Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. Fluent in English, including several Southern dialects (and even a little Mandarin Chinese on a good day). Twenty years in nonprofit marketing and management. Consultant to numerous North Carolina nonprofits and former marketing director for English Language Institute, an international nonprofit organization placing volunteer teachers in China, Mongolia, Vietnam and other Asian countries. Current community involvement, locally and nationally: National Board, World Affairs Councils of America; North Carolina for Global Engagement, NC in the World (a program facilitated by the NC Center for International Understanding); 2004 Leadership Raleigh (Class 20); Institutional Partner Representative, Staying On Top- Winning The Job Wars Of The Future, Research Triangle Regional Partnership.

"With the tension in the world today, grassroots diplomacy has never been more important. The most significant exchanges between people often happen over a good meal or during a conversation about mutual interests. In those moments, the world becomes smaller and we realize that we share universal needs, interests and desires. We essentially want the same things. When formal attempts at diplomacy fail, common people can build the bridge."

Born in New York, New York, and raised in Tunis, Tunisia. Fluent in English, Arabic and French. Arrived in the U.S. in 1998 armed with a law degree from Tunisia but no knowledge of English, which she subsequently taught to herself. A graduate of Faculte des Sciences Juridiques, Politiques et Sociales de Tunis, Tunis II, and North Carolina State University (master's in international relations).

"Through the International Visitor Leadership Program and various projects, the IAC has tailored programs for our international visitors focused on democracy, civil society development, education, health, economic development, minority, women's rights, and technology transfer, among others. I have personally witnessed a profound commitment to an open and true dialogue between nations and civilizations. Our international participants together with their North Carolinian professional counterparts have spontaneously and confidently shared their talent, expertise and knowledge with a sincere appreciation of their cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. It is a very fulfilling and rewarding program that acknowledges a universal sense of values, challenges, successes, struggles and triumphs."

A native of Moscow, Russia, and graduate of the prestigious Russian Academy of Sciences with a Ph.D. in philology and linguistics, Maria heads our special projects, including Community Connections and Open World Leadership Program. Maria has been a part of IAC since 1999 and does a remarkable job of creating outstanding training experiences for our international guests while thoughtfully working with our local host families.

Born and bred North Carolinian, raised on the good earth in Sampson County and one of the best cooks in the state. Can crunch numbers like nobody's business. International travels are limited, but heart for welcoming international guests is limitless. Visited Paris for the first time in 2009. Ask her about the trek to the top of Notre Dame.

"I am so happy to be part of the International Affairs Council team. It's fun to meet so many interesting people and help them understand who Americans really are."