People

Behind the inspiring organizations, dynamic businesses, compelling events, intriguing communities, and notable news items that help make Philadelphia global, are individuals who bring a wealth of expertise and commitment.  Meet the scholars, researchers, students, diplomats, curators, artists, linguists, educators, attorneys, financiers, transportation experts, scientists, administrators and others who contribute so much to the globalism of the region.  (GPA members appear at the beginning of the list, followed by non-members in alphabetical order.)

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Director of Business Attraction and Retention, Department of Commerce, The City of Philadelphia
Randall J. Rook is interested in how cities are connected. In his engineering work he's involved with the design of rail infrastructure (presently electrification) which connects communities, along with the related analysis of rail corridor history and geography. In his planning education efforts, he's sustainably integrating the passenger and freight markets and the operations of those community-connecting rail corridors.
Assistant Director, South Asia Center at The University of Pennsylvania
Brian Said has a well rounded combination of education and leadership experience from world class organizations in both the U.S. and Europe. With a great passion for the travel industry and more than twenty years experience, he has accumulated unparalleled experience and achieved success in all aspects of destination marketing, air service development, hotel operations, sales & marketing and revenue management at major travel destinations, luxury and high end properties in Europe and USA.
Founder and Director, International Opera Theatre
Suzie has over 20 years experience as a business development and consulting professional with expertise in the Near East and Central Europe.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Progressive Business Publications
Executive Director and Founder, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
Honorary Consul of France; Counsel at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP;  Co-Chair, Philadelphia Bar Association International Law Committee
Co-founder and Coordinator, Italian Professionals in Philadelphia
Chief Executive Office, National Label Company
Brian Shapiro is a dynamic professional with 18 years experience in professional training, higher education, and the performing arts. He’s a funny, knowledgeable, and insightful workshop leader! Brian’s developed and delivered theater-based training programs nationally, served on the communication faculty at several colleges and universities, and has written and performed in over a dozen original theatrical productions, as well as being singer/songwriter for the Paris-based electronic music trio, Grand Plateau.
Suburban Philadelphia native Ilyse Shapiro is the founder of Let’s Be Direct LLC. The self-described “mom-preneur,” started the firm to assist small businesses who would not receive attention from big marketing and public relations agencies. Shapiro provides the same well-thought out and executed PR and direct marketing programs as the “big guys,” but at a more affordable and accessible level.
Anastasia Shown is a Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice and Community Outreach Consultant in the School of Arts & Sciences, working most recently with the South Asia Center, Middle East Center and Center for Africana Studies.
  Board Treasurer
Chair, Board of Directors The Global Philadelphia Association Of Counsel Reed Smith LLP 2500 One Liberty Place Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 jfsmith@globalphiladelphia.org
President, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia