MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF YFU

Behind YFU's global network is a team of dedicated leaders committed to shaping its future. Elected by our member organizations, the International Board combines decades of experience in international education, governance, business, and volunteer leadership to help advance YFU's mission of fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship. The board is composed of three representatives of the each of the three regions of the YFU network plus two At Large representatives who are elected by the entire membership.

Ieva Dirvonskaitė (YFU Lithuania) / Treasurer

Ieva has been part of the YFU network since her exchange to the US in 1998/99, continuously inspired by the impact of intercultural exchange on young people’s lives. She is committed to amplifying the voices of smaller organizations and volunteers, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented across the network. Passionate about ensuring that every voice within the network is heard, she is committed to representing smaller YFU organizations while fostering strong connections with volunteers across the global community. Alongside her engagement with YFU, Ieva leads the CISO and Customer Success teams of a cybersecurity company, bringing expertise in leadership, compliance, cybersecurity, and organizational development.

Patrice Birot (YFU France)

Since joining YFU France as a volunteer in 2010, Patrice has contributed to the organization at both the national and international levels, including serving as Chair of the YFU France Board from 2021 to 2024. His experience has strengthened his commitment to helping YFU navigate an evolving and complex environment through collaboration, creativity, and strategic leadership. Professionally, Patrice is an independent consultant, coach, supervisor, and trainer who specializes in organizational transformation, leadership development, and guiding teams through change across diverse international contexts.

Simon Born (YFU Germany) / Chair

Simon's YFU journey began with his exchange year in Thailand in 2006, followed by years of volunteering at the grassroots level. Over the past two decades, he has held numerous leadership roles within YFU Germany and the international network, currently serving as Chair of the Board of YFU Germany and the Chair of the International Board. Strengthening global governance and sustainable growth are particularly relevant for him. Professionally, Simon is an executive with extensive experience in international business, strategic management, and organizational leadership, bringing expertise in governance, financial oversight, and cross-cultural collaboration to support YFU's global mission.

Leslie Olma (YFU USA)

Leslie's connection to student exchanges began as a participant in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship program, spending the 1993–1994 school year in Germany. Since then, she has remained deeply involved with YFU as a volunteer, Board Vice Chair, scholarship founder, and strategic leader, helping shape the organization's future for more than three decades. She is particularly eager to build a sustainable future for YFU. Professionally, Leslie brings extensive executive experience in financial services, technology, and non-profit governance, with expertise in organizational strategy, operational excellence, risk management, and sustainable leadership.

Lívia Honorato (YFU Brazil)

Having grown up in a family deeply involved in YFU, Lívia has been connected to the organization for most of her life. Her father was a YFU exchange student in the 1970s, and her sisters also participated in YFU exchange programs after Lívia embarked on her own exchange to Germany in 2005. From there, she went on to serve YFU in a variety of roles, developing a deep understanding of the organization from multiple perspectives. Today, as National Director of YFU Brazil, she brings that lifelong commitment and operational experience to the Board and is keen to ensure inclusive representation within YFU.

Luis Pardo (YFU Argentina) / Vice Chair

Luis has been part of the YFU community for more than 45 years, beginning with his own exchange experience in the United States and continuing through decades of service as a volunteer, board member, chairman, and pro bono National Director. YFU has also become a family commitment, with multiple generations participating as host families and exchange students. Professionally, Luis is an engineer and entrepreneur with decades of experience building and leading businesses in the water treatment sector, bringing strategic leadership, financial expertise, and a strong commitment to YFU’s educational mission and global diversity.

Kgalabi (JK) Phale (YFU South Africa)

A full scholarship allowed JK to be an exchange student in Germany in 2003. Since his return, he has been serving as a volunteer, host parent, support person, and now Chair of the Board of YFU South Africa. His personal exchange experience shaped his global outlook and continues to inspire his commitment to expanding opportunities for young people across Africa. Professionally, JK is a student development practitioner, communicator, radio presenter, and moderator, bringing expertise in youth engagement, leadership, and community building to support YFU's mission.

Mamiko Reeves (YFU Japan)

Mamiko was an exchange student from Japan to the US in the 1980s and has supported YFU in a wide range of volunteer roles, including as host sister, host mother, area representative, orientation trainer, counselor, emergency host family, and board member, giving her a unique perspective on the exchange experience from every angle. Professionally, she is an international education leader with extensive experience building global partnerships, developing intercultural programs, and mentoring emerging leaders. Her lifelong commitment to youth development and cross-cultural understanding continues to guide her service to YFU.

Marion Demann (YFU Australia & New Zealand)

Marion's connection to YFU began with her exchange year in the United States in the late 1980s, made possible through a scholarship awarded by the German and U.S. Parliaments. Upon her return, she volunteered with YFU Germany before moving to Australia in 2000. She has remained committed to advancing intercultural exchange and currently serves on the Advisory Board of YFU Australia & New Zealand. Good governance and enhancing participant experience are close to her heart. Professionally, Marion is a strategic communications and marketing leader with extensive experience in the non-profit, sustainability, and membership sectors, specializing in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, brand development, and organizational strategy.

Elina Talonen-Lintunen (YFU Finland)

With more than 25 years of leadership within YFU, Elina has played a central role in advancing the organization's mission in Finland and across the global network. As former National Director of YFU Finland and Senior Advisor, she has guided YFU through periods of growth and transformation. Complementing her non-profit leadership, Elina built a successful corporate career in international marketing and communications, bringing valuable expertise in strategic management, stakeholder relations, and organizational development.

Knut Möller (YFU Germany)

Knut dedicated more than three decades of his professional career to YFU Germany, serving as National Director from 2000 until his retirement in 2023. Beyond his professional work, YFU has also been a family commitment, with his family hosting exchange students and both of his children participating in YFU exchange programs. And his free time is dedicated to youth as well, as he coaches junior volleyball teams in his home town. Drawing on his extensive leadership experience, Knut remains committed to supporting YFU's global development and helping strengthen the international network through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose.