Meet the team behind WMGIC's eighth year.
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The WMGIC VIII team is so excited to be working with our amazing partners this year to host the WMGIC x NATO Countering Disinformation Challenge in Fall 2023 and our Flagship event this Spring 2024. We believe the diversity of academic/experiential knowledge in event participants is one of the core reasons why the Global Innovation Challenge is so special, and our team's range of personal and career interests reflect that. Please reach out to us if you'd like to learn more about how we run our competitions or how to get involved. We can't wait to meet you!
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Sophie Workinger
Co-President After competing in the Flagship Event her freshman year, Sophie knew she wanted to join the WMGIC team to share the inspiration she felt from competing with other young adults. Since then, Sophie has been here for three years, serving as the Director of Operations and Development, a Research Assistant, and now Co-President. Born in Tennessee, she came to William & Mary to major in both Global Studies (with a European concentration) and Government; being a part of WMGIC connects her with others who share a passion for sustainability, and she loves seeing such diverse, interdisciplinary students working together to solve urgent global issues. |
Reese Obrien
Co-President Reese joined the WMGIC team after competing in the Flagship Event during the spring of her freshman year. As an International Relations and Linguistics major, she was drawn to WMGIC’s global focus and inspired by the organization’s mission to elevate young voices within the field of international development. Since then, she has served as the Events Director for WMGIC VI and VII, ensuring that the logistical aspects of the Flagship Event ran smoothly, and a Research Assistant during the summer of 2022, working to foster organizational development. |
George Hage
External Relations Director George arrived at William and Mary during his freshman year, and immediately joined the WMGIC team via the at the time president of WMGIC’s- recommendation. George now has taken up the mantle of Director of Internal Relations. Born in Northern Virginia, George is currently majoring in Government and Economics; WMGIC is the perfect outlet for these interests, as the annual competition focusing on international development demands research and a genuine interest in global affairs. |
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Sofia LoBue
Research Director Sofia is a sophomore at St Andrews majoring in international relations through the University of St. Andrews Joint Degree Programme. When she heard about WMGIC, she was drawn to the unique student-led structure of the competitions, and was inspired by the international audience it attracts. This year, she will serve as Research Director and is excited to contribute to and support the WMGIC mission. |
Elizabeth Marcus
Events Co-Director Elizabeth is a sophomore pursuing a double major in International Relations and Philosophy. She joined the WMGIC team in the spring of 2023 after hearing about the organization’s unique approach to fostering global conversations on critical issues. Since joining the team, she has had opportunity to engage with topics such as disinformation and climate resilience, which has deepened her interest in international security studies. Elizabeth has served as an Events Associate and a 2023 summer research intern, and is currently the Events Co-Director. |
Dorothy Gao
Events Co-Director Dorothy is a senior major in Environmental Science and Economics. She joins WMGIC after competing in the Flagship event during the spring of her freshman year, and serves as the Recruitment Manager, Summer Research Assistant and now the Events Director of the NATO competition. Being a part of WMGIC connects Dorothy with other youths who deeply care about the sustainable development of the world, and she loves seeing how WMGIC attracts students from all disciplines to develop creative solutions to real-world global problems. |
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William Catalani
Internal Relations Director William is a junior at W&M and intends to major in Linguistics and History. He joined in the spring of his sophomore year as an events associate. He has been enraptured by the organization’s unique ability to put solutions to global problems in the hands of a younger generation and the opportunity to assist in conducting joint case competitions to facilitate that aim. |
Dylan Gurl
Recruitment Director Dylan is a junior at W&M majoring in Public Policy and Economics.. This is his second year in WMGIC., and he is very excited to work with the team as Director of Recruitment. |
Justin Eng
Director of Operations A William & Mary undergrad, Justin intends to major in Peace Conflict Studies and Economics. He is drawn to WMGIC as it covers themes he is interested in through engaging and comprehensive case competitions that connect interdisciplinary international-minded students, mentors, and advisors. He heads operations and works on budgets, sponsorships, and partner relations. |
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Amy Browning
Director of Technology Amy is in her sophomore year at St Andrews, pursuing a degree in International Relations in the Joint Degree Programme between W&M and the University of St Andrews. She was drawn to WMGIC because of its focus on creating collaborative opportunities for students to show their unique experiences and perspectives with one another to create new solutions to global issues. As Director of Technology she is excited to facilitate events that connect participants across the world and engage community members to discuss interdisciplinary challenges. |
Carol Grace Andrews
Social Media Director |
Jessica Hwang
Internal Relations Associate Jessica is junior in the Joint Degree Program (BA International Honours) with the University of St Andrews in Scotland, and the College of William and Mary, studying International Relations. As an IR major, she saw WMGIC as a way to take academia, and enable innovative and practical solutions to current real-world issues. She is looking forward to fostering connections, and helping the WMGIC team. |
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Katherine Whittle
Research Associate Linkedln Katherine is a junior majoring in Economics and Biology for a comprehensive, environmental application. She joined WMGIC as a Research Associate Sophomore year, interested in the Spring’s international sustainable development focus. “WMGIC is unique in its approach to collaboration and policy, and I am excited to work in a passionate team!” |
Ian Kung
Research Associate Linkedln Ian is a junior studying applied statistics, who joined WMGIC in the fall of his sophomore year after being captivated by the reputation and mission of the challenge organization. As a research associate, he greatly enjoyed being part of team efforts which bring together passionate undergraduate students and professionals in fields pertaining to government and international relations. He is excited to return as a research associate for the 2023-2024 academic year and cover topics ranging from clean energy to human rights. |
Emily Tchorz
External Relations Associate. Emily is the External Relations Associate and helps with outreach for participation in WMGIC events. Emily joined WMGIC last semester because she is interested in public policy and international relations! As an International Relations major and Hispanic Studies minor, she enjoys working with WMGIC as it gives her the opportunity to see participants tackle real-world problems. Besides WMGIC, she is also interning for a defense company in Virginia. Fun fact: She is polish and speaks three languages! |
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Elisabeth Nielsen
Events Associate Linkedln Elisabeth is a freshman majoring in International Relations and Public Policy. She joined WMGIC in the winter of 2024 after hearing about the unique approach WMGIC took towards solving international issues. She currently works as the events associate for WMGIC VIII. |
Hannah Moss
Technology Associate |