BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2025-26 BOARD MEMBERS
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SUNDAY GOSHIT
PRESIDENT
Dr. Sunday Goshit moved to Iowa from Jos, Nigeria in 2000 to pursue a PhD in Geography. His first love in research and academics crosses the boundaries of physical geography with an emphasis in synoptic climatology, environmental planning, and information science. He is interested in the environmental impacts of climate variability and change. Later he developed an interest in intercultural communication generally and cultural adjustment of international students and recent immigrants to the United States of America, in particular. He focuses on immigrants’ adjustment process, and institutional and communal responses to the need and potentials of the newcomers.
"ICFRC provides a unique opportunity for understanding global affairs. Developing a global mindset requires knowledge and skills. ICFRC programs open the Iowa City community to the world in broad and specific (local) terms. Moving from Nigeria to the US more than two decades ago has provided me with unique learning experiences, but ICFRC gives me a depth I have always yearned for. The dynamic nature of global issues requires that communities are aware of those changes and their implications, and ICFRC provides the awareness in a community-based, engaging effort."
DIMY DORESCA
VICE-PRESIDENT
Dimy is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), an International Business Specialist and Consultant, and a member on the Iowa District Export Council Department of Commerce. He is the Director of the Institute for International Business, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa. In the last 15 years, his professional experience includes international market research, doing business overseas, risk analysis, strategic planning, budgeting, financial management, business development and operations, contracts administration and negotiations, claim analysis, and international banking.
During his career, Doresca has set many international offices, worked with local suppliers, recruited local representatives, negotiated contracts and terms of payment, and dealt with foreign banks, insurance companies, and foreign government officials in many countries in the Middle East and Asia. Doresca earned a BA in international business from Augustana College (Illinois) and an MS in international affairs from Georgetown University.
SANDRA MORROW
SECRETARY
Sandra was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States with her family when she was ten years old. After completing her undergraduate degree, she attended the University of Iowa College of Law and obtained a Juris Doctorate in 2005. After a number of years in private practice, Sandra joined the Trust Department at MidWestOne Bank in Iowa City in 2013. She became a member of ICFRC in 2013 and over time expanded her involvement and support of the organization first as a member of the program committee and then later as a board member. In addition to the ICFRC, Sandra has also been a long time supporter of the Iowa Women’s Foundation.
"Being Hispanic and having moved to the United States at a young enough age that was able to easily adapt, but yet not so young that I do not remember a life in my native country, the ICFRC provided me with a wonderful forum for keeping connected with issues and happenings from the wider world."
THAIS WINKLEBLACK
TREASURER
Thais is Senior Vice President & Trust Department Manager with MidWestOne Bank, where she has worked for twenty-five years advising individuals and families on their banking and investment needs. Working for a regional community bank has allowed her to be active in many wonderful organizations over the years, but the first and longest-held board position she has held was with the ICFRC. One of her long-time mentors, Dick Summerwill, was CEO of MidWestOne Bank and one of the founders of the ICFRC. She finds the work that the ICFRC does continues to be compelling, especially as the organization has changed with technology and the role it can play in facilitating a robust dialogue on global issues right here in Iowa.
"I love being in the outdoors, walking my dogs, photographing birds and the Iowa landscape, and enjoying time with family and friends. I enjoy international travel for fun as well as for volunteer work, and I have gone on 5+ trips with the Iowa Miles of Smiles Team to Huehuetenango, Guatemala. I am a proud Rotarian and an avid volunteer. Two of my beloved volunteer organizations are 5224GOOD (a learning and giving circle in Johnson County) and the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council."
RICHARD DOBYNS
Dr. Richard Dobyns is a Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Iowa, with a longstanding commitment to public health, medical education, and global collaboration. His work in family medicine, geriatrics, and palliative care reflects a deep dedication to compassionate, community-centered healthcare.
With a background that includes international teaching and cross-cultural medical exchange, Rick brings a valuable perspective to ICFRC’s mission. His interest in global health systems and his efforts to foster dialogue across borders are in strong alignment with the Council’s goals. We’re delighted to welcome him to the board.
EUNJUNG KIM
Dr. EunJung Kim is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa. She taught social studies in South Korea and the US for 20 years before working at the higher education institution where she teaches social studies to preservice teachers.
She supports ICFRC because it is a unique and valuable space where community members can come together to raise global competence, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen the civic engagement of Iowa City through informed and respectful conversations.
KATHARINE LASANSKY
Katharine has spent her career working in nonprofits, and currently serves as Director of Development for the University of Iowa. In this role she works closely with International Programs and University of Iowa alumni living abroad. Having graduated from the University of Iowa with undergraduate degrees in international studies and nonprofit management, and a master’s in business administration, she has always been passionate about bringing global perspective and dialogue to local issues. Katharine is also a member of the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club and is deeply committed to the visual arts in Iowa.
"I am deeply committed to the idea of peace through understanding and the importance of exchange of ideas in a diverse space. The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council has done such good work to create a safe environment for this critical dialogue."
MARVIN OJOH
Marvin Ojoh is the Managing Partner at Delta Equity Capital, where he focuses on strategic investments that support sustainable growth and long-term value. With a background in finance and technology, Marvin brings a dynamic approach to innovation and equity, informed by experience across sectors including asset management and financial analysis.
A strong advocate for financial empowerment and inclusive economic development, Marvin is committed to helping communities thrive through thoughtful investment and collaboration. His global perspective and entrepreneurial energy make him a valuable addition to the ICFRC board.
TED POWERS
Ted Powers is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Iowa, where his research and teaching center on the intersection of health, politics, and social inequality. With a focus on post-apartheid South Africa, Ted brings a global perspective to urgent questions of public health, governance, and community resilience. His work draws from medical anthropology, political economy, and African studies to explore how people navigate systems of care and power.
Ted’s commitment to international understanding and equity aligns closely with ICFRC’s mission. Through his academic and public scholarship, he emphasizes the importance of dialogue across cultures and disciplines.
CHRISTINE SHEA
Christine is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa and has an appointment in the Departments of Spanish and Portuguese and Linguistics. She grew up in Toronto, Canada. Christine received her BA in Political Science from McGill University in Montreal. Following that, she earned her Bachelor of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages. She then left for Santiago, Chile, and lived there for two years, working as an English teacher and when not teaching, traveling around South America. Christine then moved to Mexico City where she completed her MA in Applied Linguistics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). After four years in Mexico, Christine moved to Calgary, Alberta to do her PhD in Linguistics. After graduating, Christine moved to Iowa City and has lived here and worked at the UI since 2010. Christine’s research focuses on issues related to bilingualism, education, and identity, and she is involved in outreach and engagement projects related to language and language justice.
“The ICFRC focuses Iowans outward and reminds us that we occupy a very small part of a much larger world. Through my work, I seek ways to make sure we remain open and outward-focused. The activities and goals of ICFRC align perfectly with what I value and what to achieve.”
DANIEL VORWERK
Daniel is the assistant director of events and stewardship, for International Programs at the University of Iowa, where he oversees event services and donor stewardship for the unit. In college, he developed an interest in the international community while on several trips to Jamaica to serve on mission's teams at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf. The relationships he built in Jamaica surrounding the work of the CCCD and their social enterprise, Deaf Can! Coffee, is what drives Daniel to connect Iowa with the world. He received a BA in communications: public relations with a minor in marketing, and a MA in postsecondary education: student affairs, from the University of Northern Iowa.
"I believe our community is stronger and better able to tackle local issues when we have an understanding of what's going on in our state, nation, and around the world. ICFRC's commitment to fostering global understanding and collaboration in our local community is driving that discussion in the Greater Iowa City area."
