Meet Our Team!

President  

Dex is an avid world traveler and has been to over 15 countries and counting. He credits his passion for global citizenship to his initial study abroad experience in Cuzco, Perú in 2012. He is a staunch advocate of study abroad and in 2017, became the youngest alumnus to establish a named scholarship at the University of Illinois at Springfield for international travel. He lives in Washington, D.C. and has managed foreign affairs internship programs in both the federal and private sectors.

Secretary & Outreach Director   

 Symphoni is a dedicated educator, activist, advocate, and youth development worker. She has worked to provide post-secondary opportunities and resources to students from underrepresented communities. Through her work, she has served students in Chicago's public housing and Peoria Illinois' public-school system. Symphoni brings a level of expertise in working with higher education and secondary institutions on program development, academic advising, and community outreach. 

Strategic Advisor  

Dr. Kyrou is currently the Research Director of the Center for International Relations. His area of focus is Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Behavioral and Environmental Science, and Peacebuilding. He has taught international negotiations, conflict analysis, and transformative dialogue as professor at American University’s School of International Studies, as well as conflict related courses at many other institutions of higher learning throughout the US and the world. 

 Strategic Advisor  

Kyndele is a non-profit professional with over ten years of experience in donor cultivation. She has been successful in securing both Corporate and Individual giving opportunities. She is currently the Director of Corporate Engagement with the American Kidney Fund. She has traveled to Mexico and has wonderful memories visiting Isla Mujeres! Kyndele lives in Maryland with her husband and two small children.  

 Board Chairperson

 Peggy is a retired real estate broker and former English/Theater teacher. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has lived and raised her family in Chicago’s northern suburbs. Peggy is an ardent supporter of higher education and created the Sheldon Lewis Memorial Scholarship in honor of her late husband, Mr. Sheldon Lewis. Dex was a recipient of this award in 2010 upon entering his first year of college. 

Board Member 

Ashundria believes all students should be given the opportunity to study abroad. She became a world citizen after her first study abroad trip to Peru in 2012. As an undergraduate, she completed a course entitled “Latin American Expressions” which nurtured her love for global citizenship. She has since traveled to Canada, Iceland, the UK, France, and the Netherlands. Ashundria currently lives in New York and works to provide legal services to needy communities.