Executive Director, Founder
Mazi first arrived in the US (Michigan) as an exchange student from Brazil in 1986. This life-changing event sparked Mazi's desire to share his experience with others; his entire life has revolved around international student exchange since then. True to his Brazilian nature, Mazi's spark ignited into an all-consuming passion, resulting in the creation of Foreign Links Around the Globe in 1989. In addition to his FLAG responsibilities, and in recognition of FLAG's reputation in Student Exchange, Mazi volunteers his time as an elected member of the Board of Directors of C.S.I.E.T. (Council on Standards for International Educational travel). Michigan also provided Mazi with the love of his life, his wife Terri. Mazi, Terri, and their two bilingual sons diplomatically divide their time between America and Brazil, as Terri is responsible for FLAG's Brazilian satellite office.
Executive Director, Chief Operations Officer
After graduating from the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University in 1990, Marc succeeded as a driven, award-winning business development professional for over 15 years. Upon joining FLAG's U.S. Central Office in 2004, forever a sports enthusiast, Marc began promoting traveling youth soccer teams to Brazil in a collaborative effort with his longtime friend Mazi. Realizing the impact in the young lives of his athletes, along with his own personal fulfillment from the cultural interaction, Marc made a pivotal decision to leave Corporate America behind. Mazi and Marc's eventual partnership resulted in new growth & development for FLAG. Marc and his wife Andrea (a dynamic professional who also volunteers as a FLAG coordinator) live in Michigan with their two sons, Michael and Mario. Disputing the myth that hosting requires too much time for busy families, the Moralez family juggles successful careers, school & sports schedules, and diaper duties, yet still open their home to teenagers from around the world.
Executive Director
Jayme's devotion to international exchange began as a host parent (like most FLAG staff!). Previously a CEO in the medical field, Jayme coordinated exchange students as a part time "labor of love." After the adoption of a Korean son in 2002, she became increasingly sensitive to the unique personal and cultural needs of Asian youth. She and her husband Thomas founded Beyond Student Support Services to promote deeper awareness and appreciation for these students within private schools. Jayme was later introduced to Mazi by a mutual mentor, Bev Wattenmaker (a beloved and respected pioneer in the world of international exchange) and began networking. Together Mazi, Marc, and Jayme soon recognized the mirroring of the FLAG and Beyond philosophies, visions, and missions ~leading ultimately to the FLAG-Beyond merge in 2006. Jayme and Thomas live in Indiana and enjoy spending time with their two adult daughters and son. Each year they warmly welcome return visits of four host daughters from Japan, Germany, and Viet Nam.
Program Manager
With a degree in Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University, Heather left her hometown of Kalamazoo, MI for the Chicago skyline and a challenging position with a national child development center. There she wed her husband Tom. When beautiful daughter Maddy arrived, so did Heather's need for balance: the fulfillment of a rewarding career and the flexibility for family time. In 2005 the Holmers moved back to Michigan in search of a solution. In what Heather describes as "a happy chance," she met Marc and discovered how her experience in high quality, results driven preschool teaching provided the skills to successfully interact with teens from around the world. Her role at FLAG's Central Office includes managing the applications, questions and issues of students, families, and coordinators. The Holmers hosted a daughter from Germany in 2006, who became a true member of the family. Heather loves this new direction her life has taken and feels honored to be an integral part of the growth, development, and future of FLAG.