PAST CONTRIBUTORS

Sherry MacKay

Sherry MacKay was the Co-founder and previous Director of Glocally Connected. In her four years of actively growing the organization, Sherry helped establish the original board of directors; strategize for the growth of the organization; recruit and manage volunteers and staff; and build community partnerships with college students, academics, churches, and other nonprofits. She led the effort in: (a) establishing and teaching the community ESL classes, recruiting volunteers to: assist in the classroom, provide transportation to and from class; and offer childcare to the students; (b) introducing a holistic teaching approach centered around mindfulness, and (c) building community within the classroom and with the larger community. 

Sherry was pivotal in creating the two books published in collaboration with Inlandia Institute. The first book, A Taste of Afghanistan, published artwork by the adult students and their children and shared their much loved Afghan recipes. The second book, The Stranger Is My Friend, is a compilation of poetry and artwork created by the adult learners, their children and the volunteers. 

Sasha Ross

Sasha Ross was Glocally Connected’s Director of Fundraising and Program Development. She previously worked in international development, humanitarian relief, and foreign policy analysis. As Director of Fundraising and Program Development, she helped Glocally Connected grow its programs and implement its strategic vision.

Lizzette Capul

Lizette Capul is a graduate from University of California, Riverside in Public Policy. She was formerly the Public Health Community Organizer. She conducted social service evaluation and ensured resource availability.

Ali Beau Nielsen

Ali Beau Nielsen was the Communications Director at Glocally Connected. His operations include the modernization of the website, coordinating outreach to supporters, and streamlining social media presence.

Phong Au-Hong

Phong Au-Hong, a graduate of the University of California, Riverside in Entomology, served as Glocally Connected’s Project Management Director. As the director, he organized a UCR student-led course on forced migration and expanded support programs addressing health-related needs among women refugees.

Cindy Jessen

Cindy Jessen was the Volunteer Coordinator at Glocally Connected. She retired at the end of 2018 from working at a church for three years as an administrative assistant, organizing, scheduling events, and creating documents.