE in Flatiron, NYC in June 2017.
Under his leadership, COTE’s unprecedented marriage of Korean barbecue and classic American steakhouse elements has earned it numerous accolades, and the distinction of being the world’s only Michelin-starred Korean tabletop grill restaurant.
Thomas Vu
Thomas Vu is a globally recognized architect of cultural systems and one of the most influential creative strategists of the 21st century. As the visionary behind League of Legends and Executive Producer of Arcane, Mr. Vu led the transformation of a digital game into a transnational cultural institution—establishing new paradigms in storytelling, intellectual property diplomacy, and generational influence. Under his leadership, the franchise expanded across animation, esports, music, publishing, and emerging technologies, reaching over 190 countries and shaping the worldview of hundreds of millions.
Today, Mr. Vu brings this unique expertise to the Council of Global Change, where he advises on the strategic use of media, artificial intelligence, and cultural infrastructure as instruments of global cooperation, soft power, and institutional renewal.
Sarah Ferguson
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, is a renowned philanthropist, author, and advocate dedicated to humanitarian causes worldwide. With a lifelong commitment to charitable work, she has been actively involved in supporting children’s welfare, healthcare, and education.
As the founder of Sarah’s Trust, she collaborates with global organizations to provide aid to communities in need. She has also worked extensively with charities like Children in Crisis and Street Child, focusing on education and support for underprivileged children.
Arif Anis
Renowned psychologist, self-help author, and global speaker born in Pakistan. King Charles III awarded him the royal honors of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in June 2023.
He founded the World Congress of Overseas Pakistanis, where he has organized significant initiatives such as Integration Dinners and the Leaders of Tomorrow Congress, attracting prominent world leaders and promoting community integration.
Elza Carneiro
She is a law graduate who has dedicated many years to studying and promoting interdisciplinary projects for children and adolescents in vulnerable situations, particularly within hospital environments.
Within the largest pediatric hospital in South America, she has been involved in various projects ranging from improving food quality to expanding access to essential rights beyond healthcare assistance, such as education and culture initiatives.
Fernando Anzures
He worked for 18 years in the corporate world in commercial, operational, marketing, and general management areas at companies like Red Bull, Philip Morris, and The Coca-Cola Company.
His companies include EXMA, the largest marketing platform in LATAM, EXMA Magazine, Editorial Liquid Thinking, Liquid Consulting, and Talk WOM, with a presence in several Latin American countries.
Amy Green
Following an illustrious two-decade career as a FOX Sports reporter, Los Angeles native Amy Heart Green is now one of America’s most prominent philanthropists, global ambassadors and thought leaders, having single-handedly raised more than three million dollars in the past year for conservation and anti-poaching initiatives.
In addition, Amy has been selected to speak at summits for the Deepak Chopra Foundation and Forbes 400 Philanthropy.
Amrinder Kamboj
Mr. Amrinder Kamboj is a distinguished international figure whose work reflects a deep commitment to inclusive economic development, innovation, and social progress.
Since the inception of his first initiative in 2013, Mr. Kamboj has led efforts across diverse sectors—ranging from digital economies and financial systems to infrastructure and aviation—promoting responsible growth and employment opportunities across multiple regions.
Jonathan Marder
Jonathan Marder is a leading voice in global communications and strategic positioning for institutions at the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and business. As the founder of Jonathan Marder + Company, he has advised world-renowned organizations, heads of state, cultural icons, and Fortune 500 leaders—shaping narratives that influence public perception and international engagement.
With a deep understanding of reputation, legacy, and the power of storytelling, Mr. Marder has orchestrated some of the most impactful campaigns in arts, philanthropy, and global affairs—bridging private influence with public good.
Youth Council
Alexander Watson
Alex is a former actor and entrepreneur. Together with her sister Emma Watson started a gin company called Renais (which means “rebirth” in French.) The gin is described as “distilled from upcycling French wine-pressed grapes.
Eve Kanyo
Eve Kanyo is known for Cry of Silence (2024), The Sanctuary (2019) and The Novice (2021).
Shilpa Yarlagadda
Shilpa Yarlagadda is the founder of Shiffon Co., a fine jewelry company she started from her Harvard dorm room in 2017. Her signature product, the adjustable Duet Pinky Ring, has been worn by notable figures such as Michelle Obama, Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, Serena Williams, and Nicole Kidman.
Through Shiffon’s nonprofit arm, the Startup Girl Foundation, Yarlagadda donates half of the company’s profits to support women-led startups, aiming to empower female entrepreneurs worldwide.
Marina Testino
Peruvian environmental activist, creative director, and entrepreneur, linked to the Spanish fashion industry.
She uses fashion as a platform to induce positive changes, arguing that each new garment made of synthetic fibers contributes to the environmental crisis. Her activism includes campaigns focused on reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable fashion.
Art & Culture
Charlie Walk
Charlie Walk is a renowned music executive and entrepreneur with a profound impact on the entertainment industry. With over two decades of experience, he has held key leadership roles at major labels, including Republic Records and Sony Music, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of iconic artists.
In addition to his executive achievements, Walk is a respected mentor and speaker, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of the music industry.
Richie Romero
He is a prominent figure in the nightlife and hospitality industry, particularly known for his influence and contributions in New York City. Romero is often recognized for his work as a nightlife impresario and has been associated with several high-profile venues.
He founded Clique, a marketing and events company that worked with a variety of clients in restaurants, nightlife, and hotels in New York, Las Vegas, and Miami.
Siena Oberman
She is the founder of Artemis Pictures, a filmmaker-driven, female-run production company. She was named in Variety’s Top 10 Producers to Watch in 2021, and in Diversity in Cannes’ Top 10 Female Filmmakers to Watch in 2019. She focuses on stylistically bold independent films and female-driven stories.
Her films have premiered at TIFF, Berlinale, Tribeca, Telluride, and Venice.
Lily Blavin
Lily Blavin is a trailblazing young producer and storyteller whose work balances social impact with cinematic vision. As the founder of Lightning Strikes Productions, she is dedicated to creating films that not only captivate audiences but also inspire meaningful change—seeking emotionally resonant, purpose-driven narratives.
At just 23, Lily earned a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Hollywood & Entertainment—an early indicator of her influence and promise in the industry.
Richie Akiva
Influential entrepreneur and prominent figure in the New York nightlife scene. He co-founded the successful club Butter in 2002, which quickly became a hotspot for celebrities and high society.
He has founded and managed several other renowned venues in the city, including 1 OAK, Up&Down, and The Butter Group, attended by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Trevor Noah, Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio, Calvin Klein, Jay-Z, Giorgio Armani, Justin Bieber, and more.
Wendy Starland
Founder of Give Back Entertainment (GBE), she has created an environment where artists can thrive with the support of tools and strategic partnerships.
GBE partnered with fashion brands Pink Pump and P2 to raise funds and awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which fulfills the wishes of critically ill children, through a fashion show where two Make-A-Wish children walked the runway to fulfill their dreams.
H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe
Member of European royalty, German prince, entrepreneur, award-winning TV host, and producer. Born to parents whose marriage united him with one of Europe’s highest-ranking princes, His Highness Prince Waldemar Schaumburg-Lippe and Her Highness Princess Antonia Schaumburg-Lippe, Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe succeeded his father by court and paternal decision.
He supports the Save Palawan Foundation aimed at protecting and supporting coastal communities in Palawan, Philippines, through sustainable and profitable livelihood alternatives.
Andrew Balogh
Grammy® Award winning music producer, film composer, and multi- instrumentalist. As a saxophonist and pianist, Balogh has performed in over 37 countries with a variety of artists, most notably, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Jerry Cantrell, Michael Bublé and Sublime with Rome.
In the music production space, Balogh has worked with recording artists Mariah Carey, Beyonce Knowles, Jay Z, Ariana Grande, Taylor Eigsti, and Sabrina Carpenter (to name a few), collectively selling over 40 million records worldwide.
Amira Al Jazari
Amira al Jaziri is an internationally recognized media personality and cultural strategist whose work spans the fields of public broadcasting, creative diplomacy, and identity-based development. With a background in journalism and institutional training from the Al Jazeera Media Institute, she has emerged as a leading voice in the modernization of cultural narratives across the Arab world.
As founder of Al Jaziri Couture, she has leveraged the power of design and visual storytelling to elevate regional heritage on a global stage. In her role within the Council of Global Change, Ms. al Jaziri supports the Council’s mandate to strengthen cultural sovereignty, promote intercultural dialogue, and position the creative economy as a pillar of sustainable development and soft power diplomacy in the Global South.
Diplomatic Board
Howard Glicken
Howard M. Glicken is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Americas Group, a consulting/merchant-banking firm focused solely on Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
He has lectured and written extensively on issues affecting the region. In recent years he has served as a private sector advisor to the Clinton Administration on Latin American affairs and as a member of the private sector advisory group to the Inter-American Development Bank.
Carlos Hernandez
Carlos Hernández is a statesman and regional leader dedicated to advancing integration, democratic governance, and sustainable development across Central America. As President of PARLACEN, he oversees the only supranational legislative body in the region—promoting dialogue, cooperation, and consensus among member nations.
Under his leadership, PARLACEN has strengthened its role as a forum for democratic deliberation and institutional innovation, addressing critical issues such as regional security, economic growth, human rights, and climate resilience. His commitment lies in fostering unity and building the political frameworks necessary for a more prosperous and equitable future for Central America.
Akash Patel
Akash Patel is a passionate educator dedicated to promoting global citizenship and cultural understanding in the classroom. Beginning his career in small rural communities in Oklahoma, Patel utilized his diverse experiences to craft engaging lessons that resonate with his students.
He has mobilized over 1,000 volunteers to support multicultural education initiatives, impacting thousands of students through his global education programs.
Hawa Diallo
Ms. Hawa Diallo has extensive United Nations experience in public information outreach and fostering civil society partnerships, with a particular emphasis on youth and women’s organizations.
Ms. Diallo began her UN career in 1987 in the Department of Public Information and has served in two UN Peacekeeping Operations in Cambodia and Somalia, respectively. She has also worked for the UN Habitat in Nairobi, as an Associate Human Settlements Officer and as a Partners and Youth Officer.
Etta Jackson
Etta Jackson is an author, educator, and visionary leader dedicated to advancing spiritual development and global transformation. As the founder of The Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC), she has pioneered the use of innovative tools—such as the Global Peace Map—to promote sustainable development, cultural understanding, and the empowerment of communities worldwide.
Through her writings Ms. Jackson inspires readers to embrace higher consciousness as a path toward equity, peace, and planetary renewal.
Juan Arango Millan
As a Delegate at the United Nations and the AFS Youth Assembly, he has honed his skills in diplomacy and international relations, actively participating in high-level discussions and empowering youth voices on the global stage.
He is the President of the International Academy of Kindness in the Americas, an organization that has installed more than 120 monuments in more than 40 countries with the mission of establishing peace, kindness, and relations with Russia.
Carlos García
Carlos García is a seasoned diplomat and advocate for international cooperation, with decades of service representing El Salvador on the global stage. As Ambassador, he advanced his country’s interests in multilateral forums, strengthening ties with governments, institutions, and civil society across regions.
Throughout his career, Mr. García has been a strong voice for dialogue, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights—working to position El Salvador as an active partner in addressing global challenges. His diplomatic work has bridged cultures and fostered collaboration on issues ranging from economic growth to peacebuilding.
PR & Media Council
Anna Rothschild
She has consistently maintained a prominent position for her clients in the media landscape, leveraging her extensive and cultivated network spanning the entertainment, celebrity, fashion, technology, sports, and hospitality industries.
She is the Founder of A. Rothschild PR, a global public relations agency, focused on integrated and strategic communications, PR strategies, entertainment, celebrity representation, influencer seeding, experiential activations, crisis management, and media relations.
Pierre Subeh
Entrepreneur, writer and business expert Pierre Subeh is the founder and CEO of X Network, his SEO marketing firm that has worked with clients like Apple Music and Pepsi. The company exceeded $500,000 in revenue last year and surpassed $1 million in revenue in 2021.
He was also inaugurated as the youngest member of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Leadership Network and now contributes to the magazine as an industry leader.
Esther Beniflah
Esther Beniflah Waxman is a Miami-based publicist and entrepreneur, recognized for her influential role in the Hispanic and U.S. markets.
She has been instrumental in promoting Hispanic public figures and leading projects for globally renowned companies. Her work seamlessly blends various industries, including music, sports, fashion, and cuisine, fostering dynamic alliances between Hispanic and American markets.
Dawn Miller
Entrepreneur and businesswoman with over 20 years of experience in communications and marketing. She founded Miller PR in 2008, an agency that has grown exponentially and works with clients worldwide, with teams in the USA, Europe, and Asia.
She has also advised CEOs and high-profile business leaders and worked with major corporations such as Microsoft, Sony Music, Sony Playstation, Sony Digital, Warner Digital, Universal Music Group and others.
The Atlas Council on AI and Global Systems
Thomas Vu
Thomas Vu is a globally recognized architect of cultural systems and one of the most influential creative strategists of the 21st century. As the visionary behind League of Legends and Executive Producer of Arcane, Mr. Vu led the transformation of a digital game into a transnational cultural institution—establishing new paradigms in storytelling, intellectual property diplomacy, and generational influence. Under his leadership, the franchise expanded across animation, esports, music, publishing, and emerging technologies, reaching over 190 countries and shaping the worldview of hundreds of millions.
Today, Mr. Vu brings this unique expertise to the Council of Global Change, where he advises on the strategic use of media, artificial intelligence, and cultural infrastructure as instruments of global cooperation, soft power, and institutional renewal.
Council of Global Change
Our Council's Representatives
Work closely with foreign governments, international organizations, and local communities to promote cooperation, advance shared goals, and support humanitarian initiatives.
