Meet The Board
The Board of Directors of Jiwa International hold a variety of responsibilities. They are responsible for stewarding the mission of the organization, providing accountability to the staff, serving as providers of member care and encouragement to Jiwa leadership, and advocating for the work of Jiwa International. If you have any questions for the board, you may contact them through the contact us page.
President & Executive Director
Nathan Conklin II
Nathan has spent nearly a decade serving communities across Asia, with experience in both Taiwan and Indonesia. In 2023, Nathan and his wife, Laura, founded Jiwa International, to address the felt needs of migrant workers. Currently working in Taiwan, they integrate nonprofit initiatives with for-profit business strategies to holistically support the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of migrant laborers.
Treasurer
Nate Conklin
Nate Conklin is Operations Administrator at York Alliance Church. Nate and his wife, Glenda, have been in ministry for over 30 years. Nate’s education prior to the pastorate was in finance and accounting, which brings a unique perspective to the various roles he has held on boards, at churches, and at other nonprofit organizations. This financial and church leadership experience helps Jiwa in its administration as well as ensuring close partnership with the global church and sound Christian practice.
Chairperson
Dr. Vince LaFrance
Dr. LaFrance was a Professor of Economics at Messiah University and the Managing Director of the International Business Institute (IBI) before retiring in 2020. His experience in education and leading IBI has given him a unique perspective on the world. Dr. LaFrance also taught a cross-cultural course in Costa Rica and a course on ministry in international business. Vince also helped start the Carlisle Evangelical Free Church where he remains active. His academic background and experience brings a valuable perspective to Jiwa and helps keep it focused on its values and mission.
Secretary
Chad Brubaker
Chad Brubaker currently works as a professional engineer with central Pennsylvania’s electrical utility, PPL Corporation. In his role, Chad supervises a team to ensure that companies and individual households have reliable access to electricity and the utility company can track electric usage in an effective and efficient manner. Chad’s attention to detail and engineering experience brings a valuable perspective as Jiwa develops systems and processes that will maximize its efforts.
Board Member
Emily Brubaker
Emily Brubaker currently works as a Nurse Practitioner with Wellspan Health in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as well as an ER nurse at York Hospital. Her experience in medicine and working within a large medical nonprofit brings a unique perspective to Jiwa. Emily cares deeply for individuals’ physical and emotional health and ensures the organization is providing effective holistic care. Her experience in crisis management will also bring a wealth of knowledge in situations of abuse and/or trauma.
Board Member
Susan M.
Susan M. currently works and lives internationally with her family. Susan brings a deep understanding of cultures and religion which helps Jiwa have sound cultural understanding and sensitivity as it develops programs and activities for the migrant worker population in Taiwan.