About Us

Shaping Peace Through Knowledge and Action

Team Meeting

Our Story

Research. Design.
Dialogue.

TRENDS Global was founded on the belief that sustainable peace requires more than good intentions — it requires evidence, collaboration, and community ownership.

Our work bridges the gap between local realities and global understanding. We conduct field research, partner with grassroots organizations, and advise institutions on designing conflict management systems that truly serve the people they’re meant to protect.

From mediating local disputes in Liberia to facilitating research-based dialogue in Afghanistan, our teams work side-by-side with communities to build lasting trust and inclusive systems.

Shape

20+

Years of Research

Shape

15+

Countries Engaged

Shape

100K+

Lives Impacted

Our Vision

To create peaceful, resilient, and inclusive societies where communities unite to resolve conflicts, heal divisions, and shape sustainable futures.

Our Mission

To advance peacebuilding and psychosocial well-being by empowering communities to design local solutions that foster trust, cooperation, and lasting development.

Our Approach

Locally Led. Globally Informed.

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    Community-driven peacebuilding strategies

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    Research-based program design

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    Partnerships with local NGOs and governments

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    Long-term capacity building and leadership development

Team Meeting

Our Team

Meet the Minds Behind the
Mission

Volker Franke, PhD

Dr. Volker Franke is the Founder and Executive Director of TRENDS Global, bringing over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. A scholar-practitioner, he has led global initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions, focusing on resilience, leadership, and post-conflict recovery.

Volker Franke, PhD

Executive Director

Anne Chance, PhD

Anne Chance, PhD

Solution Labs

Linda Bishai, PhD

Volker Franke Dr. Volker Franke is the Founder and Executive Director of TRENDS Global, bringing over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. A scholar-practitioner, he has led global initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions, focusing on resilience, leadership, and post-conflict recovery.

Linda Bishai, PhD

Evaluation Lead

Janet Therrien

Dr. Volker Franke is the Founder and Executive Director of TRENDS Global, bringing over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. A scholar-practitioner, he has led global initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions, focusing on resilience, leadership, and post-conflict recovery.

Janet Therrien

Program Associate

Isaac Andakian, PhD

Dr. Volker Franke is the Founder and Executive Director of TRENDS Global, bringing over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. A scholar-practitioner, he has led global initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions, focusing on resilience, leadership, and post-conflict recovery.

Isaac Andakian, PhD

Law & Human Rights

Michael Ashkenazi, PhD

Dr. Volker Franke is the Founder and Executive Director of TRENDS Global, bringing over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. A scholar-practitioner, he has led global initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions, focusing on resilience, leadership, and post-conflict recovery.

Michael Ashkenazi, PhD

Research Associate

Graham Gintz, MBA, MS

Dr. Volker Franke is the Founder and Executive Director of TRENDS Global, bringing over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. A scholar-practitioner, he has led global initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions, focusing on resilience, leadership, and post-conflict recovery.

Graham Gintz, MBA, MS

Strategy & Operations

Janet Therrien

Dr. Volker Franke is the Founder and Executive Director of TRENDS Global, bringing over two decades of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. A scholar-practitioner, he has led global initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions, focusing on resilience, leadership, and post-conflict recovery.

Janet Therrien

Program Associate

Our Projects

Building Peace Through Action

At TRENDSGlobal, we’re actively involved in peacebuilding, research, and psychosocial support projects around the world. Each initiative reflects our mission to create sustainable solutions through collaboration and community impact.

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Contact Us

Let’s Builds Peace Together

Together, We Can Build a More Peaceful Tomorrow

Whether through research, partnership, or advocacy — your support helps us bring lasting peace to communities worldwide.