Meet the Staff

The success of our programs is dependent upon the talent and creativity of our team members who dedicate themselves to the planning and operation of each program. Our team members have a wide range of backgrounds and expertise.

Heather McDougall, Ph.D Executive Director, Leadership exCHANGE and Associate Dean, Global Leadership Program
Heather McDougall is the Founder and Executive Director of Leadership exCHANGE. A former resident of London and Prague, she created the program in order to provide students with the opportunity to gain new knowledge and international experiences. As an educator and political theorist, Heather seeks to merge knowledge with action. Her research interests include democratic theory, civic development, leadership studies, and gender. Heather served as an Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies at Christopher Newport University in Virginia and as a Dissertation Fellow at St. Mary’s College Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership in Notre Dame. Her awards include Ambassadorial Scholar from Rotary Foundation and the Ammi Hyde Alumni Achievement Award from her undergraduate alma mater, Denver University.

Petra Hejnova, Ph.D. Instructor Women and Leadership Prague Program
Petra Hejnova is the former Director of the Gender Studies Center in Prague, Czech Republic. She joined our organization in 2001, soon becoming an invaluable asset. Her work towards systemic change includes speeches at the United Nations and Czech governmental offices. Her research interests include social policy and dissident movements. Petra is currently a Professor in the Department of History, Political Science & Geography at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Joseph Prud’homme, Ph.D. Instructor Prague Program
Joseph Prud’homme is Assistant Professor of Government at Washington College and is the Director of The Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture. Joseph works in the areas of Political Philosophy, Legal Studies, and Religious and Intellectual History. He has published several works in these fields. He received his doctorate from Princeton University and has been a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University and an Ennis Scholar at Villanova University. He is actively involved in the Rotary Club and has led several study/cultural trips in Latin America and India.

Scott Sherman, Ph. D., Professor Prague Program
Scott Sherman is the Co-Founder and current Executive Director of the Transformative Action Institute. Sherman's work on nonviolent social change projects has been praised by such Nobel Peace Prize Laureates as the Dalai Lama and the late Mother Teresa. He is also a nationally recognized speaker on environmental regeneration and transformative action. He has won the outstanding teaching award from the University of California at Berkeley. In 2004, he was nominated for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars' Faculty of the Year award for the entire U.S. Besides his work as a grassroots community organizer, lecturer, and author, Sherman has worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Law Foundation.

Jason Widen, Development DIrector, Instructor, Prague Program
Jason has a strong background in business development and management. He is the Founder of Investors First Real Estate Company and Creative Home Concepts. He has worked overseas in the United Kingdom and currently works with investors in the US and abroad. Jason has extensive experience developing businesses from the ground up and enjoys working with young entrepreneurs to cultivate their interests and talents.

Sabina Sabados, M.A., Instructor, Prague Program
Sabina Sabados immigrated to the United States from Slovakia in the 1980s. She is currently working for the United Nations. She received her B.A. in Political Science from Drew University and an MADIR in International Relations and Diplomacy from the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. During her college career, Sabina specialized in International relations and European studies, attending various conferences including international Seminars in Paris and Iceland. She also spent a semester at the UN, taking a class taught by Jean Gazarian, a member of the Secretariat since the UN's conception. As a graduate student, Sabina's primary research interest has been in the field of International Organizations and the European Union. Sabina's studies have been complemented by various international programs focused on the institutions of the European Union hosted in Luxembourg and Cyprus. The Global Leadership Program has been instrumental in Sabina's education and leadership development.

Martina Podhorova, Coordinator, Prague Program
Originally from the Slovak Republic, Martina is finishing her degree at Charles University’s Social Sciences faculty and will be pursing graduate studies in the fall. She spent fall 2009 in Spain as an Erasumus scholar conducting research for her thesis. Martina is a former participant in our summer program and we are very happy to have her join us as a staff member.

Alma Ramirez, MDO, Instructor and Co-Coordinator for Panama Program
Alma Ramirez currently serves as the Leadership Development Coordinator at Universidad de Monterrey in Mexico. She has developed different leadership programs in collaboration with international institutions as UC Berkeley, The Wharton School of Business from University of Pennsylvania and the Global Institute for Leadership and Civic Development. Alma has been involved for more than 15 years in social development projects and has served as trainer and facilitator of experiential learning programs for different organizations. She has a master degree in Organizational Development from Universidad de Monterrey

Student Coordinators

Each summer, two-three students from past programs are selected to become Student Development Coordinators. These interns are instrumental to the planning and operating of our programs. We are proud to announce this year's Student Development Coordinators.
Prague Summer 2010

Giovanny Camargo, Panama

Hello ! My name is Giovanny Camargo, I am from Panama City the capital of Panama. I was born and raised in Panama and during secondary school my father moved a lot because of his job and I had the amazing opportunity to live three years in Macau, China. Here I had the opportunity to get to know the Asian continent and traveled a lot. After living in China I returned to Panama and completed high school and this is where I started to find interest in global affairs, human rights and politics in general. I am currently in my second year of college in Michigan State University in the United States pursuing a degree in International Relations. I am fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese. I have always found an interest for languages in general, it is one of my passions along with traveling and getting to know new people and cultures. I can't explain how excited I am of going back to Prague and specially joining the GLP Crew. It is a once in a lifetime experience that has a massive impact in your life and ensures positive outcomes in everyone’s future! See you in Prague this summer!

Alex Russell, USA/Britain
akr17+@pitt.edu
Hi everyone, my name is Alex Russell and I am currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I'm majoring in Political Science and Business and hope to either attain a global business position or one day take over my father's flooring business.

Monterrey, Mexico 2010
Humberto Treviño

Hola! My name is Humberto Treviño I am 23 years old and I was born and raised in Monterrey, México. At the moment I’m studying my last year of International Business at UDEM, Partner University of GILCD and as soon as I graduate I’m planning to study a master in international relations. I’m very passionate about getting to know different cultures and people from all around the world as well as knowing how different cultures understand and embrace leadership; these are perhaps the reasons why in summer 2009 I became a participant at the GLP in Prague and fell in love with GILCD ever since. At this moment I’m coordinating the GLP program In Monterrey and preparing every single detail to ensure that you will have, as I did before, an amazing experience in your life as a participant of GILCD and as a student at UDEM.

Virginia Campo, Colombia

Que onda huey? My name is Virginia Campo, I am Colombian and I currently study International Affairs in Florida State University Panama. I work as an Information Management assistant in the United Nation´s World Food Programme where I want to pursue a career. I am often described as a ball of energy because I am usually involved in something like volunteering, dancing, exercising etc...
I have participated of 3 GLPs, Prague Summer 2008, Berlin 2009 and Prague Semester 2009 and I have been student coordinator for the last two. I am currently developing my project proposals and I am once again counting the days to go in another amazing experience with GLP Monterrey.
I´ll see you guys there or better... Nos vemos pronto!

Sebastian Arias Zuluaga

Hola lideres del mundo. I’m Sebastian Arias Zuluaga, from Colombia and I am currently finishing a major in Communication and a minor in Political Science, in order to pursue a diplomatic career. I participated in the 2008 Summer Program in Boulder and then in the 2009 Fall Semester Program in Prague as student and as an intern in the Social Entrepreneurship class. Both experiences changed my life, and showed me how important is to bring together the present and the next generations of leaders of the world, who instead of rivals become true, wonderful friends that I now consider part of my family.

Prague Semester 2009

Angel Acosta, Dominican Republic

Virginia Campo, Colombia

Veronika Jemelikova
A participant in the 2008 Prague program, Veronika returned as a team member for the 2009 program. Veronicka was born in the small town in the Czech Republic and is finishing her Bc. degree from Political science and International Relations on Charles University, Prague. Veronika loves travelling. Meeting so many great young people and sharing your ideas with them opens you a whole new world. I know we will have a great time in 2009; it is impossible not to love GLP." Veronika is currently on leave, working on a rebuilding mission in Afghanistan.

Prague 2009 Program

Julia McMahon, Australia

G'day from Australia! I'm Julia and I was born and raised in the nation's capital, Canberra. I am currently studying Commerce at the University of Canberra and completing a Cadetship at the Australian Taxation Office. I have a passion for travel and love discovering new parts of the world - there's nothing like it! Going to Prague in 2008 was an absolutely amazing experience and I can't wait to be a part of the 2009 program. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to be immersed in another culture and to meet and study with people from all over the globe. I hope to see you there!

Zach Whale, Australia

G'day, I'm Zach and I am currently studying International Relations in Canberra, Australia. I am in the 2nd year of my degree and when I graduate I want a career in politics or diplomacy. I love to travel and meet new and exciting people from all over world which is why I was initially attracted to GLP. In my spare time I love to play sports and spend as much time in the sunshine as possible. I cannot wait to be back in Prague again to meet so many new and exciting people and to explore the beautiful Czech Republic. I hope you join us in 2009 and be a part of a truly life changing experience.

Prague 2008 Program

Cesar Francia, Venezuela

Dobrý den, jmenuji se Cesar Francia. I am studying International Politics and Italian Literature at New York University; prior to attending the Global Leadership Program in Prague 2007, I spent my entire freshmen year at NYU in Florence, Italy. I was born and raised in Venezuela, went to high school in Miami Beach, Florida and recently moved to New York City. GLP is a challenging and exciting experience, I feel privileged to be on board and encourage you to join us in the Czech Republic this summer. Cau!

Anna Kelly, USA

Hey everyone! I'm Anna and I currently live in Boulder, Colorado where I attend the University of Colorado. I am studying International Affairs and Leadership, and I plan to attend law school when I graduate. When I'm not in school you can usually find me on the ski slopes, volunteering, or spending time with family and friends. Participating in the 2007 Global Leadership Program in Prague was the experience of a lifetime. It is something you will only understand once you are living and learning with amazing people from across the globe in the most beautiful city in the world. I can't wait to meet the participants of the 2008 program, and I guarantee that you will have the time of your life! Get ready.

Boulder 2007 Summer Program
Contact Executive Director for email information

Prague 2007 Program

Catalina Carmona, Colombia

Hey everyone! My name is Catalina Carmona, I'm 22 and from Colombia. I'm currently finishing my law studies and later I want to pursue a masters in International Law. I participated in GLP 2006 in Prague and I still can't believe I'm going back next summer. I had the most amazing time and learned a lot from the program and from the people I met. I'm really looking forward to GLP 2007 and I can assure you that it's gonna be simply great. See you there!

Dartel McRae, United States

What's good everyone? My name is Dartel McRae I will be graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in April with a double degree in Political Science and Philosophy. After this I plan on attending law school in the city that never sleeps...New York. I participated in the 2006 Global Leadership Program in Prague I can't begin to explain how incredibly enlightening the experience was. The 2007 program promises to be just as great if not better. I am truly looking forward to seeing everyone who participates in the program this year. But until then...dequi baby...dequi! = peace Dartel

Argentina 2007 Summer Program

Stephanie Wall, Canada

Stephanie participated in the 2005 Argentina program and served as a coordinator for the 2006 Argentina program. We are excited to have her return as a Student Coordinator for the 2007 program. She states, "I am so excited to hear that I was chosen to be Student Coordinator. The whole experience as a participant was amazing and, as a Student Coordinator, hope I make it memorable for future participants!"

Juan Pablo Calderon, Colombia

Juan participated in the 2006 program and is returning to join us for the 2007 program. He wants to altruistically collaborate with the economic, political, legal and cultural development of his country. After participating in the 2006 program, he founded Social Leadership Colombia, an organization focused on community service, through which Colombian GLPers can implement their project proposals. In 2006, he was also selected to work as an economic and legal researcher in the USAID's Legislative Strengthening Program at the National Congress.

Prague 2006 Coordinators

Ambika Muttoo, India

Hi! My name is Ambika Muttoo and I'm 22 years old from New Delhi, India. I graduated from Lady Shri Ram College earlier in 2005 with a degree in English Literature. I've worked with a Travel Magazine, but ran off to participate in the GLP 2005 program in Prague, which was the best decision I've ever made. I'm currently working as a journalist for a daily newspaper called "Today", part of a countrywide Media group called "India Today". When I'm not running around like crazy (which is pretty much all the time), I just try to catch up on precious sleep! I'm so excited to be a part of GLP 2006, and I promise you it will be an experience you will never forget.

Argentina Program 2006

Stephanie Wall, Canada

Stephanie participated in the 2005 Argentina program. She states, "I am so excited to hear that I was chosen to be Student Coordinator. The whole experience as a participant was amazing and, as a Student Coordinator, hope I make it memorable for future participants!"

Olga Fernandes de Moura Leite, Brazil

Hello Everybody! I cannot wait for next year's Global Leadership Program in Argentina and I hope you are also very excited! First, I would like to tell you something about myself. At the moment I am attending my fourth semester at law school. Thanks to my academic record I was ensured a merit scholarship and was elected class representative, where I act as an intermediary between classmates and the faculty's administration. This semester I became the school's student ambassador, responsible for participating in conferences and seminaries. Besides studying I work in the city's law court and participate in a non-paid legal counseling service for low income people. Committed to working to effect social change, I believe that my legal studies are important steps to achieving my long-term career goal to work in an international non-governmental organization, such as the United Nations. In my spare time I enjoy reading, socializing and meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. You must realize by now how the Global Leadership Program was so important to my life discussing important issues, learning from different cultures, reflecting about world problems were some of the things we did. I absolutely recommend this program, simply because it has been the most amazing experience of my life. There is no way to explain it in words, you have to live it to understand. In other words, do not hesitate and apply now!

2005 Global Leadership Program, Prague
Kait Martel, USA
Matt Murphy, Australia

2005 Global Education Program, Thailand
Co-Directors
Luis Lopez, Mexico
Vladimir Mladjenovic, Serbia
Coordinator: Laurie Gashinski, Canada

2005 Global Leadership Program, Cordoba
Cora Licht, Romania
Jessica Scholl, USA

2004 Global Education Program, Cuba
Co-Directors
Luis Lopez, Mexico
Vladimir Mladjenovic, Serbia

2004 Global Civic Development Program, Bologna
Cora Licht, Romania
Kristen Weaver, Colorado

2004 Global Leadership Program, Prague
Phil Hughes, New Mexico
Sabina Sabados, Slovak Republic/New Jersey

2003 Global Leadership Program, Prague
Filip Hayek, Czech Republic
Luis Lopez, Mexico

2002 Global Leadership Program, Prague
Meena Krishnamoorthy, Australia
Mariyana Radeva, Bulgaria

2001 Global Leadership Program, Prague
Stacy Dinse, New York
Maggie Miller, Wisconsin