Welcome

Officers:

Molly Kiefer – Vice President

I am a psychotherapist and had been in private practice in Raleigh, NC for over 35 years. I was born in Dublin, Ireland and came to the US at the age of 3. I feel as though I grew up traveling to Europe and throughout different parts of the United States from a young age.

The travel, the cultural exchanges, and meeting people were enticing features of Friendship Force. When I joined in 2011, I was excited to learn the culture of others, to stay in their houses, eat their food. And, then reciprocate when people from all over the world came to our wonderful state of North Carolina. The connections and experiences have been an eye opening experience. It has been fun to help organize and participate in many exchanges. I am hoping to go to France in 2021 with our group. Other exciting trips have included Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee. The in-country trips have been terrific. If I can help in any way, please contact me Molly.kiefer@icloud.com.  919-828-4343 Vice President.

DeAnne Dotson – Secretary

Donna Steele – Treasurer

Directors:

Olga Dovoric

Carole Dubber

Brenda Gay 

Mary Gray

Jan Johnson

Patricia Jones

Doyle Long

R. Jorge Montoya

Jorge Montoya is a retired Research Engineer that has been a member of the Friendship Force of Raleigh for the last 3 years and a member of the board for the last year and a half. Jorge and his wife, Adrien, have been associated with local and national organizations that promote citizens’ exchanges with other countries as well as student exchanges. They have hosted many international visitors and exchange students, and have traveled extensively nationally and internationally. (montoyarj@yahoo.com)

Mike Rakouskas

I have been an active member of the Friendship Force of Raleigh for about 14-15 years, having served as a past-president of the organization. I have participated in several outgoing international and domestic Journeys and have served as Ambassador Coordinator for a number of these. My wife Elaine and I have home hosted for a number of incoming international and domestic incoming Journeys and Mike has been Host Coordinator for a number of them as well. I enjoy the opportunity of showcasing Raleigh and the Research Triangle area to our fellow Friendship Force members journeying to our community.

We are avid travelers having visited all 50 states and traveled to all of the Canadian provinces. We love international travel and have travelled extensively in Europe, Central and South America, and Mexico, having recently visited Australia and New Zealand for our 50th wedding anniversary. We also enjoy ocean cruising.

We look forward to meeting future Friendship Force members and making new friends. (mrakouskas@aol.com)  

Marylin Sorin

Carol Winner

Judy Wright