Board of Directors

Presently, Janine Bobin is President and Executive Director of Alliance Française of Greater Phoenix. She moved to Scottsdale with her husband 14 years ago and has 4 daughters.

During the 17 years she lived in Los Angeles, she was involved in the community as President of Los Angeles Accueil, President of Alliance Française of LA and Chair of the Los Angeles Philharmonic International Fundraising Committee.

Janine has been awarded by the French government and is the recipient of the “Order of la Médaille du Mérite” and “Order of Les Palmes Académiques”.

Sandy Pho Casement is a Government Relations Advisor at Freeport-McMoRan where she manages Freeport’s geopolitical risk management function. She also provides analysis on federal and international policies impacting the mining industry. Prior to joining Freeport, Sandy spent 8 years as a senior policy analyst focused on China and US policy in Asia. Her research and analysis has been featured in NPR, CNN, The National Interest, and Real Clear World. Following her time in DC, Sandy rode out the pandemic at the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office as a Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. She ended her time in SLC as a Senior Innovation Consultant responsible for developing and executing strategies that foster innovation and service process improvements. Sandy is a proud product of Arizona’s public school system and currently lives in Phoenix where she was born and raised.

Sally Chen currently serves as vice president at PWE Group, an engineering consulting and construction management company. She is also an attorney practicing immigration law at S L Chen & Associates PLC, serving as a consultant to entrepreneurs and businesses abroad who wish to establish or expand their business in the U.S. She has served as the managing attorney at a recognized business immigration law firm in Denver, Colorado and later headed the immigration law practice of a business law firm in Southern California. In addition, she has extensive experiences in nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing with a focus on temporary work visas, extraordinary ability foreign nationals, executive and manager transferees and investor visas. She has successfully represented a wide range of business clients in various fields including Hi‐Tech, Engineering, Consulting, Accounting, Finance, Banking, Insurance, Medical, Biotechnology, Legal, Architecture, Construction, Entertainment, Import and Export,
and Higher Education Institutions.

Sally received a Master of Law degree in transnational business practice from McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific, and a Bachelor of Law degree from the National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan. Prior to establishing her practice in the U.S., she has worked as a trial attorney in Taiwan in a wide variety of areas such as civil, real estate, intellectual property, employment, criminal, and labor law matters.

Sally has been serving on the Board of Chinese Linguistic School of Phoenix since 2014 as Bylaw Director, Chairwoman, and Advisor. She is an attorney licensed in both the U.S. and Taiwan, and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She has been living with her family in the Phoenix area since 2006.

Wen Chyi Chiu graduated from Arizona State University, majored in Journalism and Communications. Wen Chyi Chiu’s specialties are Global Relations, Public Relations and Media Relations. As Chairwoman for Taipei Sister Cities, Taipei Sister Cities received three years in a roll, the Best Sister Cities titles in 2009-2012. Wen Chyi Chiu has been devoting, volunteering, contributing, and serving American, Asian, Taiwanese, and Chinese Communities and Phoenix Sister Cities for over 25 years to promote education, STEM/STEAM, sister schools, police and fire exchanges, youth ambassadors, global friendship, arts, culture, sports, business, solar energy, and high technology. She is the Founding Executive Board Member and President for Global Federation of Chinese Business Woman Arizona Chapter, and she is current Principal of Arizona Chinese Mandarin and Culture Academy, and Executive Director of Taipei Culture Summer Camp. Wen Chyi Chiu received many awards including the Recipient of Southern California and Arizona Outstanding Young Leader Award, US Congress Congressional Recognition for Community Service, Arizona Governor Award for Community Contributions, Outstanding Citizenship Award, Volunteer Medal International Award of Circle of Distinguish Volunteer Global Citizenship Award from Phoenix Sister Cities International, and Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Sister Cities Volunteer of the Year, among other recognitions.

Misty Cisneros-Contreras is the Customer Service Manager at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. She enjoys working with a team to provide the best guest experience for all passengers and maintaining the reputation of being America’s Friendliest Airport. Misty recently celebrated 10 years with the City of Phoenix. During her tenure she has worked in the Street Transportation Department and the International Relations Office with Phoenix Sister Cities. She is a mother of two young daughters, Dolcé (5) and Luna (2) that keep her and her husband, Aaron, very busy. Misty is an Arizona sports enthusiast, enjoys thrifting and being a very involved mother in all of her daughter’s activities.

A native of Barranquilla, Colombia, Oscar De las salas is an award-winning international architectural designer with more than two decades of experience with municipal and community development projects. Since 2017, he has served as Design Manager, Business Development lead and is currently a Client Relationships Manger in the Gensler Phoenix office, reporting to the Southwest Region.

Oscar completed his Master’s in Architecture and Interior Architecture by the University of Salamanca in 1998 and moved directly to Arizona to study the works of Frank Lloyd Wright to write his thesis project about “American Modernism through the eye of Frank Lloyd Wright”. His European tenure allowed him to pursue internships an Interior Architect and work in the EU within several European countries, He became the Visual Design Manager at-large for the prestigious Italian interior design firm: Cassina.

Oscar’s early career led him to serve as Project Architect, and as the Interior Finishes specification lead and field coordination superintendent for four U.S. Embassies around the world: Bolivia, Colombia, Singapore, and Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. As a curious note, Oscar held US Government Clearance Type 3 (Top Secret) while working side by side with the Federal Building Office team in Washington D.C., all via Facsimile and during the early days of email correspondence. Ask him about the protocol to send secured architectural details of the ambassador’s office or the U.S. Marine’s headquarters information back then.

Oscar’s work with the community in Arizona has developed into a variety of volunteering efforts with local charities, He was recognized for his contribution to the community by the Arizona House of Representatives and in 2019, and June 29, his birthday, was declared “Oscar Day” by City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and last month of August 2022, a recognition by the Arizona State Legislature during the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations for his contributions to the state of Arizona.

Oscar has served for 14 years as a member of the board of Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), he is a board member with Phoenix Art Museum, Friends of Phoenix Public Art, ArtLink, Southwest Shakespeare, Vice-Chair of the Urban Land Institute Arizona Chapter, Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, committee, and global ambassador for PROCOLOMBIA, a government agency of the Executive Branch of the Government of Colombia in charge of promoting Colombian non-traditional exports, international tourism and foreign investment. Oscar is currently a Commissioner for the Phoenix Sisters Cities and chair of the Colombia commission in search of a sisterhood with a city in his native Colombia

Oscar’s community and media involvement locally, making him a familiar face when it comes to the world of design and style.

Born and raised in the heart of farmland in Ohio. Moved to Arizona in 1975 and have been a resident ever since.

Began career in beverage industry beginning with Pepsi Cola for 18 years. Then transitioned to the water business where I have been a manager for the next 20 plus years.

In early 2000 had an opportunity to serve on Surface Transportation Advisory Committee representing District 5 and Councilmen Claude Mattox. Also helped to support Maryvale Revitalization especially with water donations. Also previously served on school board in Tempe.

Very excited to be a part of the Sister Cities team and look forward to all of the opportunities that await.

Emilio W. Gaynor's current role as consultant to Arizona State University aims to expand the competitiveness of the West Valley of Greater Phoenix in high tech and entrepreneurship with long-term sustainable models to ensure large scale workforce development through targeted education and non-degreed learning; aiming to satisfy the incoming international investment in technology that is catapulting Phoenix into the world’s technological space.

Prior, Emilio served as Senior Vice President at Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., for 9 years, where he was charged with strategic relationship building, the creation of partnerships and development of sustainable revenue opportunities to ensure CPLC’s economic and political empowerment mission is fulfilled. In previous roles at CPLC, he headed the international partnership and relationship development focusing on Mexican business, philanthropic and community organization partners with Mexico and within Mexico.

He has extensive experience in international relations and development having managed and headed high-level business and government missions to Mexico connecting trade, investment, business and philanthropic partners in Mexico and Latin America for over 28 years. Serving the social sector, he has led cross border collaboration between non-profit organizations and foundations. Emilio served in the executive branch for two governors as representative of the State of Arizona in Sonora, Mexico and as Executive Director of the Arizona Mexico Commission in the Office of the Governor.

Emilio proudly serves as Phoenix Sister Cities Board Member where he also serves as Chair of the Business Relations Committee. He currently serves as the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board, and most recently served as the Chair of the Phoenix Planning Commission. Additionally, his civic contributions include Co-chair of the Community Committee on the Arizona Governor’s Arizona Mexico Commission, Chair of the Los D-backs Hispanic Council, board member of Global Ties Arizona, advisory committee member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and served as Honorary Commander at Luke Airforce base 56th Fighter Wing. Emilio received an honorary Doctor Honoris Causa from the Claustro Doctoral H.C. at Mexico’s National Autonomous University. 

Dr. Michele Y. Halyard is Professor Emeritus of Radiation Oncology in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Sciences.  She is the Emeritus Vice Dean of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and founding Dean of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, having retired from Mayo Clinic in June 2023. Dr. Halyard is a proven strategic leader with extensive senior leadership experience and brings over 30 years in healthcare practice, medical education, research and healthcare strategy.

During her career, Dr Halyard has mentored and coached hundreds of individuals related to career development, communication, professional relationship building, goal attainment and  strategic leadership. Dr. Halyard is a professional and executive coach for leaders within and outside of healthcare. Her clients include Division and Department Chairs, section heads, as well as leaders in the nonprofit sector outside of healthcare. Dr. Halyard is a graduate of the College of Executive Coaching. Dr. Halyard has served as for faculty for the Mayo Clinic Accelerate Program, a leadership development program for talented physician and administrative staff, and has been a sough after speaker related to leadership in healthcare.

Dr. Halyard was a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1989 until her retirement in June 2023. Dr. Halyard currently holds the rank of professor of radiation oncology in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Sciences and is board-certified in therapeutic radiology. Her area of expertise is in the treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Halyard joined the Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, in 1989 and chaired  the department. She served eight years on the board of governors of Mayo Clinic in Arizona, including serving as vice chair, and served eight years as a member of the Mayo Clinic Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. In addition, Dr. Halyard served as the first cancer center director of Mayo Clinic in Arizona as the center became a part of National Cancer Center (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center encompassing all three Mayo Clinic locations. She has served in multiple leadership positions within her field of research.

Dr. Halyard has been recognized for her service to the community. She is the past recipient of the Health Community Service Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority incorporated in 2012, the Outstanding Leadership in Medicine Award from the Maricopa County Arizona NAACP in 2013, the 2014 Community Celebrating Diversity Champion Award from the City of Scottsdale, and was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020. Likewise she was twice recognized as one of the most influential women in Arizona but the Arizona Business Magazine,  and in 2022 recognized as an honoree of 48 Arizona Women as one of the 48 most intriguing women of Arizona who have had an impact on their communities, as well as the University of Arizona – Banner All of US Research Program’s Arizona Champion award for promoting health research, public health initiatives, diversity in research, and increased access to health programs and education for underserved communities.

Adam Hawkins is an expert on external affairs in the mining industry. His decades of experience span every phase of the mining process, from early-stage exploration and entitling projects to permitting new facilities, expanding operations, and closures. He has worked on projects on every continent except Antarctica.

Adam began his career as a U.S. Senate staffer and spent seven years in-house with Rio Tinto. Adam is a go-to on mining policy, an MSHA Part 48 certified surface miner, a past board trustee of the Arizona Mining Association, and the 2020 president of the American Exploration and Mining Association.

He holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and has a range of domestic and international professional experience. Adam’s expertise is trusted and sought by mining companies in identifying and addressing social, political, legislative, regulatory, and reputational risk factors - vital for firms seeking effective guidance in moving mining projects from concept to closure.

Adam is on the advisory councils for the U.S. Veterans Initiative and the U.S. Global Leadership Council,, as well as serving on the boards of several other non-profits.

Jacob Heinrich is an Assurance Senior Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in its Southwest market. He began his career in Detroit, MI followed by a three-year role in the Denver, CO and is currently based in Phoenix. PwC is a professional services firm delivering assurance, tax and consulting services for its clients. It operates as a network of firms across 157 countries with over 272,000 employees.

Jacob currently serves clients within the Technology, Media and Entertainment sector providing financial statement audit services. He has expertise in SEC Reporting, Technical & Financial Accounting, Project Management, and Financial Planning, Analysis & Controls. Additionally, Jacob fosters an environment of inclusiveness along with delivering client value with a focus on empathy. Having served multinational clients and working with audit firms across the world, Jacob has developed a value of cultural immersion and international understanding.

Jacob is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of Arizona Society of CPAs, Michigan Association of CPAs, and the American Institute of CPAs. He obtained his B.A. from Albion College (MI).

Melissa Goitia is Director of University Ceremonies and Protocol Officer at Arizona State University and co-founder of the North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO).

A native of Tempe, Arizona and a long-time employee of ASU, Melissa has held positions as an academic advisor, program coordinator, development officer and event planner.

In 1999 Melissa and Carol Switzer (1944-2011), co-founded NAACO, a professional association for commencement and graduation professionals from across the United States and Canada. Melissa served as the NAACO Charter President, coordinator of the inaugural conference in 2000 and chair for the 2007 conference.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and is a certified Protocol Officer through the Protocol School of Washington®.

Ana Juarez is the esteemed President and CEO of Ana Juarez Global Business Development Consulting Group, a renowned firm specializing in driving business growth and performance improvement. With a remarkable career trajectory that began at the age of 14 when she immigrated from Sonora, Mexico, Ana has consistently demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities and deep understanding of business dynamics.

Previously holding the position of Vice President for a prominent 26-unit McDonald's franchise ownership group, Ana's expertise spans a wide range of critical areas, including conflict resolution, hiring, training, retention, accountability, leadership, communication skills, and public relations. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ana provides consulting services to companies seeking to optimize their performance and expand their global reach.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ana is also the esteemed founder of the Power of Gratitude Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting children in Sonora, Mexico. Her commitment to philanthropy and community development is further exemplified by her role as a commissioner with the Phoenix Sister Cities program, where she actively fosters economic, cultural, and technical exchanges between US cities, counties, and corresponding communities worldwide.

Additionally, Ana has served as the President of two influential Arizona Business Alliances, further solidifying her dedication to the local business community. Ana's exceptional achievements have garnered her numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Ray Kroc Award and recognition as one of the AZ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 40 under 40 Young Business Leaders. She also serves as a Board Member Director of the Mesa Police Foundation and is a valued member of esteemed organizations such as the Women of Influence Mask Foundation.

With Ana Juarez at the helm, Ana Juarez Global Business Development Consulting Group continues to provide unparalleled expertise and strategic guidance to businesses worldwide. Through her unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for making a positive impact, Ana empowers organizations and C-executive leaders to thrive and achieve long-term success in the ever-evolving global marketplace.

Over the course of his more than 18 year career in government, Mr. Lujan has earned the reputation of being a problem solver and consensus builder. He specializes in navigating clients through the process of doing business with government and serves as the ambassador between our clients and government agencies. With experience on the local, state, and federal level, Mr. Lujan knows how government works. He assists clients with developing a clear and simple strategy for navigating through government agencies. Knowing that relationships are essential, he often leverages his contacts in government on behalf of our clients. Gaining access to key decision makers is an essential part of his work with our clients. Mr. Lujan is a registered lobbyist in Phoenix and Los Angeles.

His elected and appointed offices have included Mayor of the City of La Puente, Director of the Southern California Air Quality Management District, President of the La Puente Water District, and Vice President of the California League of Cities City Selection Committee. His private sector experience includes government relations and lobbying positions within various industries in real estate, textiles, recycling, communications, and education.

Mr. Lujan graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a B.A.in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). He also holds a Master’s in Secondary Education (M.Ed.) from Loyola Marymount University (LMU).

Ralph Marchetta was promoted to the position of General Manager, Sr. Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Services in August, 2007. As General Manager, Ralph oversees all operations of the US Airways Center. In addition to servicing professional sports teams that include the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and the Arizona Rattlers, Ralph books all events at US Airways Center including working with the NBA, WNBA, and AFL to schedule all regular season and pre season games. Ralph has booked hundreds of concerts including Barbra Streisand, U2, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Vicente Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Andrea Bocelli and many others. Ralph has extensive relationships with Feld Entertainment (Disney on Ice and Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus), World Wrestling Entertainment and many other family show and concert promoters. Ralph has been at US Airways Center since prior to the venue’s opening in 1992.

In managing US Airways Center as a key asset to the community, Ralph works with the leadership of the City of Phoenix, Phoenix City Council and Downtown Phoenix Partnership. In addition, Ralph serves as a board member of the Phoenix Police Department Reserve Foundation, the Phoenix Sister Cities and the Boys and Girls Club.

Ralph graduated from Arizona State University.

Bruce E. Meyerson is a mediator, arbitrator, and trainer in Phoenix, Arizona.  He is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center (1972) where he was an Editor of the Law Journal.  He received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University.  Mr. Meyerson was the founder and first Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest.  He served on the Arizona Court of Appeals for almost five years where he heard over 1000 appeals. He served as General Counsel of Arizona State University from 1986 to 1990.  From 1990 through 2000, Mr. Meyerson practiced commercial and employment litigation in Phoenix.  Since 2000, his practice has focused on conflict resolution.  He is a Past Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and the State Bar of Arizona ADR Section. He is an adjunct professor at the Arizona State University College of Law teaching courses in all aspects of dispute resolution, including Mediation and Arbitration. He is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, the International Academy of Mediators, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the College of Commercial Arbitrators.  He serves as a board member of the American Arbitration Association Foundation.  He is the Chair of the City of Phoenix Civil Service Board and a member of the City of Phoenix Police and Fire Pension Board.

Francesca Miller is Vice President, Business Development for Multistudio and a dedicated citizen of Arizona. She has called Arizona home twice. The first time was from 2000 to 2006 and after residing in New York for ten years, Francesca returned to Arizona in 2016, eager to give back to the community.

From 2000 to 2006, Francesca was a member of several boards and commissions including the City of Phoenix Youth and Education Commission, Phoenix Advisory Board for the Steele Children's Research Center and Phoenix Body Positive (Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS). She traveled in 2004 as a member of the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission on the inaugural trip to Ramat Gan, Israel.

New York provided Francesca with the opportunity to sit on the Board of Overseers for the Katonah Museum of Art and for five years, she was the driving force behind the museum’s annual fundraising gala. Francesca was also a member of the host committee for the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Research Race 4 A Cure from 2014 to 2016.

While residing in New York, Francesca was Director of Operations for a global hedge fund, Chief of Staff for an investment professional and established a full-service marketing and business development firm.

Upon moving back to Arizona in 2016, Francesca rejoined the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission and currently participates on committees including: Mayor’s International Committee, New Sister City Committee, Executive Committee, Ramat Gan Committee and chairs the Nominating Committee.

Francesca is on the Advisory Board of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and is a Golden PANDA (People Acting Now Discover Answers) for the Steele Children’s Research Center.

Karla Moran is the Manager of Economic Development for Salt River Project (SRP). She is responsible for leading the Economic Development team with a focus on attracting and expanding business and industry within SRP’s service territory; providing site-specific electrical infrastructure identification and cost analysis; and working collaboratively alongside state, regional and municipal partners to identify targeted company attraction, expansion and retention efforts. The team works towards building a healthy economy that advances well-planned growth throughout the Valley of the Sun.

Karla has worked in economic development for more than 15 years, including roles at the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Town of Gilbert. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University and is designated as an Arizona Economic Development Professional through the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED). Karla serves on the boards of CoreNet Global’s Arizona Chapter, AAED, the Real Estate Investment Advisory Council, Phoenix Sister Cities, and the Arizona Workforce Council. She is also a Certified Ambassador for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

Amilyn Pierce is the D-backs’ Vice President, Government Affairs. She joined the organization in October 2018 following nearly 20 years of experience in legislative affairs, policy making, political strategy and campaign management.

Prior to joining the D-backs, Pierce served as Senior Political Director for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry following a two-year stint as Deputy Chief of Staff for Speaker J.D. Mesnard at the Arizona House of Representatives. In the Arizona Legislature, Pierce managed the operations of the House, advised the Speaker on policy matters, and played an integral role in advancing the caucus agenda. Her experience spans three states and started in Oregon, where she served as a Legislative Assistant and rose to the Assistant Legislative Director for House Speaker Karen Minnis. She continued her legislative experience in Washington State where she was a member of the Government Affairs team at the Washington Restaurant Association, one of Washington’s largest business organizations.

Pierce returned to Arizona in 2007, where she held positions at the executive level in the Brewer Administration as the Governor’s External Affairs Coordinator and for Attorney General Mark Brnovich as the Director of Community Outreach. She has worked on statewide campaigns in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, managing a U.S. Senate race, targeted Congressional races, an initiative campaign, and numerous legislative races.

She currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Arizona Cactus League, Board of Directors of Arizona Sports Tourism Authority, the Valley FCA, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Phoenix Community Alliance, Phoenix Sister Cities Commission, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Arizona Chapter, and on the Advisory Board for WISE Arizona. She also serves on the Public Affairs Committee for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Pierce was recently named on of Arizona’s Most Influential Women of 2023 in AZ Business Magazine.

A lifelong Arizonan, Pierce resides in Peoria with her son, Stevie.

Jeanne is currently serving on the Phoenix Sister Cities Suwon Committee as Chair.  Jeanne served on the committee as Vice Chair for two years.

Jeanne was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. She worked in the radio media as a talk show host and producer with the International Division of The Korean Broadcasting System in Seoul.

After her move to Arizona Jeanne earned her master’s degree in English from Arizona State University and taught English as a Second Language at ASU and Thunderbird Graduate School of Global Management. With the advent of the Internet in the ‘80s Jeanne developed a new career in Interactive Technologies. She had a long career in the Technologies Division of American Express Company as a Sr. Programmer Analyst and a Lead Project Manager.

After her long corporate career Jeanne joined Phoenix Art Museum, graduating from the Museum’s Docent Class of 2013.  Since then, she’s been enjoying leading tours in the galleries, giving art talks in the communities, and leading Docent Training programs as a Master Docent.  Jeanne currently serves on the Museum’s Docent Board.

Growing up in a small Japanese American community, Ilene was fortunate to have parents who were actively engaged in community work. Their dedication inspired her to give back, and ever since then, she has been deeply involved in volunteering for various non-profit organizations.

As a native Phoenician and Japanese American, Ilene's cultural heritage has always been a significant part of her life. Ilene's mother's involvement in all aspects in the Japanese American community was wide, performing  and teaching traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, Ikebana, calligraphy, bon odori further deepened her appreciation for her rich cultural traditions. In 1976, Ilene's mother accompanied the first Phoenix delegation to Himeji and celebrated the PSC and Himeji, Japan’s “Sister City” proclamation.

She served as Chair for the Phoenix Sister Cities, Himeji committee as well organizing the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Inc.

During her formative years, Ilene had the privilege of being a traditional dance performer, receiving training from the esteemed Fujima-kai. Additionally, she actively participated in the Arizona Matsuri (long standing Japanese annual festival) as a performer, worked as a merchant vendor, served as a stage coordinator, treasurer, and cochair. These experiences allowed Ilene to connect with others who shared my deep passion for our cultural heritage.

Being a second-generation member of these organizations holds profound meaning for Ilene as she strives to honor the legacy of those who paved the way before her. Ilene has had the privilege of serving as the Vice President of the Japanese Friendship Garden (JFG) for four years, followed by seven years as the President. Throughout her tenure, she worked tirelessly to foster a sense of community and cultivate a deep appreciation for Japanese culture.

Ilene is proud to have been part of the signing of a "Sister City Garden" proclamation between Phoenix and Himeji, Japan. This proclamation signifies the establishment of a friendship garden and promotes cultural exchange and stronger ties between the two cities. The signing took place at KoKoEn, a beautiful garden next to the famous Himeji Castle. Phoenix's Japanese Friendship Garden, RoHoEn, is also included in the proclamation, showcasing the  commitment to cultural exchange and friendship. This achievement highlights dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating lasting connections with Himeji.

As the Vice Chair for the PSC Himeji, Ilene had the distinct honor of being invited by Congressman Stanton to witness the Prime Minister of Japan's address to Congress in Washington D.C. in April 2024.

Beyond her involvement with the Japanese Friendship Garden, Ilene has also held the important role of Treasurer for the Asian Pacific Community in Action since 2018. In this capacity, she continues to support and advocate for the health and wellness of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Furthermore, Ilene has actively participated in the Arizona Matsuri since 2011, and serving as Treasurer since 2018.

In recognition of her unwavering commitment to the community, Ilene takes considerable pride in being a member of the Japanese Citizen League of AZ. This membership allows her to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for promoting a world that values diversity and upholds the principles of fairness, equality, and social justice.

Marty is Managing Director of the Americas for Desert Control, stopping and reversing desertification and soil degradation.

Previously, he spent 11+ years with EXOS where he was its first VP of Sales and later VP of Strategic Business. He joined EXOS when it was about 30 employees and it grew to near 5000 staff at the time of his departure.

His business experience includes the telecom, wholesale distribution and pharmaceutical industries. Marty graduated Furman University (South Carolina) in addition to earning a MS and a MBA from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Marty’s international business experience includes 30+ countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Australia, Russia, Germany, UK, Colombia, Brazil, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Israel. As a services exporter with Marty's leadership, EXOS was recognized by the City of Phoenix as an inaugural winner of “Service Exporter of the Year” in 2015 and the “Export Excellence” Award from Arizona District Export Council the same year. In 2016, they were awarded the President’s (POTUS) “E” Award for Exporting Excellence. Fast Company magazine recognized EXOS in its “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” lists in 3 different years of Marty's tenure.

Marty, born in Eastern Tennessee, has been married to Susan Speliopoulos, a Phoenix AZ native, since 2008. They have 3 daughters; Savannah, Alexandra and Makenna.