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.
Interns
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.
Maria Adoskina, Ph.D.
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.
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. 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 spouse and training his beloved dog, whilst also indulging in his love for reading.
Leila Bekri
Executive Director
Leila was born in New York City and raised in Tunis. Her father’s work took her family to the U.S., Europe, and West Africa. Being exposed to a multitude of cultures and places at an early age, she cultivated a rich perspective which she later reinforced through her education, work, and passion for world affairs.
Sophia Sevillano
Exchange Programs Intern
Sophia Sevillano is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned degrees in Economics and International Studies. Having been immersed in various cultures from a young age, she developed a multicultural perspective and a deep passion for world affairs. She is particularly interested in creating positive change across global socioeconomic systems. Sophia is excited to be back at International Focus to help build strong connections between the local and international community in the Triangle area.
Andres Ortiz-Acosta
Exchange Programs Intern
Andres was born and raised in North Carolina. He is a senior at UNC Chapel Hill, double-majoring in Peace, War, and Defense and Global Studies with a minor in Conflict Management. With a strong interest in international security and global economic development, Andres is passionate about diplomacy, cross-cultural engagement, and international cooperation.