JCI members have the opportunity to hold local, national and international leadership positions, elected each year, within the organization.
JCI’s “One Year to Lead” philosophy allows members to share their talents and fresh perspective with the organization while continuously adapting to the needs of the members.
Argenis Angulo
Ryubun Kojima
Neil Fitzgerald
Issho Kajiwara
Reem Abdel-Hadi
Pheng Kouch
Alejandra Castillo Saavedra
Jenni Ahlstedt
Micheal Adenuga
Aboubacar Diallo
Richard Ojo
Comlan Tony Kouteh
David Luk
Keisuke Shimoyamada
Rakhi Jain
Zolbadral Batmunkh
Franco Cagnotti
Dupal Persaud
Maximiliano Montañez
Julianna Durie
Nele Buysmans
Altuğ Türkdalı
Chris Baeriswyl
Keira Keogh
Jana Havlíčková
2022 JCI President
Argenis Angulo
Argenis Angulo was born on July 23, 1983, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. He is a journalist, businessman, executive consultant and permanent advisor on the board of many different business groups. As an academic, he is the General Director of the Politics Center Academy of Florida Global University. He holds a Master of Science in communication and completed several post graduate programs and certifications from institutions such as the George Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania. He also graduated as an Executive Coach and as a Professional Television and Radio Presenter. Argenis joined JCI Zulia in 2001 and has served in several offices such as 2008 Local President, 2011 National President, 2014 JCI Vice President, 2019 JCI Executive Vice President, and is the current 2021 Chief Executive Assistant to the JCI President. He has attended 10 JCI World Congresses and 19 JCI Area Conferences. Argenis was honored as JCI Senator 76543 and can speak Spanish and English.
2022 Immediate Past President
Ryubun Kojima
Born on January 2, 1981 in Minoh-city, Osaka, Japan, Ryubun Kojima is an Administrator of Katsuo-ji-temple, and resides in Minoh-city Osaka, Japan. Ryubun joined JCI Osaka in 2012. In 2019, at the local level, he served as President of JCI Osaka. In 2017, at the national level, he served as Chairperson of the Promoting Sincerity to the General Affairs Commission and in 2018, at the international level, he served as Vice President of JCI. In 2020, he served as the Executive Vice President of JCI for Asia and the Pacific. He has attended eight JCI Area Conferences and eight JCI World Congresses. He speaks English and Japanese.
2022 General Legal Counsel
Neil Fitzgerald
Born September 2, 1982, in Essex, UK, Neil Fitzgerald holds a bachelor’s degree in History and is certified by Cornell University in Revenue Management. Neil works as a Product and Pricing Strategy Director for a travel company. He resides in Los Angeles, California, USA, with his cat Katie who is well known to JCI members if they’ve attended any of his trainings! Fitzgerald joined JCI Santa Clarita Valley in 2012 after moving from the United Kingdom for his job; in the UK he had served as a City Councilor. He became Local President in 2013 and 2014, State President in 2016, and National Vice President in 2017 before serving as JCI USA’s first-ever Director of Chapter Development in 2018, helping to create over 20 new local organizations. In 2020, Neil served as JCI USA Metro & Extensions Director, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Neil pivoted into leading on training and development and has helped train over 2,000 JCI Members.
At the international level, Neil served as 2021 Vice President to America, being recognized as the Most Outstanding Vice President for the Area. Previously to that, Neil served as a JCI Advocacy Committee member for 2020 and in 2019, as a commissioner on the America Development Council. He has attended five JCI Area Conferences and three JCI World Congresses. He has also been honored as JCI Senator No. 76896 and JCI USA Ambassador 4472.
2022 Treasurer
Issho Kajiwara
2022 Executive Vice President for Africa and the Middle East
Reem Abdel-Hadi
Born in 1985, Reem has over ten years of experience in development, gender, inclusion and informal education fields. She is currently fulfilling the role of Social Development Advisor at the British Embassy in Jordan. Previously, she headed the capacity building and learning lab unit at the USAID Takamol project that focused on gender mainstreaming. Prior to that, she worked for over seven years at the cultural office of the U.S. Embassy in Jordan and did a yearlong voluntary service at AVRIL association in France organizing Euro-Med youth exchanges. She is also a freelance trainer on gender and intercultural understanding. As a youth activist, Reem is a founding member of JCI Jordan where she served as the first local president of JCI Amman, the first established local chapter. She continued to serve as National President and led the organization to receive its full affiliation in 2012. She has also served as Special Assistant for sponsorship and finance in 2013, AMDEC Counselor in 2014, was elected as 2017 JCI Vice President assigned to Africa and Middle East, member of Peace is Possible Committee in 2018, Africa and the Middle East Development Council Chairperson in 2019 and recently served as the Conference Organizing Committee Director for the 2021 Africa and Middle East Area Conference hosted by JCI Jordan. Reem is a fellow of the United Nations Alliance of Civilization, a golden award holder of the international youth award, toastmaster competent communicator and has served on the elected board of the student council of the University of Jordan as the head of the community service committee. Reem has a degree in Industrial Engineering and speaks Arabic, English and French.
2022 Executive Vice President for Asia and the Pacific
Pheng Kouch
Born January 10, 1983, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Pheng KOUCH (William) holds an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Singapore Management University and founded and operated Advanced Glory Logistics (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. He resides in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with his wife, Lypheng TAING, and three children – one son, Kelvin KOUCH, and two daughters, Alice and Jessica KOUCH. Pheng joined JCI Cambodia – Phnom Penh in 2010. He became Local President in 2013, National President in 2015, Bidding Chairman and Conference Director for the 2020 JCI Asia and the Pacific Conference in Angkor, Cambodia and was elected as the 2021 JCI Vice President for Asia and the Pacific. He was nominated as Regional Chair for the 2021 JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur program for the Asia and the Pacific area and was a member of the 2021 JCI TOYP Preliminary Judging Panel. He speaks Khmer, English and Mandarin, has attended six JCI World Congresses and 11 JCI Area Conferences and was honored as JCI Senator 74163.
2022 Executive Vice President for America
Alejandra Castillo Saavedra
Born December 17, 1986, in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Alejandra Castillo is 34 years old and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with mention in cosmetic chemistry. Alejandra also works as a commercial manager for her own business, a veterinarian products industry. She is a teacher and consultant for international and national cosmetics enterprises and currently resides in Cochabamba. Castillo joined JCI Union in 2006 and became Local President in 2012. Alejandra continued as National Vice President in 2013, National Executive Director in 2014, Executive Vice President in 2015 and National President in 2016. At the international level, Castillo served as JCI ADC Commissioner in 2017, JCI Vice President in 2019 while also being recognized as the most outstanding JCI Vice President of America and was a JCI Skills Development committee member in 2020. Currently she is a Skills Development Committee Chairperson. She has attended 12 Area Conferences, two Global Partnership Summits, three American Leadership Academies, five National Presidents Meetings and four World Congresses. Alejandra graduated from the 2015 JCI Academy in Tokyo, Japan.
2022 Executive Vice President for Europe
Jenni Ahlstedt
Born January 11, 1982, in Gislaved, Sweden, Jenni Ahlstedt holds a Vocational Qualification in Business and Administration and works as an event organizer and an anti-money laundry project leader in her own company. She resides in Stockholm, Sweden with her partner, Per, and their daughters, Amanda and Matilda. Ahlstedt joined JCI in Ylöjärvi, Finland in 2008. She became Local President in JCI Pirkanmaa, Finland in 2011, and National President of JCI Sweden in 2015. At the international level, Ahlstedt served as JCI Sponsorship Committee Member from 2016 to 2017, was JCI European Academy Director from 2018 to 2019, and was JCI Vice President in 2020. She has attended 12 live and two online JCI Area Conferences and eight live and one online JCI World Congress. She has been honored as JCI Senator 76500. She speaks Finnish, Swedish, English and a bit of German. Beyond JCI, Jenni’s other interests include singing and playing the piano. She has also been leading a regional young entrepreneurs’ organization and a local scout organization.
2022 Vice President for Africa and the Middle East
Micheal Adenuga
Born July 23, 1982, in Ogun State, Nigeria, Micheal Adenuga holds a master’s degree in business information and is the CEO of Micheal Auto Car dealership and Brand Ur Passion Business Coach. He currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa. Micheal Adenuga joined JCI Federal Polytechnic EDE Nigeria in 2000. He joined JCI EKO in 2007 and later moved to South Africa in 2015 and joined JCI Sandton where he served as Local Vice President in 2017, Local President in 2018, National Vice President in 2019 and National Executive Vice President in 2020. At the international level, Micheal is currently serving as a 2021 Africa and Middle East Development Councilor. He has attended three Area conferences and one World Congress. He has been honored as JCI Senator 79138. He speaks English and basic French. Micheal has been the most awarded member of JCI South Africa from 2018 to date.
2022 Vice President for Africa and the Middle East
Aboubacar Diallo
Born on September 26, 1988 in Gueckedou, Guinea, Aboubacar Diallo holds a bachelor’s degree in administration and management and works as National Accountant for the Community Support Program at SOS CHILDREN VILLAGES. He resides in Conakry, Ratoma, Guinea with his wife, Mariame, his daughter, Fatoumata Kanny Diallo, and his two sons, Elhadj Oumar Diallo and Alseny Diallo. Aboubacar joined JCI Dubreka Racines, a local chapter of JCI Guinea, in 2009. He became Local Executive Vice President in 2010 and then Local Executive President in 2011. At the National Level he served as National Vice President in 2013 and 2016, Executive National Vice President in 2017, Deputy President in 2018 and National President in 2019. At the international level he served as an Africa and the Middle East Development Council Councillor in 2020. Determined to support and promote the JCI Mission and Vision, he accepted to be the Assistant to the Executive Vice President for Africa and Middle East, Harira Cisse, in 2021. He has attended two Area Conferences physically, the online 2021 Africa and Middle East Area Conference and one World Congress. Aboubacar speaks French and English.
2022 Vice President for Africa and the Middle East
Richard Ojo
Richard Ojo was born on January 12, 1982 in Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria. He is a graduate of chemical engineering from the Federal Polytechnic Bida and an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. He resides in Abuja, Nigeria with his wife, daughter and three sons. Richard joined JCI Nigeria Federal Polytechnic Bida in 2002. He became the local President in 2011 and the National President in 2017. He currently works as an Executive Director of Virtusso Insurance Brokers Limited. At the international level, Richard currently serves as JCI Committee Chairman on Corporate Partnerships. He has attended six JCI Area Conferences and four JCI World Congresses. He has been honored as JCI Senator 73641. He speaks English and Yoruba.
2022 Vice President for Africa and the Middle East
Comlan Tony Kouteh
Comlan Tony Kouteh was born on January 25, 1986. He currently works as an energy and infrastructure private sector program office at the Bénin office of European Development Fund. He has held many local positions within JCI Cotonou La Doyenne: 2009 Director of International Meeting, 2010 Deputy Director of the “Welcoming New Members” Project, 2011 Deputy Director of the Active Citizenship Project, 2012 Vice-President in Charge of Projects and Main Theme of JCI Cotonou La Doyenne, 2013 Secretary General, 2015 Deputy President and 2016 President. In 2017 he was the National Vice President and then in 2018 the National General Legal Counsel. At the international level, Comlan has been a member of JCI Africa and Middle East Digital Transformation Committee in 2019, Executive Assistant to the JCI World President in Charge of Africa and the Middle East in 2020 and a Africa and the Middle East Development Council Councilor in 2021.
2022 Vice President for Asia and the Pacific
David Luk
Born on July 11, 1982 in Hong Kong SAR, David Luk is a solicitor for Hong Kong SAR, a mediator accredited by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center and Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited and an arbitrator accredited by the Fellowship of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Fellowship of Hong Kong Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He holds a master’s degree in law, bachelor’s degree in law and bachelor’s degree in arts with a focus on international studies while receiving First Class honor. He works as a Senior Counsel in Legal Affairs in an airlines company with a focus on the Asia and the Pacific region. He resides in Hong Kong SAR. David joined JCI Island in 2015. He later became their Local President in 2017, National Membership Director in 2018, National Vice President in 2019 and National Executive Vice President in 2020. At the international level, David served JCI in 2021 as a JCI RISE Committee Member for the Asia and the Pacific area. He has attended 11 JCI Area Conferences and two JCI World Congresses. He has been honored as JCI Senator 77605 and achieved the Phil Pugsley Patron status. He speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
2022 Vice President for Asia and the Pacific
Keisuke Shimoyamada
Born on December 6, 1985, in Tokyo, Japan, Keisuke is a President of Intertech Limited and resides in Tokyo, Japan. He joined JCI Tokyo in 2012. Then, in 2019 he served as Vice President of JCI Tokyo, served as a Asia and the Pacific Development Council (APDC) Development Officer in 2017 and was an APDC Chairperson in 2018 and 2019. He also served as Chairperson of the Global Business Promotion Committee of JCI Japan in 2020. This year he is serving as a Vice President of the International Group of JCI Japan. He has attended numerous JCI Area Conferences as well as JCI World Congresses. He speaks English and Japanese.
2022 Vice President for Asia and the Pacific
Rakhi Jain
Rakhi Jain is the 2021 National President of JCI India. She runs an e-commerce business under the name “Style & Décor”. She is a commerce graduate. She resides in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India with her husband, Ankur Jain, and their daughters, Archita and Bhavya. Rakhi joined JCI in the year 2012. She became Local President in 2012 and 2013, State President in 2017, Executive Vice President in 2019 and National President in 2021. She has attended two JCI Area Conferences and two World Congresses. She attended The JCI Academy in 2020. She has been honored as JCI Senator 79710. She speaks in English and Hindi.
2022 Vice President for Asia and the Pacific
Zolbadral Batmunkh
Born October 23, 1985, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Zolbadral Batmunkh holds a bachelor’s degree in management of information technology and works as CEO of his own company. He resides in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia with his wife, Hali, and daughter, Mila, and son. Zolbadral joined JCI Leader in 2008. He became Local President in 2014, and National President of JCI Mongolia in 2020. At the international level, Zolbadral served as the 2017 and 2018 JCI Asia and the Pacific Development Council Councilor. He has attended 11 JCI Area Conferences and five JCI World Congresses. He has been honored as JCI Senator 78066. He speaks Mongolian and English.
2022 Vice President for America
Franco Cagnotti
Born February 21, 1988, in Rosario, Argentina, Franco Cagnotti holds a master’s degree in human resources and works as HR Talent Management and Training Consultant in a multinational recruitment services company. He currently resides in Barcelona, Spain. Franco joined JCI Rosario in 2006. He became Local President in 2015 and National President of JCI Argentina in 2019. He currently serves in the international sphere as a member of the JCI Skills Development Committee. In 2016 he was Executive Assistant to the JCI President for America, has been part of the JCI Strategic Planning Committee since 2019 and was the Commissioner of the American Development Council in 2020. Franco has been recognized as JCI Argentina’s Most Outstanding Member and America’s Most Outstanding Local President. In 2015 he won the JCI Public Speaking Competition at the Area Conference. He has attended 11 JCI Area Conferences and five JCI World Congresses. Franco graduated both from the American Leadership Academy and the JCI Leadership Academy hosted in Japan. He is a JCI Foundation Donor and speaks Spanish, English and Italian.
2022 Vice President for America
Dupal Persaud
Born August 3, 1984, in Willemstad, Curaçao, Dupal Persaud works as Product Manager at an international Cloud Solution Provider. He resides in Curaçao, with his partner, Tiffany, and daughter, Nevaëh. Persaud joined JCI IOBA Curaçao in 2011. He became Local President of JCI CLIC in 2015 and National President in 2019. At the international level, Persaud is a graduate of the 2017 American Leadership Academy and the 2018 JCI Academy. He has attended four JCI Area Conferences, the Global Partnership Summit in New York, and four JCI World Congresses. In 2020 he served as a member of the JCI Skills Development Committee. Currently he is a member of the JCI Digital Transformation Committee. Persaud loves diving, reading, and cooking. He spends his early mornings on a work-out routine and enjoys good music. He speaks English, Spanish, Dutch, and his native language Papiamentu.
2022 Vice President for America
Maximiliano Montañez
Maximiliano was born in Maldonado, Uruguay on July 16, 1991 and is married to Sofía Gonzalez. He is the founder and director of the company PANALCOM MARKETING DIGITAL. He began his activities in the organization in July 2010. He was Local Vice President in 2011, Local Executive Vice President in 2012, Local President in 2014, Local Secretary in 2016, National Secretary in 2017, National Executive Vice President in 2018, National President in 2019, Past National President in 2020, member of the Digital Transformation Committee in 2020 and member of the Marketing & Merchandising Committee in 2021. He has participated in seven National Conventions and three Conferences of America. He also participated in the Meeting of National Presidents in 2019 and the 2019 World Congress. He was trained at the America Leadership Academy in 2016 and graduated from the JCI Academy in Himeji in 2018. He is a qualified instructor for several training sessions: JCI Explore, Effective Communication: creating a base, Effective Leadership, Effective Meetings, Projects Management, JCI Admin and JCI Discover. He is a member and co-founder of the JCI Maldonado Local Organization. He speaks Spanish and English.
2022 Vice President for America
Julianna Durie
Born on October 15, 1984, in Seoul, South Korea and she was adopted and currently lives in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Julianna Durie holds an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, works as a customer experience manager for a software company and speaks English. Durie joined the Appleton Area Jaycees in 2013. She became Vice President of the Appleton Area Jaycees in 2015, State President in 2020, and is a JCI USA Membership coach in 2021. She has been honored as Wisconsin Statesman #977. In 2021, Durie received a JCI USA Allen Whitfield Memorial Award for Outstanding State president and in 2017 received JCI USA Outstanding Jaycee Member Award. In 2007, she was Local Chapter President for Fox Valley Association for Legal Professionals and 2011 State President for Wisconsin Association for Legal Professionals. She was honored with the Award of Excellence for Wisconsin legal professionals.
2022 Vice President for Europe
Nele Buysmans
Born November 27, 1982 in Tongeren, Belgium, Nele Buysmans holds a master’s degree in international politics and works as an Executive Director in a government agency responsible for economic growth. She currently resides in Hoeselt, Belgium after living abroad in countries such as Venezuela and India. Nele first got introduced to JCI Belgium in 2013 and became a pinned member in 2014. She is a member of two local chapters, JCI Brussel and JCI Hasselt. She became a Local President in 2017, a Regional Board member in 2019 and a National President in 2021. At the international level, Nele served as an Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Europe in 2016 and as a JCI Europe task force member on virtual membership. She has attended ten JCI Area Conferences and six JCI World Congresses. She is a Phil Pugsley Patron Foundation member and speaks Dutch, English, French, Spanish and German.
2022 Vice President for Europe
Altuğ Türkdalı
Born November 14, 1983, in Ordu, Turkey, Altug Turkdali holds a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and innovation and works as an Executive Board Chairman of an education, consultancy and recycling company. He resides in Izmir, Turkey, with his lovely wife, Aybeniz. Altug joined JCI Izmir in 2015. He became Local President in 2017 and National President in 2020. At the international level, Altug served as a JCI Peace is Possible Committee Member in 2018. He has attended five JCI Area Conferences and four JCI World Congresses. He has been honored as JCI Senator 78740. He speaks Turkish and English.
2022 Vice President for Europe
Chris Baeriswyl
Born on June 23, 1989, in Fribourg, Switzerland, Chris Baeriswyl holds a master’s degree in business and works as a Project Manager for a leading health insurance company where he is developing alternative insurance models. After having lived in the cities of Geneva and Bern in Switzerland, the city of Cologne in Germany and the city of San Francisco in the United States of America, he currently resides in Zurich, Switzerland. Chris joined JCI in 2011. He became Local President in 2013, was part of the Swiss National Board in 2019 and represented Europe on an international level as an Appointee of the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee in 2020. He has attended 15 National Congresses, eight Area Conferences, and three World Congresses. In 2018, he was awarded by JCI Switzerland for the best project in the area of economic development. Chris speaks English, French and German.
2022 Vice President for Europe
Keira Keogh
Born November 14th, 1985, in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland, Keira Keogh holds a postgraduate diploma in applied behavior analysis and works as a self employed behavior consultant in her own small business. She resides in the tourist town of Westport on the West Coast of Ireland with her rescue puggle, Indie. Keogh joined JCI Mayo in 2013. She became Local President in 2015 and National President in 2019. At the international level, Keogh has served as a European Development Council Appointee in 2017 and Skills Development Appointee in 2018. She has attended nine Area Conferences and five World Congresses. She has been honored as JCI Senator 77638. She speaks English.
2022 Vice President for Europe
Jana Havlíčková
Born May 5, 1983 in Pilsen, Czech Republic, Jana Havlíčková holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics, a master’s degree in management and marketing and is currently working on her master’s degree in sociology. Jana also works as a university lecturer and runs a training agency as is a Regional Partner in a business networking franchise. She joined JCI in 2011 and was one of the founding members of her local organization as well as her national organization. Jana was the 2015 JCI Pilsen Local President, 2019 JCI Czech Republic National President, 2020 European Development Council Councillor for Intensive Support and is the 2021 European Development Council Chairperson. She speaks Czech, Slovak and English and knows basic French, German and Italian. She is also a graduate of Sports Grammar School and enjoys various sports, traveling, reading and regularly practices yoga and tchaj-ti.
The JCI World Headquarters is located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the founding city of the JCI Movement.
The permanent, full-time staff provides support and services to JCI members around the world.
As JCI and the world change over time, the World Headquarters team ensures the organization, at all levels, remains focused on achieving its long-term goals, moving forward with the Strategic Plan and upholding the Mission and Vision.
Kevin Hin
Lily Chen
Earl Sawyer
Belén Rojas
Comfort Nkiri
Diana Mardarovici
Nathalia Cardenas
Roberto Elias
Rocio Acosta
Luis Lane
Tunji Oyeyemi
Esther Andi
Cynthia Wong
Josh Schuler
Djamo Dahirou
Mariana Arce
Silvia Olmedo
Fabian Gruber
Valentina Retamozo
Dan Fox
Ann Marion
AJ Garms
Julie Amuedo
Kevin Hin
Kevin Hin currently serves as the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Secretary General, responsible for managing the JCI Headquarters team and for supporting the President, Board of Directors and members around the world to achieve the strategic goals of the organization. Born in London, United Kingdom, of Mauritian and Chinese descent, Kevin Hin holds a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics.
He brings in a strong business and entrepreneurial background, having most recently worked as deputy Sales Director for the APM Monaco jewelry brand and as Chief Marketing Officer of a start-up in Hong Kong. He resides in Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco, where he moved to with his family in 1989. Kevin Hin’s JCI journey began in 2003 as a member of JCI Monaco. He became Local President in 2006 and National President in 2010 as well as occupying several national board positions.
At the international level, he served as COC Managing Director of the JCI European Conference in Monte-Carlo in 2013 and JCI Vice President for Europe in 2016. He finally served as 2018 JCI Executive Vice President for Europe before being appointed as Secretary General at the 2019 JCI World Congress in Tallinn, Estonia. He truly believes in making the members of the organization feel special and is passionate about the positive impact that JCI can have on young leaders and entrepreneurs around the world.
Lily Chen
Lily Chen currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Junior Chamber International (JCI). She received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from National Taiwan University and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. In Lily’s JCI journey, she has served as Accounting Manager and Chief Financial Controller. She manages the daily financial and accounting activities of JCI, including budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, accounts payable, accounts receivable and banking operation.
Earl Sawyer
Earl Sawyer currently serves as Foundation Administrator for Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Belén Rojas
Belén Rojas currently serves as the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Executive Coordinator. She is in charge of coordinating the work between the JCI President and Secretary General, as well as all official communications from their offices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the National University of Asuncion. She lives in Asunción, Paraguay.
Comfort Nkiri
Comfort Daru Nkiri serves as the Skills Development Manager at the JCI World Headquarters. She served as 2013 President of JCI University of Buea. At the national level, she has served as 2014 General Legal counsel, 2015 Project Director and 2016 Personal Assistant to the President of JCI Cameroon. She received her bachelor’s degree in science and sociology, a master’s degree in anthropology and a minor in economics from the University of Buea Cameroon.
Diana Mardarovici
Diana Mardarovici is the Senior Manager for Corporate Partnerships at JCI. She is responsible for finding corporate partners and delivering results on corporate commitments through win(partners)/ win(members)/ win(JCI) scenarios.
Working on her PhD in Economics, with 15 years of experience in sales, marketing and international development her clients over the years have ranged from small cafes to large real estate developers. An experienced trainer, JCI Vice President in 2018 and JCI European Development Council Chairwoman in 2019, her focus is on preparing SME’s and local entrepreneurs for sustainable growth.
In 2020 she was elected in the General City Council of Bucharest and is a working member of the budget, patrimony, and city companies supervisory committee. She is currently appointed as a member of the shareholders’ board in three city companies.
Nathalia Cardenas
Roberto Elias
Roberto Elias currently serves as Executive Director of Growth and Development for Junior Chamber International (JCI). He received his degree in Business from Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Catholic University. He also earned an executive MA with an emphasis in finance and marketing from GADEX Business School at Cadiz University, Spain. Elias served as the JCI Area Director for the Americas from 2010-2018. In his current role, he oversees the Growth and Development Team. He lives in Asuncion, Paraguay with his wife and son. He speaks English and Spanish.
Rocio Acosta
Rocio Acosta currently serves as the Growth and Development Manager for Junior Chamber International (JCI). She holds an International Relations degree from UNIDA University in Paraguay and speaks Spanish, English and German fluently. Her background in both the private international and diplomatic sectors has helped her settle at JCI and feel comfortable with a fully multicultural team.
She lives in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Luis Lane
Luis Lane currently serves as Growth and Development Director for America. He has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Catholic University of Asuncion, Paraguay. He co-founded, and manages, a snack company in Paraguay and currently sits on the board of other organizations. He is a 2018 Fellow of the US Department of State program, YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative). In JCI he is responsible for the members’ development as well as making sure that organizations are making the best of the opportunities! He uses his experience in entrepreneurship to help members develop sustainable and collaborative projects that will impact communities in America.
Tunji Oyeyemi
Tunji Oyeyemi currently serves as the Growth and Development Director for Africa and the Middle East at Junior Chamber International (JCI). Oyeyemi brings a very strong background in interpersonal skills, conflict management, youth development and business operations. He is a passionate, result-oriented team builder with over seven years of experience in the NGO space. Oyeyemi studied engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria and also attended Lagos Business School. He comes to JCI with experience as the Program Director of Exxes Options Solutions Services Limited and as a director of the African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative. His JCI journey began in 2000 when he joined the organization at his university. In 2007, he joined JCI Festac and later became a member of JCI Akure. He served as the 2016 JCI Nigeria National President and held various other leadership roles at the local and national levels.
Esther Andi
Esther Gaelle Ibeiri Andi currently serves as the Growth and Development Coordinator for Africa and the Middle East for Junior Chamber International (JCI). She received her master’s degree in International Relations from the Institute of International Relations of Cameroon. In her capacity at JCI, she helps and assists members of the area with website issues or any issues related to JCI. She equally assists the Area Director for Africa and the Middle East according to the needs of the members. She is also responsible for the translation of work using her knowledge of French and English to ensure that all JCI members in the area and in other areas have the tools and resources in the languages they need.
Cynthia Wong
Cynthia currently serves as the Growth and Development Director for Asia and the Pacific at Junior Chamber International (JCI). She received her bachelor’s degree in commerce and the first master degree in IT management from University of Wollongong, Australia. She later pursued a second master’s degree in culture management from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Cynthia has extensive experience in event and administrative management in a variety of sectors, including: NGO, medical, IT, and education. She had led a team to organize the international congresses in the Asia and the Pacific region.
Being in JCI over 18 years, she has held many national offices in JCI Hong Kong, from Vice President to Treasurer to General Legal Counsel, as well as the Chair of the TOYP Selection Committee in 2013. Internationally, she was an APDC Officer in 2009 and was appointed as a Sponsorship Committee Member in 2018.
Josh Schuler
Josh Schuler currently serves as IT Coordinator for Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Djamo Dahirou
Djamo Dahirou currently serves as Member Services Coordinator for Junior Chamber International (JCI). He received his Bachelors of Political Science and public Administration from the University of Buea and a postgraduate degree in Political Sciences and International Relations from the University of Yaoundé II – Soa, Cameroon. Dahirou’s journey in JCI started in 2014 where he served as 2016 Local President of JCI Yaounde and 2017 National Director for Growth and Development in JCI Cameroon. In his capacity at JCI, he provides constant support to the Membership Services Department by assisting Local and National Organizations and creating quality customer service for members. Due to his passion for nonprofit work and education, he believes service to humanity is the best work one can do.
He lives in Douala, Cameroon with his wife and son. He speaks English, French and Fulani.
Mariana Arce
Mariana Arce currently serves as Events Manager at Junior Chamber International (JCI). She received an International Business Baccalaureate from UNIDA and currently lives in Asuncion, Paraguay. As part of the events team, she ensures that the JCI Mission is carried out on every level. She believes that by working at JCI, she has seen the effort people put in every day to make a change in the world that is visible and tangible. Arce is very happy to be part of this global community that believes that each one of us can contribute to make our world a better place.
Silvia Olmedo
Silvia Olmedo currently serves as Events Manager at Junior Chamber International (JCI). As part of the events team, she assists in the execution and planning of the Annual Events such as Conferences and Congress. She speaks English and Spanish and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism from Columbia University of Paraguay. She is happy to be part of this global team.
Fabian Gruber
Fabian Gruber currently serves as the Events Manager in charge of Europe and Africa and the Middle East for Junior Chamber International (JCI). He is responsible for the management of JCI’s Area Conferences as well as helping the entire Events team with the organization of the JCI World Congress. He received a Bachelor Degree in Hotel and Events Management from the Vatel University, and is fluent in English, Spanish and German.
Valentina Retamozo
Valentina Retamozo currently serves as the Program Manager for Junior Chamber International (JCI). She oversees the daily management, coordination, and control of the operation of each of the JCI Flagship programs such as CYE, Debates, Public Speaking, Awards, TOYP, Twinning, among others. She is responsible for ensuring that all members understand how the JCI programs work, developing programs to support the strategic direction of the organization, and creating and managing long-term goals while developing an operating plan for the programs. She received a Bachelor of International Hospitality and Tourism Management from Vatel Business School.
Dan Fox
Dan Fox currently serves as the Marketing Director for the Junior Chamber International (JCI). Prior to his time with JCI, Dan was a journalist, and worked at several St. Louis area newspapers, as well as the local newspapers in Sydney, Nebraska and Skagway, Alaska. If you bump into him at a networking function, ask him about hiking or cross country skiing to break the ice! At JCI, Dan works with the other members on the Marketing Team to facilitate internal and external communications, reaching out to JCI members and spreading the JCI message to people outside of the organization.
He lives in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States.
Email:[email protected]
Ann Marion
Ann Marion currently serves as the Digital Media Manager for Junior Chamber International (JCI). She is responsible for the daily management of JCI’s social media accounts as well as social media regarding the JCI campaigns. Through positive, consistent brand messaging and strategy, she assists the overall image of JCI throughout digital platforms. Ann also assists with website updates and other communication matters. She received a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an international politics certificate from the Danish School of Media and Journalism.
AJ Garms
AJ Garms currently serves as the Creative Design Manager at Junior Chamber International (JCI). He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Lindenwood University, where he was a part of Alpha Phi Omega National Co-Ed Service Fraternity. He has extensive experience utilizing branding to visually communicate the ideals and values of a company, especially in the nonprofit and commercial sectors. AJ is also a long distance triathlete and Ironman 70.3 finisher. His passion for fitness and vision of a healthier world drive him to inspire others on their journey.
Julie Amuedo
Julie Amuedo currently serves as the Communications Manager for Junior Chamber International (JCI). She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Theater respectively with a minor in Film Studies at Truman State University. She is responsible for writing and copy-editing content for all JCI initiatives in relation to JCI Events, campaigns and JCI Programs. Julie also assists with developing content while always remaining brand consistent. She is proud to be a part of the team that spreads the global message of JCI to support youthful entrepreneurs and give them the tools to invest, empower, and evolve in these changing times.