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 a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the U.S. state of Maryland. We are 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

Alyssa Galik

Co-President

RPCV Colombia 2016-2018

Manzanillo Del Mar, Bolívar

Jenna Glickman

Co-President

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

Michael Band, 2011-2014, C2-3, La Boquilla, Bolívar

Sarah Shaw, 2013-2015, 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