Richard Chacon directs the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants where he coordinates state policies and programs serving refugee and immigrant communities. Mr. Chacon’s goal is to position Massachusetts as an international model of immigrant integration and inclusion. During his fellowship travels to Brazil, the E.U. Commission, and Germany, Mr. Chacon will meet with a broad range of experts from the public, private, academic and NGO sectors, and with immigrant families and refugees, to gain insight into best practices in immigrant and refugee resettlement and integration policies and programs.

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Since 2000, Mr. John Della Volpe’s work has focused on the impact of new media, Web 2.0, and the Millennial Generation (12-30 year olds) on international politics and business. As Director of Polling, his primary responsibility is to lead the study group, manage the Millennial research study and contribute insights on the impact of this generation in the U.S. and abroad. In 2007, he founded SocialSphere Strategies, a Web 2.0 strategy company. During his fellowship, he will meet with professors, business executives, political parties, non-profit leaders, entrepreneurs, and bloggers to explore the use and impact of Web 2.0 on Asian business and politics. In addition, he will study the impact of the Millennial Generation on Asian politics, government and culture.

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As Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission, Robert Fruend leads the delivery of public health and health services delivery for the city of St. Louis and Saint Louis County. Mr. Fruend will work collaboratively with Washington University in St. Louis during his fellowship to develop permanent health policy networks with China and China (Taiwan). Specifically, he will lay the groundwork for a joint summer institute in health policy in China and China (Taiwan) in 2009-10, establish an ongoing framework for continued exchange among individuals engaged in health policy and delivery, and extend the network to include community-based organizations.

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Al Mitchell currently leads the Global Internal Audit function for Monsanto Company. His responsibilities include the development of an annual audit plan and the supporting risk assessments to ensure adequate controls, as well as assisting corporate and operating unit management in maintaining effective systems of internal control. During his fellowship travels to South Africa, Mr. Mitchell will gain familiarity with business operations and the regulatory environment, and meet with experts in the agriculture field. He also looks forward to exploring civil society’s role in addressing key issues, including education and the AIDS epidemic, and to learning about essential leadership competencies required to address these areas.

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As Associate Director of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science, Raj Narayan is the chief operating officer with broad responsibilities in the overall management of the Institute and advancement of its mission to develop partnerships with individuals and organizations dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering and technology. On his fellowship to Brazil & Argentina, Mr. Narayan will investigate innovative programs and meet with individuals and organizations doing cutting edge work in the areas of applied research, technology commercialization, K-12 science and math education, and public policy.

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Ms. Hope Pjesky, a full time farmer/ rancher, has been an advocate for agriculture from the beginning of her career. Ms. Pjesky believes that international trade is essential to maintaining healthy agricultural economies. She also contends that food safety, defense, and traceability are important issues for the future of the industry. On her fellowship, she will investigate the differences in agricultural trade policies and food safety, defense and traceability practices in Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.

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Stephanie Pope leads the multi-function Finance Department for the Training Systems and Services division within the Integrated Defense Systems business of the Boeing Company. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring the successful execution of a $500 million business. During her fellowship, Ms. Pope would like to understand the educational policies and initiatives Ireland implemented to drive improvements in its overall education system, which resulted in very strong and improving statistics in the areas of mathematics, science, and technology. In addition, she will examine the governance of the financing in accordance with these initiatives and the relationship between public and private entities that emerged.

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As a Missouri State Representative, Rachel Storch is a member of three committees – Budget, Ways and Means, and Appropriations and also serves as a Deputy Whip for the Democratic Caucus. Her professional responsibilities are a nexus of public policy, media, and constituent outreach that have taught her about a diverse range of issues. During her fellowship, she will meet with government officials, industry representatives, non-profit executive directors, and scholars to explore the potential for partnerships between the public and private sectors in Missouri and Brazil and Uruguay.

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As President of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc., a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Latino communities, Nicholas Torres serves as a regional leader through example. Under his leadership, Congreso has grown into a nationally-recognized agency promoting education and workforce development as models for positive change.  On his fellowship, Mr. Torres will engage private and public leaders in Chile to examine the programs and policies that exist to aid in poverty alleviation such as increasing economic status through the achievement of education credentials and employment skills and the provision of culturally appropriate health and supportive services to facilitate these achievements.

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Michael Train oversees Emerson Process Management operations in China, Japan, Korea, Australia/New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. He is the leader for sales and operations of this US $1 billion business which employs 6,000 people. During his fellowship he is excited to visit and learn about the culture, politics, and business issues of the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. He looks forward to establishing relationships that will enhance communication between him and leaders of similar age, experience, and position that will last for years to come.

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