OUR LEADERSHIP

Meet The Global Ties KC Team

Courtney Brooks

President & CEO

Courtney holds an MBA & a BA in Political Science, Economics, and International Studies. She has been to all 7 continents, and has lived in China and South America. She enjoys being able to share the Midwestern spirit of hospitality with the world!

Sarah Lowderman

Director of Programs

Sarah has a BA in finance & is currently seeking a MA in Teaching from the University of Central Missouri. She has coordinated the IVLP, 19 youth exchange programs, and a variety of special projects. Her passion for KC can be seen in all of her work, as she builds bridges between the local community and the globe.

Matt Roy

STEM Exchange Program Manager

Matt holds an MA in Law & Diplomacy from Tufts University and a BA in International Studies. After spending 5 years away from the Heartland in Peace Corps Morocco and grad school, he is excited to support implementation of the FIRST Virtual Robotics Exchange Program.

Niyati Sethi

Program Associate

Niyati holds a MA in Religious Studies & Public Policy, and a BA in Economics and Religious Studies. Originally from New Delhi, India she has a deep appreciation for Midwestern hospitality and a passion for citizen diplomacy. Utilizing her unique background both academically and professionally, she is excited to welcome visitors to KC!

Abigail Weiler

Community Engagement Specialist

Abigail began as a fellow with Global Ties KC in Spring 2024, and her passion for international diplomacy has only expanded since. After graduating with a B.A. in Political Science + minors in French and International Studies from UMKC, she was thrilled to join our team fulltime. She particularly loves connecting with international visitors to learn about their cultures and sharing her Midwestern community with the world.

Martina Pascuzzo

Marketing Coordinator

Martina holds a B.S. in Interactive Digital Media from Northwest Missouri State University. Originally from Argentina, she is deeply committed to fostering global connections and promoting cultural awareness. Martina’s professional journey began as a Youth Diplomats Fellow, reflecting her early dedication to international collaboration and citizen diplomacy. Now, she blends creativity and strategy in her role.

Andie Cultrera

Youth Engagement Manager

Andie is an educator and artist dedicated to community engagement. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from San Francisco State University. She cultivates embracive and impactful learning experiences that foster local and global civic leadership, inspiring youth to promote their best selves every day.

Taylor Irwing

Development & Fundraising Consultant

Taylor is a PhD student in Composition and Rhetoric who also holds an MA in English, and a BA in both Political Science and Classical Literature. Her area of expertise is the transformative power of words and how literature impacts social justice. She is excited to join Global Ties KC and help bridge the gap between academia and the real world through her fundraising efforts.

Meet Our Board Of Directors

Sujal Shah

President | BioTech Consultant

Always solutions-oriented, Sujal sees Global Ties KC as working toward a broader, societal goal: “What we do at GTKC through Youth Diplomats, home visits, etc., is to provide an experience of global interaction in your own backyard, to provide people to make better, more empowered decisions. Empathy only comes with experience.”

Stephanie Greenwood

Vice Chair | Oracle

As Media Relations Manager at Oracle and specifically focused on healthcare technology, Stephanie knows the value of education and awareness. For her, Global Ties KC programs take that a step further. “Opportunities like what Global Ties KC provides are so rich, showing what a day in the life is in a different country as a part of an enrichment experience,” she said.

Shabina Kavimandan

Treasurer | Kansas State University

Shabina has seen the impact experience first hand: “When you take students to another country, once they go there and live with host families and talk about their experience, these students who have never been out of the Midwest who get to see a new culture – it broadens their horizons completely.”

Terri S. Turner

Secretary | TST Business Strategies

A mission-driven communications specialist, business growth strategist and leadership mentor, Terri brings her business acumen together with a passion for international affairs to strengthen Global Ties KC’s strategic mission.

Janet Casto

Member At-Large | Digital Consultant and Entrepreneur

Janet Casto is an energetic Kansas City resident, wife, mom, marketing leader, and entrepreneur. In 2015, Janet joined DST (acquired by SS&C in 2018), drawing from her experience to lead content marketing, introduce digital lead and demand generation, and play key marketing operations roles for the growing technology company. Janet recently shifted her career to entrepreneurship, creating UnchainedBrainz and crafting unique tools to bring families and loved ones closer together. She lives in Blue Springs, MO, with her husband, Matt, and daughter, Lilly, while staying close with her adult twin sons, Walter and Alex.

Carter Quirk

H&R Block

Through his work at H&R Block, Carter regularly works with multi-national organizations on client growth and programming, embracing a global attitude which contributes to his work on the board. “Fostering a community built on connectedness across cultures will continue to be the driving force in embracing diversity, inclusion, and change.”

Kevin Holland

Lockton Companies

At Lockton since 2008, Kevin supports the risk management and insurance needs of multinational companies and professional services firms. He specializes in providing cross-border consultation for firms with unique structures and operations and spends a significant time in the European and London markets. Kevin is married to Anna and they have four children (Payton, Jackson, Walter and Franklin) and two dogs (Edie and Teddy). Kevin is passionate about outdoor adventure.

Mike Farmer

Center for Advanced Professional Studies

Mike Farmer has founded four new ventures, raised over 12 million dollars and authored 10 patents. Most recently, Mike was the Founder and CEO of Leap2, a visual search collaboration platform for consumers and publishers. Mike currently is an Entrepreneur-in-residence at the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), leading the Innovation & Entrepreneurship course. In 2004, Mike led in the strategic development of the Kansas Economic Growth act, a 15 year $600 million dollar technology-based economic development initiative.

Karen Dickinson

Retired, EyeVerify Inc.

As a former Fulbright Scholar, Karen was able to combine her love of cross-cultural communication, travel, and photography during her 35+ year legal career. Now as a part-time consultant in international law and business, Karen brings her passion for public service to GlobalTies KC because of her belief that the more people understand each other the greater chance for peace in the world.

Larry Lunsford

Bernstein-Rein Advertising

Larry is a certified public accountant and serves as SVP/CFO of Bernstein-Rein Advertising, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Truman State University. Larry’s lifelong interest in global engagement began during his college years when he spent time in Australia with Rotary International. He is married to Jill and they have two children, Trent and Cara.

Katy Wilson

Académie Lafayette Schools

Katy is the International Baccalaureate Programs Coordinator at Académie Lafayette High School, a French immersion charter school in Kansas City. With over two decades of experience in global education, she is a passionate advocate for intercultural understanding and international exchange. A longtime supporter and student host for Global Ties KC programs, Katy has witnessed firsthand the impact of citizen diplomacy on youth and professionals alike.

Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

Valtech

Mikhala, Chief of Staff at Valtech, brings over 15 years of experience fostering cross-cultural collaboration and global connection. Originally from Kansas City, she has lived abroad, speaks four languages, and is deeply committed to building bridges across cultures. A passionate supporter of Global Ties KC, Mikhala and her husband have hosted multiple international visitors, forming lasting bonds through the experience.