Melissa (Misty) Burrows has been in operations, finance, and program management for eleven years. She also has five years of financial statement analysis and bookkeeping, including state and local tax filings. Her experience with start-ups and non-profits includes grant writing, networking, problem solving, and managing international teams.

Julie Conover is the founder and producer of the popular TV show, Passport to Adventure. She is a passionate wanderer, host, writer, photographer, location coordinator, and all-around wearer of many hats. Her advice to her fans is, “Fill your journey through life with meaningful experiences. There is none better, for me, than extended travel.”

Jenny Davis is the outbound program and development manager for AFS USA. She works on recruitment for outbound study abroad programs in over 50 partner countries and develops and coordinates strategies with a network of volunteers. She has built strong relationships with schools and educators while promoting AFS programs and scholarships.

Rita Golden Gelman, founder of Let’s Get Global, has been moving around the world for 23 years, with no permanent home and no possessions. She stays in villages and lives with the people she is visiting. Her book, Tales of a Female Nomad, is about fifteen years on the road. She is also the author of more that seventy children’s books. Her travels have convinced her that crossing borders is an important extension of classroom education in today’s world. Her international nomadding is on hold while she works to spread the Gap Year mentality in the U.S. Read more about Rita at Female Nomad.

John Gunther is a firm believer in the value of cross-cultural experience in a diverse and troubled world. He is the owner of Bucks vs. Bytes Inc computer consulting in Rosendale, NY. He’s hosted travelers for half his life as a Servas member since 1980 and has been an active CouchSurfing member since 2007. He’s currently a US Servas board member and its Chief Information Officer.

Kirstin Hayden is the founder of OneWorld Now!, an organization that aims to nurture future world leaders among marginalized youth by offering language studies, leadership skills, and opportunities to study abroad. A nine-year-old project, OneWorld Now! supports youth through mentorship, college prep, and networking for scholarships, internships, and career opportunities.

Andrew Hirshik worked as a computer programmer for IBM where he earned them a patent for one of his programs. He is also trained in project management and will be an asset to the LGG development team.

Lori Stevens serves as the Secretary for Let’s Get Global. She is currently the President of Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents in Loudoun County, Virginia. In this role she is able to influence how students “bridge the gap” between senior year in high school and freshman year of college by showing students how much more of the world exists beyond their cap and gown and college dormitory.