Our Directors

Not pictured: Jasminka Sarac, Sandy Savich, Dana Boskovich Tasic, Vera Bjelopetrovich

Kathy Fanslow, President

Kathy Fanslow, born in former Yugoslavia during the violence and unsettled times of World War II, is the Executive Director of Our Serbs. 

Kathy's mother placed her in an orphanage for a few years so her mother could work and provide for her family. As a mother this is a difficult decision; however, at the time there seemed to be no other choice. Surviving through the adversity of war has great affects on soldiers and civilians alike. Kathy's compassion for her people was created during these early years.

When Kathy was 12, she and her mother immigrated to the United States. Kathy grew up and entered a life of service, showing compassion as she worked with various charities over the last 40 years. Kathy spent nearly 20 years assisting with cancer research at Northwestern Memorial Hospital followed by 5 years in Hospice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  

10 years ago something profound and life altering occurred. Kathy was introduced to Princess Katherine from her homeland. She has partnered with Princess Katherine the last 10 years providing for the needs of her native people.

Today Our Serbs is taking a different path under Kathy's leadership. They are contributing to the needs of the Serbian people by creating a support system to provide sustainable ways of living. 

Kathy invites you to join her in creating this support system so other parents won't have to make those difficult decisions to divide their family in order to provide. Will you join Our Serbs? 

Vesna Zafirovski, Vice President

Vesna was born in Belgrade, Serbia (former Yugoslavia), and came to the US in 1966. She is a dual citizen and Assistant to the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago since 2003. She is also a freelance translator/interpreter in Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, Macedonian, and English languages and a member of CHICATA organization. Currently, she is also a board member and secretary of the Serbian American Theater Mira Sremcevic.

Vesna’s past endeavors and memberships include Board member of Lifeline Humanitarian Organization-Chicago since 2008 and their Vice President from 2010 – 2016.  Board Member of TUTA Theater, Board Member of Serbian-American Museum St. Sava, President of Keystone Manor Condominium Association, Member of International Business Club, President of the Chicago Textile Club, Board Member and Secretary of the Serbian Academic Club, Member of Intl. Association of Clothing Designers. She was a textile technologist for 30 years with QST Industries.

Lynn Svilar, Treasurer

After a visit to Serbia in 2006 it was apparent to me that much aid was needed by so many. From then on, I have been involved with nonprofits providing basic needs and assistance for children and families.  Growing up in an Italian family of 6 children in the City of Chicago, I was taught early to share and help those less fortunate.  I truly believe you get back more than you give when you donate your "time, treasures or talents ".

Vicki Zammichieli, Secretary

I was fortunate to be born and raised in America.  I took a trip to Serbia with my Mother (Kathy Fanslow) and saw and felt the needs of the less fortunate.  I've worked with a charity for the last ten years and will be continuing with OUR SERBS.

Mira Gusic, Representative in Serbia & Director

I came to United States in 1969. Ever since then I was back and forth US and Serbia.  By profession, I am a teacher of physics and chemistry, BS in Business Administration and MBA with specialization in International Management. For over two decades, I have worked for pharmaceutical firms; Abbott Laboratories, Hospira and Galenika.

All my life was active in community and volunteering. In the US, I was holding various positions in church life; from member at large, school coordinator to president of Kolo.... to name a few.  We returned to Serbia to be with our aging parents as well as initiating various events to help the needy in Serbia. The past couple of years I served as coordinator and advisor for Lifeline Chicago.

I presently reside in Belgrade, Serbia with my husband Zoran.

Ivan Tasic, Director

I was born in Kraljevo, grew up in Belgrade, served in the Serbian Army, moved to the United States in 2000, and now live in Chicago where I work as a senior economist.

As a young man I lived through harsh sanctions, hyperinflation, political instability, and despair. I saw too many people who lost hope and thought those days were over for good. Unfortunately, there is still too much hardship, sorrow, and poverty in Serbia and especially in Kosovo and Metohija.

I was taught early on that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" and saw how these words of divine wisdom do wonders. I can't wait to see more such wonders, one at a time.

Mildred Terzic, Director

It is a privilege to be part of Our Serbs for I believe in helping people help themselves.  By empowering families to work together provides them a means to do their best and take an active role in their personal success and survival.  It creates a sense of pride and accomplishment.

It is an honor to be part of Our Serbs and I am confident that under Kathy Fanslow’s leadership and the connections made with Versko Drustvo Staratelja and the Saborna Crkva, we will continue help families, in Greater Serbia, get back on their feet and support the church and communities, locally, in the process. Working with local vendors, not only helps those in need, but it also boosts the local economy through the purchase of local products.

Sonja Beader, Director

My name is Sonja (Balac) Beader and I live in Northwest Indiana. I was born in Novi Sad in Serbia and came to the United States with my family when I was 5 years old. I am extremely honored to be a part of an organization that is helping to empower the less fortunate in our homeland. The ‘Our Serbs’ mission statement of ‘helping the neediest to develop and foster a better society for future generations’ personally resonated with me. Many of our own Serbs came from extreme poverty and moved on to better lives because of a compassionate helping hand. I am proud to work with an organization that strives to be that helping hand to so many in need in our homeland.”

Radmila Sarac Stanic, Director

Giving is an integral part of the Christian life. It is a joy and a Blessing to be a part of this organization to work with others to provide support and hope for those in need. I was born in Northwest Indiana and was fortunate to be raised in a great Serbian Church community. My first trip to Srbija was when I was four years old to visit my grandparents and family and I love our Serbian people and culture. I look forward to many years of working as a part of Our Serbs to better the lives of others.