Bud co-founded Global Volunteers, chairs the Board of Directors, envisions the organization‘s future, and leads its daily business affairs. He served as Deputy Undersecretary for the US Department of Agriculture in the first Obama administration, as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, as Assistant Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and was in private law practice for 12 years focusing on business and government law. Bud has led dozens of Global Volunteers teams over more than four decades, and has traveled to more than 60 countries and territories. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law, a Master’s in Public Affairs concentrating on international development from the Humphrey School, and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. Bud authored Global Volunteers’ "Philosophy of Service - A Strategy for Development" and the "Essential Services Prospectus". He also wrote "Conclave Conspiracy," a fascinating and entertaining novel about the first lay Pope in 1000 years, and "Lessons for My Sons, or You Know You’re Not Very Good Using Chopsticks When You Find Rice in Your Tea," a series of vignettes, stories, and essays of lessons learned during everyday life over seven-plus decades.
Michele co-founded Global Volunteers, serves on the Board of Directors, and initiated and directs the organization‘s Community Mental Wellness Initiative for the Reaching Children’s Potential Program. For 38 years, she also directed volunteer engagement, website development, media relations and marketing strategies, including external messaging on all major channels and video. She earned a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies/International Communications at Hamline University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. Before joining the staff in 1990, she built the organization’s media and communications capability while working as a public relations manager at a Minnesota advertising agency. She held communications management positions at various departments in Minnesota State Government, and in non-profit organizations. Michele has led volunteer teams on over 80 Global Volunteers service programs.
Paul has a passion for helping others and working towards building a global community. He has worked closely with community programs, partners and school boards both locally and abroad to help in any capacity possible. Paul’s most meaningful volunteering has centered around helping children, giving back. For most of his career, Paul’s work has centered around finance, while he would volunteer in his available time. Today, Paul works alongside the team at Global Volunteers to help people achieve their volunteering goals, helping to create more human connections in our ever-changing world. “Together, we can change the world one smile at a time.
Sue Beckwith is a trained electronics sales engineer who has worked all over the world in various roles with well-known companies such as Siemens, Omron, Samsung, and Sanyo. Always in a customer-facing role, she enjoys working with and meeting people and has a passion for helping others. Originally from the UK, Sue relocated to St Lucia just over 18 years ago, where she married a local man, Peter. They have three daughters and have fostered other vulnerable children from the community. Sue has worked for Global Volunteers in the past, as well as helping out in her husband’s small restaurant in Marigot Bay, which recently featured on the popular Netflix series - Restaurants on the Edge.
Jodie Bernarde comes with over 15 years of experience managing financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and financial reporting, that empowers mission-driven outcomes. Jodie holds MBA in International Management, as well as firsthand volunteer experience with community development projects in China, Indonesia, and Greece.
Patty is a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Public Health with a focus in Nutrition and over 25 years of experience in clinical nutrition management and nutrition education. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to helping individuals and communities improve their health through evidence-based nutrition practices, compassionate care, and practical guidance.
Beyond her professional work, Patty has a deep passion for travel and cultural exploration. She believes that experiencing the world firsthand fosters understanding, connection, and personal growth. Her travels have taken her across the globe, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Brazil, Panama, Ireland, parts of the Caribbean and many regions throughout the United States.
Patty is especially committed to giving back through service. She has participated in five volunteer programs with Global Volunteers, combining her love of travel with meaningful contributions to partner communities. Whether traveling independently or through service initiatives, she values immersive experiences that allow her to learn from others while making a positive impact.
Now, Patty is excited to share her knowledge and experiences to help others turn their travel dreams into reality. With her unique blend of professional expertise, global perspective, and genuine enthusiasm, she is dedicated to guiding others in creating enriching, memorable volunteer vacations.
Stephen manages the day-to-day logistics and volunteer engagement of our Nepal service program, and provides service program information to new volunteers on all programs, and responds to their pre-departure questions. He was born and raised in Bangalore, India, and now lives in Porur. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in commerce, and owns a tour business in Chennai. Stephen served as our Country Manager and on-site consultant for our India Service Programs until February 2018.
Since 1994, Julie has responded to prospective and alumni volunteer requests, and questions, while monitoring service program developments. She shares her extensive history with Global Volunteers through recommendations on strategic direction and volunteer relations. Julie has a Bachelor‘s Degree in Media Communications and Marketing and has worked in specialized reporting, writing, event coordination, and public relations. She’s served on 27 service programs worldwide and was named Staff Person of the Year in 2010.
Scott Deppe is a retired educator with 31 years in the classroom (middle school, high school and university levels) and 9 years serving as an educational consultant. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education and his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Travel and volunteerism are important facets of his life, and he has served on Global Volunteers programs around the world. He enjoys learning about the culture, the food, the arts, and the architecture anywhere he travels. Scott believes that including musical components into volunteerism reveals the heart of a society.
Pamela Griffin has a passion for traveling the globe and assisting others to reach their goals. With a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and a minor in behavioral psychology, Pamela spent over 30 years as a highly experienced Organization Effectiveness and IT Consultant where she focused on developing and implementing transformational solutions for Fortune 100 clients across the world. Pamela has visited many cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Tanzania, Mexico and the Caribbean for both business and personal adventures with a goal to visit all 7 continents. Pamela’s favorite vacations have been those spent serving on 7 programs with Global Volunteers, thus far.
Emily served as a Global Volunteer in Tanzania on the first volunteer team launching The Reaching Children’s Potential Program. Before Volunteering with Global Volunteers, Emily dedicated much of her time to international travel and volunteering, and she says that her time in Tanzania working with the children and families in Ipalamwa, being immersed in Global Volunteers Philosophy service, and seeing firsthand the impact Global Volunteers programs have, prompted her to change career paths. Today, Emily Directs the Strategic Partnerships Department, working with our university, corporate and faith-based partners, managing group volunteering, and expanding the scope of our collaborations worldwide. Emily has a master’s degree in Holistic Health and an extensive background in therapy and coaching, having worked for many years in private practice in addition to many years of corporate management.
Adam is responsible for web development and management, media design, and in-house video production. Adam also serves as on-site IT systems support for our local offices. Adam has spent over a decade working in technical support and systems management in the print media world. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 2006, he began to become more involved with web and visual media, focusing primarily in web development.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science and health promotion, Erika caught the travel bug and quickly discovered that there is no antidote! Since then, she has worked, lived, and traveled extensively overseas and often finds herself far off the beaten track.
Catrina McDonald is Scottish born, bred and educated and has a passion for working with people including through voluntary work. She started off studying Communication Studies but finished with a Bachelor in Arts Open Degree. Later on in life she completed her Postgraduate in Professional Studies in Education. The winding path of life has taken her from working in business in London, at one time for some well known Hollywood stars, in sales and Executive Recruitment for the fashion industry to twenty years as a teacher of English to middle and high school students. Travel is of great interest to her as learning about and from others is important to her. She has had the luck to volunteer in Tanzania twice and St Lucia with Global Volunteers while other experiences have included volunteering with endangered turtles in Costa Rica and on a refugee camp in Greece. She has lived in Latvia and China and now resides in northern Spain.
Rosie has a bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on communications and has professional experience in primary education, tourism, customer service and management. Rosie has traveled to 15 countries worldwide and throughout the United States. Rosie lives local to our Montana program – residing in East Glacier- where she most recently worked in the East Glacier Park Grade School. Rosie will split her time between Operations - leading teams in Montana (starting in 2024; though helping and shadowing on teams this summer)- and Marketing – helping to write blogs, press releases and other writing-based work, as needed.
Anna Victor Mwenda was born, raised and educated in Iringa. She earned a certificate in records management from Tanzania Public Service College and has trained with the Community Bible Study (CBS) to obtain a certificate to teach children and youth. Before joining Global Volunteers, Anna was an insurer with Prighose Insurance Agency and also worked for the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development as a record manager.
Thuong brings over 16 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience, including more than 6 years in the United States and 10 years in Vietnam. She moved to the U.S in 2019 and began working with a nonprofit organization in upstate New York. Having supported organizations and foundations in the U.S, Thuong is passionate about using her financial expertise to strengthen organizations that serve children and communities worldwide. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Vietnam.
Giovanni manages Global Volunteers’ service programs in Sicily and provides development support to the Directors of International Development. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Sciences and a Master’s Degree in European Project Management. Before joining Global Volunteers, Giovanni managed international projects for Caritas in Djibouti, Somalia, Jordan, Ecuador and Peru. He also worked as a counselor for social policies for the Municipality of Castelvetrano.
Lauren’s passion for education and connection has taken her across industries and continents. With experience spanning preschool classrooms, elementary schools, and a decade in corporate and retail sales, she brings a unique blend of teaching expertise and business acumen to her work. She holds a Bachelor‘s in Education and Human Development and a Master’s in Education, both from the University of Minnesota.
In 2011, Lauren embraced adventure by moving to a small village in Spain, where she taught English as a second language. Her commitment to cultural exchange and service led her to Global Volunteers. She’s thrilled to help others embark on life-changing journeys through meaningful service programs around the world.
Dimitra "Millie" Pinakoulaki develops our website, video and collateral content and layout. Millie began assisting her mother, Country Manager Sam Pinakoulaki, as a child on Global Volunteers teams in the early 2000s. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and a Master’s in Economic Theory and Policy from the University of Crete. She also recently finished a two-month internship in Istanbul, where she developed a needs assessment for an NGO.
Samantha was born and brought up in the south of England and graduated from a London school of performing arts with honors.She spent 10 years traveling the world with various dance groups. Her last group took her to Crete in Greece, where she met her husband of 16 years. They now have five children. Samantha volunteers to help mentally and physically handicapped children in her hometown.
Andrew started his Global Volunteers career as a janitor while in high school. He was later promoted to Office Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Program Manager, USA Operations Manager, International Operations Manager, Director of International Operations, Assistant to the CEO, Director of Reaching Children’s Potential Program, and General Counsel over 15 years. Andrew has seven years of post-secondary education including a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Law. He volunteered in China for six weeks immediately following high school graduation; led and served on 15 Global Volunteers service programs; managed volunteer team leaders; managed the final years of the Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) pilot program in St. Lucia; currently directs all RCP Programs and Cuba; and is Global Volunteers’ container garden expert.
Jacob develops our overall business strategy, drives revenue growth, coordinates the corporate OKR process, and manages our data analytics turning data into knowledge. Having started with Global Volunteers in April 2002, Jake has held many positions of ever-increasing responsibility. He earned his Bachelors in Business with honors and his Masters in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, and has participated on Global Volunteers programs in Costa Rica, China, Guatemala, Jamaica, Tanzania, Russia, and the US.
Several weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, Olga emigrated to Poland along with thousands of other refugees. Shortly thereafter, we hired her as a translator for Global Volunteers Ukrainian refugees program in Poland. Olga has a bachelor’s in law from Kyiv University of Law (KUL). Previously, she participated in Au-pair programs in Germany, Austria, and France. She worked as a volunteer and translator for charity organizations in Berdychiv and Kyiv, where she also assisted with project management. Before the war, Olga was an English teacher in her hometown of Berdychiv in a private school and tutored students online.
Angie brings more than 20 years of nonprofit fundraising expertise and a deep personal commitment to global service to her role as Director of Development at Global Volunteers. In this position, she leads the fundraising strategy to fuel life-changing programs across 13 countries, connecting donors to the initiatives they are passion about.
Before joining Global Volunteers, Angie built an impressive track record of growing philanthropic revenue at nonprofits in the health and community development sectors. Her leadership spans major gifts, corporate sponsorship, annual giving, event management, and planned giving.
Angie’s passion for service extends well beyond the office. She dedicated 27 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia, West Africa, and has volunteered on short-term programs in India, Tanzania, and Honduras. This lived experience informs her authentic connection to the communities Global Volunteers serves.
Angie holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin, with a double major in Communication Studies and Spanish Language.
Phyllis responds to prospective and alumni volunteer’s requests and questions, and helps to place them on service programs of their choice. She first learned about Global Volunteers on the NBC Today Show in 2003, and volunteered that same year in Italy. Soon after , she completed Global Volunteers‘ Team Leader Training.and has since led more than 15 teams to Italy as well as to China, Costa Rica, Montana, Portugal, and South Africa. Phyllis holds a Master’s degree in Health Professions Education, and is a certified health professional, practicing for over 25 years in radiation oncology.
Kristin creates new fundraising initiatives to increase the number and impact of donations supporting Global Volunteers’ diverse programs. Before joining Global Volunteers, Kristin worked with international students and study abroad students, and most recently served as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations for Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland, OH. Her own study abroad experiences were in Belgium and New Zealand. She earned a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Organization from Case Western Reserve University.
Dorota joined Global Volunteers as a volunteer translator in 1996, and joined the staff in 1997. She has held many positions of ever increasing responsibility, including translator, assistant team leader, Poland team leader, Poland country manager, and associate director of international operation.
As Director of Operations, Dorota manages all aspects of our programs in Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and the South Pacific. She has a master’s degree in English language linguistics and a degree in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Dorota was honored as Staff Person of the Month in November 2004, September 2006, September 2008, December 2009, October 2010, May 2013, January 2014, April 2017, March 2018, and April 2021. She was Staff Person of the Year in 2000, 2004 and 2013 and Staff Person of the Decade in 2010.
Emily conducts research and data analyses for Global Volunteers’ Reaching Children’s Potential Program. Formerly a Research Assistant at Texas A&M University and Programs Intern with the Inter-American Foundation, Emily’s research and analysis interests include food security, sustainability, grassroots development, and humanitarian assistance. She has a BS in International and Comparative Politics and a MA in International Development and Economic Policy.
Nan Woodworth, a retired educator with 40 years of experience, served as a district administrator at Watkins Glen Schools before moving into consultancy. She has specialized in curricular and professional development, student services, and securing grants for educational initiatives, with a strong focus on inclusive education for all students, including those with diverse learning styles. Nan’s leadership style emphasizes evidence-based decisions and active team participation. Nan has always been passionate about service to others, both in local communities and globally, and has strongly encouraged others to volunteer to promote global understanding and acceptance.
In retirement, she continues to impact her community through various board roles, including trustee for the Village of Watkins Glen and chair of the Watkins Glen Housing Authority, as well as president and youth exchange officer for the Watkins Montour Rotary Club. Additionally, she remains active in local organizations and enjoys singing and traveling in her leisure time.
Diego began working for Global Volunteers as a translator in 2019 at the same time he ran his own audio production company. He studied Administration and Entrepreneurship Management at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Lima and learned Audio Engineering at the School of Audio Engineering – SAE Institute in Madrid and Audio Producing at Middlesex University in London.
Wang Bao Li, Global Volunteers’ Vietnam and China Country Manager joined Global Volunteers’ team in 2005, first as an assistant to our China country manager, then as team leader, and finally as country manager. Now, as our Vietnam country manager, Bao Li, a diligent staff member and beloved by many volunteers, leads teams of volunteers in Vietnam.
Virginia has been volunteering globally on an annual basis since 1994. She first traveled with Global Volunteers to the Blackfeet Reservation in 2016 and has also worked on projects in both West Virginia and Tanzania. She has been leading teams in the Rio Grande Valley since 2024 and is passionate about the projects and in helping the community. She was initially interested in Global Volunteers because of the mission statement and philosophy.
She is a Floridian and lived in Miami for 50 years. She retired in 2020 after 35 years as a civil trial attorney and has since moved to The Villages in Central Florida.
Debora was born and lives in Iringa. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza region. Before joining Global Volunteers, she taught in Isaka Secondary School in Kahama-Shinyanga region, and she was engaged in a small entrepreneurship in local fabric (Batiki) making.
Working in close collaboration with Dr. Silas Mosha, the chief medical officer, Amila manages the non-medical clinic staff who provide support for all clinic functions. Born and raised in extreme rural poverty, she began her postsecondary education journey as a manual laborer before joining the RCP Program in entry-level roles. Through dedication and hands-on service, she has taken on increasingly bigger and more responsible roles. With the support of Global Volunteers, Amilia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development from the University of Iringa. Shortly after her graduation, she was promoted to Clinic Manager of the IGC.
Regina manages the day-to-day work of the RCP Mental Wellness Initiative in the Ukwega Ward, and works with volunteers and staff to provide RCP mothers and children the 12 essential services required for a healthy life. She earned a Master‘s Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development from the University of Iringa, Tanzania.
Thekla was born in Kilimanjaro and lives in Iringa. She earned a Bachelor‘s Degree in Population and Development Planning from the Institute of Rural and Development Planning (IRDP) – Dodoma. Before joining Global Volunteers’ RCP Program, Thekla worked as Evaluation Assistant in tele-mentoring to build health worker capacity in HIV care and treatment at ICAP-Tanzania, in the Dar-es-Salaam Region.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Yanira moved to the island’s west coast in 2017 to work with communities in distress. She has over 30 years of HR experience and 20 years of humanitarian work in disadvantaged communities like Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina. She founded For Such a Time as This, one of our community partners and Global Volunteers’ host organization in Puerto Rico.
Jorge, who was born in Colombia, grew up at Sagrada Familia in Ventanilla, Peru and knew from an early age he wanted to learn English. In 2016, he graduated from the Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Privado in Lima as an English teacher. Shortly thereafter, he moved back to Sagrada Familia to teach English to children who are growing up in the same circumstances as he did as a child.
Samantha or Sam has been in and amongst Global Volunteers since 2008 when her parents were leading teams. Sam has a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. She has worked in Education for the past 10 years. Sam and her husband Raniera have three children and love living the island life on Rarotonga. She enjoys all sports but loves to be on the water paddling on her outrigger canoe. Sam is the president of her outrigger canoeing club - Te Tupu O te Manava, as well as President for the Cook Islands Gymnastics Federation.
Husna Waziri studied community development at college with a goal to become a social worker. She especially likes working with her community and special needs kids. Previous experiences include Sales Consultant at Bayport Financial Services and Executive Director of the Center Vote for Dar es Salaam.
Ezekiel checks in patients at the RCP Medical Center and assists the Laboratory Technician. Born in Singida Region, he was educated in medical technology and worked at Lancent Laboratory Upanga in Dar es Salaam, the Bellavita Dialysis and Polyclinic, and Nyamagana District Hospital in Mwanza before joining Global Volunteers.
Mwanaidi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and employs her expertise in financial reporting, grants management and budget preparation to assist Global Volunteers’ Tanzania Country Director with daily financial accounts management in the organization’s Iringa office.
Leonard Samweli Chusi was born in Ipalamwa village in Iringa region. He took his secondary education in Fikano primary school in Ipalamwa village. Before joining Global Volunteers, he was a shop keeper.
Ezra received a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering from Mbeya University of Science and Technology in 2022. Previously, he worked at Kihansi Hydropower plant monitoring the PELTON TURBINE and performing other electrical installations as a mechatronic technician trainee.
Consalva completed her secondary education at Ukwega Secondary School in 2016. She was trained and mentored by “Mama Tony” (Nesia Tengelakwi), Tanzania’s Lead Cook.
Sharoni was born and raised in the Ukwega Ward. After secondary school in Kiwalamo village, she became a full-time farmer until joining Global Volunteers to prepare meals for expectant and new mothers at the House for New Moms on the RCP campus.
Jali is a cook iat Ukwega Primary School. She was born and raised in Ukwega Village and graduated standard 7 from the school where she now works preparing Rise Against Hunger fortified meals provided by Global Volunteers. Before working with Global Volunteers, she worked in a restaurant in Dar-es-Salaam.
Oliva prepares fortified meals donated by Global Volunteers partner Rise Against Hunger for primary school students.
Born and raised in the Ukwega Ward, she has been farming since graduation from Makungu Primary School in 1998. She joined Global Volunteers in 2023.
Veronica Sagamadunda Kiwola was born and raised in Ipalamwa village. She earned the certificate of nursing from Ruaha Emergency Care and Home Nursing school for two years and worked as a nursing attendant at Mission clinic for five years in St. Charles Borromeo.
Berifa Makongwa was born and raised in Ipalamwa where she completed her primary school education. Berifa was a farmer before joining Global Volunteers.
Mwinyi is an experienced driver for the RCP Program, based in Iringa. He learned driving and auto mechanics at the Mufindi Vocational Training Center in Iringa. Before joining Global Volunteers, Mwinyi worked in the Irigna Regional Transportation Office and aslo in drove Amazon trucks in Iringa.
Fatina was born and lives in Iringa. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Dodoma, and was a social worker with PAMOJA Leo Organization for children living in hardship in the Tanga Region before joining Global Volunteers. She’s also volunteered as Community Development Officer in the Igumbilo Executive Ward of the Iringa Region.
Andrew manages the RCP demonstration chicken coop, and oversees the RCP families’ training and management of household chicken coops provided by Global Volunteers. He has a degree in Animal Health and Production, with specific expertise in poultry disease and treatment, breeding and maintenance, and feed production. Before joining Global Volunteers, Andrew worked at the Tanzania Division of Mkuza Chicks Company, headquartered in The Netherlands.
Sifuni grew up in the village of Ipalamwa, our Tanzania Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Demonstration Program site. This is where she works with Global Volunteers teams and local mothers and children. She attended the Secondary School in Pomerini, Global Volunteer’s first community work site. She now lives with her family in the town of Iringa. She earned her degree in Community Development from Tumaini University in Iringa.
Wito Edson Makongwa completed his primary education at Fikano Primary School in 1991. Following his studies, he engaged in farming before pursuing further training, attending the Mgambo training program for three months in Ipalamwa village.
With a strong sense of dedication and commitment to service, Wito went on to build a career in security. He served as a security guard at Ukwega Health Center for two years, demonstrating reliability and professionalism in safeguarding the facility. He later continued his service at Fikano Primary School, the very institution where his educational journey began, from 2019 to 2023.
Currently, Wito Edson Makongwa serves as a Security Guard with the Global Volunteers Organization, where he contributes to creating a safe environment in support of the organization’s mission to uplift communities.
Dr. Mavika is a Medical Doctor at IGC, where she provides comprehensive clinical care, supports maternal and child health services, and guides patient treatment plans.
She earned her MD from Kairuki University and completed her internship at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, where she gained extensive hands-on experience before joining IGC.
Elizabeth is a clinical officer anesthetist at IGC.
She is trained in clinical medicine at Tosamaganga Institute and anesthesia at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. Dedicated to providing safe and delivering positive outcomes for all patients. At RCP Elizabeth invested in providing comprehensive antenatal care, health education and emotional support to expected mothers. Help advancing and strengthening health care in underserved areas and rural communities
Ituja was born and raised in the Dodoma Region and worked on various farms there four years before joining the Tanzania RCP Program. He maintains and harvests Global Volunteers‘ model EarthBoxes, trains families on their use, helps install EarthBoxes at new RCP families’ homes and researches improvements to container gardening. He also assists with the installation of hand-washing stations and fuel-efficient stoves.
Denis Pilion Mkemwa was born and raised in Iringa-Ipalamwa. He was educated in Ipalamwa. He earned a level one certificate in Plumbing from VETA Iringa. Before joining Global Volunteers, Denis worked with ASAS Iringa as plumber.
Festo is an Assistant Nursing Officer and Nurse Anesthetist at IGC.
Trained in Nursing and Midwifery at Mirembe School of Nursing and in Anesthesia at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Festo is committed to safe, high-quality surgical and maternal care. Since joining the RCP program in 2025, he has combined clinical expertise with community health and education to promote patient safety, maternal health equity, and improved outcomes in rural communities.
Goem Nikodemu Mlengela was born, raised, and educated in Ipalamwa village in Iringa region. Goem took his primary education in Fikano Primary school in Ipalamwa. Before joining Global Volunteers, he worked as security in Mtwivila construction that was dealing with construction of road.
Rashid Mpumu was born and raised in the Morogoro Region, where he graduated primary school. Before joining Global Volunteers, he drove trucks qne public buses commercially.
Jordan is staff psychologist for the RCP Mental Wellness Initiative; attending to the psychological care of RCP families, coordinating closely with clinicians at the Ipalamwa General Clinic, and managing the Fathers of Goodwill Project. Along with Mental Wellness Initiative staff, Jordan works to expand mental health education and services throughout the Ukwega Ward. He earned a Bachelor‘s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iringa, and worked as a psychology volunteer at SOS Children’s Village in Dar es Salaam before joining Global Volunteers in 2026.
Irene is a cook at Ipalamwa Primary School. She was born and raised in Ipalamwa and her education was at Fikano Primary school. Until working for Global Volunteers, she was a farmer in her family’s fields.
Noela was born in Iringa, Tanzania. She holds a Bachelor‘s degree in Family and Consumer Studies from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Prior to Global Volunteers she worked as a Community Nutritionist for TAHEA, contributing to the "Feed the Future" project by performing tasks such as data entry, educating communities on nutrition, and assessing children’s nutrition statuses. She also served as a facilitator for Morogoro Saving the Poor Organization (MOSAPORG), conducting interviews, collecting data, and counseling victims of domestic violence.
Huruma was born in Iringa and has attended the Driving Certificate Course from National Institute of Transportation DSM. Before joining Global Volunteers, he was a professional driver in with a number of commercial transportation companies.
Josephat Ezekia Nyenza was born and raised in Ipalamwa. He took his primary education in Fikano Primary School. Before joining Global Volunteers, Josephat was working in Dar es salaam as a shop security.
Rosemary was born and raised in Tanzania. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Counseling from the University of Jordan University College. Prior to Global Volunteers, she worked at the Erick Memorial Foundation, delivering training on living and supporting disabled children. She also worked at the Education for Better Living, conducting training on AIDS to adolescents.
Rachel earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and Human Nutrition from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Before joining Global Volunteers, she worked as a Project Officer (Value Chain Facilitation Team)- for MUVI SIDO-Manyara region engaged in a small entrepreneurship in making of Efficient Cook Stoves, to help families reduce indoor air pollution and reduce the burden of collecting firewood from girls and women.
Earned her degree in Sociology from University of Dodoma, worked as social welfare officer in Tabora municipal where she assisted and supported clients solving various social issues also providing counseling to the clients.
Bea joined Global Volunteers as our first Peru RCP Program Caregiver. She is a clinical psychologist with a passion for early childhood education. She earned a degree in Clinical Psychology from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Lima. Prior to joining Global Volunteers, Bea worked as a school psychologist. She also has experience conducting workshops for parents on the importance of the first 1,000 days and psychological development of the child during this time.
Happy works to advocate and obtain services for victims of gender-based violence (GBV). She collaborates with village leaders and Mental Wellness Initiative staff to sustain a village-based GBV Intervention and Education Program. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Dar es Salaam and worked in a Gender-Based Violence program in Iringa before joining Global Volunteers in 2025.
Buddhi Man grew up in Tanahun, East Nepal. In 2001, he moved to Kathmandu after completing his Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS). In 2012, he started Fresh Fire Church in Maharajgunj, Chakrapath, Kathmandu and in 2016, together with his wife Madhu, they opened Papa’s House Children’s Home where they care for five orphaned boys.
Nesia, known affectionately as Mama Tony, prepares nutritious and tasty meals for volunteers at the RCP Center. She has been a member of Global Volunteers staff in Tanzania since 1992. Nesia and her family reside in Pommern, which is also in the Iringa region.
Nicole served on her first service program with her daughter on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She is currently an advisor and legislative advocate for Shield North Carolina, an anti-human trafficking organization that she founded. Nicole has served in leadership roles in North Carolina for a variety of social justice organizations. She is the author of “A War Against the Cowbird”. Nicole is married to her high school sweetheart and mother to their four children and two labs. She loves theater, the North Carolina woods, reading, horseback riding, and working out. Nicole is currently studying for the LSAT to apply for a joint MPP and JD.
After serving with Global Volunteers for the first time in Costa Rica in 1994, Carol was so impressed with the Philosophy of Service that she completed Team Leader Training the next summer. Since then, she has lead volunteer teams on service programs in Jamaica, Italy, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Ireland and Cuba, and served on the Global Volunteers Board of Directors. Carol teaches cultural anthropology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, serves as the Associate Director of the Global Studies Academic Program, and brings students to Bolivia each summer for a Study Abroad course.
Tim first served with Global Volunteers in Puglia, Italy in 1988. During his service he taught conversational English at a nearby high school. As of January 2023 Tim has served on 25 Global Volunteer Programs usually teaching English or doing childcare. Tim got his BA in Political Science from Cal State Northridge and then an MBA in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University. Tim retired in August of 2020 after 34 years working in Aerostructure Manufacturing where he focused on auditing, business administration, contracts, and Program Management. In his free time, Tim likes to golf, and visit museums. He has volunteered with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank assembling food kits for seniors.
While practicing law for 35 years and teaching at the University of Miami School of Law for almost 20 years, Virginia began participating and leading service trips in 1994. Virginia says that her personal experiences with Global Volunteers in West Virginia, Montana, and Tanzania gave her insight to the organization’s unique and impactful approach to service opportunities and made her excited to learn more by leading Global Volunteers service programs. Virginia has lived in Miami for nearly 50 years. In 2020, she retired from her career as a civil litigator and now works for the Seminole Tribe at Hard Rock Live as an usher/greeter for their events (concerts, shows, etc.). She also volunteers for the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station where she rescues injured, and releases recovered, indigenous animals in the Miami area.
Lucy Heegaard is an elementary school teacher who has been on teams in St. Lucia; Seidlce, Poland; Ciego de Avila, Cuba; the Blackfeet Reservation; and Espanola, New Mexico. She has led in Havana, Cuba, and in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Lucy loves the service element of Global Volunteers. She lived in Spain for 2 years and has been fortunate to travel extensively on all continents except Antarctica. Three of her favorite hobbies are playing tennis, photography, and birdwatching.
Julie began leading Global Volunteers teams in 2007 after serving on two U.S. service programs. Since then, she‘s led teams in Montana, West Virginia, St. Lucia and Vietnam. Julie’s a licensed clinical social worker and currently works as the only social worker for a large urban PA school district. She is the mother of three daughters and enjoys traveling, the outdoors and yoga. She also serves as the Board President of her county’s Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Disabilities, is a board member of the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, and is a Youth Aid Panel Volunteer.
Louise served in Cuba in 2015, immediately followed by an India program and volunteer team leader training. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Hiram College and a Master of Divinity Degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. She taught in parochial and public schools for 8 years, and has served as an ordained minister in long term care, campus and parish ministry for almost 25 years. She retired in the summer of 2017 to devote her time to her four grandchildren and more Global Volunteers service programs as well as her beloved husband and dog.
Cindy initially served with Global Volunteers in Mississippi, USA, in 1997, and has since led 24 service programs. Cindy, based in Western North Carolina, holds a dual MA in HR Management & Development, and a BA in Theatre & Drama. Cindy spent 20+ years as a producer and operations leader at Walt Disney World, and she works part time remotely with Charcoalblue, a global theatrical consultancy. She occasionally assists at a local independent bookstore and actively volunteers in her community, including at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She also participates in initiatives such as the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project Farm Tours and the Social Documentary Network Portfolio Reviews.
John is an independent consultant with a decades-long focus on Healthcare Information Technology. His work experience includes management and executive positions with Deloitte, KPMG, and IBM Watson Health, and he has worked with clients that include Catholic Health, NHS Scotland, Pfizer and Aetna. He has a BS/Econ from Wharton, and also maintains certification as a Project Management Professional.John has volunteered as part of Global Volunteers teams in Peru, India, and twice in Tanzania.
Joe first joined a Global Volunteers service program to Guatemala in 1991. He completed Global Volunteers Team Leader Training in 1993, and has since led more than 50 teams worldwide. Joe earned an MBA and built a highly successful ground water and water purification business. He sold the company and now serves as General Manager so he can spend more time with two beautiful grandchildren, volunteer as an ESL tutor, and continue as a “big brother” to the same “little brother” he’s had for 20 years with "Big Brothers, Big Sisters."
Karen first served with Global Volunteers at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. She has since served in Cuba, Ecuador, Romania, Vietnam, and West Virginia. Karen has an MA in Cultural Anthropology and an MS in Education. She currently lives in New York City where she enjoys working for an international philosophical organization. In addition to volunteering with Global Volunteers, Karen also serves as a Team Lead with New York Cares, in NYC, where she now lives. She serves at and supports numerous food pantries and shelters throughout the city. In her free time, enjoys leading hikes through the beautiful Catskills with the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Tenley first served with Global Volunteers at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana in 2019 with her two daughters, then 12 and 14. Beginning Spring 2020, Tenley served on Global Volunteers Marketing Committee. She has a MA in English Language and Literature, a master’s in Marketing and Management from FIT, and received Yoga Alliance certification from Abhaya Yoga. She is on the School Leadership Team at Manhattan Village Academy and serves on several DEI ERGs through her work in Marketing and Communications. In her free time, she is often upstate hiking, skiing and volunteering in her local community.