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Dr. Robera Battal, Interim Director
Robera brings to this position significant experience in multicultural ministry and studies in international relations. He also brings congregational ministry, program oversight and administrative experience. He most recently served as assistant to the bishop in the Minneapolis Area Synod. Robera has degrees from Augsburg College, Yale University and Bethel Seminary.
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Chenar E. E. Howard, Program & Relations Coordinator
Chenar has worked in the GMI since October 2006. In May 2012, she also became the Assistant Director of International Student and Scholar Affairs.
Chenar is a member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, served on the Minnesota International Educators Board from 2009-10 and 2010-11, served on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit, and has served on several church committees.
Chenar is the grand-daughter and great-grand-daughter of missionaries to India, and has traveled to a variety of countries herself. She has found a true vocation in her position, where her faith foundation intersects with her professional field of International Education.
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Elizabeth Flomo, project Coordinator
Elizabeth completed her Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary in 2010. She began in the GMI as a student worker in 2008. Elizabeth brings in depth international and domestic cross-cultural commitments to her work at the GMI thanks to her years at the Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services Program, including two years as a Lutheran Volunteer Corps participant, and her connections to a variety of multi-cultural/multi-ethnic congregations in the Twin Cities’ area. Elizabeth splits her time between the GMI and Cross-Cultural Education, coordinating Luther Seminary’s cross-cultural experiences.
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Rev. Sharon Baglyos, Interim Director of the AGORA program at Luther Seminary
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Rev. Vern Rice, AGORA Congregational Liaison
Vern brings more than forty years experience as a parish pastor. He is Chair of the St. Paul Area Synod Local Mission Partner Team, building relationships among ethnic ministries and congregations. He serves as mentor to Hmong and Latino ministers and also has long-term relationships in the Chinese and African American communities. Vern has degrees from Luther Seminary Princeton Seminary.
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Lisa Cohen, GMI Development liaison
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Jenna Gieske, GMI Development Liaison
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