Tracie Frese
Executive Director
What drives a person’s curiosity towards places of the world? For Tracie it was her parents’ old movies of the Taj Mahal and pictures of Europe. It was the arrival of National Geographic in the mailbox each month.
Directing UI gives Tracie the chance to channel that childhood wonder and help the community engage in cultures and opportunities they may not otherwise experience. Previously the Director of the Columbia World Affairs Council, and an alumni of Clemson University,Tracie brings nonprofit leadership as well as a drive to advocate for global awareness in the Upstate. Married to Chris Frese, Tracie has 3 sons: Thomas, Harry, and Cole. Born in Ohio, raised in Alaska and South Carolina, and having lived in Malaysia, she believes that “The most interesting people in the world are interested in the world around them.”
Evelyn Hargett
Office and Membership Coordinator
Evelyn Hargett recently joined Upstate International, and serves the organization in accounting, membership, and other administrative duties. She holds an A.A. degree in Business Administration from Northern State University. Her business career includes managerial accounting functions in various organizations, including more than 12 years at another local nonprofit. She volunteers at several Greenville area venues, including her church, Greenville Theatre, and Greenville Literacy Association.
Evelyn has lived in the Greenville area since 2001. Born and raised in New Jersey, and having lived in South Dakota and Iowa, she is happiest when exploring all that the Southeast has to offer. She enjoys traveling with her husband throughout the U.S., hiking, camping, working out, reading, and caring for her cat.
Linley Crocker
Programs and Events Coordinator
Linley Crocker became a part of Upstate International(UI) as the Programs & Events Coordinator in November 2021. In this role, Linley will initiate, implement and manage key programs and events that are essential in fulfilling UI’s regional mission. She will also govern the development and coordination of the Upstate International Language School. No stranger to event planning, Linley has more than 8 years of experience in the industry.
A native to the Upstate, Linley was born and raised in Campobello, SC. She spends her free time painting, dancing, writing poetry and hiking in the woods with her border collie, Remi.
Lauren Zabel
Marketing Intern
Lauren Zabel recently joined UI as a marketing intern. She attends Clemson University and is majoring in Graphic Communications and minoring in Business Administrations.
Lauren has done graphic design work for a variety of companies such as the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University, Loaves and Fishes/Friendship Trays Inc., and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. During her time at Clemson University Lauren has joined a variety of clubs and organizations, one of which being Women of Flexo. She is currently enrolled as a student mentee in their program. She is also a member of the Technical Association of Graphic Artistry at Clemson University.
In her free time Lauren enjoys hiking and paddle-boarding in and around Lake Hartwell. She also enjoys reading novels, camping, and working out.
Blake Whittaker
Upstate International Board Chair
Blake Whittaker joined Pinnacle Financial Partners as the office leader for the firm’s Greenville location in 2018.