LOCAL AND GLOBAL NON-PROFIT IMPACT

Featuring Ruth Brodeen, Executive Director, India Transformed

August 2022

Ruth Brodeen is a Colorado based nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to global work, and in a range of fields.   She has more than 15 years of leadership and management experience in growing small to medium sized organizations in both the nonprofit and private sectors in the fields of humanitarian aid, renewable energy, international education, event planning and property management. For nearly four years, Ruth has been the Executive Director of India Transformed, a non-profit organization focused in India that raises support for community development programs that provide education and care for impoverished children, empowerment programs for women and administers humanitarian relief across India.  As Executive Director, Ruth has a passion for providing marginalized communities with opportunities that will bring socio- economic transformation through self development, training and education. India Transformed is all about Education for Today, Hope for Tomorrow and Faith for Eternity. Their programs educate children, empower women and equip communities to reach their God-given potential.

Ruth’s international experience also extends beyond India.  She has been actively involved with the Rotary Club of Fort Collins since 2012 and has served as Past President in 2018-2019.  In that role, she was responsible for organizational leadership overseeing International Projects, Local Service Projects, Finance, Outreach, Membership and Fundraising. Active 

Previously, Ruth served as Director of Operations for North America REFU Solar Electronics, Inc. from 2016-2018, working both in Fort Collins and in Pfullingen, Germany.  In that role, she was a strategic team member responsible for launching the business operations for the US headquarters for this German company that manufactures and sells solar inverters in the renewable energy sector.Ruth also worked as Acting Executive Director in 2015, Program Director 2010-2014,  Program Manager 2005-2009, SAGE Global Education Program.  She co-founded this education abroad nonprofit whose mission is to prepare students to become globally responsible citizens through cultural immersion and service learning projects that foster community development and promote sustainability through environmental conservation, wildlife preservation and cultural preservation in over 23 countries. 

In addition to these roles, Ruth has also supported various Colorado based organizations that work locally and globally.  She has been the Director of Product Placement, Communications Director for the U COUNT anti-human trafficking campaign since 2007.  She also has served as a volunteer for disaster and humanitarian relief, for SERVE 6:8.  Ruth also serves as Advisory Board Member for Global Village.  In addition, she has served as fundraising coordinator for Idea Wild as well as helped with programs that provide homeless social services and economic empowerment 

Ruth’s experiences and service have been rooted in her education and dedication to the nonprofit sector.  She earned her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from the Colorado State University’s School of Social Work.  She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the University of Colorado-Boulder.   

Ruth’s education opportunities also took her overseas.  She studied at Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg.  She studied German language, history, and culture.  She is proficient in speaking, reading, and writing German.  She also studied at Wittenberg University, focusing on Business German.  She was active in the National German Honor Society and Sigma Kappa and Phi Kappa Alpha. 

Ruth Brodeen’s extensive experience in program development, strategic thinking abilities, understanding of the challenges nonprofit organizations face, and commitment to global service, allow her to make an impact for both local and global nonprofits and communities. 

PROMOTING DEMOCRACY IN THE FREE WORLD

Featuring Michael Abramowitz, President of Freedom House

August 2022

Michael Abramowitz’s career has been one of advocacy for the vulnerable by raising awareness of genocide and the consequences of repressive regimes. People are able to thrive and their rights are protected best when their government not only respects individual rights but is subject to the people. Throughout his career, Michal Abramowitz has worked to address areas of the world that instead of supporting and upholding the rights of its citizens, oppresses and disrespects inherent human rights. 

Presently, Michael Abramowitz serves as Freedom House’s President. Freedom House is a respected organization which was founded on the principle that “freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people.” As an organization, Freedom House speaks out and raises awareness of threats to democracy around the world in order to empower citizens to live out their fundamental rights. As a nonpartisan organization, Freedom House serves as a watchdog organization working to expand freedom and democracy around the world. Freedom House is well known for its annual Freedom in the World report which tracks global trends in political rights and civil liberties around the world for 195 countries and 15 territories. These reports are widely used and referenced by governments, organizations, and serve as reliable country condition evidence for those seeking asylum or other immigrant benefits in the United States. In addition to this report, Freedom House supports human rights and democracy advocates through grant giving, emergency support, training, and networking activities. 

Before joining Freedom House in 2017 to serve as president, Michael Abramowitz served as the director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Levine Institute for Holocaust Education. In this role, he led the museum’s genocide prevention efforts through education programs such as exhibitions, educational and training programs, and the development of resources and digital outreach.. His role expanded to include overseeing the museum’s public education programs. 

Prior to each of these roles, Michael Abromowitz worked at the Washington Post as National Editor and later White House correspondent. Due to his expertise in promoting freedom and democracy, he is a sought out author and speaker, regularly published in news agencies and think tanks throughout the country. 

Michael’s experiences and commitment to promoting democracy in the free world allow him to serve as an effective advocate for human rights worldwide.