Every year International Focus implements approximately 25 short-term exchange programs and hosts 200 global leaders and youth in our community to share knowledge and best practices.
By joining International Focus as a member, you will discover many perspectives, make new friends, expand your network, and even host international leaders in your home or business.
Global Socials are evening events uniting International Focus's diverse community, including working professionals, officials, business owners, students, and retired international affairs experts. These gatherings often feature international leaders as speakers and showcase multicultural artistic performances.
International Focus is a nonprofit organization registered charity and relies on the contribution of local individuals and businesses to carry out our mission, and vision.
Building global respect and friendship by facilitating professional and personal dialogue and exchange.
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
The IVLP is a professional exchange program of the U.S. Department of State designed to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries.
The Open World Program
Administered by Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL), the Open World Program is the first and only international exchange agency in the U.S. Legislative Branch. Through Open World, nearly 18,000 current and future leaders from Central Asia and Eastern Europe have interacted with members of Congress, Congressional staff, and thousands of other Americans.
Youth Leadership Programs
Youth Leadership Programs foster mutual understanding, respect and civic engagement among young Americans and their international peers. Need all content in this section to be the same length.
Global Programs Connecting Raleigh with the World
International Focus partners with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Congress to bring vital exchange programs to the Triangle and other parts of North Carolina:
- International Visitor Leadership Program
- Open World
- Youth Leadership
All of the international visitors we host are current or rising leaders in government, politics, business, education, media, the arts and more.
Maria Adoskina (PhD)
Special Projects Director
Dr. Maria Adoskina (PhD) emigrated from the Russian Federation in 1993 with her PhD in Philology and Linguistics from the Institute of Linguistics at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Maria became involved in International Focus in 1999 where she would become the Program Director for Community Connections and Open World Programs. Maria has directed more than 43 successful programs via Community Connections, Open World, Youth Leadership Programs, and the Young Leaders of Americas Initiative. In her free time, Maria loves her dog and family and has recently had a new grandchild born.
John Thoma
Accounting
John Thoma, retired Chief Executive Officer, joined the nonprofit Transitions LifeCare in 1991 as the Director of Finance and Information Systems. John became CEO in 2002 and served on the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.
John graduated from Boston University with a degree in Spanish Language and Literature and has continued his education and training at the Tufts University Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and the Harvard Business School.
John is passionate about maximizing the impact nonprofit services bring to diverse communities and the importance of thriving mission-driven organizations. John is very active at the regional, state and national level, and has served on numerous boards and committees including the United Way of the Greater Triangle, the Association for Home and Hospice Care of North Carolina, and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Samuel Josephson
Exchange Programs Manager
Samuel Josephson, a native of North Carolina hailing from the Triangle, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western Carolina University a B.S. in Political Science and a B.A. in International Studies. Samuel started his career with International Focus as a Student Fellow in May 2023, and was given the opportunity to join full time in February 2024 as the Coordinator for the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) for the organization. In February of 2025, Samuel was given the position of Exchange Programs Manager and continues to excel within the organization and community. Samuel has a passion for citizen diplomacy and international exchange, which led him to International Focus where he is driven by the organizations mission, values, and dedication to the community. Beyond his professional endeavors, Samuel dedicates his time to his fiancé and training his beloved dog, whilst also indulging in his love for reading.
Leila Bekri
Executive Director
Leila is the Executive Director of International Focus, working closely with the organization’s board, staff, and partners. Since officially assuming her role in March 2021, she has guided the organization through a strategic plan and restructuring to better align its activities -post pandemic- with its mission and goals.
Leila’s passion for building bridges between cultures has deeply impacted International Focus, shaping its vision and grounding its programs and activities. In her consecutive roles, the organization has earned numerous nominations, highlighting its commitment to excellence in exchange programs, leadership, mentorship, and its contributions to peace, including the prestigious NC Peace Prize. Her dedication to fostering international understanding has also earned her community recognition as "Tar Heel of the Week" by the News & Observer.
Leila holds a master’s degree in international studies from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s degree in legal studies. Growing up in Tunisia, Leila is fluent in English, French, and Arabic. Outside her professional life, she supports the arts and enjoys road trips.
Join As a Volunteer.
We are looking for experts/ professionals in these areas: Multimedia/Video editing & Publishing and Grant Writing.
Join International Focus with an Individual or Corporate Membership
Individual Memberships
By joining International Focus as a member, you will discover many perspectives, make new friends, expand your network, and even host international leaders in your home or business.
With a membership, you will get to discover the world in Raleigh through opportunities to:
- Connect directly with global emerging leaders
- Connect with other globally minded leaders in the Triangle community
- Host global visits with homestays and other volunteer opportunities to build new relationships
- Receive exclusive invitations to Global Socials
- Receive exclusive invitations to workshops
- Receive discounts to events
- Play an important part in supporting International Focus’ mission of changing lives through global experiences
- Receive our signature cultural newsletter… and so much more!
Corporate Memberships
With a Corporate Employee Membership, you will give your employees the opportunity to discover the world in Raleigh through global engagement opportunities:
- A membership certificate for display upon request
- Your business, council, or not-for-profit URL will be featured on our Network web page
- A subscription to and the opportunity to be featured in our E-newsletter
- The opportunity for your employees to participate and engage in our Global Socials
- Early-bird access and discounted ticket prices to events
- Support our internship and fellowship programs for area students
- Play an important part in supporting International Focus’ mission of changing lives through global experiences!
Serving as the cultural and artistic bridge between the Research Triangle and the International Community.
We Have More Than 30+ Years Of Experience.
We uniquely promote North Carolina in the world, conserve the heritage of our international communities, and defend universal values of democracy and freedom of expression.