July 22, 2024 – Minneapolis, MN

The Fulbright Association proudly announces the newly elected Board of Directors for the Minnesota Chapter. Led by President Dr. Gwyneth Bravo, this esteemed group includes Vice President Dr. Cheri Shakiban, Treasurer Yara Bustillo, Secretary Mary Stanton, and Social Media Coordinator Dr. Kelly La Venture, who are dedicated to advancing the mission of the Fulbright Association through the development of programming that fosters understanding and exchange at the local, regional, and international levels toward global cooperation and peace. Working together with all members of the board, they aim to engage and enrich both the Fulbright community and the wider public through educational initiatives and impactful events.

With the 2024-2025 season of our Fulbright Association of Minnesota beginning this August, our board wishes to welcome both returning and new members. Returning colleagues include Sally Kohlstedt, Kirsten Fischer, Thomas Normile, Irene Lila, and Kimberly Johnson. We are also excited to introduce our new members: Pakeeza Akram, Mariangel Meza Santiago, Kjersti Duval, Forest Purnell, and Frank Jossi.

2024-2025 Fulbright Association Minnesota Chapter Board of Directors

President: Gwyneth Bravo
Gwyneth Bravo is a historical musicologist, educator, and cellist with a Ph.D. in Musicology from UCLA. She serves as Assistant Professor of Music at NYU Abu Dhabi and Global Assistant Professor at NYU. Her work emphasizes global dialogue and exchange through music, with extensive leadership roles, including President of the International Chapter of the College Music Society and member of Global Diplomacy Lab. A Fulbright recipient to Germany, her scholarship explores the intersections of music, politics, and philosophy. Bravo has collaborated with institutions worldwide and was recently named an Honorary Member of the Emirati Musicians’ Association.

Vice President: Cheri Shakiban
Cheri Shakiban has traveled to over 70 countries and participated in the AFS exchange program from Iran to the USA in high school. She has served on the board for two years and enjoys hosting activities for Fulbright scholars. Passionate about cooking, peace-related activities, and gardening, she also holds an honorary doctorate degree from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Treasurer: Yara Bustillo
Yara Bustillo, a 2022 Fulbright Binational Business program alum from Mexico, credits her Fulbright experience in the U.S. with enhancing her cross-cultural communication skills and fostering international collaboration. Inspired to join the Minnesota Chapter Board by her appreciation for the Fulbright program, Yara aims to create a welcoming environment and support Fulbright initiatives with her creativity and former scholar experience. An avid photographer and swimmer, she values the importance of her voice in global discussions.

Secretary: Mary Stanton
Mary Stanton, a retired Richfield High School teacher, participated in a Fulbright teacher exchange in India in 2010-2011 and has since led Fulbright Association trips there. Passionate about connecting with local communities during her travels, she also engaged in service trips to Serbia and Vietnam. Mary serves on the national board of the Fulbright Association and chairs the travel task force, promoting culturally immersive and purpose-driven travel experiences.

Social Media Director: Kelly La Venture
Kelly La Venture, a Fulbright Specialist and Scholar with a passion for international experiences, has made significant impacts in the academic and business communities. Her work includes establishing the University-Industry Liaison Office at the University of Mauritius and collaborating with the Young Entrepreneurs Association in Cambodia to enhance SMEs. These initiatives resulted in crucial skills gap assessments and in-depth research on career readiness.

RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS

Board Member & Past Vice President: Sally Gregory Kohlstedt
Sally Gregory Kohlstedt, a Past Vice President of the Minnesota Chapter and a Fulbright alum to Australia and New Zealand, has served on review panels and local committees to support Fulbright applicants. An active historian of science, she enjoys coordinating events to welcome international visitors. Recently retired, Sally spends her summers on the North Shore of Lake Superior, involved in reforesting projects.

Board Member: Kirsten Fischer
Check back.

Board Member: Thomas Normille
Thomas Normille lived in Moscow as a Fulbright scholar in 1990-91, an experience that profoundly influenced his career. He actively promotes connections between Russophones and Minnesotans, hoping for peace in Ukraine. Thomas continues to enjoy Russian literature alongside his work in promoting health and sobriety in Minneapolis. He shares his life with his cat, Steak n’ Shake, and maintains close ties with his family across the United States.

Board Member: Kinyuy Irene Lila
Check back.

Board Member: Kimberly Johnson
Kimberly Johnson, a Fulbright U.S. Scholar in Sierra Leone (2022-2023), focuses on global education issues and promoting open-access materials in higher education. With a background in special education, she aims to support Fulbright’s mission of mutual understanding and knowledge advancement. An avid scuba diver, Kimberly brings her passion for education and inclusion to the board.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Board Member: Pakeeza Akram
Pakeeza Akram, a former Fulbright scholar in the USA, credits the program with significantly influencing her career and personal growth. With strengths in research, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, she is excited to collaborate on events that enhance cross-cultural understanding and professional development among Fulbright alumni and scholars in Minnesota. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading Urdu novels and spending time with her children.

Board Member: Mariangel Meza Santiviago
Mariangel Meza Santiviago, an architect and Fulbright scholar from Paraguay, is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Architecture at the University of Minnesota. Her focus is on inclusive design and design justice, aiming to create spaces that support historically marginalized groups. Passionate about international exchange, Mariangel is eager to contribute to the Fulbright Association’s mission and promote true inclusion within the community.

Board Member: Kjersti Duval
Kjersti Duval has 25 years of experience in policy, urban design, planning, and real estate across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. As founder of Studio Civic within Duval Companies, she advises leaders on constructing public interest environments. Kjersti has held leadership roles in municipal government, including as Minneapolis Planning Director. She teaches urban design at the University of MN and serves on various boards and committees, including the Fulbright Association.

Board Member: Forest Purnell
Forest Purnell, a Fulbright research scholar, spent time in China working with the Documentary Research Center at the Communications University of China in Beijing. His Fulbright experience led to a commission as an officer in the US Navy, where he engaged in military diplomacy and worked as a Mandarin linguist. Forest is now focused on sharing his insights through writing and consulting, aiming to inspire Minnesotans to engage in global conversations. An avid photographer and outdoor enthusiast, he embraces Minnesota’s natural beauty through biking and looks forward to skiing.

Board Member: Frank Jossi
Frank Jossi, a Fulbright alum to Pakistan and Albania, is excited to re-engage with the Fulbright Association. With a career as a journalist and extensive experience in the Twin Cities, he looks forward to contributing to event planning and communications. Frank enjoys tennis, biking, reading, and exploring art galleries, with a love for the outdoors and local trails.

For more information, follow us on social media or contact us at minnesota@fulbright.org.