Meet The Board
The Board of Directors of Jiwa International serve a variety of roles. 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 & Chairperson
Nathan Conklin
Nathan Conklin has worked in Asia for nearly a decade in a variety of roles and locations. First in Taipei for six years and then in Indonesia, Nathan has worked in and has experience with social enterprises, international churches, non-profits, education centers, and in English teaching. After meeting his wife, Laura, and getting married in Taiwan, they were presented with an opportunity to move to Indonesia to support an organization there. After a year and a half learning language and developing various programs there, Nathan and Laura started Jiwa International.
Secretary & Treasurer
Nate Conklin
Nate Conklin is Pastor at Spring Grove Area C&MA Church as well as Executive Pastor at York Alliance Church. Nate and his wife, Glenda, have been at the Spring Grove church for 30 years as of 2024. 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 will help Jiwa in its administration as well as ensuring close partnership with the global church and sound Christian practice.
Board Member
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 teaching in IBI and leading IBI has taken him around the world each summer where he has experienced a variety of cultures and seen the outworking of globalization, all of which has given him a unique perspective on the world. Dr. LaFrance also taught a cross-cultural course in Costa Rica each January 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 will bring a valuable perspective to JIWA and help to keep it focused on its values and mission to identify and support vulnerable migrant workers around the world.
Board Member
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 as well as an ER nurse at York Hospital. While she enjoys the adrenaline-rush pace of the Emergency Department, she also enjoys the slower pace of individual and long-term care as a primary care medical provider. 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 will ensure that 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.