PETER GERLACH, PhD
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Peter is our executive director and a lecturer in the International Studies Program at the University of Iowa. He 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. |
James Dykeman
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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 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 30 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. |
Taylor maas
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Taylor is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Iowa majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics on the pre-law track. He served over five years in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division and deployed to numerous countries, including Iraq. His current position is the Veterans Fellow for Senator Chuck Grassley, providing constituent support and community outreach services for eastern Iowa’s veteran community.
Taylor is dedicated to developing equitable resolutions in conflict that involve disparities between participating actors and educating local communities on key international issues. |
RAAJVI SINGH
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Raajvi is a rising sophomore at Baruch College in New York City, pursuing a major in International Business with double minors in French and Marketing. Her drive to create meaningful change has led her to contribute her time and efforts to several non-profit organizations actively. Amid the pandemic, she worked to provide underprivileged children with access to basic education and supported over a thousand disadvantaged menstruators in rural India to obtain proper menstrual hygiene products.
With her determination and commitment, Raajvi aspires to shape a more inclusive, interconnected world actively. Through her internship with the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, she aims to expand her horizons, develop meaningful connections, and promote global awareness and cross-cultural understanding. |
2023-24 Interns
Sofia Sabogal
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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. |
Sahithi shankaiahgari
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Sahithi is a senior and pre-law student at the University of Iowa pursuing degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication, and International Relations, as well as a Minor in Political Science and a Certificate in Non-profit Leadership and Philanthropy.
She will utilize her experience with the United Nations (UN), New York Times, and BBC to assist the ICFRC while furthering her diplomacy and humanitarian aid career. |
LEXI PASSNO
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Lexi is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa double majoring in Ethics and Public Policy and Political Science with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Justice.
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2022-23 Interns
KYRA LESTER
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I was interested in being an intern for the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council because our goals lie on very similar paths. I am a Business Analytics and Finance double major at the University of Iowa. In the future, I plan to work in the international business sector.
I am passionate about foreign relations, outreach, and community building through cultural exchange. Working with ICFRC provided an enriching opportunity and allowed me to strengthen my current social media and communications skills. The hours required for this internship meshed perfectly with my busy schedule, and the professional development opportunities helped me to better myself too. |
LEXI PASSNO
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Third-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa double majoring in Ethics and Public Policy and Political Science with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Justice.
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Natalie GUSTIN
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When I saw the opportunity to intern at the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, I knew I’d thrive there. As someone who grew up in a culturally mixed household, balancing my Midwestern American and my first-generation Vietnamese American side, the importance of creating a culturally competent world is deeply ingrained in my life.
Being an intern at ICFRC allowed me to promote diversity within Iowa City, improve cultural understandings and previously held beliefs about marginalized groups, aid refugees and migrants in the transition to our community, and increase my knowledge of global issues and their impact on all of us, as well as gaining valuable skills in community outreach and leadership. Now, more than ever, in an increasingly conflicted world, we need to educate others about the issues affecting those around us and help out our fellow community members. |
