SIOBHAN CHOI, INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO
Siobhan Choi first joined the Alaska World Affairs Council in 2019, focusing on special events, and quickly expanded her role to lead the organization’s development, membership, and marketing efforts. In 2020, she was promoted to Operations Director and now serves as Interim President & CEO.
Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Siobhan brings a diverse professional background, having previously worked in accounting and hospitality before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. She holds a double major in Business Marketing and Management from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Passionate about connecting Alaskans to global conversations, she loves exploring the outdoors and cherishes time with her two children, who are her greatest inspiration.
As Interim President & CEO, Siobhan is leading the Alaska World Affairs Council through an exciting period of transition and growth. She’s the point of contact for organizational leadership, partnerships, and strategic initiatives. Reach out at siobhan.choi@alaskaworldaffairs.org to connect or with any questions about the Council’s work.
ELIZABETH ASTLE, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Astle grew up in Los Angeles, California, but loves being an Alaskan, brought here as a military spouse in 2008 with four kids in tow. She has a degree in music from Brigham Young University and a graduate degree in Liberal Studies/ International Affairs from Georgetown University. She has worked for the Korean Embassy, the Motion Picture Association and the United States House of Representatives. She has lived and worked in China, Taiwan and Russia and traveled extensively throughout the Spanish-speaking world. She loves all things international, especially food and traveling with the whole family.
Elizabeth is active in the community as an alto in the Alaska Chamber Singers, a volunteer with Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services, and the organist at her church.
Elizabeth is responsible for AKWorld’s community outreach and has always been a dedicated advocate for building connections across our community. Interested in partnering with us or inviting Alaska World Affairs Council to your community event? Get in touch with Elizabeth at elizabeth.astle@alaskaworldaffairs.org.
LAUREN HUDSON, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Lauren grew up in Northern California and earned a degree in International Relations. During undergrad, she studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic and was an active participant in Model United Nations. Throughout college, Lauren gained hands-on experience through internships, volunteer roles, and employment at a variety of organizations, including the California Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts Summer Camp, the American Center, University of the Pacific’s School of International Studies, and the International Rescue Committee.
After graduation, Lauren relocated to Reno, Nevada, where she helped college students embark on their study abroad journey from Italy to Sweden to Spain and Portugal. Her passion for community and adventure led her to the Alaska Fellows Program in Anchorage. There, she fell in love with the Alaskan outdoors and tight-knit community and chose to stay beyond the program’s conclusion. She began a position at the University of Alaska Anchorage, serving international students, before transitioning to the Department of Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Alaska Southeast. In addition, Lauren serves part-time as a Coordinator for the Alaska Fellows Program, helping new participants embrace life in Alaska and connect with new communities. Since moving to Alaska, she has taken up cross‑country skiing, ice skating, contra dancing, learning to drive in the snow, knitting and has made close friends with many Alaskans along the way.
Lauren is responsible for AKWorld’s community outreach and membership services. Interested in partnering with us or inviting Alaska World Affairs Council to your community event? Get in touch with Lauren at lauren.hudson@alaskaworldaffairs.org.