Diane Wessman brings over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and private sectors, including entrepreneurial ventures in Canada and Portugal. A 12-year member of the International Trade Council, she has facilitated business growth, built strategic partnerships, and advanced operational excellence for organizations. Currently, Diane serves as Team Lead at OXARO and consults on strategic operations for nonprofits through Vectors Group. She previously served as Vice President of Operations at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

As Board Secretary, Diane is dedicated to fostering effective governance and driving initiatives that align with the council’s mission. She holds a Master of  Business Administration in International Management from EU Business School and a Bachelor in Political Science from Carleton University. She speaks English, Portuguese, and French, and  brings a global perspective to her work.

Karim Refaat is the Chairman and Founder of the N Gage Group, and has served as a member of the Egypt France Business Council since October of that year. Previously, he directed Corporate and Regulatory Affairs for British American Tobacco’s North Africa Business Unit, advising on strategic governmental relations from 2010 to 2013. Earlier, he was a Diplomatic Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry and a diplomat at Egypt’s Embassy in France. Karim began his career with Orascom for Projects and Touristic Development in 1998, followed by work with the UNHCR in Cairo. He holds an M.A. in International Human Rights Law and a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations, both from the American University in Cairo, plus advanced certifications in Multilateral Diplomacy. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Karim brings deep global insights to his public affairs and government relations practice.

The Honorable Yeshurun Alemayehu Adde (Kibret) is the State Minister for the ICT and Digital Economy Sector at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology, bringing a dual focus on servant leadership and advanced engineering to his role in shaping the nation’s digital landscape. He holds a PhD in Business Administration (Servant Leadership) and is pursuing a second PhD in Mechanical Design Engineering (Space Robotics) at Addis Ababa University, reflecting his passion for both organizational excellence and cutting-edge research. Formerly Deputy Director General at the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute, he guided projects that launched Ethiopia’s first remote sensing satellites. He also founded and chairs the African Aeronautics & Astronautics Center, driving pan-African collaboration in aerospace innovation. With more than 10 peer-reviewed papers and extensive experience as a university lecturer, Dr. Yeshurun exemplifies the intersection of visionary leadership, scientific rigor, and continental development.

The Honorable Justina Jakstiene is the Former Vice Minister for Social Security and Labour in Lithuania, where she focuses on inclusive policy initiatives, strategic partnerships, and efficient program delivery. With over two decades of public sector experience, she previously served as Strategical Planning Group Leader at the Central Project Management Agency, spearheading national reforms in integrated strategical planning and capacity building. Earlier in her career, she coordinated EU-funded projects at Vilnius City Municipality and led a range of social infrastructure programs in the areas of crisis response, rehabilitation, and community development. A graduate of Vilnius University with a Master’s in Sociology, Information, and Knowledge Management, she brings a proven track record in fostering sustainable, people-centered governance.

Paul Kwengwere is the Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre, bringing over two decades of policy and development experience across sub-Saharan Africa. A seasoned expert in public finance, program management, and trade facilitation, he has held pivotal roles in Malawi’s central bank, government, and international organizations such as ActionAid. His deep understanding of food security, health, and HIV/AIDS issues reflects a commitment to inclusive growth and effective resource management. Formerly President of the Economics Association of Malawi (2003–05), Paul played a central role in analyzing government decisions with significant economic impact. His leadership spans national and international networks, underscoring his proven track record in advancing sustainable development and investment promotion initiatives.

Syed Aftab Haider is the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Single Window (PSW), driving nationwide efforts to digitize and streamline trade, customs, and border management. With over 22 years of public service, he served in Pakistan Customs Service from 2000 to 2021, spearheading revenue collection, transit facilitation, and key modernization projects such as the WeBOC system. He also worked with international partners in Afghanistan, Somalia, and Liberia, building a reputation for innovative policy and process improvements in emerging economies. Aftab holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and remains committed to fostering efficient, transparent, and sustainable trade facilitation.

The Honorable Dr. Disney Leite Ramos is the current Minister of Economy of São Tomé and Príncipe, bringing over 16 years of international experience in economics, finance, and management across Africa, Europe, and Asia. A strategic innovator, he previously served as a Business Consultant at QUALO Global, helping organizations enhance efficiency, risk management, and revenue growth. His tenure at the International Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe included roles in internal auditing and commercial consultancy, contributing to significant operational improvements and market expansion. Deeply committed to sustainability and inclusive growth, Dr. Ramos integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance principles into his policies and approaches, drawing on his background in Corporate Social Responsibility. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration at Tongji University and holds a Master’s in Business Finance from the University of Évora, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and his passion for driving transformative economic progress.

Ranjani Rangan is the Executive Director and CEO of Changi Travel Exchange, a subsidiary of Changi Travel Services and the Changi Airport Group, approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. As a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience, Ranjani manages the strategic direction of the company’s payments offerings, including currency exchange, remittance, and digital payments, while ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. She is also a director of multiple FinTechs, including GCC Exchange (Singapore) and is a member of the supervisory board of AscentHR.

Mark Glover is an accomplished communications strategist and leader with over 35 years of experience in public affairs, political campaigning, ethical lobbying, and media relations. He is Chairman of SEC Newgate UK, overseeing a 130-strong team of professionals who advise boards on complex strategic issues. Previously a member of the Global PR Group, SEC Newgate Group Board, and its Global Managers Committee, Mark founded and led the award-winning Newington Communications (merged into SEC Newgate in 2021). He remains a regular name in PR Week UK’s Power Book and a frequent commentator in the British press. Beyond his agency leadership, Mark has held influential roles such as Chair of the UK Public Affairs Industry and was recognized as PRCA Public Affairs Awards Industry Contributor of the Year. He also served as an elected councillor for 12 years, bringing his public-sector insight to his work. Mark holds a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics, is a Fellow of the PRCA, a Freeman of the City of London, and an Honorary Alderman in Southwark.

Anthony Rapa is the co-chair of Blank Rome’s International Trade practice group and a dual U.S./UK-qualified attorney with extensive expertise in economic sanctions, export controls, and foreign investment screening. He advises companies, private equity sponsors, and financial institutions across industries such as aerospace, defense, semiconductors, and technology on cross-border trade, compliance, and national security matters. Recognized as a leading practitioner by Lexology and Global Investigations Review, Anthony has conducted internal investigations, led compliance audits, and guided clients through complex CFIUS filings and export licensing processes. A graduate of Drew University and Seton Hall Law School, both summa cum laude, he actively engages in thought leadership, serving on the Board of Editors of The Global Trade Law Journal and contributing to prominent publications. Residing in Virginia, Anthony balances his professional achievements with his passions for Italian cooking, classic rock, and life on his farm.

Pete Mento is Director of Customs and International Trade at DSV, one of the world’s largest transport logistics companies, where he specializes in the reduction and recovery of global duties and taxes. Over 30 years, he has led customs and trade consulting at Ryan, KPMG, and Crowe, and directed global operations for Expeditors, C.H. Robinson, and Crane Worldwide. A Customs House Broker, Pete holds a Master’s in Government (Trade Theory) from Harvard University and undertook doctoral research at the University of Durham on trade law, economics, and geopolitics. Widely published on compliance and programs like C-TPAT and AEO, he is also a sought-after speaker known for blending humor and insight in his talks on global commerce. He has recovered more than $1 billion in duties and taxes throughout his career, helping companies optimize supply chains and manage regulatory risks. His “Trade School” webinars and “Trade Geek” podcast continue to bring fresh perspectives to the global trade community.

The Hon. David M. Wells has been serving as a Canadian Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador since January 25, 2013. Appointed by then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Senator Wells has been a dedicated advocate for his home province and Canada.

Before his Senate appointment, he held senior roles in the offshore petroleum sector, particularly with the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB), where he worked to ensure regulatory compliance and safety in offshore oil and gas operations. Senator Wells has also contributed significantly to policy development in Canada’s energy and natural resource sectors.

In the Senate, his work focuses on legislative matters and representing the interests of Newfoundland and Labrador. With extensive experience in governance, resource management, and public service, Senator Wells continues to play a vital role in shaping policies that impact both his province and the nation.