Who We Are

Hi, I'm megan!

I’m a Christian, wife to an amazing husband, and mom to four (six if you count the one huge German Shepherd that sleeps on the floor at the end of my bed. Yes, he counts as two). I’m half Mexican and spent my childhood speaking Spanish and visiting my Abuelita in Mexico every year. After high school I spent five months teaching English in China, and 18 months serving a mission for my church in Brazil. I love people of all different cultures and nationalities! I have a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in finance, but my real love is writing! I write diverse fiction for kids and I’m also a copywriter. I believe that learning about people who don’t look or believe the same way we might leads to greater caring. And caring leads to friendship. I started Operation Amigos as a way to share stories and help create opportunities for greater understanding and compassion.

And I'm Ryan!

I’m straight up white (or red, if it’s been sunny), but have been adopted into my wife’s Mexican family–consenting to having an all-out dance party for our wedding really helped me get on their good side. I have a background in broadcast, social media, magazine publishing, and public relations. I’m currently the managing editor of a worldwide Christian publication for teens. I lived in Colombia for two years, speak semi-fluent (says my wife) Spanish, and love sancocho and melted cheese in hot chocolate (Yes, it’s a Colombian thing). People are important to me, and I’m passionate about giving space to those whose voices have not been heard.

Operation Amigos Interns

Colton Hibbert

I am currently attending BYU hoping to major in Finance and minor in Entrepreneurship. I grew up in Flagstaff Arizona and enjoy playing the guitar, basketball, and being with those I love. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work with Megan on Operation Amigos and I am going to help as much as I can to spread this wonderful message to the world!

Kate Salisbury

I am a music-loving Bay Area native with a passion for watercolor painting, public speaking, and the color pink. I am currently a student at Brigham Young University. My favorite things to do are spend time with my family and meet new people!

Ahmad Alnasser

I am from Jordan and I’ve moved around a lot and lived in different places. I lived nine years in Jordan two in the US and seven in the UAE. I finished high school in Dubai before moving to Utah to study at BYU. I love soccer, music, and cars. I am currently studying marketing and hoping to get into law school to be a lawyer one day.

Ivey Paulsen

I’m from Salt Lake City and am the oldest of four kids. I am currently in my junior year at BYU, majoring in public relations and minoring in global women’s studies. I am planning to go to law school after my undergrad. My favorite thing is traveling and experiencing the world and its many cultures. I have a profound love and appreciation for art in its many forms. I grew up dancing, which continues to be a hobby and love of mine. I wish that I could spend all my time outside- especially in the mountains. I love running and hiking. I have always been fascinated by culture and the stories of others, which is what drew me to Operation Amigos. I am so excited to work with this organization and watch it grow!

Erin Johnston Goulding

I am currently a senior in BYU’s Editing & Publishing major and I will be graduating in April. Operation Amigos has been a great opportunity for me to flex my minor, Digital Humanities & Technology, and get some great web content publishing experience. I’m a huge bookworm and am excited to graduate because I’ll finally have time to read for fun again (bye-bye homework!) and spend all my free time with my awesome husband and our sweet little kitten.