Executive Director
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KATHRYN WITTNEBEN
Kathryn has recently returned to the Iowa City area after serving as Vice President of Advancement at the University of the West of Scotland near Glasgow, Scotland, for nearly four years. Previously she was Director of Development at the College of Public Health, University of Iowa Center for Advancement. She has taught International Politics and Economics at the University of Umea in Sweden, Washington State University and George Washington University in the U.S. She has worked as a Senior Economist on international economic and trade issues for two Congressional Committees (Banking, Small Business) in the U.S. House of Representatives; led an international policy institute at Middlebury College; and helped to develop two grantmaking foundations -- Eurasia Foundation which supported economic reform and democratization projects in the former Soviet Union, and The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund (U.S.) which addressed challenges facing marginalized youth. Kathryn spent most of the 1990s working on economic reform and private sector development projects in the former Soviet Union and has addressed the Parliament of Ukraine and the CSCE on these issues.
Kathryn has a B.G.S. degree with majors in Political Science and Economics from The University of Iowa; and a M.A. in International Studies with concentrations in International Relations, International Law & Organization, and Economic Development, from The American University. She received the Scottish Women's Award for Services to Education in 2018. |
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During this time of immense changes, Kathryn states, “I’m excited to work closely with ICFRC’s outstanding board, student interns, university and community partners to expand people’s knowledge and understanding of international issues, especially regarding the U.S. role in the world and the impact on Iowa. I greatly enjoy mentoring and working with young people and would like them to have the kinds of opportunities I have had to get more involved in international affairs. ICFRC provides a wonderful way to do this in our community and I’m looking forward to connecting, engaging, and collaborating with all of you.”
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Our Interns
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Intern: Kate Malkusak
Major: International Studies Hi, my name is Kate, and I am a third year at the University of Iowa! I'm an Iowa City native and am International Studies (with a Development focus), Spanish, and a minor in Arabic. I have always had a passion for learning new languages and cultures- French is next to learn on my list. During my senior year of high school, I was fortunate enough to be an exchange student in Spain where I lived for a year with a host family. This experience allowed me to learn Spanish and travel all over Europe- who wouldn't love international studies after that?
Being with other people who share a passion for global connections and learning new cultures really drew me towards this Internship with the ICFRC. I look forward to learning from each other and gaining even more perspective during my time here at Iowa and with the ICFRC. |
Countries I have visited:
Australia, St. Lucia, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. I have always wanted to visit Manchu Pichu in Peru with my sisters! Besides traveling, I also love to bake and go camping in the summer.
Australia, St. Lucia, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. I have always wanted to visit Manchu Pichu in Peru with my sisters! Besides traveling, I also love to bake and go camping in the summer.
Intern: Madison Black
Major: Political Science, Ethics and Public Policy
Hi, my name is Madison and I’m a senior studying Political Science and Ethics and Public Policy, with a minor in Spanish. I’m originally from Eldon, a small town in southeastern Iowa. After my time as an undergraduate I plan on studying immigration law, likely at Iowa Law. Eventually, I hope to practice immigration law for a nonprofit. Here at ICFRC I am currently in charge of creating our newsletter. In addition to interning with ICFRC I am involved with quite a few other organizations at the University. I am a member of University Honors, I write fact-checks for PolitiFact Iowa, I compete with Iowa Quiz Bowl, and I am a member of the Roosevelt Network’s University of Iowa chapter. I also work at the Sciences Library on campus. In my free time, I enjoy baking new creations, playing Animal Crossing, and cuddling with my cat, Bongo.
Major: Political Science, Ethics and Public Policy
Hi, my name is Madison and I’m a senior studying Political Science and Ethics and Public Policy, with a minor in Spanish. I’m originally from Eldon, a small town in southeastern Iowa. After my time as an undergraduate I plan on studying immigration law, likely at Iowa Law. Eventually, I hope to practice immigration law for a nonprofit. Here at ICFRC I am currently in charge of creating our newsletter. In addition to interning with ICFRC I am involved with quite a few other organizations at the University. I am a member of University Honors, I write fact-checks for PolitiFact Iowa, I compete with Iowa Quiz Bowl, and I am a member of the Roosevelt Network’s University of Iowa chapter. I also work at the Sciences Library on campus. In my free time, I enjoy baking new creations, playing Animal Crossing, and cuddling with my cat, Bongo.
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Intern: Amna Haider
Major: Philosophy and International Relations Hello! My name is Amna Haider and I am a senior at the University of Iowa, originally from Omaha, Nebraska. I currently am double-majoring in Philosophy and International Relations, while pursuing a Human Rights Certificate. As you can see, my interests seem to intersect philosophy, law and human rights, and international politics. Through these interests, I seek to work with others to advocate for international peace, security, and justice for all, while also exposing my community to global conflicts and issues. ICFRC is evidently the perfect medium to do so! Having travelled to the opposite side of the world to visit family in Iraq, I am determined to seek out more international experiences throughout my college years and post-graduate plans. Not to mention—more travels means more chances to sharpen my Arabic and French!
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Simply put, I enjoy learning about different cultures and peoples around the world. I understand that international conflict and cultural clashes most certainly exist, and I hope to one day do SOME small part in mediating such conflicts and fostering positive relationships between state actors, non-state actors your average citizens of the world through institution-building. In the meantime, besides interning at ICFRC, I am involved on campus through being a Resident Assistant, a member of the University Lecture Committee, an Honors Writing Fellow, the Vice President of the Walk-it-Out Multicultural Fashion Show, and the founder/President of a new peace activism student organization called Peace by Peace. With the little time I have, I like to take walks, soak in the sun, catch up on world affairs, watch movies, and attend public lectures on campus!
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Intern: Shannon O'Brien
Major: International Studies Hi, my name is Shannon, and I am a junior at the University of Iowa studying International Studies, with a focus in international business, Spanish, and a pre-law student. I want to see change in the world and advocate for those who feel lost without a voice after obtaining a law degree.
Traveling and learning languages has always been a passion of mine. If I had the ability to travel every day of my life, I would. I grew up in Chicago and in high school I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in Spain. This experience revealed my desire for traveling and adventure, embracing other cultures, and utilizing my ability to speak various languages. This organization emphasizes the benefits on global connections and that is why I was automatically interested in getting involved. When I learned about this internship, I was ecstatic that there was such an evident place existing that encompassed people with ideas and desires like my own. I want to foster positive relationships globally and help educate people on conflicts that are often misunderstood. I look forward to all that I will learn from this organization and am excited to apply its concepts in areas of my own life. |
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Intern: Ryann Hubbart
Majors: Economics and International Relations Hi, my name is Ryann. I’m a junior from Clinton, Iowa. At the University of Iowa I am studying economics with a policy focus and international relations with a focus in international business and economic relations, as well as a minor in Arabic. My connection with ICFRC began in high school. On a couple occasions during my junior and senior years I skipped school to come visit my sister, currently in her senior year at UI, and attend ICFRC lectures! I remember feeling my eyes being opened to new topics and opportunities. Those fascinating lectures, as well as conversations with my tablemates, helped lead me to my current passions. I’m honored to get the opportunity to do the same for other students, now as an intern with ICFRC. So far I’ve had the chance to visit Rome and London on trips with my sister, and will hopefully get to explore more of the world in the near future! In my free time I like to play piano, cross country ski, and bake.
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Intern: Holly Harris
Major: International Studies Hello, my name is Holly Harris, and I am from Waterloo, Iowa. I am a senior obtaining an International Studies B.A. with a focus in International Communication, a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy, and two minors in Portuguese and Spanish. My passion for international affairs sparked the year after I graduated from high school when I had the opportunity to live in Brazil for a year as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Currently, I research Brazilian Culture and Carnival with a UI Professor for the Iowa Center of Research by Undergraduates (ICRU) and partake in the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Virtual Program for Portuguese. Additionally, I am a program coordinator for the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC) and of course, an intern at ICFRC as a Communications Coordinator. These experiences have cultivated my interest in diverse cultures, foreign languages, and creating international connections.
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Looking ahead, I hope to apply for the Fulbright Program ETA to Brazil, work at the State Department, or become involved with an NGO that's focused on international development. Ultimately, I want to pursue an international career facilitating global connections worldwide in order to foster mutual understanding across borders. In the meantime, you can find me working behind an espresso machine at a local coffee shop, or outside enjoying the Iowa weather (whatever season it decides to be that day)!
Intern: Alexis Marti
Major: Marketing
Hi, my name is Alexis. I am a third-year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a marketing degree, political risk analysis certificate, and a political science minor. I grew up in a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, but I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel throughout the United States and internationally with my family. These travels have cultivated a passion for international issues and a desire to continue learning about new cultures around the globe. Looking towards the future, I am planning on studying abroad and cannot wait to be surrounded by new cultures, languages, and experiences again. Apart from my studies, I am involved in Tippie Students for Service, Net Impact, and am employed through University Catering. I am enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and excited to work with this group of people.
Major: Marketing
Hi, my name is Alexis. I am a third-year student at the University of Iowa pursuing a marketing degree, political risk analysis certificate, and a political science minor. I grew up in a small town in the suburbs of Chicago, but I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel throughout the United States and internationally with my family. These travels have cultivated a passion for international issues and a desire to continue learning about new cultures around the globe. Looking towards the future, I am planning on studying abroad and cannot wait to be surrounded by new cultures, languages, and experiences again. Apart from my studies, I am involved in Tippie Students for Service, Net Impact, and am employed through University Catering. I am enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and excited to work with this group of people.
Intern: Ding Xu
Major: Political Science
Hi, my name is Ding Xu, and I am a senior at the University of Iowa studying Political Science with a political risk analysis certificate, focusing on comparative politics and how different backgrounds influence people’s political behavior. I have always been curious about the world and things outside my daily routine. I’ve been to more than 30 states, several Asian countries and Canada. A fun fact about myself is that instead of planning my trip, I prefer to walk or drive around ordinary streets or walk into a grocery store instead of visiting Tourist Attractions to feel a region.
Iowa City is a very diverse city. Outside the UI campus, there are many immigrants from different cultural backgrounds and local people that are interested in international relations. I like the funding idea of ICFRC of connecting local communities to the university and visiting scholars. I am grateful to work with ICFRC, and I look forward to learning from the speakers and people passionate about international relations.
Major: Political Science
Hi, my name is Ding Xu, and I am a senior at the University of Iowa studying Political Science with a political risk analysis certificate, focusing on comparative politics and how different backgrounds influence people’s political behavior. I have always been curious about the world and things outside my daily routine. I’ve been to more than 30 states, several Asian countries and Canada. A fun fact about myself is that instead of planning my trip, I prefer to walk or drive around ordinary streets or walk into a grocery store instead of visiting Tourist Attractions to feel a region.
Iowa City is a very diverse city. Outside the UI campus, there are many immigrants from different cultural backgrounds and local people that are interested in international relations. I like the funding idea of ICFRC of connecting local communities to the university and visiting scholars. I am grateful to work with ICFRC, and I look forward to learning from the speakers and people passionate about international relations.
Interested in getting involved? Contact icfrc@icfrc.org to learn more
PAST EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Interim Executive Co-Director: Megan Phillips
Megan served as Interim Co-Director for nearly near two years. She graduated in May 2019 from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in French. Her interest in international cultures and languages led to several incredible experiences abroad, including semesters abroad in Lyon and Paris, France, and an internship in the Political/Economic section of the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia. She will start a graduate program in International Relations at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2021.
Megan served as Interim Co-Director for nearly near two years. She graduated in May 2019 from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in French. Her interest in international cultures and languages led to several incredible experiences abroad, including semesters abroad in Lyon and Paris, France, and an internship in the Political/Economic section of the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia. She will start a graduate program in International Relations at SAIS, Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2021.
Interim Executive Co-Director: Alexandra Hernandez-Pardo
Alexandra served as Interim Co-Director for nearly two years. She graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2019 with a double major in International Relations and French, with a focus in Arabic. Her interest in international cultures and affairs began in her youth, when she spent her childhood speaking Spanish at home and moving between San Francisco, Paris, and Granada. In college she had the opportunity to study abroad twice, once in Fez, Morocco to learn Arabic and once in Lyon, France, where she studied French. She also worked as an Assistant in the Consular Department, Front Office, and Cultural Heritage Section at the US Embassy in Paris. On campus, Alex worked with student organizations to raise advocacy and funds for international issues like childhood vaccines in developing countries and populations affected by the global water crisis. After graduation, she began working as an intern with the UI Center for Advancement, where she connected the University with partners in corporations and foundations. She works for the UI Center for Advancement in Corporate Engagement.
Alexandra served as Interim Co-Director for nearly two years. She graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2019 with a double major in International Relations and French, with a focus in Arabic. Her interest in international cultures and affairs began in her youth, when she spent her childhood speaking Spanish at home and moving between San Francisco, Paris, and Granada. In college she had the opportunity to study abroad twice, once in Fez, Morocco to learn Arabic and once in Lyon, France, where she studied French. She also worked as an Assistant in the Consular Department, Front Office, and Cultural Heritage Section at the US Embassy in Paris. On campus, Alex worked with student organizations to raise advocacy and funds for international issues like childhood vaccines in developing countries and populations affected by the global water crisis. After graduation, she began working as an intern with the UI Center for Advancement, where she connected the University with partners in corporations and foundations. She works for the UI Center for Advancement in Corporate Engagement.
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Executive Director: Ed Zastrow
ICFRC was deeply saddened by the death of our beloved friend and Executive Director Ed Zastrow on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Ed was the Executive Director at ICFRC since 2012, managing a team of enthusiastic student interns and creating speaker programs on global issues for the Iowa City community. Before that he was the Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa for sixteen years. Prior to RMHC, Ed was the owner/operator of Bushnell’s Turtle Restaurant and Catering for eighteen years and also restored the College Block Building in Iowa City. Following graduation from the University of Iowa, Ed worked for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as an epidemiologist and administrator in Chicago and Springfield, IL for six years. His volunteer work included service as President for twelve local, regional and state social service, library, hospital and foundation boards. He enjoyed a lifelong hobby of travel, including destinations of Japan, Mexico, Colombia, the Caribbean, Denmark and Sweden. Ed was beloved by his interns and the ICFRC community, and he is greatly missed.
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