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I'm an IVC MEMBER and wish to register for the next
First Thursday!
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All NON-MEMBERS wishing to attend IVC's next First Thursday, please register HERE!
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IVC Staff, Interns & Sister City Fellows
Scroll down for photos & info on our current and former
in-house citizen diplomats who make IVC run so smoothly
Nancy J. GILBOY, IVC President & CEO
"I've got the best job in the city - it's diverse, a challenge and never dull! My role is to make you aware that you play an important role in international relations when you do business abroad and every time you travel, interact with a tourist or an exchange student. I've been at IVC since 1990 and have created new programs and opportunities for IVC's members to become citizen diplomats and meet our distinguished State Department guests and provide positive American experiences for them. This includes member programs such as First Thursdays, Conversations With, Discover Philadelphia, International First Friday, and Doing Business Abroad. I work with IVC's staff to market the region's professional resources so we're competitive with the other 92 IVCs across the country. I'm responsible for keeping IVC financially strong and work with our dedicated Board of Trustees to raise funds as well as to identify new, diverse and interesting resources to support our international visitors' program themes. I also speak to civic and business groups about how we combine IVC's mission of international understanding with internationalizing the Philadelphia region's businesses and institutions. I am working on making Philadelphia the "easiest city in the U.S. for non-English speakers to visit, live and work" and invite you to join me in the effort. I'm pleased to work with a skilled and dedicated staff who make every day and every visitor program they arrange better than the last. And, last but not least, I get to meet some of the most interesting people in the world - established and emerging leaders who are destined to make their countries better - and our members, who show the generous and unique volunteer nature of our country and their pride in being Philadelphians and Americans." |
Ann L. STAUFFER, Executive Vice President & Project Director, Discover Philadelphia
Ann (center) is surrounded by Discover Philadelphia program participants.
"I have been affiliated with IVC for many years, and involved with all aspects of its operations! I am a great supporter of IVC's mission and proud of its accomplishments in the international relations and international leadership exchange fields. In addition to my Executive Vice President duties, I supervise our involvement in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program and have managed several major projects for IVC. Since 2005, I have been the Project Director for Discover Philadelphia: Attracting, Engaging and Retaining Philadelphia's International Graduate & Professional Students, which provides professional, social, cultural and networking opportunities for a select group of international graduate students at Philadelphia universities. From 1997 to 2005, I managed one of our most successful training projects, Community Connections - Linking Philadelphia with Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan & the Kyrgyz Republic, which was a collaborative effort between the State Department and countries of the former Soviet Union. It established and strengthened ties between business entrepreneurs, women leaders, local government officials, Muslim religious leaders and other professionals and their American counterparts. (Since 2005, we have continued involvement in this project under the auspices of the U.S. Agency for International Development.) Also, I have had the great opportunity to lead American delegations to Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan for the State Department and the Philadelphia Sister Cities Program. I strongly encourage you to support IVC and get involved in our many programs and events!"
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C. Alan HATFIELD, Director of Development, Membership and Special Events
"I enjoy being the liaison between the members and IVC. My position involves maintaining member and donor data and transactions and coordinating special events such as our First Wednesday @ the Courtyard International Salon Series, International First Friday networking sessions, Conversations With panel discussions, the Philadelphia Discovery Series, and Champagne Trolley Tours. All of the projects are designed to inspire dialogs and relationships between our international visitors, IVC members and Trustees. I also coordinate the Annual International Barbecue and many other international events throughout the year to which you are all invited. If you are interested in joining IVC, making a donation to our important work, or attending an event, I'm your first point of contact and look forward to hearing from you!" |
Jennifer McGINN, Director of Special Projects & Sister Cities Director
"I administer Philadelphia's 'Sister Cities' program, where every days we facilitate cultural and professional exchanges between Philadelphia and its partners worldwide. I also assist private agencies in the U.S. and overseas by providing "fee-for-service" programs. I design programs for delegations that may include technical visits, one-on-one professional appointments, city tours, dinner hospitality and more. I have a B.A. in Public Relations and a background in meeting planning. I strongly believe in Citizen Diplomacy and enjoy bringing our visitors and members together for mutually beneficial exchanges." |
 | Colleen HARDIMON, Administrative Director
Colleen Hardimon joined us at the end of April 2009 as IVC's Administrative Director after fourteen years with Philadelphia Hospitality in a similar position. She handles our financials, photography, is a wiz with the computer and is often the first friendly voice you'll hear when you call our main number. |
 | Matthew L. DREXLER, Program Officer
Matt took over our core program, the State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program, when Ron retired at the end of June, 2009. Matt had been in training for several months for this challenging position and when July 1st came, he hit the ground running - and hasn't stopped since. His programming is creative and the visitors love it when he joins them in the evening for dinner.
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Stephen J. FORTE - Database Manager
Steve has been a loyal friend and true to IVC for more than a decade, starting as a volunteer and then transitioning to a part-time staff member in spring 2007. He is responsible for managing and updating our membership database as well as assisting our full-time staff with mailings and special events, such as First Thursdays and our Annual BBQ.
When not helping out at IVC, Steve contributes his time and expertise to the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, where he provides administrative support to the staff and management. Prior to that, he had also served as a consultant to Urban Industry Initiative and the Women’s Business Development Center. He also volunteers for WXPN and is a great sports “enthusiast”. Steve would amaze you with his knowledge of Philadelphia's sports teams! Steve is a native Philadelphian, residing in South Philadelphia and is an active member of Saint Monica Parish.
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Ron D'ALONZO, Former Senior Program Officer, International Visitors Leadership Program
Ron retired on June 30, 2009 after 15 years & we miss him!
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Aneta KOMENDARCZYK - Communications and Research Manager & Director of Educational Exchanges
Aneta has moved to New Orleans. We miss her!
Aneta is originally from Philadelphia’s Sister City in Poland, Torun. She has her Master’s degree in International Relations from Georgia Institute of Technology and joined IVC in November 2006 as a volunteer intern and had been the Director of Educational Exchanges for Sister Cities as well as IVC's Communications & Research Manager. She has more than seven years of experience working in a variety of settings related to international affairs. Aneta created a database and internet solutions, and had been responsible for researching grant opportunities and creating a new grants database. Her other responsibilities included editing IVC’s newsletter and managing the content of IVC's website. Aneta participated in writing grant proposals and collaborates with Nancy on a variety of projects. |
Jill M. JACOBUS, Former Administrative Director
Jill has moved to Florida & we miss her, too!
After almost 7 years with IVC, I have left to explore my more creative side in the sunny state of Florida. I have enjoyed, so much, meeting all of those affiliated with IVC, from the members to the visitors. It is a very rich culture that surrounds the friendships that are made through this organization, and I will often re-visit this website to stay in touch with what IVC and you are up to, and remember fondly, all of the events that brought us all together for a common cause.
So if you ever come to Florida, you may find me scuba diving, out on a photograpy excursion or working to protect our wildlife. I will continue to spend my spare time on the golf course, in a plane, on a horse or being creative in whatever way life allows me. I take with me the knowledge that I have made a difference here, if only with one person at a time, and that philosophy will stay mine as long as I breathe. Be happy, be safe. |
 | Sister City Fellow - We were pleased when Hu "Meller " Pengfei came to IVC from Tianjin, our Sister City in China. He works for the Foreign Affairs Office, which is our liaison with Tianjin. Nancy met him in Tianjin in May, 2009 and learned he was on his way to Temple Law School for two months as part of his LL.M. program in Beijing and Philadelphia. After arranging a homestay for a month, his Sister City Fellowship included shadowing IVC, City and State officials to their appointments, scouting Penn Charter as a potential Sister School for exchanges, visiting Daroff Design to discuss their current and potential work in Tianjin, enjoying American experiences, including the BBQ (where he met Mayor Nutter), and getting to know his Sister City. |
 | Rosetta Dweh-Volunteer 2009-2010
Rosetta is a recent graduate of the Masters of Science of Global Affairs program at Rutgers University-Newark Campus. In the near future, she plans to go to law school. Her main hobbies include reading, singing, and ice skating.
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SPRING and SUMMER-2010 Interns
Watch IVC interns in action here.
 | Ali Allen-Intern-International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Spring and Summer 2010.
Ali is currently studying political science at Drexel University. After undergrad, she plans to attend grad school and further her education in government. Ali also plays Division-1 lacrosse for Drexel University, and in her spare time loves to travel, listen to music, and read about current events.
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 | Reina Baldwin-Intern-Assistant to the President, Spring and Summer 2010.
Reina is a sophomore at Drexel University, majoring in International Area Studies with a minor in Film Production. Her favorite pastimes include traveling, film, dance, music, and meeting new people. In the near future she hopes to partake in the Peace Corps and experience the breadth of cultures that exist in the world. |
 | Stephanie Demora-Intern-International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Spring and Summer 2010.
Stephanie is in her junior year at Drexel University majoring in International Area Studies with a minor in Arabic. In her free time, she enjoys writing music, playing guitar, traveling, and learning various languages. |
 | Shannon Fromm-Intern-Assistant to the President, Spring and Summer 2010.
Shannon is a sophomore at Drexel University majoring in International Area Studies with a concentration in Literature, Culture, and the Arts. Although she is unsure about what she wants to do in the future, for now-she enjoys learning about history, culture, media, and languages. In her free time, Shannon enjoys being outside, cooking and making music. |
 | Jessica Drake-Intern-International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Summer 2010
Jessica is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Religious Studies with a minor in Administration of Justice. She has studied abroad in Israel and Morocco, and is in the process of learning Hebrew and Arabic. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, and listening to music. |
 | Paul Crane-Intern-Assistant to the President, Summer 2010
Paul is a part-time student at Gloucester County College, pursuing a degree in Network Management. A lover of all things technical, he enjoys reading, tinkering, and playing games with friends and strangers alike at his local hobby stores. |
Fellows & Intern Hall of Fame!
Picture gallery of past interns studying abroad here.
 | Elizabeth Fields-Intern-Community Connections Senior Program Associate and International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Fall and Spring 2009-2010.
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 | Michael Hess-Intern-International Visitor Leadership Program Associate and Community Connections Program Associate, Fall and Spring 2009-2010.
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 | Sabeen Kalyanmasih-Intern-International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Fall and Spring 2009- 2010. |
 | Renee Merritt-Intern-Assistant to the President, Fall and Spring 2009-2010.
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Alexandra Forlini – Intern – Community Connections Program, Discover Philadelphia and Special Projects, Spring & Summer 2009
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Tiffany Kurokawa – Intern – International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Spring & Summer 2009
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Steve O’Connor – Intern – International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Spring & Summer 2009
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Shadi Vahidi - Intern – Assistant to the President, Spring & Summer 2009
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John Bernhardt – Intern – Development, Membership & Special Events, Summer 2009
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| Andrew Ergemlidze - Intern – Community Connections Program, Discover Philadelphia and Special Projects, Fall & Winter 2008
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Kaitlin Morrissey – Intern – Assistant to the President, Fall & Winter 2008 |
| Stephanie Toronidis – Intern – International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Community Connections Program and Special Projects, Fall & Winter 2008
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 | Liam CORR - Intern - Discover Philadelphia, International Philadelphia Project, International Visitor Leadership Program, and Special Projects,
Spring & Summer 2008
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 | Sister City Fellow - Dr. Yun-Hwan KO - Senior Government Official from Incheon, Republic of Korea, Fall 2007- Summer 2008
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 | Kate FRUHMAN - Intern - International Visitor Leadership Program Associate, Spring & Summer 2008
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 | Juliana LINDGREN - Intern - Discover Philadelphia, International Philadelphia Project, International Visitor Leadership Program, and Special Projects, Spring & Summer 2008
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 | Theodora MARCANTONIS – Intern – Assistant to the President,
Spring & Summer 2008
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Elsy ESCALON - Intern - IVLP Program Associate, Development, Membership and Special Events Winter 2006, Summer, Fall & Winter 2007
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 | Amanda McARTHUR – Intern – Assistant to the President, Fall & Winter 2007
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 | Chelsea RAWLS -Intern - Discover Philadelphia and International Philadelphia Project, Fall & Winter 2007
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 | Nora McLAUGHLIN -Intern - Discover Philadelphia and International Philadelphia Project, Fall & Winter 2007
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 | Nicholas MULCH - Intern - International Philadelphia Project, Fall & Winter 2007
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Rachel Chilkotowsky - Intern - International Visitors Leadership Program Summer 2007 |
| Beni Curley - Intern - Discover Philadelphia and International Philadelphia Project Summer 2007 |
Janeile Johnson - Intern - International Visitors Leadership Program Summer 2007 |
Kathleen Ludgate - Intern - Assistant to the President Summer 2007 |
Christopher LeGoff - Intern - International Visitors Leadership Program Summer 2007 |
Irene Tsikouras - Intern - Development, Membership & Special Events Summer 2007 |
Carina Weidmann - Intern - International Visitors Leadership Program Summer 2007 |
Diana Chiorean - Intern, Discovery Philadelphia and the International Philadelphia Project Spring 2006 |
Erin Morton - Intern, International Visitors Leadership Program Winter 2006 |
Laura Young - Intern - Discover Philadelphia & International Philadelphia Project Summer 2007
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Gavin McCullion - Intern, Assistant to the President Winter 2006 |
Iris Lobhova - Volunteer, Discover Philadelphia and International Philadelphia Project Winter 2006 |
Michelle Benitez - Intern, International Visitors Leadership Program Winter 2006 |
Matt Palm - Intern, Assistant to the President Summer 2006
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Eric Butcher - Intern, Discover Philadelphia & Community Connections Programs Summer 2006 |
Amanda George - Intern, International Visitors Leadership Program Summer 2006 |
Elisabeth Bosley - Intern, International Visitors Leadership Program Summer 2006 |
Monica Billig - Administration Volunteer, International Visitors Council Summer 2006 |
Max Kind - Volunteer Program Associate Winter 2005 |
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Jing Chen - Intern, Discover Philadelphia & Community Connections Programs Winter 2005 |
Dineen Williams - Intern, Assistant to the President Winter 2005
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Charles Imbesi - Intern, International Visitors Leadership Program Winter 2005
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Walter M. Schmidli - Intern, Discover Philadelphia Program Winter 2005
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Jenna Rose Pepe - Intern, International Visitors Leadership Program Winter 2005
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Margo Szabo - Intern, Discover Philadelphia Program Winter 2005
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Make friends. Make contacts. Make peace. ®
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Support IVC's citizen diplomacy work to engage the public in making friends around the world. The best time to make friends is before you need them!
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