Naomi has worked in community-based organizations since 2008, with an emphasis on mental health, immigration justice, and place-based relatedness. They have a passion for the insight, joy, and solutions a community can build when it comes together.

Peian has an international background rooted in Penghu, Taiwan, and a passion for connecting across cultures. She loves learning languages and engaging with people from diverse communities.

Anastasiia is driven by a passion for serving people. Her mission is to create an inviting environment for every visitor and student of CMLC!

Anna was born and raised in rural Oregon. As a young adult she spent 4 transformative years in West Africa. While living in West Africa, she studied Community Development and volunteered in elementary and middle schools. She believes cultural exchange and collaboration is a powerful tool for bringing more peace into our world.

Dee has been a part of the CMLC community as a volunteer since its beginning. She has always been fascinated by different cultures and connecting with people. Both her parents came to the United States as children. Growing up in Virginia, she loves the storytelling culture and the language cadences of the South.

She read about the Oregon Trail in the fourth grade and many years later, chose Oregon as her home. Given a chance, she would travel anywhere (especially on a train) and vicariously traveled the world through her many ESOL students.

Originally from the Pacific Coast of Russia, Svetlana loves living in Corvallis. She brings in her experience in community engagement, education, and nonprofit management. Svetlana loves being a part of her kids’ school life, and she is a passionate and adventurous gardener.

Ellen is a first-generation college student and graduated with a Political Sciences major. As a daughter of immigrants, Ellen has a passion for border policy and giving back to the community.

The daughter of a diplomat, Joy has never known life that didn’t include other cultures, other languages, and of course travel. She has always been a student of nature, and has degrees in Zoology and General Science. She has been a volunteer conversation partner through several programs in Corvallis, and is excited to expand her involvement at CMLC.

Born and raised in India, Shrestha is passionate about cultural exchange and community service. She enjoys learning from diverse communities while sharing her own cultural background. Driven by a commitment to social impact, she is dedicated to working on initiatives that strengthen and uplift communities.

Segnide is a geographer devoted to food sovereignty and community resilience. Raised in Benin, West Africa, he developed a profound awareness of socio-environmental justice and the interconnection of people, power dynamics, and well-being. These early experiences shaped his commitment to addressing inequality and environmental challenges through collective action. Over the years, he has been involved with various non-profit organizations, collaborating with diverse communities to advance a sustainable and equitable society. Through this work, Segnide believes that genuine solidarity, compassion, and availability to others can foster resilient, equitable communities that welcome everyone regardless of background.

Marta grew up in Poland and currently teaches philosophy at OSU and LBCC. She believes that through education and constructive dialogue we can create a community based on mutual respect, equality and justice.

Conner grew up in South Korea and moved to the United States. Currently working in the Accounting and Finance field, he enjoys learning about different cultures and exploring new ideas. In Oregon, Conner spends time outdoors running, trekking, and taking long walks, appreciating both the energy of staying active and the calmness that nature provides

Rebecca has gained extensive experience guiding cross-functional and global teams to deliver meaningful outcomes as a product manager. After years in business, she has recently pivoted to operating a small orchard just outside Corvallis. She is passionate about community building and seeks to create work that brings tangible value to the lives of others.

Manny is an environmental specialist based out of Corvallis, Oregon. His professional background ranges from having served with non-profits across the country with AmeriCorps NCCC to handling numerous EOIR and employment-based immigration cases with a law firm in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, and even building trails with the National Park Service in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Guided by the ideal of service, he pursues the means to foster community organization and environmental advocacy wherever he goes. In his free time, Manny enjoys watching movies at the cinema, running, and playing pickleball.

Lily has a background in community outreach, nonprofit development, and event coordination. She previously taught refugee and asylee clients workforce literacy skills in Texas. Originally from the Midwest, Lily moved to Oregon in 2019 and enjoys hiking, crafting, and exploring our local lands with her pup Winnie. She’s passionate about human rights, environmental conservation, and building genuine connections with community members.

Marissa grew up in a household where Greek was spoken between her parents and grandparents. Although she never learned to speak Greek, she has enjoyed learning about languages and people from different cultures as long as she can remember. She has an MA from Portland State University in teaching English as a second language and taught immigrants and international students for over 25 years. In addition, she had a stained glass business for 20 years traveling to different western states to sell her work in juried art shows. Now her creativity is expressed in ornamental and vegetable gardening. Her other passions include hiking, kayaking, contra dancing, pickleball, and traveling the world. Some of the volunteer work she enjoys includes being a conversation partner and leading conversation circles at CMLC.

Roj has lived in Corvallis since 2022 and brings a global perspective from Türkiye. She volunteers at the CMLC and enjoys exploring new cultures, places, and foods. Roj believes that food creates connection and loves discovering dishes from around the world. In her personal life, she is navigating the early stages of motherhood and enjoying the learning, growth, and time with her family.

Linda has always believed that being a student of other cultures and customs is one of the truest paths to understanding ourselves. So, as a newcomer to Corvallis, she feels fortunate to have discovered the good work and good people at CMLC. Each day here offers a life lesson.

Born and raised in Peru, Valery works as a Human Resources Business Partner, but her heart is in the kitchen. She loves cooking and teaching others about Peruvian culture through food, stories, and shared experiences.

Born and raised in Chennai, India, Neethi knows what it’s like to start fresh in a new place. With an appreciation for both the challenges and comforts that come with change, she hopes to hear others’ stories and help them feel settled, inspired by the kindness and support she received from friends along her own journey.

Rachael is a global learner and lover of languages. She has lived in China, Chile, and Italy. Currently residing in Oregon, she enjoys a welcoming community of people, mushrooms, plants, and waterfalls. Rachael works at OSU to internationalize the campus.

Tara grew up in Louisiana and one of her first memories of birds was learning to whistle like a Bobwhite and rejoicing when one answered her back. As a former field biologist and now artist and illustrator, her work celebrates intimate moments in the lives of birds, allowing the viewer to experience hidden marvels. Her favorite projects allow her to create lifelike portraits rich with detail. She is inspired by beauty, story, and wonder. When not in the studio, she enjoys hiking with her ornithologist husband and their dog, Finch.

Pedro started helping people practice their Spanish many moons ago in his native Spain. That was a lot of fun, he met many lovely adventurers and had many wonderful conversations so he took this hobby with him to Scotland first and then Oregon. He facilitates meetings for El Puente, a Spanish Conversation Group in Corvallis, and enjoys sharing food, walks, and stories.

Monica Olvera enjoys walking in the beautiful Oregon forests with her canine and equine companions, belly laughs, and time with her family. She teaches at Oregon State University and loves being a part of the CMLC community.

Born and raised in Türkiye, Emine is a Turkish Language teacher with a specialization in teaching Turkish to foreign learners. She also loves to cook and is always enthusiastic about experimenting with different Turkish recipes.

Mahboubeh sees art as a meditation where the spirit embraces its freest form. Holding a Master’s degree in Painting, she loves going beyond traditional boundaries and exploring different forms of art.

Margot grew up in a French household and has worked for many years in the culinary arts and on all sorts of rural and urban farms around the U.S. and internationally. Margot is passionate about community-building, regenerative food systems and empowering folks to learn from their neighbors.

Mike is a retired professional forester and public policy facilitator and mediator. He is a volunteer community mediator and enjoys engaging with people from around the world to learn from them and to help them adapt to living in our community.

Nanci really loves teaching and has taught English at all levels and all ages, from beginners to advanced students, from high school and college students to adults and senior citizens.

Irene is a retired elementary teacher and informal educator with a passion for teaching and learning. She enjoys connecting with all people and is a firm believer in the healing power of communication across cultures and languages.

Olha is a friendly teacher, dedicated to creating a safe and joyful learning space for all. She’s an animal lover, a tea enthusiast, and a firm believer in the magic of hugs.

Maryane is a volunteer and a student at CMLC. She enjoys the multicultural interactions experiences with the CMLC.

Victoria grew up in a beautiful small town in southern Idaho and attended college in Utah. After dreaming about it for years, they moved to Taiwan, where they taught English as a second language. Victoria has also taught in the U.S., exploring topics such as food and nutrition, family life, design, spirituality, and social-emotional learning.

Born in Kenya to Indian parents, Sunita spent her formative years in England before relocating to the United States and eventually settling in Corvallis. She is passionate about using her international background to foster understanding and celebrate diversity. She volunteers at the multicultural center to help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Melissa is an educator who recently returned to Corvallis, after living in Switzerland for nine years. She embraces community service and is passionate about nature, art, travel and cultures.

After graduating from a Midwestern university, Becky moved to Europe. It was a move that greatly expanded her worldview. Becky has been a
volunteer at CMLC for over 5 years. She says she gets energy from meeting people from other countries and learning about their cultures.