A Personal Update from Era
Dear FIUTS Community,
I'm writing to share some personal news and reflect on what this community has meant to me. After more than 19 years as Executive Director of FIUTS, I’ve made the decision to step down from my role at the end of this calendar year.
FIUTS has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside students, volunteers, alumni, staff, board members, and partners who care deeply about connection, curiosity, and community. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I know this is the right time to make space for new leadership and fresh energy.
Leading this organization has meant working through joyful moments and incredibly hard ones. The past few years have been especially challenging. But through it all, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most: the students who turn to FIUTS for belonging and opportunity, and the power of global experiences to grow leaders and build peace.
Looking back, I am so proud of the ways FIUTS brings people together across cultures and communities. During my time here, we have:
Welcomed tens of thousands of new international and U.S. students to the Seattle community, helping them feel at home and connecting them with one another.
Engaged students in thousands of exploration experiences across the Pacific Northwest, fostering friendships and understanding through shared adventures.
Trained and supported hundreds of student facilitators who help deliver programs and mentor others, serving thousands of students from around the world.
Transitioned FIUTS CulturalFest from a campus event to a community-wide celebration of cultures, attracting audiences from across the region.
Hosted hundreds of exchange participants for short-term programs focused on leadership, civic engagement, and community project planning.
Continued to center respect, understanding, and meaningful connection in all of our programs and partnerships.
This transition comes during our 77th anniversary year, and I hope it will be a moment to reflect, reconnect, and recommit. The FIUTS Board of Trustees will share more about the transition process in the coming weeks. My plan is to stay on through the end of December to support a smooth handoff and ensure the next Executive Director has the best possible foundation to lead.
Thank you for your belief in this organization and in me. I’m grateful for your partnership, your encouragement, and your commitment to FIUTS’ mission. There’s more to come, and I’m excited to cheer on what’s next.
With appreciation,
Era Schrepfer
Executive Director
FIUTS
