Karoline Vass

Karoline Vass was born and raised in Munich, Germany, to an American mother and a Hungarian father, a prominent journalist and advocate for free speech and democracy in Hungary. Growing up in a multicultural environment instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and a keen interest in international affairs.

Her experiences living and working in Germany, France, and Switzerland, along with collaborating with renowned travel writer Rick Steves on his best-selling European guidebook series, further enriched her appreciation for the beauty of cross-cultural connections and the power of global engagement and diplomacy to strengthen international cooperation.

As a Senior Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Karoline brings her strategic thinking, communications expertise, and passion for global engagement to drive impactful initiatives. With an MBA from the University of Washington and a Graduate Certificate in International Relations from Harvard Extension School, she combines a strong business acumen with a deep understanding of global affairs.