Sandija Bayot is the Chief Development Officer of the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, where she has served for nearly 15 years in progressively senior leadership roles, including Interim Chief Executive Officer. In her current role, she leads strategic development, partnerships, and fundraising efforts in support of the Council’s mission to advance global education and international engagement across the Houston region.
Previously, Sandija served as Director of Communications for Houston’s Consular Corps—the third largest consular corps in the United States, representing more than 90 nations. Prior to relocating to Texas, she worked at the Embassy of Latvia in Washington, D.C., as Assistant to the Trade Counselor, where she cultivated strong relationships with diplomatic, government, and international stakeholders. She continues to maintain close ties with the Embassy of Latvia and numerous international organizations in Washington, D.C. Sandija is also a graduate of both the FBI Citizens Academy and the DEA Citizens Academy programs.
In recognition of her leadership and contributions, Sandija has received several distinguished honors, including the Women Who Mean Business Awardfrom the Houston Business Journal and the Beacon of Light Award from the University of Houston Law Center, recognizing her commitment to unity, peace, respect, justice, and hope. For her continued engagement with the Latvian diaspora, she has also been recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Embassy of Latvia, and other organizations.
Beyond her professional role, Sandija is actively involved in civic and professional leadership. She is a member of the Houston Committee on Foreign Relations and serves on the board of the FBI Houston Citizens Academy Alumni Association, where she recently completed her term as President. She also contributes her expertise as a member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Texas Advisory Committee and the National Language Service Corps within the U.S. Department of Defense. She previously served as a board member of the United Nations Association–Houston.
Sandija Bayot exemplifies leadership at the intersection of diplomacy, community engagement, and strategic development, making lasting contributions to both local and global initiatives.