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Natalia Garvey was born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia. Following high school, Natalia moved to the United States to pursue education in Accounting and Management Information Systems at San Francisco State University. After college, Natalia worked at KPMG LLP where she had interned as a student in the Information Risk Management group. Natalia enjoyed the fast-paced environment and working with multiple clients at a time, performing IT advisory and IT audit support.

In 2010 Natalia and her husband left San Francisco for Redding and joined her husband’s family business, where she currently works part time managing the books and doing marketing, advertising and graphic design. She spends most of the rest of her time with her two children, but makes time to volunteer locally for CASA and The Women’s Fund.

Growing up in Indonesia, Natalia was exposed to people of many different faiths. Being raised as a Christian in a mostly Muslim country helped her understand some of the challenges faced by minorities. While there is undeniable tension in the country at times, she is proud of Indonesia’s official recognition of five different major religions and the solidarity of the Indonesian people. It is this concept of co-existence that drew her to the Euphrates Institute, where she enjoys supporting the work and goals envisioned by the Institute’s founder.

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sylvia is a facilitator of, advocate for, and believer in peace leadership.

For fifteen years, sylvia has participated in and facilitated talking circles in various communities across the United States, Latin America, and Asia. From these talking circles emerged sylvia’s commitment to and practices of nonviolent communication, community building, and conflict transformation. This commitment brought sylvia to obtain a BA in Peace Studies from Goucher College, and continue to Southeast Asia working with nonprofits across the region focused on youth-led peacebuilding. She is a Co-Founder and Board Member of Sarus, a peacebuilding nonprofit that inspires and empowers the next generation of leaders to build a peaceful and prosperous Asia. sylvia then deepened her studies by obtaining an MA in Coexistence and Conflict and MBA in Social Impact at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, where she focused on peace leadership and organizational capacity building. Afterwards, she expanded to philanthropy as a Program Officer at the Island Foundation funding organizations supporting womxn and girls, youth, immigrants, and domestic and international communities.

sylvia holds a deep passion for building and nurturing communities that collectively transform systems and conflict with curiosity, connection, and courage.

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Krista comes to the Euphrates Institute after working for the past 15 years supporting mission-driven organizations focused on youth development and gender equity, including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, City Year, the Mariposa DR Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club. Most recently, Krista worked at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation where she helped develop a bi-national inter-faith network supporting and accompanying women, children, and youth on the move along the US/MX border. After her time at the Foundation, Krista worked and continues to work part-time as a fundraising and strategy consultant, supporting, advising, and motivating small and grassroots initiatives to help them grow and deepen their impact.

Krista’s approach to work is empathy-driven and shaped by her experiences as a program manager and volunteer working with youth both domestically and internationally, including two years serving with the Peace Corps where she cultivated the growth of local youth groups, with a focus on leadership development.

Krista holds an MBA and MA in Sustainable International Development from the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University and a B.A. in Spanish from Cal Poly Humboldt.

Krista is an enthusiastic and supportive community builder who cares deeply about people and the causes that matter most to them. She is thrilled to join the Euphrates team and is appreciative of the opportunity to continue to develop her own peace practice while learning with and supporting the practice of others.

Krista is originally from California and enjoys traveling, spending time in the outdoors, painting, and listening to music. She currently is in transition to making her next home in El Salvador with her partner and their new beautiful baby boy.

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Janessa Gans Wilder is a former CIA officer turned peacebuilder and visionary leader dedicated to transforming conflict into connection. As the founder and CEO emerita of The Euphrates Institute, a global peacebuilding organization spanning 60+ countries, she has spent nearly two decades fostering understanding across deep divides.

Her journey began in the warzones of Iraq, where she spent 21 months on the ground from 2003-2005 as a CIA intelligence analyst at the height of the war. Witnessing firsthand both the brutality of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit, she was compelled to shift from intelligence to peacebuilding, seeking deeper solutions to global conflict. That experience ignited a lifelong mission: to bridge cultures, challenge entrenched narratives, and uncover the threads of peace hidden within even the most fractured societies.

Through initiatives like the Visionary of the Year program and transformative Travel Study programs to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan, Janessa has empowered individuals to listen to the "Other" and become agents of change.

Now, as the host of the soon-to-be-released One Peace podcast, Janessa brings her signature blend of warmth, insight, and depth to intimate conversations that explore oneness, justice, and the power of love to transform our world. She engages with thought leaders, spiritual guides, and peacebuilders to reveal the interconnectedness at the heart of humanity, inspiring listeners to turn division into dialogue and fear into possibility.

A frequent speaker in interfaith, community, government, international, and educational settings, Janessa has delivered a TEDx Talk, advised policymakers, and been interviewed by major media outlets including CBS, CNN, the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, and Democracy Now. She believes that peace is not just an ideal—it is a practice, a perspective, and a profound force waiting to be awakened in each of us.

She previously taught political science at Principia College and worked as a consultant to the U.S. State Department. She holds a Master’s degree in International Policy Studies from Stanford University and a bachelor’s in International Relations from Principia College.

When she’s not working to inspire positive change, Janessa enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and three growing children in Redding, California. Her mission in life is to see the "Other" as a brother and to better understand our Oneness with all life.

Join her in the movement to build a world where love leads and unity prevails.

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Craig Hunter has been a Los Angeles trial lawyer for about 30 years who likes to think he breaks the traditional mold. He received a B.A. in mathematics from Principia College and a law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, serving as an editor of the law review. As his daughters steered clear of the law, Craig branched out from his litigation practice to help commercial wind developers and assist a few Indian tribes in developing their economies through gaming and renewable energy projects. He is also a commercial pilot who enjoys flying as a hobby and is a weekend sailor and surfer.

“I am excited about the work of the Euphrates Institute because I believe that now is the time for a paradigm shift in thinking about Middle East, and ways to get Americans truly excited and engaged about understanding the cultures in the Middle East and taking their own steps to help bring peace. There is no one better to start such a movement than Janessa, and her terrific Board.”

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Joy Schwentker’s interest in the Middle East began when she travelled to Syria, Jordan and Israel on a Bible study tour in 1995. Since then, she has travelled to Turkey and served as a Trustee of the Crisler Library in Ephesos (Turkey). As a founding member of a Middle East Book Club in Raleigh, NC, the books read have helped educate her about the history, people, religions, culture, politics, and literature of the region. She is a graduate of Principia College, attended the Euphrates Institute Summit there in 2011, is the head of a church-related non-profit organization, serves on boards and committees of other non-profits that work with young people, and enjoys her grandchildren and travelling with her husband.

“A popular song says, ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.’ I think we all have that responsibility as world citizens. I am happy to be a part of the Euphrates Institute as it strives to educate Americans about the Middle East and dialogues with people there so that more people everywhere are better equipped to be peace builders.”

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Kent Libbe brings his 35 years of business experience to the Euphrates Institute. He earned his MBA and BS degrees from Bowling Green State University. His work background is focused in the areas of finance and accounting but also includes eleven years serving as the President of a major regional construction company. He also worked as a consultant to small businesses for three years, during which time he discovered that his organizational experience could benefit many smaller organizations.

His introduction to the Euphrates Institute came through his daughter who participated in a life changing three month experience in the Middle East which was led by the Euphrates founder. This led him to attend the Euphrates Summit at Principia College in 2011. The powerful ideas presented there naturally drew him to want to help Janessa and her strong team with their very important mission in helping solve one of the most challenging issues in the world.

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Rebecca has always loved traveling and learning about other cultures. In 2014, she joined the Euphrates Institute trip to Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan, which changed her life forever and opened doors to learning more about the Middle East and peacebuilding. Since participating in the Euphrates Peace Practice Alliance (PPA) she started a monthly online platform called Culturing Peace, which brings youth from around the he world to learn more about peace leadership and developing peace building skills. She lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest and together they enjoy outdoor activities.

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Anjana Dayal de Prewitt is a globally recognized leader with over two decades of experience advancing inclusion and equity, community engagement, and psychosocial support initiatives. Currently serving as the Director of DEI Consultation at the American Red Cross National Headquarters, she has driven transformative organizational change and cultivated inclusive cultures across domestic and international contexts. With a career spanning 30+ countries affected by conflict and disaster, Anjana has managed large-scale projects, including an $8.9 million initiative with 100+ staff, developed strategic frameworks, and influenced policy at the highest levels. Her expertise includes resource mobilization, training and facilitation, and cross-functional leadership, all underpinned by a deep commitment to empowering marginalized populations and fostering systemic equity. Anjana’s academic background includes a master’s degree in Sustainable Peace from the UN Mandated University for Peace (Costa Rica) and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Isabella Thoburn College (India). She is certified in Humanitarian Diplomacy (DIPLOFoundation, Geneva), Nonviolence365, Crucial Conversations and Inclusive Leadership, among other professional credentials. Anjana is a passionate advocate for global collaboration and systemic social change, continuously driving impactful results through inclusive strategies and innovative solutions.

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Fran Farazdaghi is the Peace Studies Program Director at Golden West College. She teaches courses in Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution, Leadership, and Social Justice. She focuses on teaching peace through an understanding of human rights, ecological and economic well-being, equity, non-violence, and intellectual transformation. Fran hosts the annual Peace Conference here at Golden West College, as well as a number of other peace-themed events and forums throughout the year. In response to her appointment, Fran reflected: "The Euphrates community feels like a space where we are creating art, or playing a profound game as we collaborate in envisioning the future of peace leadership."

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Stephen Dinan is the founder, President and CEO of The Shift Network, which has served 1.8 million participants in 170 countries and worked with 1500 respected visionaries and change leaders. It is considered one of the leading online sources for transformational programs. He is also a member of the prestigious Transformational Leadership Council and Evolutionary Leaders group and he plays an active mentorship role to visionary leaders in fields from business to politics to personal growth. His books include Sacred America, Sacred World (Hampton Roads) and Radical Spirit (New World Library).

Stephen is a graduate of Stanford University (Human Biology) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (East-West Psychology). He helped create and directed the Esalen Institute’s Center for Theory & Research, a think tank for leading scholars, researchers, and teachers to explore human potential frontiers. As the former director of membership and marketing at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, he was the driving force behind the Shift in Action program and the One Minute Shift media series.

Stephen lives in San Rafael, California, with his beloved wife Devaa and daughter Sienna.

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The Rev. Canon Charles P. Gibbs, an Episcopal priest, visionary, peacebuilder and poet, has dedicated his life to serving the sacred in the world, especially through interreligious and intercultural engagement for peace, justice and healing. Senior Advisor and Poet-in-Residence for Catalyst for Peace and Founding Executive Director Emeritus of the United Religions Initiative, he is an internationally respected spiritual leader, interfaith activist, speaker and writer. His recently published volume of poetry – Light Reading: Poems from a Pilgrim Journey is available on Amazon.com. Currently, he is working on a book of reflections – I’d Like to Help. Excerpts from both books are posted on revcharlespgibbs.net. As son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, Charles cherishes and is inspired by his family. He is blessed with dear friends and colleagues of diverse faiths around the world with whom he shares a commitment to serve the world through spiritual transformation and cooperative engagement for the good of all life on this sacred Earth. Mindful of the abundant blessings that come even through life’s biggest challenges, he seeks to live each moment in gratitude.

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Libby Hoffman is the founder and President of Catalyst for Peace, a private foundation building peace from the inside-out – pioneering a whole-souled, whole system approach that creates space for those most impacted by war or violence to be the ones to lead in rebuilding after conflict. She co-founded Fambul Tok (Family Talk) in Sierra Leone, the world’s first nationwide, community-owned and led reconciliation program. She produced the multiple-award-winning documentary, Fambul Tok, and is a lead author of the companion book – both released in 2011. A former Political Science professor at Principia College, Libby has been active in peacebuilding in a variety of ways prior to establishing Catalyst for Peace in 2003.

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One of the nation’s most senior diplomats, Ambassador Jeffrey has held a series of highly sensitive posts in Washington, D.C., and abroad. In addition to his service as ambassador in Ankara and Baghdad, he served as assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor in the George W, Bush administration, with a special focus on Iran. Previously, at the State Department, he served as principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the Department of State, where his responsibilities included leading the Iran policy team and coordinating public diplomacy. Earlier appointments included service as senior advisor on Iraq to the secretary of state; chargé d’affaires and deputy chief of mission in Baghdad; deputy chief of mission in Ankara; and ambassador in Albania. A former infantry officer in the U.S. army, Ambassador Jeffrey served in Germany and Vietnam from 1969 to 1976.

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James Offuh is a passionate peace advocate and community development educator with 12 years experience as a community reconciliation facilitator, Euphrates Chapter Leader from Côte d’Ivoire, Euphrates 2018 Visionary of the Year, founder of United for Peace Against Conflict International (UFPACI), an NGO that uses dialogue as a means of creating a more just and inclusive society. UFPACI is a United Religions Initiative Cooperation Circle Offuh’s passion is being a facilitator of experiential education with face-to-face Transformative Mediation, Conflict Transformation, and Social Dialogue Strategies. Offuh and his team have created safe spaces for alienated people to successfully engage, communicate, and heal through heart-to-heart dialogue with its distinctive quality of listening-to-learn. Offuh holds certificates from Jewish-Palestinian Living Room Dialogue California, USA; Integrated Data Analytics for Sustaining Peace from United Nation System Staff College; Conflicts Transformation from Peace Direct; Skills for Effective Negotiation from University of Peace Center for Executive Education Costa Rica; Level 1 Certificate in Kingian Nonviolence and Conflict Reconciliation from the University of Rode Island Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies; and, Diploma Certificate BCC,LCC, LDC on leadership from World of Faith Bible Institute, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. In 2023 Offuh was awarded member of Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) Mentors Community by African Diaspora Network USA One cannot help but feel his deep love and passion when one has the pleasure of his company.

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Mellissa Fung, O.C., is a veteran journalist, best-selling author, and award-winning filmmaker. Her latest book, Between Good and Evil: The Stolen Girls of Boko Haram, debuted on the Canadian best seller list for non-fiction in April 2023. Fung has traveled the world producing original award-winning documentaries for Al-Jazeera International, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and TV Ontario, among others. She covered the war in Afghanistan as a field correspondent for the CBC, leading to her best-selling first book, Under an Afghan Sky, which chronicled her experience as a hostage after she was kidnapped while on assignment in Kabul in 2008. Since then, Fung has focused on human rights reporting, returning to Afghanistan again and again, to continue reporting on the challenges that continued to exist there, particularly for women and children. She is also a frequent contributor to The Globe and Mail, and her work has also appeared on The Huffington Post, The Toronto Star, TRT, CNN, and PBS. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University in New York. She was appointed as an officer to the Order of Canada in 2024. She lives in London with her husband Paul and her beloved rescue dog, Sammy.