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 three decades, and has traveled to nearly 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.
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 marketing strategies and external messages. 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 worked as a public relations consultant, and held communications management positions at various departments in Minnesota State Government, and in non-profit organizations. Michele has led volunteer teams on over 70 Global Volunteers service programs.
Pam reports that one of her most life-changing experiences occurred on her two service programs to Siedlce, Poland, where she had the opportunity to both teach English and be side-by-side with Ukrainian Moms who had recently fled the Russian invasion of their home country.
She has two degrees from the University of Oklahoma, a Bachelor’s in Administrative Leadership and a Master’s in Human Relations with an emphasis in Community Service and a concentration in Organizational Studies. She has served as a commissioner for Oklahoma AmeriCorps for 27 years and is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma. Pam was named Compassionate Tulsan for November 2022, and one of Tulsa Community College’s Notable 50 Alumni in 2021.
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.
As Strategic Partnerships Communications Manager, Maggie designs strategies and processes for working with educational institution, workplace, professional association, and faith-based groups of volunteers. Having joined the Global Volunteers team in 2011 and carried out different roles in the Operations, Marketing, and Recruiting Departments, in 2022 Maggie was promoted to this position, where she draws on her extensive knowledge of the organization to create best practices and make recommendations for working with volunteers who serve through our strategic partnerships. In her parallel role as Ecuador Country Manager since 2011, Maggie manages all operations for our Ecuador service program. She also managed our program in Costa Rica from 2013 to 2018. She has led over 50 teams, including in Cuba and Peru, and was awarded Staff Person of the Year in 2018. Maggie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies and Spanish Studies from the University of Minnesota, for which she studied international development in both Costa Rica and Ecuador.
Kalliopi was born and raised in Heraklion, Crete. She has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Crete, Greece, and a master’s degree in Environmental, Energy, and Water Management from the University of Twente -Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. Her previous work and academic experience include content editing, research, scientific writing, and creating social media campaigns.
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.
Sammy manages the organization’s financial records, prepares financial reports, and assists in the preparation of quarterly Board of Directors financial reports, year-end audit, and annual corporate budget. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Finance from Bethel University in Minnesota, and most recently worked as a Direct Sales Representative for ZYIAActive. Before that, she was a Staff Internal Auditor for US Bancorp in Minneapolis.
Emily works with our university, corporate and faith-based partners, managing group volunteering and expanding the scope of our collaborations to increase service to all our programs worldwide. Her first experience volunteering in Tanzania with the women and children of Ipalamwa deepened her desire to do even more for communities in need around the world. With her background in holistic health and wellness, she became a Volunteer Team Leader. After successfully leading teams in Montana and West Virginia, she joined the Global Volunteers staff as a Volunteer Coordinator. In 2021, she was promoted to her current position.
Maiya manages all aspects of staff and office management - including responding to phone, email and mail requests and employment and human relations needs. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a minor in Aging Studies at the University of Minnesota State Mankato. Most recently, she worked for 3M as a Sales Productivity Assistant in St. Paul, MN. Maiya has traveled extensively within the US, Canada, and Mexico, and looks forward to making connections in communities across the world with Global Volunteers.
Betsy oversees the Volunteer Coordinator Team to ensure that the process for onboarding prospective and alumni volunteers is running smoothly and that our team is aligned with the overall goals and operations of Global Volunteers. Betsy has a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Minor in Women’s Studies. She is excited to contribute her entrepreneurial experience and training as a Peak Performance Coach to ensure the continued success of the vision and mission of Global Volunteers!
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.
LaVerne responds to prospective and alumni volunteers’ questions about placement on our service programs. LaVerne completed Volunteer Team Leader training in 2018, and has led teams in Cuba and Texas. She has also served in China, Tanzania and Greece. LaVerne has 14+ years in cultural immersion volunteer work in Jordan, Thailand, Peru, Morocco, Brazil and Costa Rica. LaVerne has 39+ years as a credentialed tax accountant. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education and a Doctorate in Education, specializing in Online Education and Curriculum Design/Development.
Erika Liedtke uses her passion for making a difference in the world to facilitate volunteers in their decision to serve. 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.
Mindy serves as Global Volunteer’s Director of Domestic Operations and RCP Research, where she manages the U.S. service programs and leads research projects related to the Reaching Children’s Potential program. Mindy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from St. John Fisher University and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Pennsylvania State University, and for many years combined these two fields in her work as a faculty member focusing on global health & service. Before joining Global Volunteers as a staff member in 2023, Mindy served as volunteer on programs to the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, Tanzania, and Peru, served as a Volunteer Team Leader in Montana, and served on both the Global Volunteers Board of Directors and RCP Advisory Committee.
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.
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.
Jake 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.
Becky engages with volunteers to help them find the service program that fits them best. Prior to Global Volunteers, Becky worked in sales and marketing and retail management. Becky has a BA in Public Administration and an AA in Merchandising.
Angie is responsible for expanding our fundraising efforts to support existing and future programs around the world. Before joining Global Volunteers, Angie raised funds at increasing levels for nonprofits in the health and community development sectors. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for 27 months in Liberia, West Africa, and has volunteered on short-term programs in India and Honduras. Angie earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin with a double major in Communication Studies and Spanish Language, and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Twin Cities Corporate Volunteerism Council.
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.
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.
Nayman leads the expansion of the RCP program in Tanzania, is the lead manager in the field and is a point person for fundraising initiatives. Nayman has a Master’s of Science in Development Policy and was the General Secretary for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) Iringa Diocese for 14 years.
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.
Regina works with volunteers and local mothers on strategies to provide the 12 Essential Services through our Tanzania Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Demonstration Project. Raised in the Iringa District, she now lives with her family in the village of Peramiho, where she graduated from the Secondary School for girls. Regina then earned a degree in Community Development from the University of Tumaini in Iringa. She previously was a bank officer in Tabora.
Given leads Global Volunteers teams of volunteers in Tanzania; managing their day-to-day work projects and relationships with our community partners. She was born in Iringa and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Studies from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro. Before joining Global Volunteers, she worked as a nutritionist on the Bunda Town Council in the Mara Region inspiring behavioral change in the communities by promoting better health and nutrition practices in the community.
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.
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.
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. As Peru Reaching Children‘s Potential Program Manager, he manages the outreach to impoverished families in the barrios of Ventanilla to obtain Global Volunteers’ RCP services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amilia was born and raised in Ipalamwa and graduated from secondary school there. Before joining Global Volunteers, Amilia was a Matron of primary school students at Star International Primary School in Iringa.
Amilia is currently on leave studying at the University of Iringa, earning a bachelor’s degree in community development.
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.
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.
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.
Ashura lives in Iringa. She competed her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development with a concentration in Participatory Project Planning and Management from Tengeru Institute of Community Development (CDTI) in Arusha. Before joining Global Volunteers, Ashura worked with Iringa Municipal Council (at Kihesa ward) as Assistant Community Development Officer.
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.
Happy was born in Kibaha and lives in Dar es Salaam. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Systems Management from Mzumbe University. Before joining Global Volunteers on the Tanzania RCP Program, Happy worked as a sales representative for TECH Africa Investment Company in Dar es Salaam.
Herman L. Mtengela was born and raised in Ipalamwa village, Iringa, Tanzania. He earned a certificate of laboratory technology from Mafinga Huruma Medical Training Center in Iringa, Tanzania. Herman was working at Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital in Dar es Salaam in clinical laboratory activities such as sample collection, performing lab tests of patients, and quality control of test for two years.
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.
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.
Coming Soon
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.
Zakina is a cook at Makungu Primary School. She was born and raised in Makungu Village, where she attended school through standard 7. Before working for Global Volunteers, she worked in a private shop in the neighboring village of Mafinga.
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.
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.
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.
Tausi was born and lives in the Mbeya –Rungwe District. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Studies from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Before joining Global Volunteers, Tausi was a nutritional officer volunteer at the Integrated Rural Development Organization (IRDO) Feed the Future program in the Rungwe District.
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.
Claire trained to lead Global Volunteers’ teams after completing two service programs in Poland and Cuba. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and learning about anything that piques her curiosity. She also volunteers with Partners for World Health, does occasional projects through the United Nations Volunteer program, and provides start-up business mentoring.
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.
Volunteer Team Leader Michael Harris first served with Global Volunteers in 2016 with his daughter, Alyssa. He immediately sought out additional ways to stay involved with Global Volunteers and attended Team Leader Training that same year. He has since led teams in Montana every summer. Mike is a retired educator whose 40-year career included teaching students with special needs and as elementary school principal and superintendent of schools.
Lucy Heegaard is a former elementary school teacher who first served in 2015 with her son on Global Volunteers’ St. Lucia Service Program. In October 2017 she served in Seidlce, Poland. In Feb. 2018 she served in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. 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. Two of her favorite hobbies are playing tennis and photography.
Amy‘s first service program in Malungeni, South Africa cemented her commitment to Global Volunteers: "To have a front row seat in the life of the people of Malungeni was a priviledge! How else would you, in the first few hours in South Africa, be sitting in someone’s house, sharing a cold beverage with a family that was so pleased to see you that they couldn‘t stop smiling, or talking about their country!" Since then, she’s completed team leader training and led a team to Costa Rica in 2012. Amy was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She owns two restaurants and works as a business consultant for a local non-profit - teaching business skills to entrepreneurs. She underwrites microloans and works alongside her clients to help ensure their success.
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.
Barbara is a practicing geriatrician and geriatric advocate in Denver. She and her husband participated on their first Global Volunteer program in Ecuador in 2008. She fell in love with the philosophy and art of volunteering in partnership with local communities and organizations. She’s since volunteered in Vietnam, India, Peru and Tanzania and has lead teams in Cuba, Montana, South Dakota and West Virginia. At home in Colorado, she volunteers with several community-based organizations and serves on the Global Volunteers Board of Directors..
Cindy served on her first Global Volunteers service program in Mississippi, USA, in 1997, and has since led 21 service programs. Cindy is a North Carolinian by way of New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida, and she holds a dual MA in HR Management & Development, and a BA in Theatre & Drama. Cindy spent 20+ years as a producer making magic at Walt Disney World and volunteering with various organizations including Hands On Orlando. Cindy freelances as a producer and she holds a part time role with www.charcoalblue.com, a global theatrical consultancy. Cindy volunteers in her local community with the Western North Carolina HR Association, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and other organizations.
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.