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Staff

Leila Bekri,
Executive Director

Leila Bekri is executive director of International Focus, where she works closely with the organization’s board, staff and partners to foster multicultural understanding. Since assuming her current role in 2020, Leila has led International Focus through a strategic plan, staffing expansion and organizational restructuring to better align the group’s activities with its vision and goals.

Leila’s career spans more than 20 years in international educational and cultural exchanges in the nonprofit sector in Raleigh and the surrounding Research Triangle area. She has managed numerous short and long-term programs and built strong partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders. She works closely with the U.S. Department of State on its premier professional exchange program, the International Visitor Leadership Program. IVLP has brought hundreds of emerging leaders from around the world to N.C. to learn from area business leaders, journalists and government officials.

In recognition of her role in expanding awareness of cultural diversity, The News & Observer named Leila as a “Tar Heel of the Week.”  International Focus also has won various awards and nominations for peace, diversity, mentorship, and programming excellence under her leadership.

Leila holds an M.A. in International Studies from North Carolina State University and B.A. in legal studies from the Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Politiques et Sociales de Tunis. She enjoys the arts, road trips, and volunteering with local nonprofits. A native of Tunisia, Leila is fluent in English, French and Arabic.

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

IVLP Program Coordinator

Samuel Josephson, a native of North Carolina hailing from Cary, holds a dual bachelor's degree in political science and international studies, specializing in Global Governance, Human Rights, and International Law from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Currently serving as the IVLP Program Coordinator at International Focus, he spearheads the design and execution of International Visitors Leadership Program visits to the Triangle region, while also contributing to social media, website, and newsletter development. Samuel's passion for international affairs, citizen diplomacy, and cultural exchange led him to International Focus, where he's driven by a deep appreciation for the organization's mission, values, and community. Beyond his professional endeavors, Samuel dedicates time to his fiancé and training his beloved dog, Lulia, whilst also indulging in his love for reading.

Kasi Kindred

Intern

Kasi Kindred is the Intern with International Focus tasked with the development of the International Focus Cultural Newsletters. She was born and raised in Raleigh, NC, and received her certification in Business Administration: Advertising and Digital Media from Wake Tech Community College in May 2022. In her free time, she loves going to Wrightsville Beach, NC, listening to music, and traveling. Ever since she started at International Focus, she knew this was going to be a great internship for her because she is intrigued by learning about other countries' cultures and customs. Getting involved at International Focus has given her the confidence to take on highly skilled roles and work in a professional setting and by applying them in her future career. She is a joy to be around and appreciates everything she is learning at International Focus.  

Leila Bekri

Executive Director

Leila was born in New York City and raised in Tunis. Her father’s diplomatic service took her family to the U.S., Europe, and West Africa before moving back to Tunisia. Being exposed to a multitude of cultures and places at an early age, she cultivated a pluralistic perspective which she later reinforced through her education, work, and passion for world affairs.

Thelma Vambe

Graduate Student Fellow

Savinance Thelma Vambe (Her/She pronoun) was born and raised in Zimbabwe. However, for the past ten years, she and her family have been happy to call Winston Salem their second home. She went to Appalachian State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Professional Legal Studies and a minor in Accounting and Criminal Justice in May 2022. She is a first-year second-semester student at North Carolina State University, currently pursuing a Masters of International Studies. In her free time, Thelma enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves going on walks and watching K-dramas. She is looking forward to partnering with International Focus this academic year "as this is an opportunity for me to learn, grow, and build my global understanding and respect through a professional, personal, and artistic exchange".

Ally Newby

Intern

Ally Newby is an intern for the International Visitors Leadership Program, and she joined in June 2023. Born in Maryland, her proximity to the nation's capital inspired her to work toward a career in international relations. Ally is a senior at UNC Chapel Hill pursuing a double major in Global Studies and Political Science and a minor in Hispanic Studies. In addition to interning with International Focus, this summer she worked as an intern for an immigrant resource center in Maryland.