Chory joined the International House Team in July 2021. He is the Director of Board Relations & Engagement. Located in the Executive Office, Chory serves as the ED’s principal aide in building collaborative relationships across the I-House community to advance the organization’s mission, vision, and goals; supporting the development of the Board policies, processes, practices; and advancing a changing portfolio of high-priority Board projects from idea to execution. He is also the Executive Representative to UCB Chancellor’s Office and Vice Chancellor’s Office. Chory manages and...
Jeremy first joined us in August as a Traveling Culinary Consultant, during which time he demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission, our community, and our dining operations. In his new role, Jeremy will provide strategic and operational leadership across Dining, Kitchen, and Catering Services, and will collaborate closely with edmonds café on menu offerings and food production. He will report to Nayeli and oversee Chef de Cuisine Miguel Nieto and Dining General Manager Will Roller.
With expertise in brand development, digital marketing, and strategic communications, Melanie has helped create strong marketing programs that drive engagement and growth. She has held Bay Area and national marketing roles with the American Red Cross and oversaw marketing efforts for a nonprofi t investing in social enterprises in Eastern Europe and South America. She also has experience creating online marketing for small businesses and leading corporate PR programs in the technology industry.
Cross-cultural learning and travel have always been personal passions. Melanie holds a...
Melinda Jeger joined I-House as the Housing Operations Manager in June, 2022 and became the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid in June, 2023. With over 15 years of experience in real estate and property management, she brings a deep understanding of housing and admissions operations to her role. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Melinda has always had a passion for exploring new places and learning from people of diverse backgrounds. This love for travel and cultural exchange aligns perfectly with the mission of International House, where we foster a global community and...
Shawna Knauff joined International House Berkeley in July 2025 and was promoted to Chief of Staff to the Executive Director and CEO in November 2025. In this role, she serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to the Executive Director, helping drive the implementation of I-House’s multi-year Strategic Plan, leading key cross-functional initiatives, and strengthening alignment across departments. Shawna supports executive-level planning and decision-making, and builds systems that promote accountability, staff engagement, and operational excellence—while keeping I-House’s mission...
Cristina Rudden joined International House at UC Berkeley in January 2022 as the Catering and Events Manager, where she oversees the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of programs—from fundraising galas and alumni reunions to academic conferences and community celebrations. The Event Services team is responsible for the usage of rental spaces at I-House as well as the catering and production support of events taking place in these spaces.
Prior to joining I-House, Cristina spent over 14 years at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, advancing through roles from...
Margie Ryan (IH 1992-93) joined I-House in January 2022 as our Alumni Engagement Manager, a fitting role as she is a proud alumna of UC Berkeley, Cal’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), and I-House. She currently serves as Director of Alumni Relations and Philanthropy.
Margie has more than two decades of fundraising experience with local nonprofits, including the Trust for Public Land, California College of the Arts, Bay Nature Magazine, and Save Mount Diablo. She has also worked on projects for the Library of Congress Folklife Center, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the North...
