Colleen Denny is Spirit of America’s Regional Director for Europe. Prior to joining Spirit of America, Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) after serving for eight years in the U.S. Coast Guard. As the Regional Director for Europe, Colleen has executed projects throughout the Balkans and eastern Europe alongside deployed American troops and Diplomats in support of US diplomatic and national security objectives. These projects have ranged from supporting a Ukrainian NGO making masks for Ukrainian soldiers fighting in the Donbas, to creating a food security initiative for import-reliant Montenegro, to helping evacuate at-risk Afghans from Kabul to safety in Albania. Colleen has led Spirit of America’s efforts to provide aid and assistance to the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Force and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. To date, Spirit of America has provided over $24mm worth of aid, totaling over 180 tons, including 9,400+ sets of body armor and helmets, 20,000+ Individual First Aid Kits, 9 50-passenger vans, 4×4 trucks, and communications gear. A native of Buffalo NY, Colleen graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science. During her time in service, she served on three ships including a tour as the Commanding Officer of a Fast Response Cutter.
