Key Staff
International Institute staff work each day with immigrants and refugees in our community, ensuring they have support and access to opportunities. Having worked with nearly every immigrant population in St. Louis since 1919, we are committed to developing a more welcoming community.
Executive Team
Arrey Obenson
President & CEO
Blake Hamilton
Sr. VP of Talent Development & Advocacy
Paul Costigan
Sr. VP & Missouri Refugee Coordinator
Kelly Laura
VP of Client Care
David Gonzalez
VP of Development
Pedro Zaraza
VP of Operations & Finance
Karlos Ramirez
VP of Latino Outreach
Rebekah Thomas
VP & Executive Director of International Institute of Southwest Missouri
Leadership Team
Development & Community Engagement
Director of Communications
Krissy Durant
Director of Community Engagement
Kelly Moore
Director of Development
Karen Park
Director of Economic Development
Carlos Suarez
Director of Events
Adina O’Neal
Director of Multicultural Affairs and Afghan Outreach
Moji Sidiqi
Talent Development & Advocacy
Director of Education
Laura Stallings
Director of Workforce Solutions
Anna Hall
Client Care
Director of Community Outreach, Latino Outreach Initiative and Afghan Support Program
Berenice Forrest
Director of Resettlement
Asmira Ogresevic
Director of Social Work
Lauren Allsop
Finance & Operations
Sr. Director of Accounting Services
Marisa Echevarria
Director of HR
Christina Juelfs