Dr. Maxine Hankins Cain
President
Maxine Hankins Cain was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia to former sharecroppers, Mack and Rebecca Hankins. She received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Norfolk State University; a master’s degree in reading from the University of Michigan; and a doctorate degree in school administration from Union University and Institute. During her 43-year professional career she served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, principal in Lansing and Detroit, Director of Elementary Education, and Superintendent of Sankofa Shule Public School Academy in Lansing, Michigan. She has also served as Vice President of Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission for several years and presently serves as its President. In addition, Maxine serves as the Sister Cities International (SCI) State Representative for the state of Michigan. In this capacity, she is responsible for increasing and supporting the number of sister/friendship partnerships with local municipalities in Michigan and cities abroad…focusing on education, cultural experiences and economic development. Another statewide position held is that of being appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer as a member of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, which is responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct.
In 2023, Maxine was appointed chairperson of an international project entitled “Libraries and Literacy”, a part of the SCI/Africa Summit, held in Cape Town, South Africa. The goal was to collect 5,000 books to distribute among schools in Langa Township, the oldest township in South Africa and at the heart of the Apartheid Movement. With Maxine spearheading this international collaborative , over 8,000 books were collected and dispersed among five schools and the Langa Township Public Library.
Maxine continues to be involved as a national keynote speaker, workshop presenter and storyteller of iconic figures such as Harriette Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer and Mammie Till. Her evaluations are always at the highest level with comments such as, “Maxine changed my life! She should take this show on the road! Everyone needs to hear Maxine’s message!” She is a member of the National Association of Black Storytellers, the recipient of their Jackie Terrance Award and Volunteer of the Year Award bestowed upon her by Sister Cities International in 2019. She also served on the 2021 National Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Committee commemorating the 56th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Selma-to-Montgomery March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Maxine is a Diamond Life Member of the NAACP, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, AARP of Michigan’s Volunteer committee, and Lansing Lucidas’ Toast Masters International Club. Maxine continues to mentor and support youth through her involvement with “Life of Purpose,” a metropolitan Detroit based program that identifies the strengths of youth and meet them at their point of need.
Being the Nana of a brilliant 16-year-old non-verbal autistic grandchild, Maxine is also the author of “When Makayla Smiles.” A new book, “This Is Why I Love You,” written by Makayla and inspired by Maxine will also be available soon!
Paul Shaheen
Vice President
Paul Shaheen graduated from Monteith College and has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University. His experience includes the Michigan Department of Public Health with the State Medicaid Program, worked as lobbyist for the Michigan Hospital Association, a was Senior Social Worker in Housing and Urban Development and worked in both OEO and Model Cities in Flint, MI.
His last 27 years he served as the Executive Director of the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health and was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Children’s Trust Fund Board and served as its interim Executive director for a year. He served in the U.S. Peace Corp in Peru and he taught at Monteith College.
Marcie Alling
Treasurer
Marcie Alling is the Departmental Specialist/Team Lead for the Going PRO Talent Fund, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development. She holds a BA degree in French, MA degree in International Affairs-African Studies and has lived and traveled abroad. She and her husband volunteered for 11 years as a host family for Japanese students studying at Michigan State University.
Cindy MacKersie
Secretary
Cindy MacKersie is the Global Student Services Admissions Counselor at Lansing Community College. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in French and Japanese from the University of Puget Sound, a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from Seattle University. With 28 years of experience in international education, Cindy has an extensive background in teaching, coaching, and advising international students. Her career includes 26 years at Pierce College in Washington state, where she managed a variety of international programs and projects and developed and facilitated cross-cultural activities and short-term programs for both international and domestic students. Cindy has also studied and worked abroad in France, Japan, and Germany. Prior to relocating to Michigan, she was a college liaison and board member for the Lakewood Sister Cities Association in Lakewood, Washington. Currently, she is the Community College Representative for Study Michigan and is an active member of the NAFSA International Association of International Educators. Cindy loves learning about culture and languages and is passionate about global education.
Barbara Roberts Mason
President Emeritus
Barbara was president of LRSCC for 23 years. Her leadership has been felt and recognized on an international level. In addition to travels throughout Europe and Asia, she led delegations to Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana. She has done comparative studies on education in several countries, evaluated military schools in Germany and served in a leadership forum in Baden-Wurtemburg, Germany. As former president of the Michigan State Board of Education, she advocated for global languages and international studies in k-12 education.
Noe Daniel Alvarado
Noe Alvarado is a lifelong resident of the greater Lansing area. A University of Michigan wrestler and graduate, Noe has worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections for almost 30 years as a corrections officer and program coordinator. In addition, Noe is the Chair/President of MIALMA a statewide advocacy organization dealing with Hispanic issues. He is always active in politics and community activities.
William Brewer
William L. Brewer II is President and CEO of the Global Business Resource Group Inc. a firm that offers a full range of human resource services from executive search, pre and post employee assessment, executive coaching, and customized training to organizational consulting. He holds a B.S. degree in Marketing from Central State University. Mr. Brewer is a member of the Board of Directors – CASE Credit Union since 1990 and currently serving as its Chair, Board of Commissioner – Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission, Workforce Development Board Member Vice President – Capital Area Michigan Works.
Dr. Siddharth Chandra
Dr. Siddharth Chandra is Director of the Asian Studies Center and Professor of Economics in James Madison College at Michigan State University. The Asian Studies Center supports all aspects of Michigan State University’s engagement with Asia, from research and teaching to community outreach, engagement, and linkages with Asian partners.
Sung Soo Chung
Sung Soo Chung has worked and been serving as Associate Director in the Institute for Global Health (IGH, former Institute of International Health: IIH) and faculty member of College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) at Michigan State University (MSU) since 2015. Chung had served as Assistant Director in IIH from 2011. Chung had also worked for International Studies and Programs (ISP) for more than 13 years and is responsible for new training program development and implementation with Korea and other countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Latin America. Chung identifies potential program areas and collaborative opportunities for Michigan State University with companies, government agencies, and educational institutions abroad. He also works as a strategic planner, program designer, and implementer with a variety of program sponsors in more than 20 countries. In addition, Chung delivers One Health (OH) Approach and Future Workforces in a Holistic Aspect in various scientific conferences and special lectures. Chung was trained by public health with MPH in Human Medicine and MS in Social Science at MSU.
Dr. Willie Davis
A Professor at Lansing Community College and Davenport University, Dr. Davis has his Ph.D. in International and Comparative Education from Michigan State University and has taught for 50 years, 14 in the K-12 system and 40 years as an Adjunct Professor. He has spent 40 years in Public Health as a Consultant in areas of Health Education, Statistics, Chronic Disease Control, Community Organizing, Quality Control for Medicaid Screening and Minority Health. He has published in several journals and books and has traveled extensively to Africa and the Caribbean as well as to Australia, Europe, South America and Asia gathering material for the All Around the African World Museum and Resource Center of which he is the Curator/Director. He has coordinated tours to Tanzania and Jamaica and helped develop Sister and Friendship City relationships in Ghana and Tanzania respectfully. He retains active membership in many African and African American organizations and others including the Lansing Juneteenth Scholarship and Education Committee and enjoys the distinction of attending as a vendor, for every Juneteenth Celebration.
Tony De Luca
Born in Southern Italy. A lifelong resident of Lansing. Attended Lansing Community College and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development/Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Experience includes Michigan House of Representatives, trade association, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and currently employed at Lansing Board of Water and Light.
Organizations: President, Italian American Club of Lansing; and Board Member of COMITES of Detroit (represents Italian citizens in five states).
Emphasis: Economic, cultural, and educational development with Sister City, Pianezza, Italy, and Friendship City, Cosenza, Italy.
Stephen P. Gasteyer
Dr. Stephen P. Gasteyer is an Associate Professor of Sociology with an appointment in AgBioResearch at Michigan State University. His research focuses on community development and natural resources management. Since the 1990s his work has touched on the social aspects of community, food, agriculture, and water. This has included research on the functioning of watershed management organizations, source water protection, soil and water conservation, groundwater management, the community aspects of inland lake water quality, and small community water supply and sanitation. He has worked across spatial contexts including research in the United States, and parts of Africa and the Middle East. Recent research has addressed access to potable water and sanitation in the United States, Tanzania, and Israel/Palestine, environmental justice and emerging contaminants such as PFAS in the United States, and soil and water conservation among underrepresented agricultural producers and service providers. Dr. Gasteyer’s previous positions include: Assistant Professor of Community Leadership Development at the University of Illinois (2005-2008); Research and Policy Director at the Rural Community Assistance Partnership in Washington, DC (2002-2005); Research Associate at the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, Iowa State University (1996-2001). He received a BA from Earlham College in 1987, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Iowa State University in 2001.
Veronica Hetke
Office of the Mayor – City of Lansing
Christopher Hodshire
Christopher Hodshire is a University Lecturer and researcher in the Social Sciences and a Community Consultant, with expertise in Cool City Initiatives and Diversity Dimensions. Hodshire views himself as a global citizen and is an ongoing advocate for international relations, reciprocal exchanges, diplomacy and education. Hodshire currently serves as the Chair of the Asan/Lansing Regional Sister Cities program with the country of South Korea. Hodshire has served on the LRSC board for more than 15 years. During that time, Hodshire served in dignitary roles for some of the exchanges and also hosted students’ nearly every year. Created the first-ever collaboration between (UN) United World College of Singapore and MMPS of Malaysia. Hodshire also currently serves on a number of other international organizations.
Dr. Sean L. Holland
Rev. Dr. Sean L. Holland is a senior pastor, global leader, recording artist-saxophonist and civic diplomat dedicated to leadership development, community transformation, and international African-diaspora engagement. He has served as Senior Pastor of Epicenter of Worship Church in Lansing, Michigan since 2004, where he leads ministry, mentors leaders, and advances faith-based community outreach.
Dr. Holland is the CEO of I AM Equipped to Excel (IAM e2e), an organization with over 25 years of experience developing youth and emerging leaders through education, mentoring, and leadership formation. His work spans K–12 education, higher education, workforce development, and faith-based leadership, including statewide initiatives such as Michigan’s My Brother’s Keeper and regional Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation efforts.
In 2024, Dr. Holland was appointed Special Envoy to His Royal Majesty King Oyo of the Tooro Kingdom, Uganda, supporting diplomatic, healthcare, cultural, and economic development initiatives. He also serves as a Commissioner on the Lansing Region Sister City Commission, representing Uganda, strengthening international relationships and people-to-people diplomacy.
Dr. Holland is a Board Member of Hands of Mercy Health Initiative Project, a humanitarian organization that offers a wide range of programs and services supporting underprivileged children in Africa, including educational programs, and healthcare initiatives.
His professional background includes leadership roles with Procter & Gamble, the Federal Reserve Bank, and CSX TRANSFLO, where he managed a multi-state region generating over $30 million in annual revenue. His humanitarian and leadership contributions have earned him an honorary Doctorate in Philosophy & Humane Letters, from C.I.C.A. International University and Seminary. He was also appointed as an Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Dr. Holland holds a B.A. from Florida A&M University and an M.A. from Cornerstone University, with additional studies in diplomacy and theology. He remains committed to leadership, diplomacy, faith, and the empowerment of communities locally and globally.
Keith Lambert
Keith Lambert is Vice President of Business Attraction at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, with a mission including building global relationships and promoting foreign direct investment opportunities for businesses around the world to invest in the Lansing region.
Dr. Nicole Namy
Dr. Nicole Namy is the Director of Special Populations at the Lansing School District. Nicole began her career teaching and coordinating federal programs focused on youth programming and family literacy in collaboration with Dearborn, Hamtramck and Detroit Public Schools. She later transitioned to work at Michigan State University, teaching and advising to support the academic and cultural initiatives for international populations. Her programming and outreach efforts included education and training across campus and in the community related to intercultural communication, leadership development, and culturally responsive pedagogy. While at MSU, Nicole pursued her doctorate in Education Leadership, with research interest related to processes and inputs that influence leadership, instructional core, and student engagement and motivation.
She is passionate about understanding how to develop meaningful and equitable learning that supports education in the 21st century as influenced by her own immigration and integration into US education systems. Nicole was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon and started her academic journey at Lewton Elementary in the Lansing School District.
Kris T. Nicholoff
Kris T. Nicholoff joined the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) as the CEO and Executive Director in 2010, after serving the Michigan Dental Association for more than 20 years. As the CEO and Executive Director, Mr. Nicholoff uses his expertise in governmental affairs and board relations to set the strategic direction of the MOA and the MOA Service Corporation and promote the interests and priorities of over 8,000 MOA members with state and federal legislators, health care executives, and the public.
Mr. Nicholoff manages all of the Association’s financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, and increase efficiency. He is also an exceptional team leader and mentor who oversees human resources activities and directs and advises all external organizational support activities including lobbying, accounting, IT, communications, and continuing medical education with an eye toward collaboration and creative problem-solving. Under his leadership, the MOA has experienced industry-leading financial stability, unprecedented membership growth, and a reinvigorated commitment to public policy and advocacy.
During his tenure at the Michigan Dental Association, he served in several leadership roles, including: Senior Vice President; Vice President of Public Affairs; Assistant Executive Director of Governmental Affairs, Public Policy, and External Relations; and as Director of Governmental Affairs. Kris is the founding member of the Michigan Dental Association Foundation, which funds charitable programs and services to increase access to quality dental care throughout Michigan. He also established the Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program and the Michigan Healthy Kids Dental Program. These programs expand access to quality dental treatment for historically underserved populations, children, and young adults.
Mr. Nicholoff is a networker, activator, and philanthropist with a servant’s heart. He is the rare person who sees a need and then works to create systems, programs, and events to address them. He founded the Lansing Youth and Recreation fund in 1990, an organization that to date has raised more than $500,000 and provided equipment and outreach programming for children in Michigan’s capitol city. He also serves in executive leadership roles on national boards and community foundations, including but not limited to: the American Osteopathic Association’s Bureau on Federal Health Programs, Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine Advisory Board, Meridian Health Plan, and First Tee of Mid-Michigan.
Kris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Political Science from Michigan State University. He is an avid reader, and enjoys golfing, old cars, cooking, and the history of the National Football League.
Ody Norkin
Vice President/Co-Founder, Michigan Flyer LLC a Michigan Intercity, Public Transportation Bus Company, Dec 2011 – Present · 11 yrs. 3 mos., East Lansing MI
President of Skybird Okemos Travel Inc – a retail travel agency.
State of Michigan DHS/DMBS, Full-time · 27 yrs
SENIOR ANALYST | MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH And HUMAN SERVICES- CHILD SUPPORT
Senior Buyer: Jan 1985 – Jan 2000 · 15 yrs. 1 mo.
Oversaw hundreds of major procurement processes on behalf of all Michigan Executive Departments.
Buyer/Senior Buyer for Services including IT services, Travel programs, Advertising/marketing/PR, Video Productions, Temporary Employment Services, Financial Institutions’ services, Insurance and more.
Vice President Sales and Operations
Red Carpet Travel Co of Michigan (a statewide retail travel agency) · Full-time
May 1982 – Jan 1985 · 2 yrs. 9 mos.
Dr. Sung Lee
Sung Lee has enjoyed being the commissioner of LRSCC for more than 10 years. He believes that citizen diplomacy, education, and cultural exchange will connect the world and improve the chance of Global Peace. The exchange education with Asan, South Korea for high school students is one of the works LRSCC has done. He plans to continue working with all commissioners in helping Lansing to achieve economic development thru LRSCC.
Marilyn Schlief
Marilyn Nagano Schlief, third generation Japanese American, was born in Detroit, Michigan. Her parents and grandparents, US citizens born in California, were incarcerated in Poston, a WWII Relocation Camp in Arizona along with 125,000 other Japanese Americans, 1942-44.
Motivated by stories of the Japanese American internment, Marilyn became familiar with ACLU curriculum materials while student teaching at Wayne State University. She frequently used these interactive activities to engage K-12 students in understanding concepts of prejudice, discrimination, tolerance, and world peace.
Marilyn and her husband have traveled and taught throughout Japan, Vietnam, southwest US, and Mexico. In addition to K-12 teaching in Wayne County, Marilyn continued to assist learners of English as a Second Language as an exchange teacher in Japan and Vietnam.
~Detroit Japanese American Citizens League, Vice President
~Michigan Asian Pacific American Commission
Raj M. Wiener
Raj M. Wiener is a 2023 recipient of the Homer Higbee International Education Award, which is presented to MSU students and volunteers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of international communication, understanding and cooperation through service.
Wiener is past president of the Community Volunteers for International Programs in MSU’s International Studies and Programs. She is also an attorney, former state public health director and small business owner. Wiener is an advocate and organizer in local, national and international humanitarian responses for disaster relief; food insecurity, disease and injury prevention; justice in diversity, inclusion; and gender equity and equality.
She serves on governing boards in higher education and health care delivery, including as a trustee of the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control. She is a director on the After the Storm: Michigan Disaster Recovery and Response board and Oxfam International’s Sisters on the Planet. Wiener also serves on the advisory executive committees to both MSU’s Community Volunteers for International Programs and the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. She is currently engaged in organizing a local humanitarian response effort to send medical wound and burn care supplies to civilian victims of shelling in Ukraine by connecting her Williamston Rotary club to Rotary clubs in Ukraine..