OUR TEAM
Peter is our executive director and received his BA and MA in English from Ripon College and the University of Northern Colorado. After serving in the US Peace Corps in Mongolia, he earned a PhD in Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University. With a passion for international programming and issues born from living in diverse communities abroad, Peter has dedicated most of his professional career to advancing awareness, education, and understanding of global topics and cultures as an educator and advocate.
PETER GERLACH, PHD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JAMES DYKEMAN
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS
James is passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations, emphasizing strategic communications, community outreach, and partnership development. His previous work with nonprofits focused on serving homeless and at-risk populations, raising awareness of international issues, and immigrant and refugee advocacy. James is also the Executive Director for the Center for Understanding in Conflict and graduated with highest distinction from the University of Iowa with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy. Having traveled to 32 countries worldwide (and counting!), James is dedicated to uplifting international voices and helping foster an inclusive outlook, advocating that we are all part of an interconnected, global community.
2026 INTERNS
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Joe Kingsbury is a Senior at the University of Iowa pursuing a degree in International Studies and a minor in Italian. He has a strong passion for learning about new cultures, languages, and the world and enjoys volunteering within the community and looks forward to creating a space welcome for all. Joe is very excited to work with ICFRC, and is eager to help inform, discuss, and learn alongside our diverse and open-minded community.
JOE KINGSBURY
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NHELIA ALEMO
Nhelia Alemo is a rising junior at the University of Iowa studying Political Science with a minor in Political Risk Analysis. As a Congolese-American immigrant, she is actively engaged in foreign affairs and strives to teach others and herself about pressing issues around the world. Living in North Liberty, Iowa, she has seen her community and other immigrants struggle to navigate life in America. With that, she hopes to make their voices heard through ICFRC. In her free time, Nhelia enjoys debate, reading, listening to music, and trying cultural foods. Her love for knowledge has led her to ICFRC to expand her worldview.
2025-26 INTERNS
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SOFY SABOGAL
Sofia is a student at the University of Iowa, studying Ethics and Public Policy as well as English and Creative Writing. As a Colombian American, Sofia is excited to involve herself in a diverse community within the ICFRC. She lives in Mexico City, and has experience in developing projects focused on activism through art. Her love for theatre and passion for community building have guided her efforts when collaborating with others and planning events. She looks forward to working with the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council to encourage interconnectedness and global perspectives.
Joe Kingsbury is a Senior at the University of Iowa pursuing a degree in International Studies and a minor in Italian. He has a strong passion for learning about new cultures, languages, and the world and enjoys volunteering within the community and looks forward to creating a space welcome for all. Joe is very excited to work with ICFRC, and is eager to help inform, discuss, and learn alongside our diverse and open-minded community.
JOE KINGSBURY
2024-25 INTERNS
SOFIA MANZANO
Sofia Manzano is a Senior at the University of Iowa pursuing Spanish and International Studies degrees. With a strong interest in fostering cross-cultural understanding and global awareness, she is passionate about community building and creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Her dedication to understanding global issues and promoting international dialogue has guided her commitment to serving her community, especially the vibrant immigrant community in Iowa. She is excited to be part of the ICFRC team and looks forward to contributing to the organization's efforts to create informed and engaged communities.
PRATIBHA KHATRI
Khatri Pratibha is a senior at the University of Iowa pursuing degrees in international relations and international studies and minors in political science and public policy with a human rights certificate. She has always had a passion for working with non-profits and being able to make an impact on the community. This past spring, Khatri worked with a non-profit to advocate for wrongfully detained scholars abroad and plans to be able to make a global impact locally after graduation. She is excited to work with ICFRC to engage with international issues and have the opportunity to learn more about global voices and perspectives.
Alex Cuevas is a senior at the University of Iowa pursuing a degree in social studies education. As a future educator, he has a passion for learning about international issues and making a positive impact on the community. Alex is dedicated to supporting and assisting diversity initiatives and promoting cultural competency and awareness throughout his work with the ICFRC and beyond.
ALEX CUEVAS
Volunteer
