Our team

Legacy International commits to working continuously to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We commit to ensuring that principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion infuse everything we do. We understand this is an ongoing process, and we commit to regularly evaluating our progress towards becoming a more inclusive organization through planning, implementation, and assessment to create an inclusive environment.

Leadership Team

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Shanti Thompson

Executive Vice President
Ms. Thompson is involved in the design, funding, and program and financial administration of Legacy’s projects. She has over 35 years’ experience directing initiatives, developing training programs

Shanti Thompson

Ms. Thompson is involved in the design, funding, and program and financial administration of Legacy’s projects. She has over 35 years’ experience directing initiatives, developing training program and curricula in leadership, pluralism, conflict prevention and resolution, cross-cultural communication, and civic education. Ms. Thompson has authored three published curricula and has directed projects in the U.S., Spain, Russia, and Ukraine. She has visited 23 different nations, and worked closely with adults and teens from Israel and Palestine, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia and Ukraine.

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Mary Helmig

Vice President
Ms. Helmig has 30 years non-profit experience, including directing U.S. Department of State Exchange programs, professional development initiatives and youth leadership programs.

Mary Helmig

Ms. Helmig has 30 years non-profit experience, including directing U.S. Department of State Exchange programs, professional development initiatives and youth leadership programs. Her work in Indonesia, Iraq, across the MENA region and with many US Embassies worldwide has addressed topics of NGO development, social cohesion, religion and society, business development, women’s economic prosperity, STEM training, and civic education and engagement. With activities both in the US and in the counterpart countries, she has experience leading US speaker and training groups abroad. Ms. Helmig is involved in the design, funding, and program and financial administration of Legacy’s projects.

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Leila Baz

Human Resources Manager
As Program Director for various Legacy adult professional exchange programs, Ms. Baz has designed and delivered numerous projects for citizens from Azerbaijan, Morocco, Egypt, Belarus

Leila Baz

As Program Director for various Legacy adult professional exchange programs, Ms. Baz has designed and delivered numerous projects for citizens from Azerbaijan, Morocco, Egypt, Belarus, the Republic of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Focuses have included NGO development, education reform, youth advocacy, conflict resolution, public health, and civic education citizen engagement. As Staff Director for Legacy’s annual Global Youth Village, she oversees seasonal staff hiring, and coordinates the day to day operations and risk management for this residential program. She also spearheads all outreach and screening for both temporary and permanent staff for Legacy.

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Mitra Nafissian

Senior Program Officer
Mitra holds an MA and ABD in International Relations from New York University. Having previously worked at the United Nations in New York, she serves as Legacy’s ECOSOC

Mitra Nafissian

Mitra holds an MA and ABD in International Relations from New York University. Having previously worked at the United Nations in New York, she serves as Legacy’s ECOSOC representative. During her 30+ years at Legacy, she has directed professional development projects funded by the U.S. Department of State in the areas of of leadership development, women’s empowerment, public health and NGO development. She speaks four languages fluently and directed the NSLI-Y Arabic Language Institute in Morocco. Mitra is a key designer of curriculum for in-person and virtual programs and serves as an adjunct professor of international relations at Randolph College and the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia.

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Marlene Ginsberg

Senior Development Specialist
Ms. Ginsberg has 35 years non-profit experience, including 20 years directing professional development programs for citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, the Republic of Georgia, Kazakhstan

Marlene Ginsberg

Ms. Ginsberg has 35 years non-profit experience, including 20 years directing professional development programs for citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, the Republic of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Topics included NGO development, religion and society, business development, women’s issues, and civic education and engagement. With activities both in the US and in the counterpart country, she has wide travel experience and is fluent in Spanish, conversant in Russian and French. In addition, she has produced two documentaries that have aired on the Discovery Channel.

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The Team

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Nana Bruce-Amanquah

TechGirls Program Associate
Nana grew up experiencing international education firsthand after attending schools in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Germany, and the US.

Nana Bruce-Amanquah

Nana  has a BA in International Studies and French from Johns Hopkins University and recently finished an MA in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from Sciences Po Paris. She haspreviously worked with the TechGirls team as a Virtual Trainer, application reviewer, and storytelling/social media intern. She also has experience from other organizations in project management, education, and communications. 

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Arshelle Carter

TechGirls Program Manager
Arshelle believes in the value of international exchange programs and looks forward to supporting TechGirls as a Program

Arshelle Carter

Arshelle believes in the value of international exchange programs and looks forward to supporting TechGirls as a Program Coordinator! Through her experiences studying, volunteering, and working abroad, she developed an appreciation for international education. Arshelle coordinated the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program in Indonesia for two years after serving as a grantee herself. She enjoyed facilitating education initiatives in the country and working to empower young people. Additionally, Arshelle has assisted government and non-profit projects in Mexico, Suriname, and across Southeast Asia. Arshelle graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.A. in International Studies and a B.S. in Business Management.

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Sarah Cockey

Professional Fellows Program Manager
Due to her own experiences as a participant in international exchange in both Panama and Egypt, Sarah is passionate about citizen

Sarah Cockey

Due to her own experiences as a participant in international exchange in both Panama and Egypt, Sarah is passionate about citizen diplomacy and how international exchange can contribute to building bridges of peace and understanding across cultures. She is fluent in Spanish and Egyptian Arabic, and holds an M.A. in International Peace Conflict Studies from American University and a B.S. in International Affairs/Political Science from Florida State University. Sarah has previously worked with the Fund for Peace and the International Rescue Committee, and has also worked as a dialogue facilitator, interpreter, and language instructor. She is trained in Eastern Mennonite University's STAR (Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience) program and is a trained mediator through the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County. Sarah is from Spokane, Washington, and in her free time she enjoys dance, reading fiction, and playing the piano. She looks forward to joining the Legacy International team as a Program Manager for the Professional Fellows Program.

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Brittany Corn

TechGirls Program Manager
Brittany recently returned stateside after teaching English in Spain for the last five years and obtaining a Master’s degree in

Brittany Corn

Brittany recently returned stateside after teaching English in Spain for the last five years and obtaining a Master’s degree in International Education at the Universidad de Alcalá. Brittany also has experience working in both the legal field and in higher education with international students and scholars. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies: Global Justice and Policy from James Madison University.

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Chelsea Dresen

Youth Leadership Programs, Program Manager
Chelsea believes that a global and connected world is a sustainable world. This passion has driven her to stay connected with Legacy

Chelsea Dresen

Chelsea believes that a global and connected world is a sustainable world. This passion has driven her to stay connected with Legacy International’s work in multiple capacities for many years, where she now serves as the Program Coordinator for the On-Demand Youth Leadership Program. In addition to this work, she is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-
Stevens Point pursuing a Master of Natural Resources and a Doctor of Education in Educational Sustainability. Her dissertation study is focused on exploring ways to expand global citizenship education and opportunities in rural Wisconsin schools. Professionally, Chelsea has worked and volunteered with a variety of organizations focused on transformative cross-cultural travel experiences, including African Impact, Rustic Pathways, and Xperitas, and throughout this time, she has lived and studied in Ghana and Tanzania. Chelsea is committed to the mission of making
cross-cultural exchange programs an integral part of every student’s education.

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Kat Fitzpatrick

Professional Fellows Program Manager
Throughout her undergraduate career and beyond, Kat has taken every opportunity she can to travel the world and experience other cultures.

Kat Fitzpatrick

Throughout her undergraduate career and beyond, Kat has taken every opportunity she can to travel the world and experience other cultures. Since she was a young girl, Kat has had an affinity for the MENA region and all things Arab. Kat graduated from Northeastern University with a BA in Human Services specializing in the Global Social Services of the MENA region, as well as a minor in Arabic. After spending time in Jordan, Palestine, Morocco, and Lebanon, Kat has gained invaluable experiences that have led her to promote cultural exchange to open people’s minds to new cultures, religions, and lifestyles. Kat’s past experience working with The Middle East Policy Council, as well as her passion for empathy, inclusion, and bridging the gap between the US and MENA will allow her to flourish as a Program Manager for the Professional Fellows Program. Kat hopes to cultivate meaningful relationships with Fellows and help each individual reach their career goals.

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Brook Johnson

Accounting and Audit Specialist
Brook's desire to leave the world a better place than she found it brought her to Legacy International.

Brook Johnson

She hopes that her background in teaching, finance, and the legal world will benefit Legacy International's Finance Department, where she has taken on the role of Accounting and Audit Specialist. Brook obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from West Virginia State University. In her free time, Brook is an avid disc golfer, traveling throughout the United States to compete in events with players from around the globe. She also enjoys hiking and playing with her three Australian Shepherds - Maverick, Remy, and Zero.

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Holden Mershon

Professional Fellows Program Coordinator
Committed to the principles of diversity, respect, and equity, Holden brings his passion for international exchange to the

Holden Mershon

Committed to the principles of diversity, respect, and equity, Holden brings his passion for international exchange to the Program Coordinator position for the Professional Fellows Program. He previously worked at Amideast in the Communications department. Holden has lived and studied in Morocco and Jordan, where he experienced how cross-cultural relationships can radically impact people's lives. He graduated from William & Mary with a BA in Government and minor in Arabic Language and Literature.

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Venera Gulshan Mingazova

Grants Manager
Venera first developed a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector while assisting international

Venera Gulshan Mingazova

Venera first developed a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector while assisting international exchange programs as an interpreter in Kyrgyzstan. She worked closely with Legacy staff on the implementation of the Women Empowerment program and LivingSidebySide training in over 30 Kyrgyz schools.  Venera plays the vital role of Grants Manager  for all ECA programs. Originally from Osh in Kyrgyzstan, Venera received a BA in Teaching English as a foreign language from the Osh State University in Kyrgyzstan and a BA in financial administration from the International University of Entrepreneurship and Law in Russia.  Venera now lives in the USA and enjoys the mountains of Virginia.

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Molly Pyle

TechGirls Program Coordinator
Molly is inspired and energized by the ingenuity of young people and believes that global education and youth empowerment are crucial to

Molly Pyle

Molly is inspired and energized by the ingenuity of young people and believes that global education and youth empowerment are crucial to investing in communities and creating long-term sustainable impacts. She is committed to advocating for gender equity and equipping young women to advance in STEM fields. Studying abroad and working with international students sparked Molly's passion for cross-cultural education, which led to interning for the Friends of the American University of Afghanistan supporting students in Kabul. Her AmeriCorps service years with City Year allowed her to foster student growth in academic and social-emotional capacities and facilitate projects to benefit school communities amidst COVID-19. Molly holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from Kansas State University, where she was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Outside TechGirls responsibilities, she enjoys walking dogs, hiking, and frequenting thrift stores for bargains.

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John Simpson

Professional Fellows Program - Director
John Simpson brings a diverse international experience to Legacy International. In 2021, John served as Director of the English-Speaking Nation

John Simpson

John Simpson is a Program Manager with the Professional Fellows Program. A former Group/Trainer Leader with the Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program (SYLEP), John brings diverse international experience to Legacy International. In 2021, John served as Director of the English-Speaking Nation Program with American Councils for International Education in Uzbekistan. He is a former English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State, Clinton Fellow with the American India Foundation, and Senior Fellow with the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh. John holds Master's degrees in Education from the Loyola College of Education at Seattle University and International Studies from the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. In his free time, John enjoys reading, traveling, and eating potentially dangerous street food. 

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Board of Directors

Board Members are alumni and parents, staff, and friends of the organization.

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Carole Armel

Carole Armelis a management consultant specializing in organization development, matrix management systems, and course design including

Carole Armel

Carole Armel is a management consultant specializing in organization development, matrix management systems, and course design including “Creative Thinking/Critical Thinking” developed with Philip Stein. Her clients have included the NASA Space Program, New Jersey Division on Aging, Merrill Lynch, Maryland and Connecticut Hospital Associations, Miami Dade Medical Center Campus, and American Society for Quality. She has been associated with Legacy projects since 1989. Her work has included management consultation, assisting in planning and delivering several projects, grant writing, and developing a task matrix for the Summer Program. She has six children and five grandchildren. A major interest and avocation is gardening and garden design. She is a New Jersey and Florida Master Gardener and has had a garden design and maintenance business.

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Mahavir (Robert) Homsy, Ph.D.

Mahavir (Robert) Homsy, Ph.D. is a retired applied mathematician and electrochemical computational fluid dynamicist.

Mahavir (Robert) Homsy, Ph.D.

Mahavir (Robert) Homsy, Ph.D. is a retired applied mathematician and electrochemical computational fluid dynamicist. The last half of his career was spent applying decision theory in support of US Government policy in the fields of RD portfolio management, arms control, and international security. He worked for various branches of the federal government in Washington, DC., including the Departments of Energy, Defense, and within the Intelligence Community. His spiritual practice is heavily based in Buddhism and various devotional practices. Mahavir has been a student of Ram Das and Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. 

He and his wife, Maggie, and their two young children spent a year living in the World Community in Bedford following the 2015 loss of all of their possessions in a California wildfire that destroyed 1200 homes, including theirs. No doubt this has been one of the most tangible experiences of impermanence that he will live through in his lifetime. Mahavir and family are living now in St. Helena, CA in the Napa Valley wine country. Among his avocations is a long-standing love of sailing and performing East-Indian music.

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Judith Larson

Judith Larson has been a teacher for more than 20 years, teaching in both traditional classrooms and schools using the Montessori Method of

Judith Larson

Judith Larson has been a teacher for more than 20 years, teaching in both traditional classrooms and schools using the Montessori Method of education. She holds a Masters in Education and is certified in the Montessori Method. Judith also has extensive experience in administration. She was the Director of her own Montessori school and was the Human Resources Manager for a rehabilitation clinic where she developed many policies and procedures and served on the executive committee. She has also served as a member of the Blue Ridge Montessori School board.

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Phil Louer

Phil Louer studied sociology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. After college he began working in the building trades and has been

Phil Louer 

Phil Louer studied sociology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. After college he began working in the building trades and has been operating as a Class A residential contractor since 1980. In 1985, Phil co-founded North American Gem Carvers- a consortium of unique artists working with precious stones and minerals. North American Gem Carvers’ art can be seen in museum exhibitions and galleries across the country. Phil is a small business owner and an entrepreneur. One of Phil’s pastimes is folk dancing, and since 1985 he has been performing with the Hoorah Cloggers, an Appalachian dance performance troupe at many festivals and annually at Legacy’s Global Youth Village.

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Ed Stern

Edward Stern served the U.S. Department of Labor for 40+ years as a senior policy and program analyst. He developed regulations, analyzed enforcement strategies,

Ed Stern

Edward Stern served the U.S. Department of Labor for 40+ years as a senior policy and program analyst. He developed regulations, analyzed enforcement strategies, and innovated methods of compliance assistance. For the last 27 years, in OSHA, he analyzed health and safety risks and regulatory feasibility. He also led teams of scientists, IHs, engineers, doctors, nurses, systems analysts and attorneys from the Department of Labor and the public sector to develop the interactive, diagnostic “OSHA Expert Advisors.” Stern presented a study on bullying at the Labor and Employment Relations Association annual conference in 2007.
He wrote the workplace bullying and psychological aggression chapter of “Halt the Violence” (e-book, Amazon). He studies and writes on workplace bullying, and advises management and labor on this in Federal and state agencies. He is an accepted, expert witness on bullying in arbitration cases. As a retired Fed, he served on the USDOL Workplace Violence Committee from 2014-15 and the USDOL Safety and Security Work Group from 2002-08.

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Anne Elise Thomas, Ph.D. 

Anne Elise Thomas, Ph.D. is a trained ethnomusicologist with expertise in the music and culture of the Middle East.

Anne Elise Thomas, Ph.D. 

Anne Elise Thomas, Ph.D.  is a trained ethnomusicologist with expertise in the music and culture of the Middle East. She spent several years living in Jordan and Egypt while she completed her doctoral research. She has extensive experience as an educator and youth facilitator and has coordinated and taught world music activities at Legacy’s Global Youth Village since 2005. Mother of two young daughters, she is also an accomplished performer of the, a 78-stringed lap harp played in Arab classical music.

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Shanti Thompson

Shanti Thompson is an executive staff member of Legacy International (Vice President: Training) with more than 30 years experience in program

Shanti Thompson

Shanti Thompson is an executive staff member of Legacy International (Vice President: Training) with more than 30 years experience in program administration, financial management, and grant-writing. She has directed and/or co-directed projects in Ukraine, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Indonesia, funded by the U.S. Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, and other funders. She has compiled and edited Legacy’s three curriculum manuals, and designed various training programs and training of trainers programs. Since 2000, she has served in the positions of Treasurer and Secretary for Legacy.

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