Euphrates Institute (EI), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 2006, is dedicated to improving relations between the Middle East and West, by focusing on that which unites us rather than divides us. We believe this is the approach that will bring lasting security and freedom to both regions.
In a climate dominated by war and the “clash of civilizations”, we’re inspiring a movement of warriors for peace–individuals who are taking action to learn more, bridge divides, and press leaders for humane and intelligent Middle East policies.
EI Board of Directors
Janessa Gans, Founder and President
“I’m so grateful to be part of a community that understands how important, timely, and imperative massive change is in our relations with the Middle East, and that the only we we accomplish this is to start with ourselves and our perceptions.”
Janessa Gans founded EI on the heels of a 21-month assignment in Iraq as a U.S. official, during which she witnessed first hand the clashes between Americans and Iraqis and the lack of cultural, religious, and historical understanding that pervaded both sides. Her Middle East experience has included Arabic study in the Palestinian Territories and travel throughout the Arab world. After five years of government service on the Middle East and South Asia, she became a consultant to the State Department and a visiting professor of Middle East issues at Principia College. Janessa received a Master’s degree in International Policy Studies from Stanford University.
Jean Jenkins, Vice President
“I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Euphrates Institute because of its focus on fostering Middle East peace from the ground up. Life has taught me that true and lasting peace must be built upon an enlightened sense of who we all are, on mutual respect and a sense of self worth.”
Jean Jenkins developed a love for the Arabic language as an undergraduate at the University of WI, Madison. This led to participating in summer Arabic language programs in Jordan and Egypt – and then earning a Master’s degree in Middle East studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. As a Georgetown student she was awarded a one-year internship with NBC News in Cairo, Egypt and later covered international affairs as a reporter for Christian Science Monitor Radio. Among other assignments, she traveled to Israel and the Occupied Territories to cover reaction to the 1993 signing of the first Israeli-Palestinian Peace agreement.
John Glen, Chief Financial Officer
“I joined this band of merry men and women because as primarily a military historian, I know that virtually all wars result due to a clash of cultures. I saw this as a chance to be involved, in a small way, to help provide an ending, not just to the violence in the Middle East, but to the suspicion, mistrust, and lack of understanding on both sides.”
Dr. Glen holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from St Louis University, a J.D. from California Western University in San Diego, an M.A. in History from Arizona State University, as well as a B.A. in History, also from Arizona State. Dr. Glen has held teaching positions at Troy State University, Enterprise Community College, Principia College, and Lewis and Clark Community College, with a specialization in the fields of political and military history. Dr. Glen served in Vietnam as a Medical Evacuation helicopter pilot, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. Dr. Glen is married to the former Dorsie Ledbetter, the current Dean of Students at Principia College.
Michael Booth, Secretary
“I am committed to the Euphrates Institute because I am convinced that, as human beings, we have much more in common with each other than we have in difference. EI is founded on the principle of people seeing each other in light of every individual’s wholeness and in light of our oneness. By listening with each other from this standpoint, I believe the citizens of the world can and will establish productive relationships and lasting peace between the Middle East andthe West.”
Michael Booth is a biologist, leadership coach, and community organizer based in Elsah, Illinois, where he teaches ecology and natural resource management at Principia College. He holds a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology from Yale University where he organized graduate student employees of the university to take more responsibility for the quality of their work and of their work place. In doing so, helped open up dialogues between administrators, students, and faculty about best practices in academic labor and education. Since then, he has consulted for administrations of other graduate schools and universities who have sought to resolve contentios relations with students, workers and alumni. He has worked and traveled widely around the world as a scientist, and he has a keen interest in developing citizen diplomacy as a way of life for people in the West and in the Middle East.
Torkel Patterson, Former Board Member (2008 – 2010)
“I support the Euphrates Institute (EI) because of the energy and inspiration of its founder Janessa Gans. Her life experience and sincere desire to see a positive future for the people of the Middle East take action through EI and I am happy to do what I can to help Janessa achieve her vision.”
Torkel Patterson, President of U.S. – Japan MAGLEV, LLC, was a founding board member of EI and the former president of Raytheon International Inc. He has served as special assistant to the president and senior director or director of Asian affairs on the National Security Council staff in both republican and democratic administrations. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and was Olmsted Scholar at Tsukuba University in Japan. Torkel is also on the board of Pacific Forum CSIS and the Atlantic Council of the United States.
EI Staff
Hillary Austin, Program Manager
“The opportunity for individual engagement that Euphrates Institute provides is unique. It spares us the need to decide between focusing exclusively on global or local solutions by showing how healing conflict and making connections in our own lives will result in healing and connecting the world.”
Craig Hunter, Legal Advisor
“I am excited about the work of the Euphrates Institute because I believe that now is the time for a paradigm shift in thinking about Middle East, and ways to get Americans truly excited and engaged about understanding the cultures in the Middle East and taking their own steps to help bring peace. There is no one better to start such a movement than Janessa, and her terrific Board.”
Craig Hunter has been a Los Angeles trial lawyer for about 30 years who likes to think he breaks the traditional mold. He received a B.A. in mathematics from Principia College and a law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, serving as an editor of the law review. As his daughters steered clear of the law, Craig branched out from his litigation practice to help commercial wind developers and assist a few Indian tribes in developing their economies through gaming and renewable energy projects. He is also a commercial pilot who enjoys flying as a hobby, and is a weekend sailor and surfer.
