The Detroit Council for World Affairs (DCWA) and BBK will host Melissa Johns of the World Bank on Nov.14, 2007 at 5 p.m. at the Troy Marriot. Johns will lead a discussion on challenges and opportunities in international development. Michael Shapiro, director of Regional Business Development for the Detroit Regional Chamber will also give a synopsis and answer questions about the Detroit scene. Dinner will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by the discussion at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 dollars for DCWA members and $35 dollars for non-members. Reservations are requested by Nov. 2. To make reservations call (313) 577-8270.

Johns is an investment policy specialist with the World Bank. She leads the protecting investor’s research for Doing Business. Before joining the World Bank in 2004, Johns practiced law with Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton in its Washington and Tokyo offices, specializing in securities and corporate law. She also served in the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington and U.S. Attorney\'s office in San Diego, California. Johns holds a Juris Doctorate from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies from Duke University.

“Understanding today’s challenges and opportunities of doing business abroad is extremely important,” said Frederic Pearson, director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. “We live in a world that is presenting opportunities for business on the international front that never existed before, and it is increasingly important to understand the complexities that accompany these opportunities.”

For additional information call (313) 577-8270.


The Detroit Council for World Affairs promotes understanding of international issues and Detroit’s role in a changing world by providing a non-partisan, nation-wide forum for discussion, analysis and debate. DCWA seeks to enrich, educate, and spur long-term economic development in our region and to provide new ideas and cultural perspectives in regards to various issues.

BBK is an International Advisory Firm.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.