Susan Trnka, Executive Director
West Fargo, NDSusan Trnka made her first trip to Chimbote in 1999 and has been back numerous times. In her position as executive director, she is blessed to visit the mission on a regular basis both with groups of visitors and volunteers, as well as for organization-related work. Susan first heard of the mission through Nativity parish in Fargo, ND. She was invited to join the Friends of Chimbote board in 2001 and served in various roles including secretary, vice president and president before being hired as the executive director in 2008. Susan and her husband, Jeff, live in rural West Fargo, ND and have four grown daughters, with all but one having visited Chimbote. They are also proud grandparents of one girl and two boys. Jeff is actively involved in supporting Susan’s work for the mission and has visited the mission twice.
Kim Malakowsky, Executive Assistant
Hawley, MNAn art lover from an early age, Kim spent the early years of her career as a graphic artist and editorial liaison. Her work led her to the publishing world where she became editor in chief of award-winning From House to Home™ magazine. In addition, Kim served as editor in chief for Wedding Vow™ and PJ&B™, as well as editorial director for other various magazines. Kim joined the Friends of Chimbote staff in September 2011 seeking a position where she could fulfill her dream to impact the lives of those in need. She lives in Hawley, MN with husband, Steve, and made her first trip to Chimbote just two months after joining the organization.
Katie Jorgenson, Volunteer Coordinator in Chimbote
Chaska, MNKatie volunteered at the mission from January through May 2011 and returned to Chimbote in October 2011 as volunteer coordinator. Katie hails from Chaska, MN and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN in 2010. She has been accepted at Lutheran Seminary College in St. Paul, MN but has deferred her start date so that she may be of service to Friends of Chimbote.