WHO WE ARE

Cindy Schaarschmidt has been working in international education for over 15 years and currently serves as the Executive Director of International Education at Pierce College District. Originally from Germany, she first arrived in the U.S. as a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant. Her academic and professional journey has also taken her to Guatemala, the U.K., Russia, and Spain. Cindy delights in learning new languages and is often spotted cycling around Tacoma and Pierce County.

Mariam is a yoga instructor and personal fitness coach. Her professional background is in business development and event planning. She is from the Republic of Georgia and has lived in Tacoma since 1999. Mariam has been a long-term volunteer for the Tacoma Sister Cities International and WAC Tacoma. She enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, and spending time with her husband, son, and cat. 

Amy is a Development Associate at Upaya Social Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to investing in and supporting early-stage companies that create dignified jobs for people living in extreme poverty in India. With nearly a decade of experience in international development and advocacy, she has championed programs and policies aimed at addressing global poverty and hunger, demonstrating her deep commitment to impactful change. Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and two golden retrievers taking canoe trips and hikes. She also loves using rainy PNW days as an excuse to stay in with a good book.

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Arthur DeLong is a partner at Eisenhower Carlson, LLC, where his practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, and securities transactions.  He is a longtime board member of the Tacoma World Affairs Council, and lives in the North End of Tacoma with his wife and two children. Arthur enjoys living in the Pacific Northwest, with all the region has to offer.

John Lucas is a Professor of Political Science at Pierce College.  He received his Ph.D. from Indiana University, and his research focused on Nigerian politics.

Brian is retired after a successful, 40-year career in communications. His extensive portfolio of non-profit experience also includes leadership positions within PTA groups and the Everett-based Hands for Peacemaking Foundation (where he currently serves as president). He was staff liaison to several non-profits during his 11 years with the office of former Lt. Governor Brad Owen. He is an outdoor sports enthusiast, and enjoys spending time with his wife Dee, three adult children and four grandchildren.