Jodi Michaels

Executive Director

Jodi is the Executive Director at Colleagues, having joined the organization in 2016 following nearly two decades in international development work, with a focus on human rights and social justice. She has organized and led many international exchanges, both to and from North America. Hailing from Canada, Jodi has a degree in Human Biology, with a focus on health in the developing world, from Stanford University. She has visited some 20 countries, both through her work and general interest in cultural immersion and exchange.

Melody Daacon

Melody joined Colleagues International in July 2018. Since beginning work in community development and professional fundraising, Melody has built strong multifaceted relationships surrounding the nonprofit community. She has worked with more than 200 partners, donors, groups, foundations and supporters - to address their most pressing challenges, including strategies for data evaluation, sustainability, program management, board engagement, and grant writing. Melody has an MPH degree and is cofounder of Bike the Zoo. 

Rachael Pulice

Program Associate

Rachael is new to Colleagues International, joining the team in May 2019. She recently completed her MA in Comparative Religion at Western Michigan University in December 2018 - her second degree in this field. During her graduate program, she focused on migrant and religious minorities in North Africa, travelling to Morocco to study Arabic and complete research in the field. Throughout her time at university, she was involved in multiple artistic, intercultural, and event-coordinating organizations.

Our Board

Jill Manske, President

Anna Popkova, Vice President

Michael Mortlock, Treasurer

Daniela Schroeter, Secretary

Michel Baradosa

Nicholas Baxter

Judy Huth

Thomas Kostrzewa

Linda Mills

Louise Potratz

Barry Reeser

Eric Zahrai

Our Committees

Volunteers/ 

Host and Hospitality

Chair: Mary Baggerman

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Fundraising

Co-chairs: Judy Huth & Jerry Potratz

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Communications and

Community Engagement

Co-chairs: Thomas Kostrzewa & Eric Zahrai

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Program and Administration

Chair: Daniela Schroeter

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