Tina McCollum is one of many women in the Snoqualmie Valley who is actively supporting the health of the community, both here and abroad. She is president of the Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association (SSCA) and a founding board member, cultivating sister city relationships with Gangjin, Korea and Chaclacayo, Peru.

She was recently awarded a Rise and Shine Award from the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network for the positive impact the Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association (SSCA) has had on youth.

In 2011, McCollum was recognized by the city of Gangjin as an honorary citizen, one of only 10 individuals to receive the award.

She is a free spirit among many countries, meeting with mayors, consuls general, school superintendents, teachers, and business leaders.

McCollum worked for Southwest Airlines for 25 years, training and supervising customer service agents. She loves meeting people and instilled that in agents to create an excellent customer experience.

She has worked in many locations throughout the U.S. including Kansas City, Tulsa, Detroit, and Seattle. She has made the Snoqualmie Valley her home for many years and is tied to the community in many ways.

Recently, she made some time in her busy schedule to answer a few questions for the Record.

Why are you so passionate about the Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association?

I love opening horizons for individuals, (showing them) new cultures and new people. Our student exchange programs exposes Mount Si High School students to cultures so very different from ours, and they make lifelong friends with students and families in other countries.

The same is true for the Korean and Peruvian students who come to study in Snoqualmie.

What are Snoqualmie’s current sister cities?

Our first sister city relationship, with Gangjin, Korea was formed in 2008. We have had six groups of Mount Si High School students go to Gangjin. My daughter Sarah was on the first trip and it truly changed her perspective on life.

In 2012, we became sister cities with Chaclacayo, Peru. More than 30 Snoqualmie Valley students have visited Chaclacayo and another 30 have come to study in Snoqualmie.

Our board members are dedicated to keeping this program growing.

How do you believe this program has changed the lives of students in Snoqualmie?

Visiting a country is one thing; staying in a home away from home and participating in schools is a whole other experience for kids.

We focus on our students having a complete immersion into the culture of the sister city they visit. Students come away with a new understanding of that culture, their own ability to adjust, the new friends they have made, and becoming a global citizen.

It has opened the hearts of hundreds of people in the Snoqualmie Valley when you consider the host family parents and siblings, Mount Si High School teachers, city government leaders, city employees. We include the whole Valley in the exchanges along with Snoqualmie.

How has this program changed you personally?

Because of these exchanges, my extended family has grown beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

It has greatly enhanced my life, making me more sensitive to everyone I meet. Even if you don’t speak the language of the country, a smile on your face goes a long way to creating long-lasting friendships. And I’m very thankful for Google Translator.

Where do you find the energy for all this?

I do not know!

If you do something you love and have a passion for, the energy naturally comes.

What are your hopes for the program going forward?

The Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association really wants to create scholarship programs so that more Mount Si High School students can participate.

The challenge is funding. Exchanges aren’t cheap, but they are priceless.

We’re looking for doors to open. We’re in the beginning stages of a fire fighter exchange with Chaclacayo and exploring a potential Rotary relationship in Peru.

Now that I’m an active Rotarian with the Snoqualmie Valley club, I see a lot of potential for economic development through connecting with other Rotary clubs around the world.

Why a fire fighter exchange?

Chaclacayo has great need for fire fighting equipment, having only one fire truck and one aid car for a city of 40,000 citizens. All fire fighters are volunteer and supply their own gear.

This summer, Chaclacayo Firefighter Patricia Bendezu will visit Snoqualmie, spending part of her time at the Snoqualmie Fire Station.

Do you consider the Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association to be your career or are you heading in other directions?

Being president of Snoqualmie Sister City Association is a great honor. I love it. I’m extremely passionate about it, however, I am in a non-profit, non-paying position.

While remaining on the board, I would like to find a position in a company that would blend my international experiences with my sensitivities to different cultures.

I’m leaving the future open.

What are your thoughts on the Snoqualmie Valley community, in general?

This is an amazing community. There are so many good people doing great things. I’m proud that the Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association is part of making history in the Valley while at the same time supporting our community in becoming global citizens.

This July, McCollum will bring Rotary’s Lima District Governor Carlos Roija to a Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Club meeting. Mayor David Aponte of Chaclacayo will visit Snoqualmie in August to meet Mayor Matt Larson and explore ways the two cities can create more synergy.

The Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association is planning six exchanges in 2016 for students, firefighters and business leaders, including a 10-day tour in Peru with an excursion to Machu Picchu.

Mount Si High School students and adults are welcome to participate. Interested people should start planning soon, because space is limited.

To learn more about the SSCA, becoming part of a student or business exchange, or joining the SSCA board, contact McCollum at valent6222@aol.com.

Tina McCollum, second from right, attended a fire station anniversary ceremony in Lima with, from left, Lima District Rotary Governor Carlos Roija; Lilly Coccehella; and volunteer firefighter Julio Zirena.