JULIE ARANT
Executive Director
For several years Julie has been on a journey that has opened her eyes to beautiful people from the nations and has taken her as an "armchair traveler" to the ends of the earth. It all began when her father and mother met a special international friend at a store in Omaha, Nebraska. The visiting international and her parents became fast friends as God seemed to knit their hearts together. From that time forward, their eyes began to open as more and more special friends from around the world began to make their way to United States, and some to Omaha Nebraska. They thought they could help welcome them. The truth is, meeting these friends has changed their lives forever for the better.
DEAN & CINDY LINDGREN
Assistant Director of Personnel
Dean and Cindy worked and lived in Turkey for the last 26 years. When asked why they’ve enjoyed living in Turkey, Dean always points to the warm, hospitable people and the great food. Tasting an Adana Kebab and salad made with fresh Turkish tomatoes and peppers always brings their taste buds alive. Cindy enjoyed learning to make local foods and pastries and seeing how the Turks do hospitality. Dean graduated from UNL with a degree in Agriculture and helped bring a new brand of seed to Turkey. He worked with a great multi-national team alongside several Turkish seed companies. Since Turks gave them such a warm welcome over the past 26 years, Dean and Cindy want to do the same for international students who are new in Omaha.
NATHAN WILLIAMS
Saturday Home Group Coordinator
Nathan moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 2010 and has served with Global Friends since 2014. He loves laughing with friends, learning new words or phrases in another language, or getting the opportunity to help a student find answers to questions. Nathan loves to travel and has had the privilege to visit a few European countries, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. He enjoys reading, so if you are looking for a book to read please feel free to ask him for a suggestion!
KAITLIN MALONE
Administrative & Internship Coordinator
Kaitlin grew up in Malawi, Africa which sparked her passion for the world. Kaitlin loves meeting people from around the globe and learning about different cultures. She graduated from UNO in 2014 and has been serving with Global Friends for 3 years. Kaitlin is married and stays busy with three young kids.
ANITA CAREY
Administrative Assistant
Anita grew up in Suriname and loves welcoming people from around the world. She has helped host at Friday home groups for several years and recently joined our Global Friends staff!
INTERNS
GUILLERMO ESPINOZA
Friday Home Group Coordinator
Guillermo grew up in Omaha and is currently a senior at UNO. He started with Global Friends over a year ago when he worked with Global Friends Okoboji. Guillermo enjoyed helping students find work and also giving rides. As the home group coordinator, he has enjoyed helping plan and execute events to give students a good experience when they come to Omaha.
JOEL MILLER
Friday Home Group Coordinator
Joel is a sophomore at UNO studying Biology and Environmental Science. He enjoys being involved with Global Friends because it gives him a great opportunity to meet people from around the world right here in Omaha. Global Friends makes internationals feel more at home here and is such a great way to show the love of God.
JIMMY LOCKEE
English Corner Coordinator
Jimmy is a student at UNO studying pre-nursing. He found his love for Global Friends this summer in Okoboji, Iowa, serving and making memories with international students. Now he is doing the same thing here in Omaha and he loves it! Jimmy leads the English Corner at UNO every Wednesday from 12-1pm and he thrives on making new friends!
LILY BOYLE
Events & Media Coordinator
Lily has lived in Omaha for a little over a year now, works full time in landscaping, and got involved with Global Friends through her college ministry. It was there where she was invited to spend the summer in Okoboji, Iowa serving and loving international college students visiting by a J1 visa. After this summer, her heart has been on fire to build relationships with people from other cultures!
NATE CHRISTENSEN
Home Group Intern