Partners connects people and institutions across and within the Americas to create lasting solutions to the hemisphere’s toughest challenges through its Chapters, development projects, and exchange programs.
Explore our map below to learn about Partners’ current Chapters and programs by country.
Regions
United States
Chapters
- Alabama Chapter
Overview
The Alabama Chapter is currently engaged in various projects. Their most extensive service project is the Children's Christmas Shoe Box program. In 2011, the Chapter sent over 700 boxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene products for distribution to impoverished children in Guatemala. They have also hosted exchanges and have plans to initiate a dental program in the near future. Additionally, the Chapter is actively working on recruiting new members.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Alabama.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Elizabeth Willingham Contact Treasurer Emylic A. Brown Contact Secretary Patricia Crump Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Arkansas Chapter
Overview
The Arkansas Chapter of the Arkansas-East Bolivia Partnership started in 1965 and has sponsored numerous exchanges over the years that have been based on professional expertise and volunteer enthusiasm in the areas of agriculture, culture and the arts, education, health, democratic initiatives, domestic violence, institutional alliances, and volunteerism. The area that had the most exchanges was agriculture (Farmer-to-Farmer) which included projects centered on horticulture---crop production through the use of herbicides for weed control, and insecticides for pest control; increasing dairy production, including the control of brucellosis; the prevention of soil erosion and the decrease in deforestation; and the increase of swine production.
The area of culture included a project focused on the use of masks and puppets in art therapy; the visit of a Bolivian artist who left a painting that is now housed at the Children’s Hospital in Little Rock; the teaching of the Suzuki method for playing violins; and the playing by the University of Arkansas’ orchestra of an original composition written by a visiting Bolivian musician.
In education, in addition to exchanges at all levels from elementary to higher education, there have been four teacher-in-resident exchanges: three English as a Foreign Language from the Centro Boliviano Americano(CBA) and one from Arkansas to the CBA. A professor of American literature is currently involved in providing some workshops/seminars to CBA faculty members.
Activities in the health area have included the establishment of a dental clinic in Santa Cruz, the observance by a gynecologist of techniques for administering and evaluating mammograms, and the observation of surgery and treatment of women with cervical cancer along with the development of a plan by the Santa Cruz and Arkansas Partners for Pap smear screening of women of low and moderate incomes.
Several exchanges in democratic initiatives provided opportunities for the observance of the ways by which democracy is promoted in the U. S., with special attention to the roles of student councils, projects like Kids Voting Arkansas, and efforts to get more women to seek public offices at all levels (local, state, and national). A domestic violence project provided information not only to educational professionals, but also to organizations and others who work with adults and children experiencing domestic violence both in Santa Cruz and in the Beni. An institutional alliance, an initiative involving the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, resulted in the reduction of fees for students from all over Bolivia which has enabled numerous students to graduate with degrees at all levels (bachelor, master, and doctoral) over the last twelve years.
Over the more recent years, a lot of attention has focused on youth engagement programs. Groups of Youth Ambassadors have been hosted five times , and one U.S. Youth Ambassador along with one chaperon went to Ecuador. Educational exchanges have gotten underway in the area of journalism, with special emphasis on photojournalism and television production.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Arkansas.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Sharon Garratt Contact Vice-President Margaret Clark Contact Treasurer John Ball Contact Secretary Lorraine Duso Kitts Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Colorado Chapter
Overview
The Colorado Chapter has a history of Education and Cultural exchanges, including dance, guitar, teachers of English, and youth programs with the Iracambi Rainforest Research Center. Colorado's goals include expanding all of these activities while strengthening efforts to use athletics for developing social skills.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Colorado.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Nicolás Arízaga, M.A. Contact Vice-President Stephen Burke, M.A. Contact Treasurer Dr. Abi Paytoe Gbayee, Ph.D., M.A. Contact Secretary Ashley Garhart, M.A. Contact Board Member Dr. Karen Barton, Ph.D., M.A. Contact Board Member Debi Gilliam, M.Ed. Contact Board Member Dr. Tom Griggs, Ph.D., M.A., M.Ed. Contact Board Member Dorly Piske, M.A., M.S. Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - District of Columbia Chapter
Overview
The District of Columbia Chapter started its activities in 1968. The Chapter's key priorities are community service, NGO/government relations, connecting educators and youth, and advocacy.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.DistrictofColumbia.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Donald Reichley Contact Vice-President Maricy T. Schmitz Contact Treasurer James A. Catto Contact Secretary Marcia C. Loureiro Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Florida Chapter
Overview
The Florida-Colombia Chapter was born in 1963 as the “Florida-Colombia Alliance”, but shortly thereafter absorbed into Partners of the Americas when POA was created in 1964. Thus the Florida-Colombia Chapter enjoys being the most senior of all Chapters in the Partners family. It started as the result of a goodwill meeting between the Florida Secretary of State and the President of Colombia, an initiative sponsored by the Organization of American States with the purpose of stimulating economic assistance and social and cultural understanding. Over the years, the “headquarters” of the Chapter has been located at Stetson University in DeLand, where most regular meetings are held.
From the beginning, this people-to-people endeavor has sustained a key relationship with a counterpart Chapter, the Colombia/Florida Chapter for Central and Eastern Colombia in Bogota. A few years ago, a parallel relationship was established with a new Chapter created in Barranquilla at the university of UNINORTE.
Our mission is epitomized in the following observation made in 1996 by founding member and first President of the Chapter, Dr. Jerome Keuper: “For thirty-three years, the Florida-Colombia Partners…has utilized, brightened and solidified people-to-people relations between Florida and Colombia with hundreds of devoted volunteers exchanging training, know-how, assistance and achievements in many areas of life and human endeavor.”
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Florida.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director & Treasurer Patricia Galbreath Contact President Harold Silva Contact Vice-President Paul Hunt Contact Secretary Jorge Fabian Gonzalez Ruiz Contact Regional Coordinator Sue Mahan Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)About Partners
- Georgia Chapter
Overview
The original founders on both sides represented government, business, and academia. Between 1972-1983 eleven trips with plane loads of citizens each way, matched families by occupational themes, led to lasting friendships, many of which continue to this day. Although this thread of family and vocational counterparts continues, delegations of administrators, legislators, judges, seminars by business and health professionals in rehabilitation and medicine led to more partnership activities. Most have become self-sustaining, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation (since 1978), business (since 1985), medicine (Pediatric Society exchange), teachers exchange, sports teams, violence prevention. University linkage in Agriculture remains strong since 1969. Several Georgians were Kellogg Fellows.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Georgia.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Harry D. Hollingsworth Jr. Contact President Aletha R. Cherry Contact Vice President Michelle Dias Contact Treasurer Matthew Lee, Jr. Contact Secretary Caleb Cherry Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Illinois Chapter
Overview
The Illinois Chapter is a nonprofit organization that connects Brazil and US through cultural projects.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Illinois.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Miguel Olivo Contact Vice-President Marisa Woehlert Contact Treasurer Nan Bjork Sullivan Contact Secretary Margaret Rohter Contact MOSTRA Chair Ariani Friedl Contact Board Member Alex de Miranda Silva Contact Board Member Jose Jaquinto Contact Board Member Patricia Peixoto Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Indiana Chapter
Overview
The Indiana Chapter fosters exchanges of professional expertise, community and youth leadership, economic development, cultural engagement, and social assistance. The Chapter connects collaborators, counsels project development, provides orientations and itineraries, facilitates and hosts project visitors, creates project synergies, changes lives.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Indiana.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Krista Ricci Contact Vice President for Programming John Taylor Contact Vice President for Resource Development Moacir H. Feldenheimer da Silva Contact Vice President for Cultural Outreach Committee Eduardo Alessandri Contact Vice President for Membership Sallie Fahey Contact Treasurer Daniel Mohr Contact Secretary James Ammeen Contact Chair, Governance Rebecca Rice Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Iowa Chapter
Overview
Since 1965, Iowa and Yucatan have sponsored exchanges between the two states.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Iowa.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Jeff Wilson Contact Vice-President Ruth Waite Treasurer William Edwards Contact Secretary Judy Fitzgibbons Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Kansas Chapter
Overview
Kansas Paraguay Partners and its Paraguayan counterpart, the Comité Paraguay Kansas, is an international volunteer organization promoting people-to-people exchanges between Paraguayans and Kansans.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Kansas.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Sonia Cox Contact Vice-President Melissa Birch Contact Treasurer Paul W. Zagorski Contact Secretary Ann Burger Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Kentucky Chapter
Overview
Kentucky-Ecuador Partners has been involved in various projects in the Oriente region of Ecuador, including supporting indigenous communities in preserving traditional ceramics, documenting craft traditions, and providing essential supplies. Additionally, they focus on agriculture, cultural exchange, education, and dental health initiatives in both Ecuador and Kentucky, achieving significant improvements in oral health and other areas.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Kentucky.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Rankin D. Skinner Contact Secretary Coleen Quinn Contact Fundraising Chair Margaret (Peggy) McAllister Contact Communications Chair Austin Cantor Contact Membership Development Chair Susan Cantor Contact Culture Chair Jim Johnson Contact Director at Large David Whiteman Contact Director at Large Kathy Whiteman Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Long Island, NY Chapter
Overview
The Long Island, NY Chapter has been based at Farmingdale State College since 1980. Its initial focus was agriculture; however, the activities are more focused on technologies and physical rehabilitation, as well as youth and sports through the A Ganar Project.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.LongIslandNY.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Patricia H. Williams Contact President Reynolds Hawkins Contact Vice-President Andrea Thomas Contact Treasurer Dorothy "Dee" Laffin Contact Secretary Odelphia Pierre Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Maine Chapter
Overview
The states of Maine and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, have enjoyed a partnership since 1967. Through a wide-ranging number of cooperative projects over a period of 45 years, citizens in both states have gained knowledge and appreciation of each state’s history, culture and language. Cooperative projects aimed at improving the lives of people and their communities range from immediate hands-on assistance such as the construction of wells in drought conditions or materials for a Casa do Maine, to meeting basic development needs such as education and cultural exchanges provided by volunteers with technical and professional expertise. The Chapter’s current focus is two-fold: cultural exchanges in the form of visiting visual artists and the exhibition and publication of their works; promoting social justice through a multi-phased domestic violence project aimed at the prevention, protection and treatment of victims.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Maine.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Antonio Rocha Contact Vice-President Faye E. Luppi Contact Treasurer Barbara Trentacosta Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Maryland Chapter
Overview
Maryland Partners of the Americas was founded January 27, 1965 as Maryland Partners of the Alliance, a chapter of Partners of the Alliance (now Partners of the Americas) that was established in 1964. Partners of the Alliance grew from President Kennedy’s Alliance of Progress initiative of 1961.
Maryland Partners of the Alliance was renamed Maryland Partners of the Americas March 13, 1992. It works in partnership with Rio Partners of the Americas.
The Maryland-Rio de Janeiro Partnership is made up of citizens working together as volunteers to improve the lives of people in the states of Maryland (USA) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). One long-running project is a university student exchange program between the University of Maryland and Universidade Federal Fluminense and Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Every other year about 10 students and one or two professors travel to Maryland for a 2-week summer program focused on ecology and natural resources management. In the intervening years, a like group from Maryland travels to Rio. Students from both countries benefit greatly from the program. Another successful exchange program focuses on dance. For more information about Maryland-Rio Partners, please see our posted website.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Maryland.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Isabel Furches Contact Vice President for Administration Tal Shehata Contact Treasurer Peter May Contact Secretary Amy Burkett Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Minnesota Chapter
Overview
For more than 50 years, Minnesota-Uruguay Partners of the Americas has promoted friendship, cultural understanding and societal development in Uruguay and Minnesota. Women and men from all walks of life--artists, architects, business people, environmentalists, farmers, foresters, government officials, lawyers, teachers, veterinarians, students--are part of the Minnesota-Uruguay Partners family. Our recent work on reforming prison systems has been recognized internationally. A robust exchange of artists and educators is also underway, with scores of travelers going between Minnesota and Uruguay each year.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Minnesota.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* Interim President Roger Moon Contact Vice-President Gerard M. Lagos Contact Treasurer Roy Lyford-Pike Contact Secretary Kerry Meaghar Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Missouri Chapter
Overview
The Missouri Chapter members include students, business people, teachers and professionals, health professionals, engineers, farmers, home makers, retirees, people from many walks of life. They have memberships in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Rolla, Columbia, Jefferson City, and places in between. The Chapter's common interests are in Brazil, and in making the world a better place through international friendship and cooperation on a private, individual basis. The Chapter is an informal group working together to form strong and lasting friendships through their involvement in Partners.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Missouri.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Jenifer Pilz Coulibaly Contact President Dan L. Willett Contact Treasurer Nancy A. Price Contact Secretary Bill Capotosto Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Nebraska Chapter
Overview
The Nebraska Chapter's current focus is on exchanges with Mato Grosso do Sul related to biofuels. The project includes exchange of business leaders in the industry, researchers, and journalists. The Chapter is also planning exchanges in arts and culture and business development. Nebraska cooperates with the University of Nebraska Brazil programs that includes Science Without Borders students and research in Water for Food.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Nebraska.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Angela Hlava Contact Chapter Liaison Gary Heusel Contact Chapter Liaison Karl Reinhard Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - New Jersey Chapter
Overview
Every year for 40 years, New Jersey-Haiti Partners has been active. Few other organizations dealing with Haiti have similar longevity, and as a result, the Chapter has been able to make lasting impact on the lives of individuals as well as other organizations.
Leadership
Chapter Email: njhaitipartners@gmail.com
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Jeffrey J. Richter Contact President Laurene Experience Contact Vice-President Nadine Etienne Contact Development Chair Kareen Kircher Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - North Carolina Chapter
Overview
The North Carolina Chapter is partnered with the Cochabamba Bolivia Chapter. The Chapter has projects and exchanges in the areas of Education, Arts & Culture, Women & Families, Emergency Preparedness, Sports, Health & Medicine, Agriculture, and more.Leadership
Chapter Email: US.NorthCarolina.Chapter@partners.netPosition Name Contact Information* President Sallie Abbas Contact Vice President Martha Keravuori Contact Treasurer Judy M. Gibson Contact Membership Chair Aydee la Madrid Aleman Vasquez Contact Advisor L. George Wilson Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Oklahoma Chapter
Overview
The Oklahoma Chapter fosters exchanges of professional expertise, community and youth leadership, economic development, cultural engagement, and social assistance. The Chapter connects collaborators, counsel project development, provide orientations and itineraries, facilitate and host project visitors, create project synergies, change lives.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Oklahoma.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Mary Blankenship Pointer Contact Secretary/Treasurer Nancy Hyde Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Oregon Chapter
Overview
The Oregon Chapter is partnered with the Costa Rica Chapter and together they are dedicated to promoting support networks and sharing ideas, knowledge and cultural experiences. Current projects reflect the interests of the members. Members with ideas about how to support Costa Rica are encouraged to present their ideas to the board and to develop a committee to implement that project.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Oregon.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Lee C. Haroun Contact Vice-President Ann Robben Dott Contact Secretary Gabriella Maertens Contact Treasurer Sharon Hoffman Contact Director-at-Large Janet Coughlin Contact Director-at-Large Janice Dost Contact Director-at-Large Dan Green Contact Director-at-Large Don Ruff Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - PartnersCampus University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- Puerto Rico Chapter
Overview
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.PuertoRico.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Juan F. Arratia Contact Vice President Angel Arcelay Contact Treasurer Rafael Mendez Tejada Contact Secretary Britney Hopgood Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Rochester, NY Chapter
Overview
Rochester Partners was founded in 1981, the same year Antigua and Barbuda became an independent nation. This partnership has had many successful joint projects which have been mutually beneficial including: Beekeeping; Domestic Violence Prevention; Music, Theater, and Dance exchanges; The Pan Project, a collaborative venture between student musicians from Antigua and Rochester, NY; Aim for Abilities, a project to enhance the lives of people living with disabilities; Health Screenings; The Nurses Oncology Program, which has provided training of Antiguan nurses in Rochester in the delivery of chemotherapy.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.RochesterNY.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Theresa L. Bowick Contact Treasurer P. Gibson Ralph Contact Secretary Lisa A. Scott Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - South Carolina Chapter
Overview
For more than twenty five years members of the South Carolina Chapter of Partners of the Americas have promoted friendship, cultural understanding, education and medical advances and entrepreneurship.Leadership
Chapter Email: US.SouthCarolina.Chapter@partners.netPosition Name Contact Information* President Carlos Cabrera Contact Vice-President Yolanda Puente Contact Treasurer Luz Giraldo Secretary Vacant *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Tennessee Chapter
Overview
The Tennessee Chapter was incorporated in 1966. It has historically worked with universities in Venezuela and Amazonas Brazil, but over recent years has expanded connections and programs to Chile, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. The Chapter has also worked for decades with youth programs and more recently in the area of climate change.
Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Texas Chapter
Overview
Texas Partners of the Americas is the oldest Chapter working to help Latin America through its partnership with Peru. The idea for Partners of the Americas came from a Texan, Dr. Jim Boren, who in the early 1960’s was director of the U.S. Agency for International Development mission in Lima, Peru. At that time, with the Cold War’s pressures, the U.S. Government’s “Alliance for Progress” policy strongly supported assistance for Latin America. Boren’s idea was that a private volunteer committee in a state of the U.S., working with a counterpart in a Latin American country, could strengthen the overall aid effort by carrying on small projects that would directly involve people of both countries and thus create stronger ties.
Boren persuaded friends in Texas to start up a people-to-people program with his friends in Peru. Edward Marcus, then Board Chairman of Neiman-Marcus, became the first Chairman of Texas Partners. Marcus and Boren spread the idea to other states. They also arranged for the U.S. Department of State to fund travel for volunteers working on projects. Funds for the projects themselves came from the Agency for International Development and from private donors and organizations. The committees of the various states and countries organized themselves, eventually forming their present international organization, Partners of the Americas, with headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Texas.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Carol P. Fimmen Contact Vice-President Patricia Ferguson Contact Treasurer/Secretary Maria Rivera Contact Board Member Jackie Claunch Contact Immediate Past President Iliana Queirolo Diaz Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Utah Chapter
Overview
The Utah Chapter has recently focused on educational and youth cultural projects. It has had exchanges in the areas of teaching English as a foreign language and providing relevant instruction for children living in poor communities. The Chapter is currently engaged in planning projects with an emphasis on providing interventions and supports for individuals with autism and their families.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Utah.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Scott Ferrin Contact Vice-President Millie B. Wetterberg Contact Treasurer Daniel R. Judd Contact Secretary Barbara Culatta Contact Chair for Membership Development Robin Escobar Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Virginia Chapter
Overview
The Virginia Partners of the Americas, Incorporated is a non-profit, non-political organization. Virginia is partnered with Santa Catarina, Brazil. The purpose of this partnership is to enhance the quality of life for citizens from both states by conducting exchanges of professional, knowledgeable and skilled people to address specific programs in economic, social, cultural, educational, and healthful; development by helping people learn to help themselves.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Virginia.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Glenda M. Snyder Contact Vice President for Programming Angela Neilan Contact Vice President for Membership Penelope Moseley Contact Treasurer Theresa Brion Contact Secretary Patrick Hughes Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Washington State Chapter
Overview
The Washington Chapter's mission revolves around fostering and maintaining a sense of community between the residents and institutions of Washington State and Chile. This mission is achieved by facilitating the exchange of expertise, cultural insights, and friendships. All initiatives within this people-to-people partnership are collaborative endeavors designed to mutually benefit both regions. By engaging in projects spanning education, social development, healthcare, environmental stewardship, emergency management, economic growth, and the arts, the Washington Chapter creates a platform for its volunteers and supporters to champion international cooperation and foster cross-cultural comprehension. Through these efforts, they not only enrich their own lives but also contribute positively to the well-being of individuals across the hemisphere.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.Washington.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Paula Laschober Contact Vice-President Patricia Mazuela Contact Treasurer Barbara Houplin Garcia Contact Secretary Tim Hilliard Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - West Virginia Chapter
Overview
The West Virginia Chapter of the Partners of the Americas has been chartered and functional for the last 45 years. During those years the Chapter has gone through a number of changes and has matured. The first years were marked with an emphasis on agricultural programs with West Virginia University Extension Services providing the leadership. Throughout of nearly four decades the primary leadership has come from the legal and higher education arenas. Three universities have been the primary champions- West Virginia University, Marshall University and the University of Charleston with support from a variety of public education school systems, the West Virginia legal community as well as the medical community.
Today the West Virginia Chapter is more diverse than ever with the key players coming from higher and public education, the legal community, local and state government, the arts and cultural communities and a plethora of ordinary citizens interested in promoting an open and knowledgeable global community.
Leadership
Chapter Email: US.WestVirginia.Chapter@partners.net
Position Name Contact Information* President Douglas J. Walters Contact Vice President for Administration Arnold E. Brigode Contact Vice President for Programming Robin C. White Contact Treasurer Sueli Grazielle D. Carper Contact Secretary Betty Knighton Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!) - Wisconsin Chapter
Overview
The Wisconsin Chapter of Partners of the Americas (W/NP) adheres to a straightforward yet highly effective mission: facilitating practical and sustainable improvements in people's quality of life. This mission is realized through a network of people-to-people programs that focus on fostering cultural awareness and community development. This extensive effort includes the establishment of 100 Learning Centers in Nicaragua and various projects spanning healthcare, agriculture, personal development, micro-lending, and community programs. The primary beneficiaries of these initiatives are the residents of Nicaragua residing near the W/NP Learning Centers, where they gain valuable skills that positively influence their quality of life.
Simultaneously, these endeavors have a significant impact in Wisconsin, as W/NP affiliates engage in program development and collaborative efforts to support the Learning Centers. Their participation leads to an enhanced appreciation for the value of aiding others. Annually, between five to seven sea van containers and four to six emergency service vehicles are shipped between the two regions. This underscores the existence of a vital mutual and reciprocal relationship between Wisconsin and Nicaragua, emphasizing the interdependence required to achieve outcomes that significantly impact thousands of people in need.
Given the limited resources available in Nicaragua, the cooperation of individuals in Wisconsin is crucial to sharing what they have and collectively enhancing the quality of life for both communities. This partnership underscores the idea that not only Nicaraguans benefit, but also the people of Wisconsin. Through involvement, individuals in Wisconsin recognize the value of extending a helping hand and the substantial difference their efforts can make. For instance, the Wisconsin and Nicaraguan youth engaged in youth exchanges, contributed to bookmaking for libraries, or participated in the Bike/Hike event, demonstrating exceptional leadership and accountability that resulted from their sustained participation.
W/NP offers actionable options that encourage individuals to think about their communities and the broader world. In some instances, it integrates "international" involvement as a fundamental aspect of life. Encouraging the next generation of leaders to address local and global disparities across neighborhoods and nations is in the best interest of everyone involved.
Leadership
Position Name Contact Information* Executive Director Amy Bowen-Wiza Contact President Betty J. Pionek Contact Vice-President Connie Lefebvre Contact Treasurer Keith Roeske Contact Secretary Lorraine W. Danczyk Contact *(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)Useful Links
(Users must have a PartnersConnect account to access - log in or create one today!)
100,000 Strong in the Americas
The 100,000 Strong in the Americas (100K) Innovation Fund expands opportunities for higher education institutions to create partnerships and launch innovative student exchange and training programs. This opens access to underrepresented student populations, improves workforce development training, increases public-private investment, and strengthens people-to-people ties between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative equips and builds a thriving, skilled workforce across the Americas through multi-sector partnerships and innovative regional education collaboration. Equipping students with technical and linguistic skills through exchange programs, 100,000 Strong helps develop a more skilled workforce and strengthens regional economies. In 100,000 Strong, the U.S. Government, the private sector and regional governments, and higher education institutions work together to strengthen regional prosperity and U.S. economic security.
$9.8million in grants awarded25countries and 49 U.S. states and territories benefited from grant programs572higher education institutions formed partnerships for international collaboration7,100+student and faculty beneficiariesEducation and Culture
People-to-people relationships have the power to break barriers, build friendships and change the world.
Partners of the Americas has been working with the U.S. Department of State since 1983 to strengthen United States ties with Latin America and the Caribbean by sharing American culture, values, and way of life and fostering people-to-people connections. Over 40 years, the Education and Culture Program, a U.S. Department of State traditional public-private partnership implemented by Partners, has provided opportunities for U.S., Latin American, and Caribbean participants to strengthen communities through cultural, economic, educational, and professional exchanges.
The Education and Culture Program builds partnerships and personal connections through community-led initiatives and professional exchanges. Program-supported community led initiatives foster stronger international connections, while professional exchanges promote mutual understanding. Education and Culture promotes interactions between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean and cultivates global partnerships to address common challenges, such as illegal migration and instability.
Learn more about our Education and Culture Program opportunities below:
The Education and Culture Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by Partners of the Americas.
2,202professional exchanges18+countries engaged20,500+volunteers
