OUR TEAM
PETER GERLACH, PHD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Peter Gerlach was named executive director of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) in January 2023 after serving on the board of directors for two and a half years. He is a globally connected leader with extensive international education and cultural exchange experience. Prior to joining the ICFRC, Peter held many roles with international, global, and multicultural focuses. Among others, he served as Coe College’s director of international affairs and with the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program (IWP). In the former, he led support for international students as well as a campuswide internationalization agenda. In the latter, directed the Summer Institute, a creative writing program for college aged students from Pakistan, India, and the US.
Peter is passionate about his community and service. He has served on multiple boards in Iowa City, including the Refugee and Immigration Association, the Refugee Alliance of Johnson County, and Global Ties Iowa. He has regularly given public presentations about the lived experiences of globally mobile people, particularly refugees and immigrants. He was a volunteer with AmeriCorps NCCC in the Northeast US as well as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Darkhan, Mongolia, and holds a BS in English from Ripon College, an MA in English (Shakespeare studies) from the University of Northern Colorado, and a PhD from Syracuse University in Cultural Foundations of Education (international education).
As ICFRC’s executive director, Peter is dedicated to promoting and implementing excellent internationally focused programs and events that both meet the global moment and create positive local impact, strengthening the organization’s role as a civil society nonprofit founded in 1983. Under his leadership, ICFRC rejoined the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) in 2024.
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 34 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.
ANTONY CARDENAS
Antony's Portfolio
Antony Cardenas is a student at the University of Iowa, majoring in Political Science and Journalism. A first-generation college student and the son of Mexican immigrants, he is committed to sharing more about his culture and the experiences of his community while also learning from other minority communities and cultures across the United States and around the world. Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Antony sees his hometown as a starting point that has fueled his curiosity and deepened his drive to keep learning. He is especially motivated to support people who are made to feel less, and he believes being part of a movement like the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council will help him do that work with greater purpose and impact.
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
