Director of  Grant Programs

After working for years at a trade association in the healthcare IT sector, Patti was eager to use her skills in an organization devoted to developing the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding across nations.  She started her journey with YFU in 2014 in a temporary position as Special Orientations Coordinator, overseeing the National Pre-Departure Orientation and two other short-term program orientations.  She joined the staff full time in 2016, continuing her work in Education and Training and adding responsibilities in Compliance.  The following year, she transitioned to Manager of Program Compliance and has recently been named Director of Grant Programs.

As Director of Grant Programs, Patti oversees YFU’s role as an administrator of three U.S. Department of State sponsored scholarship programs: Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), and Youth Exchange and Study (YES).  She serves as the primary organizational liaison among scholarship students, industry colleagues, and the U.S. Department of State.  Her main focus is maintaining the quality and integrity of these important programs.

Patti’s interest in other cultures began when she and her family lived in Naples, Italy, during her middle and high school years.  After returning to the States, she gained a sister, when her family hosted an exchange student from Sweden; and the cycle was completed when she finally became a host mom herself many years later. 

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