OUR MISSION
Worldwide, there are greater-than-ever business and social needs to connect across Differences. An interdisciplinary learning center and vibrant professional community, the Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) supports those whose work helps people and institutions embrace Differences.
OUR Values
Together we thrive
Answers can only be found by doing the hard and necessary work of coming together—intellectually and experientially (whether virtually or in-person)—and putting our convictions into practice by learning together. The IDD creates links among multiple disciplines and expands boundaries between expert faculty and community members.
Experiential and praxis-based
Learning is a process. Our programming is grounded in research and theory that informs our practice—and vice versa, creating a virtuous circle in order to continually evolve the field.
Multi-tiered and holistic
People develop and change within structures, and structures are changed by people. Developing across Differences requires an ‘and more’ approach, meaning the IDD addresses change at three levels: personally, communally/institutionally and socially. We are committed to an approach that acknowledges the complexity of our work.
Developmental and ongoing
A growth mindset is the basis of our work and how we approach all stakeholders. Growth requires constant exploration and critical reflection alongside sense-making and action. And while seminal, symbolic moments are necessary to live and work in a more just world, the work we do—and help others do—is an ongoing and evolving process that requires we take the longview while remaining flexible and aware of our impact in the here-and-now.


OUR FRIENDS, ADVISORS & SUPPORTERS
We are grateful for the support and advice from Differences leaders including:

Darla Deardorff, PhD
Duke University/ Association of International Education Administrators

Nagesh Rao, PhD
Ohio University

Prof. Annette Gisevius
InterCultur/Karlshochschule International University

Sarah-Louise Jones, PhD
University of Hull
HONORARY PATRONS
The IDD recognizes, with profound appreciation, two extraordinary colleagues, interculturalists and international educators—Janet Bennett and Roberto Ruffino—for their tireless contributions to the development of the field.

Janet Bennett, PhD
Intercultural Communications Institute

Dr. Roberto Ruffino
Fondazione Intercultura & European Federation for Intercultural Learning
OUR TEAM
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Nadine is an intercultural trainer and coach specialized in intercultural competence development, diversity & inclusion, time- and self-management, and Personal Leadership.
Passionate about combining research and practice, Nadine received her PhD in Psychology from the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) for her examination of intercultural competence and intercultural learning in higher education. She holds additional degrees in Management of Cultural Diversity (Tilburg University, NL) and Intercultural Relations and Behavior (Jacobs University Bremen, Germany), and has numerous certifications.
Nadine's service to the field has seen her take leadership roles in Young SIETAR (Education Coordinator) and, until recently, serve on the Executive Committee of the World Council for Intercultural and Global Competence.
She lives in the northern German countryside where she is surrounded by horses, farm animals, and a cat who likes to eat bread.
Nadine is an intercultural trainer and coach specialized in intercultural competence development, diversity & inclusion, time- and self-management, and Personal Leadership.
Passionate about combining research and practice, Nadine received her PhD in Psychology from the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) for her examination of intercultural competence and intercultural learning in higher education. She holds additional degrees in Management of Cultural Diversity (Tilburg University, NL) and Intercultural Relations and Behavior (Jacobs University Bremen, Germany), and has numerous certifications.
Nadine's service to the field has seen her take leadership roles in Young SIETAR (Education Coordinator) and, until recently, serve on the Executive Committee of the World Council for Intercultural and Global Competence.
She lives in the northern German countryside where she is surrounded by horses, farm animals, and a cat who likes to eat bread.
Our VOLUNTEERs & INTERNS
Vyvy is a student based in Denmark who is studying social psychology and cultural encounters. While it took her a bit of time to realize how big her passion for intercultural learning was, she reports that once she opened this box, her curiosity has become unstoppable.
She volunteers at the IDD because she’s fascinated by the intersectional approach of the Institute, especially between DEI and intercultural topics. She will be supporting the IDD global community.
When she's not working or studying, you'll find Vyvy dancing, in salsa or contemporary dance classes, at social dance events, or even at the bus stop.
Phuong Vy (Vyvy) Tran
Alice is working on helping build a strong global presence and in developing organizational principles that speak out to IDD's values.
As an Applied Psychology Candidate at The University of Southern California, she is applying her Organizational and Consumer Psychology skills through making an impactful culture that lives up to IDD's mission both internally and externally. Alice hopes to gain professional skills that allow her to properly apply herself in a variety of environments.
Outside of IDD, Alice has been learning how to knit so she can donate hats to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in her city.
Alice Phipps
Jannah has been working on the planning for IDD's Learning Lab and Community Week Europe program set to begin in 2022. As a Sustainable Development Masters candidate at the University of Utrecht, she is applying her unique skills into articulating tenable principles and values to show how IDD can truly "walk the talk".
As Jannah contributes to IDD by teaching how to practice social, environmental, and economic sustainability throughout our program events, she hopes to learn practical skills in how to work with differences in her future career path.
Outside of IDD, Jannah is a amateur bass trombone player.
Jannah Wijermars
Our Founders
Recognizing the need for disparate fields and diverse Differences specialists to unite and share as a community in order to overcome growing global challenges and resulting polarizations, the IDD was conceived of by Melissa Liles, Charles Calahan and Michael Vande Berg in February 2021.
Learn more about our experiences as fellow educators, researchers and practitioners who, like you, are passionate about Developing across Differences.
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Principal at MVB Associates LLC, Mick has held leadership positions at CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, Georgetown University, The School for International Training, and el Instituto Internacional in Madrid, among others.
He is an established researcher, has published widely, frequently consults with faculty and higher education staff about international education topics, and leads intercultural training workshops globally. A founding Board member of The Forum on Education Abroad, Mick has also served as a senior faculty member at The Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication.
He pursues his fascination with inter-species communication by reading about it (The Thing with Feathers), watching films about it (My Octopus Teacher), and listening to what his dog Sage has to say about it.
Principal at MVB Associates LLC, Mick has held leadership positions at CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, Georgetown University, The School for International Training, and el Instituto Internacional in Madrid, among others.
He is an established researcher, has published widely, frequently consults with faculty and higher education staff about international education topics, and leads intercultural training workshops globally. A founding Board member of The Forum on Education Abroad, Mick has also served as a senior faculty member at The Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication.
He pursues his fascination with inter-species communication by reading about it (The Thing with Feathers), watching films about it (My Octopus Teacher), and listening to what his dog Sage has to say about it.
On faculty at Purdue University for 20+ years, Chuck currently directs the University’s Global Learning Faculty and Student Development where his focus is on active and experiential learning using advanced and innovative technology.
He is an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator and is certified in Global Competence, Cultural Intelligence, and Unconscious Bias. Prior to becoming a teaching professor, Chuck served as a senior faith-based human services administrator for over 25 years.
Inspired by Carl Jung’s belief that “an understanding heart is everything in a teacher,” Chuck’s personal motto is that trailblazers do not wait for opportunities, they create them.
Chuck and his wife, Nancy, stay busy with their seven grandchildren, ages 6 to 21.
On faculty at Purdue University for 20+ years, Chuck currently directs the University’s Global Learning Faculty and Student Development where his focus is on active and experiential learning using advanced and innovative technology.
He is an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator and is certified in Global Competence, Cultural Intelligence, and Unconscious Bias. Prior to becoming a teaching professor, Chuck served as a senior faith-based human services administrator for over 25 years.
Inspired by Carl Jung’s belief that “an understanding heart is everything in a teacher,” Chuck’s personal motto is that trailblazers do not wait for opportunities, they create them.
Chuck and his wife, Nancy, stay busy with their seven grandchildren, ages 6 to 21.
JOIN THE IDD TEAM
The IDD is powered by talented Differences Specialists from around the world. We are thankful to volunteers in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, the UK and the US.
We welcome your help at the Institute as a volunteer, either on an ongoing or project-basis. Drop us a line at volunteer@iddifferences.org to share your qualifications and interests.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The IDD is a global undertaking with headquarters located in Brooklyn, New York where we live, learn and work on the ancestral Lenape and Canarsie homelands.
We offer our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, and strive to honor—in our actions and attitudes—this and all land as well as their stewards, and to ensure sustainability for generations to come.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The IDD is a mission-driven socially conscious organization registered as IDDifferences, LLC. We uphold transparent and ethical practices with our stakeholders and partners. We are committed to serving the social good sustainably. To learn more, read about our fiscal philosophy or please contact us.

OUR MISSION
Worldwide, there are greater-than-ever business and social needs to connect across Differences. An interdisciplinary learning center and vibrant professional community, the Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD) supports those whose work helps people and institutions embrace Differences.
OUR Values
Together we thrive
Answers can only be found by doing the hard and necessary work of coming together—intellectually and experientially (whether virtually or in-person)—and putting our convictions into practice by learning together. The IDD creates links among multiple disciplines and expands boundaries between expert faculty and community members.
Experiential and praxis-based
Learning is a process. Our programming is grounded in research and theory that informs our practice—and vice versa, creating a virtuous circle in order to continually evolve the field.
Multi-tiered and holistic
People develop and change within structures, and structures are changed by people. Developing across Differences requires an ‘and more’ approach, meaning the IDD addresses change at three levels: personally, communally/institutionally and socially. We are committed to an approach that acknowledges the complexity of our work.
Developmental and ongoing
A growth mindset is the basis of our work and how we approach all stakeholders. Growth requires constant exploration and critical reflection alongside sense-making and action. And while seminal, symbolic moments are necessary to live and work in a more just world, the work we do—and help others do—is an ongoing and evolving process that requires we take the longview while remaining flexible and aware of our impact in the here-and-now.
OUR FRIENDS, ADVISORS & SUPPORTERS
We are grateful for the support and advice from Differences leaders including:

Darla Deardorff, PhD
Duke University/ Association of International Education Administrators

Nagesh Rao, PhD
Ohio University

Prof. Annette Gisevius
InterCultur/Karlshochschule International University

Sarah-Louise Jones, PhD
University of Hull
HONORARY PATRONS
The IDD recognizes, with profound appreciation, two extraordinary colleagues, interculturalists and international educators—Janet Bennett and Roberto Ruffino—for their tireless contributions to the development of the field.

Janet Bennett, PhD
Intercultural Communications Institute

Dr. Roberto Ruffino
Fondazione Intercultura & European Federation for Intercultural Learning
OUR TEAM
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Nadine Binder is an intercultural trainer and coach specialized in intercultural competence development, diversity & inclusion, time- and self-management, and Personal Leadership.
Passionate about combining research and practice, Nadine received her PhD in Psychology from the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) for her examination of intercultural competence and intercultural learning in higher education. She holds additional degrees in Management of Cultural Diversity (Tilburg University, NL) and Intercultural Relations and Behavior (Jacobs University Bremen, Germany), and has numerous certifications.
Nadine's service to the field has seen her lead Young SIETAR as past president and, until recently, serve on the Executive Committee of the World Council for Intercultural and Global Competence.
She lives in the northern German countryside where she is surrounded by horses, farm animals, and a cat who eats bread.
Nadine Binder is an intercultural trainer and coach specialized in intercultural competence development, diversity & inclusion, time- and self-management, and Personal Leadership.
Passionate about combining research and practice, Nadine received her PhD in Psychology from the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) for her examination of intercultural competence and intercultural learning in higher education. She holds additional degrees in Management of Cultural Diversity (Tilburg University, NL) and Intercultural Relations and Behavior (Jacobs University Bremen, Germany), and has numerous certifications.
Nadine's service to the field has seen her lead Young SIETAR as past president and, until recently, serve on the Executive Committee of the World Council for Intercultural and Global Competence.
She lives in the northern German countryside where she is surrounded by horses, farm animals, and a cat who eats bread.
OUR VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS
Vyvy is a student based in Denmark who is studying social psychology and cultural encounters. While it took her a bit of time to realize how big her passion for intercultural learning was, she reports that once she opened this box, her curiosity has become unstoppable.
She volunteers at the IDD because she’s fascinated by the intersectional approach of the Institute, especially between DEI and intercultural topics. She will be supporting the IDD global community.
When she's not working or studying, you'll find Vyvy dancing, in salsa or contemporary dance classes, at social dance events, or even at the bus stop.
Phuong Vy (Vyvy) Tran
Alice is working on helping build a strong global presence and in developing organizational principles that speak out to IDD's values.
As an Applied Psychology Candidate at The University of Southern California, she is applying her Organizational and Consumer Psychology skills through making an impactful culture that lives up to IDD's mission both internally and externally. Alice hopes to gain professional skills that allow her to properly apply herself in a variety of environments.
Outside of IDD, Alice has been learning how to knit so she can donate hats to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in her city.
Alice Phipps
Jannah has been working on the planning for IDD's Learning Lab and Community Week Europe program set to begin in 2022. As a Sustainable Development Masters candidate at the University of Utrecht, she is applying her unique skills into articulating tenable principles and values to show how IDD can truly "walk the talk".
As Jannah contributes to IDD by teaching how to practice social, environmental, and economic sustainability throughout our program events, she hopes to learn practical skills in how to work with differences in her future career path.
Outside of IDD, Jannah is a amateur bass trombone player.
Jannah Wijermars
Our Founders
Recognizing the need for disparate fields and diverse Differences specialists to unite and share as a community in order to overcome growing global challenges and resulting polarizations, the IDD was conceived of by Melissa Liles, Charles Calahan and Michael Vande Berg in February 2021.
Learn more about our experiences as fellow educators, researchers and practitioners who, like you, are passionate about Developing across Differences.
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Melissa has enjoyed working closely with education authorities, practitioners and academic experts in over 60 countries.
She is formerly the Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Learning & Global Competence Education and Chief Education Officer for global nonprofit AFS Intercultural Programs.
Over the past two decades, she has led the development and implementation of experiential-learning programs for tens of thousands of teens, adult learners, teachers/teacher educators, facilitators, and international education professionals.
Melissa has also worked with clients at Global 500 corporations such as PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, and currently advises Israeli-US startup MindState in addition to serving as a Critical Friend to the Erasmus+ Global Competence in Teacher Education initiative.
She lives in NYC with her Dutch spouse and aspires to one day have a dog.
Principal at MVB Associates LLC, Mick has held leadership positions at CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, Georgetown University, The School for International Training, and el Instituto Internacional in Madrid, among others.
He is an established researcher, has published widely, frequently consults with faculty and higher education staff about international education topics, and leads intercultural training workshops globally. A founding Board member of The Forum on Education Abroad, Mick has also served as a senior faculty member at The Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication.
He pursues his fascination with inter-species communication by reading about it (The Thing with Feathers), watching films about it (My Octopus Teacher), and listening to what his dog Sage has to say about it.
Principal at MVB Associates LLC, Mick has held leadership positions at CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, Georgetown University, The School for International Training, and el Instituto Internacional in Madrid, among others.
He is an established researcher, has published widely, frequently consults with faculty and higher education staff about international education topics, and leads intercultural training workshops globally. A founding Board member of The Forum on Education Abroad, Mick has also served as a senior faculty member at The Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication.
He pursues his fascination with inter-species communication by reading about it (The Thing with Feathers), watching films about it (My Octopus Teacher), and listening to what his dog Sage has to say about it.
On faculty at Purdue University for 20+ years, Chuck currently directs the University’s Global Learning Faculty and Student Development where his focus is on active and experiential learning using advanced and innovative technology.
He is an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator and is certified in Global Competence, Cultural Intelligence, and Unconscious Bias. Prior to becoming a teaching professor, Chuck served as a senior faith-based human services administrator for over 25 years.
Inspired by Carl Jung’s belief that “an understanding heart is everything in a teacher,” Chuck’s personal motto is that trailblazers do not wait for opportunities, they create them.
Chuck and his wife, Nancy, stay busy with their seven grandchildren, ages 6 to 21.
On faculty at Purdue University for 20+ years, Chuck currently directs the University’s Global Learning Faculty and Student Development where his focus is on active and experiential learning using advanced and innovative technology.
He is an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator and is certified in Global Competence, Cultural Intelligence, and Unconscious Bias. Prior to becoming a teaching professor, Chuck served as a senior faith-based human services administrator for over 25 years.
Inspired by Carl Jung’s belief that “an understanding heart is everything in a teacher,” Chuck’s personal motto is that trailblazers do not wait for opportunities, they create them.
Chuck and his wife, Nancy, stay busy with their seven grandchildren, ages 6 to 21.
JOIN THE IDD TEAM
The IDD is powered by talented Differences Specialists from around the world. We are thankful to volunteers in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, the UK and the US.
We welcome your help at the Institute as a volunteer, either on an ongoing or project-basis. Drop us a line at volunteer@iddifferences.org to share your qualifications and interests.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The IDD is a global undertaking with headquarters located in Brooklyn, New York where we live, learn and work on the ancestral Lenape and Canarsie homelands.
We offer our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, and strive to honor—in our actions and attitudes—this and all land as well as their stewards, and to ensure sustainability for generations to come.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The IDD is a mission-driven socially conscious organization registered as IDDifferences, LLC. We uphold transparent and ethical practices with our stakeholders and partners. We are committed to serving the social good sustainably. To learn more, read about our fiscal philosophy or please contact us.