Our Team
The U.S. office of Roots & Wings International (RWI) is fully staffed by volunteers. Without a core team of volunteers in fund raising, writing and publicity, RWI wouldn't be where it is today. Check out our latest volunteer openings and join us in changing lives through education.
Erik Swanson, Founder and Executive Director
Erik spent two years as Director of El Instistuto, La Asuncion in rural Guatemala before he founded RWI. In January 2010, he will begin work at the law firm of Bullivant Houser and Bailey as an Associate. Prior to that, he worked for two years with Essential Web Design. Erik graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Public Administration from the University of Puget Sound, and is a Juris Doctor from the Washington College of Law, American University.
“I have gained an appreciation for the potential that exists within all people and have learned that most people long to live up to their potential when given the opportunity.”
Tammy Chiang, Director of Marketing
Since 2008, Tammy has helped to expand RWI's volunteer base and
build the infrastructure necessary to generate more publicity and donations. She has 10 years of product marketing experience with technology start-ups. Tammy is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin) and is learning Spanish. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration from National University of Singapore and
an MBA from Santa Clara University, California.
“If I could change one thing in the world, it would be to give every child an opportunity to receive an education.”
Riya Aarini, Director of Communications
Riya spearheads the marketing communications activities of RWI. She is a wonderful writer and has amazing organizational skills. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language & Literature, Summa Cum Laude, from Benedictine University. Riya is working on developing a fulfilling and fantastic career as a writer.
“I volunteer with RWI because of the great, supportive people, and the writing duties consistently pique my interests!”
Edwin Lunandy, Web Director
Edwin is our highly reliable and resourceful webmaster at RWI. In between freelance assignments, Edwin finds time to help RWI with website and promotional materials. Edwin has been a graphic designer since 2005. He's worked at several architectural companies in the U.S. and Indonesia. Edwin
has a bachelor's degree in architecture.
“What sets RWI apart is how truly appreciative they are. I felt welcomed and supported by their very dedicated team of volunteers.”
Anna Heatherly, Digital Strategist
Anna leads the social media activities within RWI. She has five years of interactive experience and is an account executive at Virilion in Washington, D.C. Prior to Virilion, Anna served as account executive at Edelman Worldwide. Before making the switch to digital public affairs, Anna worked as a digital strategist at Empower MediaMarketing.
“Social media and helping others are my two main passions in life! Volunteering with RWI combines both and keeps me active in digital media outside of work.”
Shadi Mirza, Twitter Lead
Shadi received a MA in Literacy, Technology, and Professional Writing in 2006 from Northern Arizona University. Since then, he has worked in a variety of fields, including copywriting and education, before settling with his wife in South Korea. Shadi is currently in his second year of teaching in a small town in the eastern part of the country.
“To me, there's nothing better than doing work without asking for anything in return - it's the best thing we can do to connect with our local and global communities.”
Agus Dillon, Translator/Blogger
Agus is studying technical, scientific and literary translation at I.E.S. in Lenguas Vivas "Juan Ramón Fernandez" and is taking a diploma course in English literature and cinema. She has translated for several nonprofits and is currently working as a freelance translator.
“Guatemala has the highest rate of malnourished children in Latin America and I strongly believe that education is what Guatemalans need to improve their lives.”
Steve Long, Director of IT
Steve has over 10 years experience working in the Information Technology (IT) field. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and a Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD). Steve is currently pursing a degree in Computer Information Systems at Delaware Technical and Community College. He is an Honors graduate of the Computer Learning Center programming curriculum.
“I believe the best thing that can be given to a mind is the opportunity to obtain an education, and I applaud RWI's efforts in doing so for the people of Guatemala!”
Ed Wooldridge, Assistant Webmaster
Ed worked in the nuclear technology field for 20 years before retiring and volunteering with RWI. In 2003 he graduated Summa Cum Laude with an A.A.S. in Computer Information Systems and an A.A.S. in Computer Network Administration. For Ed, his family is the most important thing in his life.
“I agree 100% with Erik's approach to helping the people of Guatemala through the education of Guatemala's young people. Education is essential to a better future for the people of Guatemala.”
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