As a Marine Corps veteran and retired educator, Commander Tweila Rochelle-Cauthen has dedicated her life to serving her country and community. She is a distinguished member of the American Legion, currently serving as the District of Columbia Department Commander, Department Oratorical Chair, and National American Legion College Alumni Association Board Member. In addition, she is a member of 20 and 4, the American Legion Women's Honorary Society, and serves as the District of Columbia ALA Department Director for Girls State.

Beyond her work with the American Legion, Tweila Rochelle-Cauthen is also an active member of the East Coast Marine Corps Drill Instructor's Association and the Toastmasters VP of Membership for the Military Veterans Community Club. She has a passion for public speaking and is committed to helping others develop their own communication skills.

In her free time, Tweila Rochelle-Cauthen enjoys pursuing her creative interests as a singer and songwriter. She is a die-hard life-long Steelers fan and takes every opportunity to cheer on her favorite team.

With her extensive experience in leadership, service, and communication, Tweila Rochelle-Cauthen is a respected figure in her community and an inspiration to all who know her.

Mr. Bates is an international lawyer, mediator, educator, intercultural communication consultant and trainer with over 20 years of experience in the international arena. He is currently Assistant Professor in the School of International Service, and a former Director of the Chile/Argentina Summer Law Program for the Washington College of Law. Prof. Bates was the founder and Academic Director for American University’s Washington Semester Program in International Law and Organizations. With the assistance of the Washington Semester Program staff, Mr. Bates developed the International Law and Organizations Program into one of the most successful visiting academic programs at American University. He designed and led a study tour of Western Europe and international legal institutions, as well as directed the academic development of the students in Unit I of the program.

In addition to teaching, Prof. Bates is actively involved with the American Bar Association and the American Society for International Law (ASIL). He is a frequent lecturer on cross-cultural conflict and mediation, as well as an advisor to various multilateral institutions.

His primary research interests are in Anti-Corruption, Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration, Green Infrastructure Development and intercultural communication. He is also deeply interested in the intersection of culture and law, as well as the interdisciplinary study of governance through commodities such as coffee and chocolate. (Though really, who isn't?)