PETRA SOLUTIONS LLC

Irene Paxia (she/her) started Petra Solutions, LLC as a consulting practice in 2020, leveraging 18 years of experience in the area of immigration, fund raising, academic education, and government planning, with companies ranging from local organizations to city government entities, from international agencies to universities. 

• Irene's work experience includes the roles of international program director at American Red Cross, language/culture lecturer at Purdue University, community development specialist at City of Fort Wayne, and chief executive officer at Amani Family Services. Her personal journey helped her find her passion for supervising initiatives benefitting the public, improving inclusion, and the civil responsibility of companies and service providers. 
• Thanks to Petra Solutions, Irene collaborates with multiple companies to help them build winning intercultural paths. Her studies include a master's in Business Administration at Indiana University, and a Laurea Quadriennale at Università di Bologna (Italy) in International Diplomatic Sciences, besides certifications in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) and Project Management.  

Thus, Irene dedicates herself to positive change and to developing programs with private businesses, government institutions, and volunteer groups, motivated by honest passion for humanity as a whole. The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, depicted her in a mural in July 2021, to celebrate her work with refugees. 

Irene grew up in Italy where her name is pronounced "Ee-reh-neh"; however, pronouncing Irene as it looks in English is completely fine for her, too. As she puts it: "As long as people talk to me, I don't worry about it".

Andrew Applegate (he/him) joined Petra Solutions, LLC in 2022, bringing extensive experience in grant writing and qualitative reporting, strategic planning, and community needs assessments, as well as hospitality, with companies ranging from nonprofit entities, to government, and private clubs. 

• Andrew owns ApplegateVO, with a voice-over studio he runs from home. He uses his recorded voice to narrate stories, explain information, as well as in telephone prompts, media, and other presentations.  
• Andrew's work experience includes the roles of planning coordinator at Brightpoint, administrative support at Allen County Commissioners' Office, and suite manager at Parkview Field. Andrew is passionate about improving processes to build efficiencies and loves to support collective impact projects. He has experience in programs that include financial education and nutrition.  
• Andrew's studies include a master's in Public Administration at Indiana University and a bachelor's in Hospitality Management at Purdue University, besides certifications in ROMA Trainer (Results-Oriented Measurement and Accountability) and Project Management. 

Andrew loves to travel and read books about history, fantasy and sci-fi. He enjoys cooking and building things in his garage for his family. He is happily married to his wife, Irene Paxia, owner of Petra Solutions, LLC. 

Thamay ("May") Paw (she/her/hers) is a lifelong volunteer and learner. As a former Burmese refugee, she utilizes her multicultural and diverse background to develop interpersonal relationships and build her network. She then provides opportunities and resources to diverse communities. She has volunteered, interned, and worked in areas that helped refugee families and students. Ranging from schools to non-profit organizations, and public and private programs. May graduated from the University of Saint Francis (USF) with a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies. She is a former ELL teacher assistant and temporary interpreter from FWCS; a service coordinator from 1st Kids, Inc. (First Steps); and a bilingual outreach assistant from Amani Family Services.  

• After schooling, May has given back to the community in a variety of ways by serving on the board of directors and Chairman of the Mawlamyine committee with Fort Wayne Sisters Cities International; in the leadership team with the Human Library Fort Wayne; and many others. She also participated in numerous projects within the community such as Unity with Variety by Hilarie Couture; the Women Are project with Creative Women of the World; the US and the Holocaust Screening with PBS Fort Wayne and many more. 
• At Petra, May supports the company's efforts as Executive Assistant.

May loves to read manga and Japanese comics, watch anime and Japanese animation, spend time with her family, and volunteering.