World Affairs Council to Present Kristen Rupert on Global Trade Turmoil

SPRINGFIELD — The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts will present an Instant Issues lunchtime discussion with Kristen Rupert — a consultant and former senior vice president and executive director of Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ (AIM) International Business Council — on “Global Trade Turmoil: Challenges, Implications, & Opportunities.” The program will take place on Wednesday, May 28 from noon to 1 p.m. at 1350 Main St., ninth-floor gallery, in downtown Springfield.

The cost is $5 for World Affairs Council members without lunch provided, $20 for members with a lunch, $10 for non-members without a lunch, and $25 for non-members with a lunch. Registration deadline for a lunch provided is Friday, May 23. To register or for more information, visit wacwestma.org or call (413) 733-0110.

Rupert served nearly 20 years as senior vice president and executive director of AIM’s International Business Council. Since 2024, she has been providing strategy consulting to nonprofit organizations. She has helped Massachusetts companies navigate international business challenges, including supply chain issues, tariffs, and new regulations. She also assisted employers in their efforts to identify and enter new overseas markets. She produced a biweekly international newsletter, organized symposia and conferences, spoke on corporate panels, authored op-eds and blogs, lectured at universities, and served on advisory boards for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Assoc. of Manufacturers in Washington, D.C.

Rupert also traveled with Massachusetts Govs. Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker on trade missions to Europe, Central America, South America, the Middle East, Canada, and the Caribbean, advocating for further international business relationships for companies in the Commonwealth.

The Instant Issues series is sponsored by Wilbraham & Monson Academy and Sir Speedy, with special thanks to NAI Plotkin.