Michael Lightweaver
Program Director

From the earliest times as a child, growing up in a small town in Kentucky, USA, I remember that I saw the world very differently than my family and friends. From the beginning I had a global perspective that was not limited by the national, religious or ethnic boundaries that others had created to define themselves and deny their Oneness. This made me different and even "strange" to small town thinking. It wasn't until college that I discovered others who shared my worldview, and it wasn't until much later that I also came to see how my thoughts and attitude create my reality. Along the way, I came to realize that these understandings were as ancient as they were profound.

The Institute was born in 2002 out of my passion for sharing with others the ideas that have had such a profound affect on my own life. These ideas were survival tools for me when I had reached a very critical point much earlier in life. They became stepping stones that have brought me to where I am today and the sense of fulfillment and appreciation that I experience on a daily basis.

Having raised a large multiracial, multicultural & international family, with whom I am still very close, I now live in the mountains of western North Carolina (USA) adjacent to the national forest. Here I operate a small retreat center called Mountain Light Sanctuary (www.mtnlightsanctuary.com) which offers guests an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with the sustaining power of nature.

I lead a simple life that is close to nature. In the winter I heat with wood from the forest, my water comes from a spring on the mountainside. I don’t have a TV and cell phones don't work here. And, yet, with the internet, I am in daily contact with friends and students from all over the world.

It is a continual joy to share the Sanctuary & my deep love for nature with visiting guests and my passion for personal empowerment & planetary transformation with the students of the Institute.

Deborah Rosen
Director of Resource Development

Deborah L. Rosen joined IIGL as the Director of Resource Development in August 2009. Her primary responsibilities include fund development, coordinating the mentorship program and team development between the students, contributors and the Board of Directors. Deborah has worked as a facilitator and educator in corporate, nonprofit and academic environments for over twenty-three years and has had her own educational business for over fifteen years. She was a professional fund raiser for a large NGO from 1999-2003 and was the Board President of the International Institute for Global Leadership from 2007-2009. She also led the IIGL Finance committee from 2005-2009 and has been an IIGL mentor since 2002. Deborah has over twelve years experience working with integrated healing methods and spiritual healing practices. She is currently the Director of Pathways to Wellness for a local NGO in Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Organizational Communication with a specialty in Educational Training and Curriculum Design.

In addition, Deborah has studied Numerology, Astrology and handwriting analysis. She applies the teachings from these practices into her professional life as much as possible especially when coaching others. She has been fortunate to witness how resources are raised, allocated and implemented for humanitarian cause. Her vision is to expand "gifting to others" by having resources available to the ALL! The International Institute for Global Leadership allows her to implement this vision.

Personally, I see IIGL as one Global family. It's very inspiring to witness the Institute continuously expand and grow. I feel that by educating others about consciousness, great planetary shifts are created. I have many personal interests such as Traveling, Creative Writing, Painting, Yoga, Holistic Wellness and Dream Interpretation. I am blessed with two beautiful and gifted teenagers, Zach and Mollie. They teach and guide me to new levels of learning every day. Together we hold the vision for a world of peace and harmony for all.