Our Team

Our core staff is a group of highly dedicated individuals. Our combined experience in cross-cultural training, conflict resolution, community development and exchange programs gives us the ability to meet the needs of all the young people coming to the Global Youth Village international summer  camp.

J.E. Rash – President- see video

J.E. Rash is a lecturer, writer, and consultant in education, dialogue, conflict resolution, and the design of training programs and curricula for educators, parents, and youths. As the founder of Legacy International, he has been instrumental in creating domestic and international programs in leadership training, sustainable development, cross-cultural relations, and…more

Mary Helmig – Program Director – see video

Mary brings 23 years experience to the GYV, playing a key role in fundraising and youth recruitment throughout the year. During the summer months, she trains staff and oversees program quality and content. A native of Philadelphia, Mary received her Bachelors degree in Sociology and French from Trinity College in Washington D.C. She taught for several years at the pre-school and elementary levels, but has dedicated most of her life to training teens and young adults. Mary is fluent in French and “knows a little bit of Indonesian,” as she has directed many of our U.S. State department sponsored programs with Indonesia. She is now involved in our Gulf Projects. Her hobbies include cooking and throwing parties.

Leila Baz – Staff Director -see video
Leila has also been with Legacy for 23 years. She spends many hours every year finding talented, dedicated staff members to deliver our youth programs. She is also the master of logistics and planning (the life blood of a good program). Leila oversees safety and risk management for GYV, and works closely with all our staff to insure we uphold the American Camp Association (ACA) standards each summer. Leila is also an RN, and spent many years as a labor and delivery nurse. She remains calm and collected in high pressure situations! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, working out, and reading.

Innocentia Afa – Outreach Coordinator-video of Innocentia

Innocentia has worked with Legacy for four years as Outreach Coordinator and Alumni Coordinator.  Innocentia grew up in Ethiopia and  received bachelors degrees in communication and international studies at Randolph College  (formerly Randolph-Macon Woman’s College) in Lynchburg, Virginia.  She is the Global Youth Village videographer and editor.  She also oversees all the alumni tracking, news, and annual campaigns.

Matthew Lakenbach – Program Coordinator

Matthew has worked with Legacy since the start of 2010, and is based in the Washington, D.C., area. He played a major role in coordinating Legacy’s Legislative Fellows Program and is now active on our North Africa Community Health Initiative.  Matthew brings expertise in the Middle East, conflict resolution, bridge-building and government relations.  He has a master’s degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C.  Before coming to D.C., he worked as an editor for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games.