Master of Ceremonies

Tina Waddington

Tina Waddington recently joined Lumina Spes Group, a company with a social mission to pioneer groundbreaking innovations in technology safety. As Director of Relations at Lumina Spes Group, Tina works closely with the executive team to build the world’s largest safety-focused entity, spanning software, hardware and comprehensive solutions for both consumer and defense markets.

Previously, Tina spent four years as Executive Director of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, successfully transforming the organization into Arizona’s premier foreign policy organization. She started her career as a political intern at the U.S. Embassy in Rome before going into the private sector, where she helped Arizona companies expand across the nation and around the globe.

Through her community engagement, Tina’s main goal is to increase Arizona’s global prominence through international trade and diplomacy. In 2022, Tina was selected by City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego for the Phoenix Sister Cities Global Citizen Award. In 2023, Tina inspired the Arizona Department of Education to establish the Arizona Economic Education Commission based on the Swiss dual education model. She serves as the Chair of the Development Committee at the Arizona District Export Council, advises the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona, and is engaged with multiple internationally focused organizations. Most recently, Tina was inducted as an Honorary Commander for Luke Air Force Base.

Born in Kosovo, Tina immigrated with her family to the United States following the war in Kosovo. Arizona has been home ever since. Tina received her BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona and MA in Social Justice and Human Rights at Arizona State University. She lives in a historic neighborhood in Central Phoenix with her husband Jonathan and their border collies Flynn and Duke.