Team

Currently studying Political Science at the University of Washington, Julia has always been interested in how culture can bring communities together. Born and raised in the Bay Area, a multicultural education inspired early on her appreciation for diversity and taught her the importance of staying connected to one’s heritage as well as the joy of getting to share it with others. Passionate about learning languages, she grew up speaking French and German and is also learning Russian at UW. She brings to ARCS her enthusiasm for collaboration and her eagerness to engage with new perspectives. 

Ileana Marin teaches interdisciplinary courses at the University of Washington in Seattle and at the Center of Excellence in Image Studies at the University of Bucharest. Her long-standing academic career on both sides of the ocean has given her the opportunity to establish contacts between Romanian and American scholars, artists, and institutions. She, thus, initiated the first UW Exploration Seminar to Romania, and to Eastern Europe, and opened the fund for Romanian Studies, hoping that Romanian language will be taught regularly in Seattle. With a BA in Romanian and a PhD. in Comparative Literature from the University of Bucharest (2000), and one in Textual Studies from the UW (2011), Ileana is a strong believer in the power of education and bilingualism. In ARCS, she advocates the expansion of the Romanian language programs in the US and for disseminating the most recent Romanian cultural achievements. On her agenda as president, Ileana Marin has two major tasks: board development and recruitment to ensure the successful implementation of ARCS mission through meaningful programs.

Dana Cozmei is a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft with many years of experience in complex project management, software development and testing. In her free time, Dana enjoys painting and piloting planes. A native of Romania, Dana will bring to ARCS her firsthand knowledge of the contemporary art scene and living cultures of her birthplace, in addition to offering guidance with project management and coordination.

Born and raised in Romania, Alexandrina has a degree from the prestigious HEC in Montreal, and a career in business. She moved to the Northwest from Montreal in 2003, where she taught French at the French American School and worked as a financial adviser at the International School Community. Her free time is dedicated to friends, family, traveling, and cultivating a good life. Art has played an important role in her formative years in Romania (she graduated the Arts High School in Cluj) and throughout her experience living in Montreal, a city with one of the most vibrant artists’ diaspora of Romanian descent in North America. Alexandrina brings to ARCS her action-oriented approach to life in general, and her valuable background in project development, business and community outreach.

Cristina Amaral was born in Sighișoara and was raised in Bucharest. She has a degree in Translating and Interpreting from the University of Bucharest. In 1997, she moved to Austria in order to continue her education at the perstigious University of Vienna. In the US, she has lived in Arizona and in the Pacific Northwest, where she has a successful career as a court interpreter and translator. She speaks several languages and is a big fan of foreign movies.

Vasi Nemes Jr. is a highly accomplished real estate professional with 15 years of experience. As the owner of 206 Realty, LLC since 2017, he has successfully sold over $100 million in real estate over the past 7 years, showcasing expertise and dedication in the industry.  Vasi will help ARCS raise funds as well as contribute to the the heritage education program and cultural mission.