Meet the International Wine Center team, a group of wine and spirits professionals who are dedicated to making the learning experience as positive as possible for IWC students. When you visit IWC to register or to take your course, please say hello and let them know how they can help you.
Mary Ewing-Mulligan, CWE, MW
President, Instructor
Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Master of Wine, is a leading wine educator, columnist, and author. She was the first woman in America to become a Master of Wine, a title that represents the highest level of knowledge and proficiency in the wine trade. She is currently one of only 53 Masters of Wine in the U.S., and 396 in the world.
Michael Ahlborn, DipWSET
Academic Programming Manager, Instructor
Michael Ahlborn has been part of the International Wine Center team since 2010. He administers the WSET Level 4 Diploma program at IWC, guiding students through the complex set of courses and exams that the program entails.
Paula Maia, DipWSET
Operations Manager, Buyer
Paula is the Operations Manager and Buyer at International Wine Center. With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Paula has completed her WSET Level 3 Advanced with Distinction and the WSET Diploma Level 4. Paula has also formal training in culinary arts and holds a certification from the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners-ICIF.
Kathleen Hall Smith, DipWSET
Student Services Manager, Instructor
In 2006, after spending ten years in the NYC financial industry, Kathleen was looking for a new adventure and signed up for a WSET class at International Wine Center. It was love at first sip and a career change quickly followed. She attained her WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits in 2014, has completed the WSET Educator Training Program in both Wine & Sake, and has held positions as Wine Manager, Head Sommelier, Sales Consultant, Wine Buyer and Educator.
Kathleen has recently returned from living in Hong Kong where she was Manager of the Education Department and Wine, Spirits and Sake Instructor at a prestigious wine school. She is excited to be back at the International Wine Center and looks forward sharing her passion for wine, spirits and sake with the students of IWC.
