Mission
To create stronger bonds between Colombians and Americans through sponsorship of community-based projects and organizations committed to the peace and prosperity of Colombia.
Who We Are
Friends of Colombia is composed of volunteers who are committed to the peace and prosperity of Colombia. FOC was originally composed of returned Peace Corps Volunteers, but since our humble beginnings in 1988, our network has grown to include cross-generational RPCVs, Colombian citizens living in the United States, organizational leaders in Colombia, and others who share a love for the country and wish to contribute to its growth.
What We Do
As our mission states, our board, members, and extended network work diligently to contribute to the peace and prosperity of Colombia. We accomplish this through a variety of means, including:
- Supporting community-based organizations in Colombia through charitable partnerships, grants, and fundraisers;
- Developing relationships among American and Colombian stakeholders through in person and digital events;
- Facilitating professional development opportunities for our audience through a mentorship and networking opportunities.
Board of Directors
Michael Band
President
RPCV Colombia 2011-2014
La Boquilla, Bolívar
Alyssa Galik
Vice President
RPCV Colombia 2016-2018
Manzanillo Del Mar, Bolívar
Jenna Glickman
Treasurer
RPCV Colombia 2012-2015
Barranquilla, Atlántico
Pat Wand
National Peace Corps
Association Liaison
RPCV Colombia 1962-1965
Buesaco, Nariño
FOC Committees
Friends of Colombia manages its diverse activities and projects through collaboration between carefully organized committees. Each committee is composed of volunteer members with particular skill sets that uniquely contribute to the work conducted by FOC. Currently, FOC is organized into the following committees:
Grants, Monitoring & Evaluation
Brianna Castro, 2012-2015, C2-4, Tubará, Atlántico
Danny Butterfoss, 2015-2016, C2-7 Response, Suan, Atlántico
Christina Kuntz, 2012-2014, C2-3, Cartagena, Bolívar
Communications
Cesar Castro, 2012-2015, C2-4, Tubará, Atlántico
Jeremy Booth, 2013-2015, C2-5, Barranquilla, Atlántico
Ned Chalker, 1961-1963, C1-1, Titiribi, Antioquia
Brianna Thompson, 2016-2018 C2-8, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico
Laura Leiva, FOC Intern
Social Events & Fundraising
Sarah Shaw, 2014-2016, C2-5, La Boquilla, Bolívar
Membership
Maya Cross, 2016-2019, C2-8, Manatí, Atlántico
Alli Spring, 2012-2014, C2-3, Cartagena, Bolívar
Michelle DiIeso, 2016- 2019, C2-8, San Jacinto, Bolívar