professional fellows congress program book

Professional Fellows

Congress

Economic EmpowermentLegislative Process and Governance

Rule of Law/Administration of Justice

United States Department of StateBureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Office of Citizen ExchangesProfessional Fellows Division

Fall 2014November 5-7

Washington, D.C.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014 3

Table of Contents

Professional Fellows Program Overview 4

Area and Hotel Map 6

Program Notes and Social Media Guide 8

Agenda at a Glance 10

Professional Fellows Congress By the Numbers 11

Program Schedule 12

Workshops 17

Alumni Impact Awardees’ Biographies 24

Civil Rights Panelist Biographies 27

U.S. Department of State and Panelist Biographies 28

Fellow Origin and Placement Map 36

Fellow Biographies 38

Partner Organizations 60

Notes 62


The Professional Fellows Program provides targeted professional development and support to emerging leaders working in the fields of Economic Empowerment, Rule of Law/Administration of Justice, and Legislative Process and Governance. The Professional Fellows Program provides program participants with four-to-six weekpractical Fellowships to broaden their professional expertise. Placed in private, nonprofit and government offices, Professional Fellows learn how issues in their respective fields are addressed in the United States, interact with a broad network of colleagues, and develop a deeper understanding of Americans and American society.

In 2014, the Professional Fellows Program is supporting approximately 400 foreign Fellows coming to the United States and reciprocal visits by more than 130 American Fellows in the fall of 2014/spring of 2015. During the Fall 2014 program, 204 Professional Fellows from over 40 countries and territories participated in Fellowships across the United States. The Professional Fellows Program offers a unique opportunity for the foreign Fellows and their American colleagues to work together to address is sues of mutual importance, develop new insights into professional approaches to common issues, and broaden their understanding of foreign working environments, practices and society.

Professional Fellows CongressAt the conclusion of the Fall 2014 Fellowship program, the 208 Professional Fellows travel from their Fellowship placements to Washington, DC to participate in the tenth Professional Fellows Congress, November 5-7, 2014. The Fellows Congress marks the culmination of the program and provides a forum for Fellows to share experiences.

The Fellows Congress also provides opportunities for Fellows to network with programcolleagues within their professional sphere, learn about best practices and creative solutions in their respective fields, share insights into effective leadership models, and explore ways to apply their learning and expertise to concrete and innovative activities upon returning home. The Fellows Congress will focus on leadership development as it relates to civic engagement and will address the themes of Economic Empowerment, Legislative Process and Governance and Rule of Law/Administration of Justice.


U.S. Department of StateThe State Department is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for the international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries. Created in 1789, the Department was the first executive department established. The State Department currently employs 19,000 U.S.-based employees and over 50,000 people in 190 countries. The State Department operates the diplomatic missions of the United States abroad and is responsible for implementing the foreign policy of the United States.

The Department is led by the Secretary of State, who is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and is a member of the President’s Cabinet. The current Secretary of State is John Kerry. The Secretary of State is the first Cabinet official in the order of precedence and in the presidential line of succession. For more information on the history of the State Department, U.S. diplomacy, and U.S. foreign policy, please visit history.state.gov or www.usdiplomacy.org/history/overview/statedept.php.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)U.S. Department of State

The Congressional mandate of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State is “to increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and other countries...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations” (Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchanges Act of 1961). ECA engages youth, educators, and rising leaders in the United States and countries in both the developed and developing world through a range of academic, sports, cultural, and professional exchange programs.

To conduct the Professional Fellows Program in 2014, the Department of State has partnered with 14 organizations: American Council of Young Political Leaders, American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS, Inc., Boston College, Business Council for Peace, Hands Along the Nile Development Services, Inc., International Center for Journalists, Inc., International City/County Management Association, Meridian International Center, Oklahoma State University, Partners of the Americas, University of Michigan, University of Montana System, University of Oklahoma, and World Learning.

ECA has nearly one million alumni around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and over 350 current and former heads of state and government. One-third of member states of the United Nations are currently led by ECA alumni. For more information, visit www.exchanges.state.gov and www.alumni.state.gov.


Map of Hotel Area

Washington Marriott Georgetown

1221 22nd Street NWWashington, District of Columbia20037 USA

For detailed information about area grocery and convenience stores, dining options, and attractions, please refer to your Early Arrival Guide.

Photo courtsey of www.history.com


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1

2

3

4

5

5

4

3

2

West End Ballroom

Dupont Ballroom

Registration Area

Thomas Salon

2nd Floor Foyer

8 Georgetown I and II are located on the Lobby Level

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6 Elevators to 3rd Floor and sleeping roomsMeeting Rooms 3015, 3016, and 3017 are located on the 3rd Floor

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7 Escalators to lobby level

Hotel Layout

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Welcome One and All! We look forward to meeting and learning from each Professional Fellows Congress participant. During the Congress, Fellows should contact staff from their U.S.-based organization should they have any needs, concerns, or questions. The information desk is staffed with World Learning and U.S. Department of State staff who are also available to assist with questions.

Map Exhibits: In the registration area, we have provided maps to demonstrate the geographic diversity of the Professional Fellows Congress. On the world map, please find your country or territory and place a sticker on it. Then, on the U.S. map, place a sticker on the state where you completed your fellowship.

Dress Code: Dress pants, slacks, or dresses, and collared shirts or professional blouses are the expected attire for the Congress. Please refrain from wearing jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, or other casual wear.

Name Tag Color Codes:Economic Empowerment Fellows: Green

Legislative Process & Governance Fellows: YellowRule of Law/Administration of Justice Fellows: Blue

U.S.-Based Host Organization Staff: MaroonU.S. Department of State: White

Program Notes

Pro Fellows with the International Center for Journalists visit National Public Radio’s

headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Fellow Daniel Kizza engages with an Oklahoma State University student in an interviewing class

exercise.


Social Media Guide

@ TwitterHandles

@ProFellows@ConnectStateGov@ECA_AS

Professional Fellows DivisionU.S. Department of State

Assistant Secretary of State ECA

@AC_Global@ACYPL@BpeaceHQ@bpeitsch@ICFJ@ICMA@MansfieldCenter

@MeridianIntl@OKState@PartnersAmerica@um-isr

@umich@WorldLearning

American CouncilsACYPL

Business Council for PeaceBarbara Peitsch

ICFJICMA

Mansfield Center/University of Montana

Meridian International CenterOklahoma State University

Partners of the AmericasUMich Institute for Social

ResearchUniversity of Michigan

World Learning

Connect via Social Media:While we ask that you respectfully refrain from using phones, laptops and other devices during workshops and presentations, we encourage you to post photos on Facebook and tweet about the

Professional Fellows Congress on Twitter during breaks. Use the #ProFellows hashtag to join the conversation and connect with other Fellows, speakers, and panelists. Wifi is available in all sleeping rooms and in the hotel lobby.

Find the Professional Fellows Division at www.facebook.com/ProFellows Find the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at www.facebook.com/ExchangesConnect

Speakers, Panelists, Workshop Facilitators@Alexmae@FrankMcLough@GlobalForests@MatthewClausen@LawyersComm

@OikocreditUSA@SITGrad@Tclayhouse4

Alex DickinsonFrank McLoughlin

Global Forest WatchMatthew Clausen

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Oikocredit USASIT Graduate Institute

Tanya Clay House

Partner Organizations

Don’t forget to sign up for the International Exchange Alumni Website at alumni.state.gov. International Exchange Alumni is a dynamic and interactive networking website for past and current participants of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Here, you can build on your exchange experience and explore all the resources available to you as a member of the site.Membership to this exclusive online community allows you to:• Access $33 billion worth of grant opportunities;• Find professional development resources;• View 20,000 online magazines and newspapers;• Network with fellow alumni around the world;• Recruit fellow alumni for projects and competitions;

• Find the latest research in your field;• Develop plans for your alumni association, or find an association to join;• Share your experience with a global audience; and• Read alumni success stories, perspectives, and ideas.

#ProFellows


Agenda at a GlanceWednesday, November 5th

10:30 AM Congress Check-In for all Attendees11:00 AM Administrative Meeting for Partner Organizations

12:00-1:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM Orientation2:45-3:00 PM Break

3:00 PM Pro Fellow Talk; Small Group Discussions

4:45-5:00 PM General Announcements

Thursday, November 6th8:30 AM Civil Rights Panel

10:00-10:15 Break

10:15 AM Pro Fellow Talk; Electronic Library Presentation; Alumni Resources

11:45-12:30 PM Break12:30 PM Ambassadors Luncheon

2:15-3:00 PM Break

2:45 PM Group Photo; Ideas Market

Friday, November 7th8:00 AM Announcements8:15 AM Professional Workshops

9:45-10:00 AM Break

10:00 AM Professional Workshops11:30 AM-12:30 PM Lunch

12:30 PM U.S. Department of State

5:30 PM Farewell Dinner; Music and Dancing

2:00 PM Pro Fellow Talk


1,701total participants

78countriesand territories

922Legislative Process and Governance

340Economic

Empowerment

107Women’sEmpowerment

89Climate Change

87GlobalHealth

55Food

Security

46EducationtoEmployment

39Media

P r o f e s s i o n a lF e l l o w s C o n g r e s s e s

s i n c e

209 182

332311

364

314

Africa East Asiaand thePacific

Europe and

Eurasia

Near East

South and Central

Asia

WesternHem.

Themes Represented

Number of Fellows by Region

10

2010

Professional Fellows By the Numbers

13Rule of Law/ Administration of Justice


Program ScheduleWednesday, November 5, 2014: Please note that breakfast is on your own. You may eat in the hotel restaurant on the lobby level or enjoy breakfast at a restaurant or café nearby. On Thursday and Friday, breakfast will be provided on the second floor of the hotel outside the ballroom.

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Congress Check-In, OngoingPlease take the elevator to the second floor of the hotel. The registration area will be easy to identify. Here, you will receive your program book and packet of information from World Learning.

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Time for Poster Preparation Location: Dupont Salon, 2nd floor

Tables and supplies will be provided for those Fellows whose posters were selected for the “Ideas Market”. Once posters are completed, they will be displayed throughout the 2nd Floor Foyer, and then moved back into the Dupont Salon for the “Ideas Market” Thursday afternoon.

11:00-11:45 a.m. – Administrative Meeting with Partner Organizations Location: Georgetown I, Lobby level

One representative from each organization should be present.

12:00-2:45 p.m. – Lunch, followed by Orientation Location: West End Ballroom, 2nd floor

2:45-3:00 p.m. – Break

3:00-3:15 p.m. – Pro Fellow Talk featuring Wendy Mota Kasongo, “Expanding Notions of Service: Four Key Considerations for Serving Victims of Domestic Violence of Diverse Backgrounds”Location: West End Ballroom, 2nd Floor

1:00 p.m. World Learning Welcome Patricia Harrison, World Learning

U.S. Department of State WelcomeIntroduction of Distinguished Alumni AwardeesPresentation of Impact Awards

Bruce Armstrong, Director, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and

Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State Adam Meier, Professional Fellows Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural

Affairs, U.S. Department of State

1:45 p.m. Professional Fellows Program Overview

Carol Herrera, Professional Fellows Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural

Affairs, U.S. Department of State

2:00 p.m. Icebreaker Activity Patricia Harrison, World Learning


3:15-4:45 p.m. – Fellowship Experience Small Group DiscussionsLocation: West End Ballroom, 2nd floor

This session is designed to provide an opportunity to share your fellowship experience with other Fellows in your field and to discuss together the impact of the fellowships on your future work. Each group includes Fellows from different regions. The discussion will be moderated by a leader of one of the partner organizations. Your group number is on the back of your name tag.

4:45-5:00 p.m. – Break and Return to General Session for Announcements

Evening Free – Dinner is on your own; there are a variety of options in the neighborhood around the hotel.

Poster Preparations may continue in the Dupont Ballroom, 2nd floor.

5:30-6:30 p.m. - Alumni Consultations Alumni Awardees will be in the Thomas Salon for questions regarding the implementation of Action Plans, networking, and general mentoring. Consultations are on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 15 minutes per Fellow.

Group 1 West End Ballroom (Left)Moderator: Marla Gitterman,Business Council for Peace

Group 2 West End Ballroom (Right)Moderator: Julia Hurley,Hands Along the Nile Development Services

Group 3 West End Ballroom (Center)Moderator: Kelsey Stamm,University of Montana

Group 4 Dupont Ballroom, Salon FModerator: Shradda Kharel-Pandey,International City/County Management Association

Group 5 Dupont Ballroom, Salon GModerator: Leslie Ryan, American Councils for International Education

Group 6 Dupont Ballroom, Salon HModerator: Elanie Steyn,University of Oklahoma

Group 7 Thomas SalonModerator: Sara Ambler and Amanda Bischoping,World Learning

Group 8 Meeting Room 3015, 3rd FloorModerator: Dan Bernard, International Center for Journalists

Group 9 Meeting Room 3016 3rd FloorModerator: Gretchen EhleMeridian International Center

Group 10

Meeting Room 3017, 3rd FloorModerator: Barbara Peitsch,University of Michigan

Group 11

Georgetown I, 1st FloorModerator: Elliot Bell-Krasner,American Council for Young Political Leaders

Group 12

Georgetown II, 1st Floor, Moderator: Lisa Taylor,Oklahoma State University

Group 13

Atrium Restaurant, 1st FloorModerators: Penelope Kim and Martin Rozenberg,Partners of the Americas

Group 14

2nd Floor FoyerModerator: Colleen White, Boston College Irish Institute


Thursday, November 6, 2014:7:00-8:30 a.m. – Breakfast provided in the West End Ballroom 7:30-8:15 a.m. – Alumni Consultations, Thomas Salon 2nd Floor Alumni Awardees will be in the Thomas Salon for questions regarding the implementation of Action Plans, networking, and general mentoring. Consultations are on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 15 minutes per Fellow.

8:30-10:00 a.m. – Civil Rights PanelLocation: West End Ballroom, 2nd Floor Panelists: Judith Heumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights, U.S. Department of State Tanya Clay House, Director of Public Policy, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Wendy Mota Kasongo, Diversity and Accessibility Program Coordinator, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Moderator: Patricia “Kit” Norland, Chief, Professional Fellows Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

10:00-10:15 a.m. – Break

10:15-10:30 a.m. – Pro Fellow Talk, Chanthalangsy “See” Sisouvanh, “One Piece of Wood Will Not Make a Fire”Location: West End Ballroom, 2nd Floor

10:30-10:45 a.m. – Pro Fellow Talk, Natia Nasrashvili, “My Place in the World” 10:45-11:00 a.m. – Professional Fellows Electronic Library Presentation

Karin Brandenburg, Professional Fellows Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

11:00-11:45 a.m. – U.S. Department of State Alumni Resources PresentationDarin McAnelly, Alumni Outreach Specialist, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Break to prepare for the Ambassadors Luncheon

12:30-2:00 p.m. – Professional Fellows Ambassadors LuncheonLocation: West End Ballroom, 2nd Floor

Ambassadors to the United States and local embassy staff from Fellows’ countries are invited to dine and network with the Fellows. Welcome to Diplomats and Fellows – Mara Tekach, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional Exchanges, Professional Fellows Division, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

2:00-2:15 p.m. – Pro Fellow Talk, Tad Long, “Mongolian Nomads: Two Weeks that Changed Many Lives”

2:15-2:45 p.m. – Break to prepare for the Ideas Market and Group Photo

2:45-3:00 p.m. – Group PhotoLocation: West End Ballroom


3:00-5:30 p.m. – Ideas MarketLocation: Dupont Ballroom, 2nd floor The Ideas Market is an opportunity for Fellows to share their professional work and interests with other Fellows and the State Department. Participants in the Ideas Market should be prepared to stand near their poster and talk with others about their work and explain the elements of the poster. All others are invited to walk around to view the posters and ask questions of the presenters. State Department staff and other guests have been invited to attend the Ideas Market. If you have business cards, this is a great time to bring them to hand out.

Please note that a contest will be held. You will be able to cast a ballot to determine the award for the best poster representing the following categories:

Community Development/Empowerment Clearly addresses a need in the local community of the presenter(s), advocates for a marginalized group (women,

minorities, disabled, etc.), and/or improves government processes.

Business and Nonprofit Development/Sustainability Clearly addresses a need in the local business and/or nonprofit community of the presenter(s) and provides

details on how the venture will be impacted by lessons learned from the Fellowship.

The winners will be announced at dinner on Friday. 5:00 p.m. – Dinner provided at the hotel in the West End Ballroom

Evening Free6:00-7:00 p.m. - Alumni ConsultationsAlumni Awardees will be in the Thomas Salon for questions regarding the implementation of Action Plans, networking, and general mentoring. Consultations are on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 15 minutes per Fellow.

Left: World Learning Legislative Fellow Mr. M. Irfan distributes food to people in need while volunteering at the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission in Reno, NevadaRight: Filipino delegates with ACYPL at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.


Friday, November 7, 2014:

7:00-8:00 a.m. – Breakfast provided in the West End Ballroom

7:00-7:45 a.m. – Alumni Consultations, Thomas Salon 2nd Floor Alumni Awardees will be in the Thomas Salon for questions regarding the implementation of Action Plans, networking, and general mentoring. Consultations are on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 15 minutes per Fellow.

8:00 a.m. – Brief announcements

8:15 a.m. – Professional WorkshopsWorkshops will be 1.5 hours in length. After the first round of workshops there will be a break and the workshops will repeat, allowing Fellows to attend TWO workshops. Descriptions can be found on pages18-20.

First Round of Workshops 8:15-9:45 a.m.Break 9:45-10:00 a.m. (Fellows should choose a second 1.5 hour workshop to attend)Second Round of Workshops 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Fellows hosted by American Councils for International Education “jump for joy” in

front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Young Southeast Asian Fellows Initiative meeting with Laura Schultz, White House.

Gracia Violeta Ross (far right), a Legislative Fellow with Partners of the Americas, meets with members of the Positive Women Network USA Lunch after the Congressional Briefing on Women, Violence, and HIV.


Workshop 18:15-9:45 a.m.

Workshop 210:00-11:30 a.m.

Lessons in Change ManagementMatt Clausen, Vice President for Partnerships ProgramPartners of the AmericasDupont Ballroom, Salon F, 2nd Floor

Tapping into the Power of the Public SpeakerSui Lang Panoke, FounderWomen Politics MediaDupont Ballroom, Salon G, 2nd Floor

Women and LeadershipSurry Scheerer, Leadership and Development CoachUniversity of MichiganDupont Ballroom, Salon H, 2nd Floor

Advocacy and Coalition BuildingPreeti Shroff-Mehta, DeanWorld Learning SIT Graduate InstituteThomas Salon, 2nd Floor

Impact InvestingSharlene Brown, National DirectorOikocredit USAGeorgetown I, Lobby Level

Awareness Campaign ManagementAlex Dickinson, Director and Chief of StaffBeekeeper GroupGeorgetown II, Lobby Level

Real-Time DataGlobal Forest WatchWorld Resources InstituteMeeting Room 3015, 3rd Floor

Promoting Legal ReformFrank McLoughlinRule of Law and Electoral Legal ConsultantDemocracy InternationalMeeting Room 3016-3017, 3rd Floor

Lessons in Change ManagementMatt Clausen, Vice President for Partnerships ProgramPartners of the AmericasDupont Ballroom, Salon F, 2nd Floor

Tapping into the Power of the Public SpeakerSui Lang Panoke, FounderWomen Politics MediaDupont Ballroom, Salon G, 2nd Floor

Women and LeadershipSurry Scheerer, Leadership and Development CoachUniversity of MichiganDupont Ballroom, Salon H, 2nd Floor

Advocacy and Coalition BuildingPreeti Shroff-Mehta, DeanWorld Learning SIT Graduate InstituteThomas Salon, 2nd Floor

Impact InvestingSharlene Brown, National DirectorOikocredit USAGeorgetown I, Lobby Level

Awareness Campaign ManagementAlex Dickinson, Director and Chief of StaffBeekeeper GroupGeorgetown II, Lobby Level

Real-Time DataGloal Forest WatchWorld Resources InstituteMeeting Room 3015, 3rd Floor

Promoting Legal ReformFrank McLoughlinRule of Law and Electoral Legal ConsultantDemocracy InternationalMeeting Room 3016-3017, 3rd Floor


Workshops

Tapping Into the Power of the Public Speaker, Trainer, and Facilitator in YOU!Dupont Ballroom, Salon G, 2nd Floor

In this interactive workshop participants will receive practical skills training and gain hands-on experience. Participants will learn to be a better trainer and facilitator, manage nerves before giving a speech, and how to manage their message and people.

Sui Lang Panoke, MPA, is the Founder and Director of Women Politics Media, LLC, a global media and public leadership training organization designed to prepare public leaders to engage in traditional and new media and ultimately use the media as a vehicle to impact public policy. She is an op-ed author, and political/media strategist who has been published in the Washington Post and a local and state-wide publications throughout the country. WPM is committed to empowering women around the world to engage in the political process and ultimately run for public office. Ms. Panoke currently serves as Chair of the Young Women Leaders Board overseeing the WeLEAD program a nonpartisan political leadership training program sponsored by American University’s Women & Politics Institute that targets young women pursuing careers in public service. She serves as Vice Chair of the National Governing Board of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum. Ms. Panoke earned her MPA from American University with a Graduate Certificate in Women, Policy, and Political Leadership and received the Outstanding Women & Politics Graduate Student award from the Women & Politics Institute. She earned her BS in Political Science from the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics.

Lessons in Change Management:If you don’t like change, you’ll like irrelevance even less.Dupont Ballroom, Salon F, 2nd Floor

This session will look at the challenges a leader may face when he or she must implement significant and/or difficult organizational changes. This practical, case-based discussion will center upon the organizational evolution of an international non-profit association, highlighting major points of change, the reasons for them, and the challenges encountered during and the benefits accrued following their implementation.

Matt Clausen is Vice President for Partnerships and Leadership Programs and Senior Director of President Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund at Partners of the Americas. Mr. Clausen leads exchange and fellowship programs, including youth leadership, professional government, business, educational and cultural, and climate change fellowship programs. He was interviewed by the President of the U.S. as a featured NGO panelist during the Conversation on the Americas at the White House Conference on the Americas in 2007. Mr. Clausen leads efforts to convene volunteers and organizations to promote service, including 2011 World Summit for Youth Volunteering that convened 900 young leaders in Colombia. Mr. Clausen is Chairman of the Building Bridges Coalition, the organization that emerged from the Brookings Initiative on International Voluntary Services.

@matthewclausen


Advocacy and Coalition BuildingDupont Ballroom, Salon F, 2nd Floor

This session will discuss methods of influencing public policy by organizing groups with overlapping interests to promote positive change through a larger power base.

Preeti Shroff-Mehta is Dean of the World Learning SIT Graduate Institute. She has over 25 years’ leadership, management, and teaching experience in the field of democratic governance, civil society strengthening, and institutional capacity development. She has taught graduate courses at World Learning’s SIT Graduate Institute and the School for International and Advanced Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins. She has worked on initiatives on Democratic Governance strengthening programs supported by USAID, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). She served as the global director for civil society and governance programs at World Learning in Washington, DC from 2004-2008. She has developed and managed projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Dr. Shroff-Mehta specializes in grassroots leadership in civil society and governance sector capacity development, public policy advocacy and reform, multi-stakeholder coalition building, community driven development for local livelihoods and life-skills education, women’s economic and legal rights, and indigenous governance. She has lived and worked with indigenous communities around the world and has received numerous awards from leading academic institutions in India, England, and the U.S.

Women and Leadership. Learn it. Own it.Dupont Ballroom, Salon H, 2nd Floor

Participants should expect to learn tools to establish and communicate their brand and build their reputation as well as tools to use influence effectively in their organizations. Discussions will include cultural perspectives and opportunities to share best practices for developing and supporting women as leaders.

Surry Scheerer, LMSW, is a leadership and organizational culture consultant, trainer and coach in both the public and private sectors. Scheerer is a consultant coach for custom programs at The University of Michigan Ross School of Business Executive Education Program. She has also coached Ross students in the Executive Skills Program and the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. Ms. Scheerer serves as a leadership development trainer, coach and team facilitator for the International Professional Fellows Exchange. Ms. Scheerer is a Lecturer at the University of Michigan’s Gerald Ford School of Public Policy, where she teaches a course on “Pathways to Professional Development” to undergraduate and graduate students. Ms. Scheerer also consults with private firms on leadership development and organizational culture. Ms. Scheerer speaks and consults nationally and internationally on leadership development, communication, coaching skills, social styles and building effective relationships in the workplace. Ms. Scheerer received her BS degree in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan.

@umich

@SITGrad


WorkshopsImpact Investing: A New Approach to Raising CapitalGeorgetown I, Lobby Level

This workshop will introduce the topics of impact investing and help participants understand how small and medium sized enterprises may attract capital. Case studies will include Oikocredit as a funder and an investee/partner, and highlight the social impact considerations that considerably influenced our decision to invest. The group will be asked to share their own experiences in building a foundation to attract socially-motivated capital and any successes in attracting funding.

Sharlene Brown joined Oikocredit-USA in June 2011 as National Director. Prior to becoming a staff member, Ms. Brown sat on Oikocredit-USA’s board and served as a Senior Program Officer for the Grameen Foundation’s Social Performance Management Center, where she oversaw projects for MFIs in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle-East/North Africa. Sharlene has also worked in the socially responsible investment (SRI) marketplace as a business development manager for Domini Social Investments and as a research associate for the Social Investment Forum. She brings more than 10 years of experience in the social investment and microfinance sectors to her position as National Director. She holds a BA from Wellesley College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

@OikocreditUSA

Legal ReformMeeting Room 3016-3017, 3rd Floor

This workshop will explore what constitutes “legal reform,” different approaches to advocating legal reform, and the challenges that may emerge. The workshop will focus on strategies for promoting legal reform to address current issues of concern in different countries around the world.

Frank McLoughlin, served as a legal consultant between 2011 and 2014 in Egypt with electoral observation missions conducted by The Carter Center and Democracy International. He served as an electoral legal advisor in Iraq with UNDP in 2011 and supported International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) projects in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2008 and 2010. Before that, Mr. McLoughlin worked as an advisor on American Bar Association (ABA) rule of law projects based in Jordan, Morocco, and Bahrain and served as the ABA’s regional judicial advisor in the Middle East and North Africa. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, with a Master’s degree in Political Science from the New School for Social Research, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

FrankMcLough


Real-time Data and Mapping for Change: Lessons from Global Forest WatchMeeting Room 3015, 3rd Floor

What is real-time data and how can it be used to advance your field of work? How can maps provide evidence and context? Learn how Global Forest Watch uses cutting-edge technology to track forest change in near-real time, while also turning information into action.

James Anderson leads communication efforts for Global Forest Watch, engages with media and partners, and identifies opportunities for WRI’s forests work to have greater impact.

Sarah Mann links crucial forest change information with wider audiences through visual design, written materials, and community engagement.

Rachael Petersen assists in the acquisition and analysis of geospatial data sets related to the monitoring and management of forests.

Awareness Campaign ManagementThomas Salon, 2nd Floor

Participants will focus on utilizing storytelling to create a strong narrative around their message, a vital skill in a successful awareness campaign.

Alex Dickinson is Director and Chief of Staff at Beekeeper Group. She has been with the firm since April 2012. She is an experienced social media strategist and digital advocacy tactician who provides support, content guidance and other services to a wide variety of clients. She has created and managed successful digital accounts and web presences for associations, advocacy groups, coalitions, small businesses, and corporations. Ms. Dickinson has a strong background in film and television production and grassroots political advocacy work. Prior to joining Beekeeper Group, she worked for C-SPAN helping them to develop and launch American History TV. She helped to build American History TV’s web brand and digital social presence. She also worked on C-SPAN’s Abraham Lincoln bicentennial programming and “The White House: Inside America’s Most Famous Home”. Ms. Dickinson attended the University of Michigan forundergraduate studies in history and political science. In 2011, she completed her master’s degree in Media and Public Affairs from George Washington University’s Columbian College, where she focused on online political strategies, social media best practices and integration.

@alexmae

@GlobalForests


Program Schedule11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. – Lunch provided in the West End Ballroom

Prepare for visit to the U.S. Department of State*Please meet in the lobby to board the buses. Departure time is 12:30 p.m. Please do not bring any large bags because they will not be allowed through the security screening. YOU MUST BRING YOUR PASSPORT. If you do not have your passport, you will be denied entry.

12:30 p.m. – Gather in the 1sr Floor Lobby to board shuttles to the U.S. Department of State

1:00-4:30 p.m. – Visit to the U.S. Department of State

Panelists for the Regional Briefing:David Gilmour Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of African AffairsRobin Diallo Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific AffairsAdele Rupee

Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian AffairsRobert Hilton

Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of Near Eastern AffairsEileen O’Connor

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian AffairsJeff Brown Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

12:30 p.m. Board buses and Depart for Department of StateArrival at DOS and Security Screening

Welcome and Recognition of Alumni Impact AwardeesIntroduction of Ambassador Thomas Shannon by Evan Ryan, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Ambassador Shannon, Counselor of the Department, U.S. Department of State remarks and Question and Answer Period

Regional Panel, Question and Answer Period

Group Photo

4:30 p.m. Board buses and return to the hotel for dinner


5:30-7:30 p.m. – Farewell Dinner at the hotel

7:00-10:00 p.m. – Music and dancingLocation: West End Ballroom, 2nd floor

Saturday, November 8, 2014: Departure DayBreakfast is on your own.

Evaluations and Certificates must be turned in to the World Learning desk before 11 a.m.

12:00 p.m. – You must be checked out of your room by 12 p.m. unless you have made arrangements to stay another night.

Above: University of Michigan’s Egyptian Fellows Sample Tunisian Food in Ann Arbor.Right: Andrea Quintanilla, hosted by BPeace, at World Flavors in Pennsylvania.Below: Professional Fellows from Oklahoma State University pose with their “pistols up,” a noteworthy tradition of OSU.Below Right: Professional Fellow Conor Houston, pictured speaking at an event at the Consulate General of Ireland celebrating the links between Boston and the North West region of Ireland.


The U.S. Department of State selected the winners of the Professional Fellows Alumni Impact Award, which recognizes the positive contributions of alumni of the Professional Fellows Program. For the Fall 2014 Professional Fellows Congress, two international Fellows were selected from more than 60 applicants whose participation in the program contributed to their ability to make a positive impact in their communities, countries, territories, or regions. Two American Alumni were also selected as Impact Awardees out of a large pool of candidates.

The Award includes round-trip travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the Professional Fellows Congress as a guest of honor. Awardees have also been invited to share and connect with current Fellows and inspire them to meet their goals for positive change.

Please congratulate the Fall 2014 Winners!

Alumni Impact Awardees

International Award Winners

Chanthalangsy “See” Sisouvanh, LaosProfessional Fellow, Women’s Empowerment, 2012

Natia Nasrashvili, GeorgiaProfessional Fellow, Legislative Process and Governance, 2010

AmericanAward Winners

Tad Long, KentuckyLegislative Process and Governance, 2012

Wendy Mota Kasongo, ConnecticutWomen’s Empowerment, 2013


Chanthalangsy “See” SisouvanhCentre Manager, Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC)/SuanMaiLao Eco-Forest Learning Centre (SML) Vientiane, LaosEmail: [email protected]. Host Organization: University of MontanaU.S. Placement Organization: Women’s Voices for the EarthMonth(s) and Year of Fellowship: April-May 2012Fellowship Program Theme: Women’s Empowerment

During her Fellowship with Women’s Voices for the Earth in Missoula, Montana, Ms. Sisouvanh learned a great deal in the area of leadership and community engagement through social media. The Fellowship enhanced her desire to make a greater contribution to her community through socio-economic empowerment and the transformation of rural women, girls, and marginalized groups in the Lao PDR. One specific follow-on activity was the establishment of youth volunteer groups from the National University of Laos and private colleges, including girls. Another result of the Fellowship program was that Ms. Sisouvanh provided training for Non Profit Associations (NPAs) on Teambuilding, Leadership, Training of Trainers, Community Development and Project Cycle Management targeting women, girls, and youth. Ms. Sisouvanh was selected as a presenter this spring in Malaysia for workshops at the Presidential Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.

Natia NasrashviliChief of Operations for non-medical services, EVEX Medical CorporationTbilisi, GeorgiaEmail: [email protected]. Host Organization: American Councils for International EducationU.S. Placement Organization: Office of Congressman Thomas Petri, U.S. House of RepresentativesMonth(s) and Year of Fellowship: March-May 2010Fellowship Program Theme: Legislative Process and Governance

Ms. Nasrashvili cites her experience as a legislative Fellow as instrumental in refining her understanding of public service and the importance of constituent relations. The essential role of people-to-people relations, and in particular government-to-people relations, was stressed throughout the entire Fellowship. She brought many of these experiences back to Georgia, working on reforms such as the new concept of a “Public Service Hall” that she helped introduce to the Ministry of Justice. The concept brought together the 300 most demanded services in one space, including passports, ID cards, birth and other certificates, visas and residence cards, and property and business registration. As a result of the efforts of her team, in 2012 her organization was recognized by the United Nations Public Service Awards for “Improving the Delivery of Public Services” and by the World Bank. Besides the professional knowledge and experience gained in the U.S., Ms. Nasrashvili says she realized the idea of volunteerism was rare in Georgia, and has worked to develop a volunteer work institute, as a member of project “Leadership House” which enhances volunteer work benefits through civic education programs for high school students.


Alumni Impact AwardeesWendy Mota KasongoDiversity and Accessibility Program Coordinator, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic ViolenceEmail: [email protected]. Host Organization: Institute for Training and DevelopmentForeign Placement: BrazilDate of Fellowship: January 2013Fellowship Program Theme: Women’s Empowerment

Ms. Kasongo is the Diversity and Accessibility Program Coordinator for Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV). Ms. Kasongo manages, coordinates and develops state-wide initiatives related to enhancing services for all vic-tims of domestic violence in a culturally specific manner. As a result of hosting Brazilian Professional Fellows in the fall of 2012, and her subsequent travel to Brazil in January of 2013, the Brazilian-based Londrina Domestic Violence Criminal Court Division is now developing a capacity-building training for court employees on issues related to domestic violence. Ms. Kasongo is also working with, Londrina’s Delegacia da Mulher, one of the first all-women police stations in Brazil. During her visit, Ms. Kasongo encouraged the station to become more child focused, including providing a trauma-informed space for the children who accompany mothers registering complaints against abusive partners. Londrina State University is making Ms. Kasongo’s domestic violence prevention/education materials available to the university’s students and professors.

Ms. Kasongo will also serve as a panelist on the Civil Rights Panel.

Tad LongCommunity Development Advisor, Kentucky League of CitiesEmail: [email protected]. Host Organization: University of KentuckyForeign Placement: MongoliaDate of Fellowship: September 2012Fellowship Program Theme: Legislative Process and Governance

Mr. Long serves as the Community Development Advisor for the Kentucky League of Cities, working with their 380 member cities to develop strategic plans. In the fall of 2012, Mr. Long traveled to Mongolia for an exchange hosted by Khatanbold “Hatnaa” Oidov, who had been placed at the Kentucky League of Cities in the spring of 2012. During the visit, Mr. Long engaged with elected officials, such as members of Parliament, the vice-mayor of Ulaanbaatar, appointed officials such as the chairman of the National Election Commission, and numerous NGOs, most notably the National Association for Disabled Persons. As a result, he has increased his work focus on tangible and measurable results, working with several Kentucky cities to build local capacity and empower local citizens to build a better quality of life, improveinfrastructure, and implement strategies that provide economic and recreational opportunities that were not already available. Mr. Long says “the incredible people of Mongolia gave me a gift that I can never repay…the gift of clarity. I appreciate their hospitality, heritage, culture, success, survival and struggle. I see these same things clearly reflected on the faces of people in the cities of Kentucky where I work every day.”


Civil Rights PanelistsTanya Clay House joined the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law as director of the Public Policy Department in October 2009. She works closely with all Committee projects, including Voting Rights, Employment Discrimination, Fair Housing and Fair Lending, Educational Opportunities, Community Development and Environmental Justice, and other racial diversity issues such as affirmative action and criminal justice. As director, Ms. House serves as the principal Lawyers’ Committee representative on Capitol Hill and in state and local legislative bodies. She coordinates the Lawyers’ Committee’s communications efforts with the White House as well as with federal, state and local agency officials. She is responsible for preparing testimony for Congressional Committee, state and local hearings and panels, and represents the Lawyers’ Committee in coalitions organized to advocate for civil rights priorities. Ms. House is a principal liaison to the Lawyers’ Committee’s sister organizations across the country. Former public policy director at People For the American Way (PFAW), she oversaw the Democracy Campaign which comprises the organization’s efforts on voting rights issues. While at PFAW, Ms. House served as the chief legislative lobbyist on Capitol Hill and with the Executive Branch and focused on various issues, including judicial nominations, education, the Religious Right, civil rights and liberties, immigration, church/state, electoral reform and affirmative action. She served as the policy liaison for the African American Ministers Leadership Council. She developed reports on education, voting rights and other civil rights matters. Ms. House, formerly of Louisville, Kentucky, earned her BA in political science from the University of Michigan, cum laude. She earned her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1999, where she was executive editor of the Texas Journal of Women and the Law and attorney general for the Rocky Mountain Black Law Students Association.

Judith Heumann is an internationally recognized leader in the disability community and a lifelong civil rights advocate for disadvantaged people. She has been appointed Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State. She previously served as the Director for the Department on Disability Services for the District of Columbia, where she was responsible for the Developmental Disability Administration and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. For more than 30 years, Ms. Heumann has been involved on the international front working with disabled people’s organizations and governments around the world to advance the human rights of disabled people. She represented Education Secretary Richard Riley at the 1995 International Congress on Disability in Mexico City. She was a U.S. delegate to the Fourth United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. She has been active with Disabled Peoples’ International, Rehabilitation International and numerous Independent Living Centers throughout the world. She co-founded the

Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, California and the World Institute on Disability in Oakland, California.Ms. Heumann graduated from Long Island University in 1969 and received her Masters in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley in 1975. She has received numerous awards, including the first Henry B. Betts Award in recognition of efforts to significantly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.


Evan RyanAssistant Secretary of State, Educational and Cultural Affairs

On September 26, 2013, Evan Ryan assumed her position as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). In this capacity, she oversees a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional, youth, and sports exchange programs to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries and promote peaceful relations. ECA exchange programs engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and emerging leaders in more than 160 countries and in the United States. ECA has had over one million program participants to date, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and over 350 current and former heads of state and government.

From 2009 to 2013, Ms. Ryan served in the White House as Assistant to the Vice President and Special Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement. In this role she served as the Vice President’s liaison to elected officials and constituency groups. Prior to this, she served as the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Biden for President Campaign. Previously, Ms. Ryan was a Consultant for the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

In 2006, Ms. Ryan was Political Director of Unite Our States, and she was Deputy Chair in Governance for the Clinton Global Initiative in 2005. From 2003 to early 2004, she served as a Deputy Director of Communications for the John Kerry for President Campaign, and before that she was the Director of Scheduling for Hillary Clinton’s 2000 Senatorial campaign.

Assistant Secretary Ryan, a Virginia native, holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.I.P.P. from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

U.S. Department of State

Kelly KeiderlingPrincipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Educational and Cultural Affairs

Kelly Keiderling serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The Bureau advances U.S. foreign policy objectives through educational, professional, and cultural programs that enhance mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other nations.

Ms. Keiderling is a career diplomat who entered the U.S. Foreign Service in 1988. Most recently, she was Deputy Chief of Mission and intermittently Charge d’Affaires in

Caracas, Venezuela, until expelled by the Venezuelan president. She previously served overseas as Deputy Chief of Mission in Chisinau, Moldova, Public Affairs Officer in Cuba, Botswana and Kyrgyzstan, and in other public diplomacy roles in the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, and Zambia. Her assignments in Washington include Senior Panama Desk officer, Public Diplomacy Desk Officer for the Caribbean, acting deputy director for Central American Affairs, Strategic Language Issues Coordinator in the Bureau of Human Resources, and Chief of Staff in the Iraq Office.

Ms. Keiderling received a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree from the National War College in Washington, D.C. She speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French, Russian, and some Italian and Romanian. She was raised in Latin America and Portugal in a Foreign Service family.


Bruce ArmstrongDirector, Office of Citizen Exchanges

Bruce Armstrong is the Director of the Office of Citizen Exchanges in the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). In ECA, he and his team oversee nearly 80 exchange programs in the areas of Youth Exchange, Professional Exchanges, Cultural Diplomacy and Sports Diplomacy. His previous assignment was as Resource Director for the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, managing the $1.1 billion public diplomacy budget, making sure public diplomacy resources were aligned with our nation’s foreign policy priorities. Prior to that job, Mr. Armstrong worked in the U.S. Embassy in Berlin heading the public diplomacy operation in Germany.

Mr. Armstrong’s other overseas posts include Manila, Bern, Bonn and Budapest. He earned his undergraduate degree at Brown University and has a Ph.D. in German Literature from the University of Wisconsin at Madi-son.

Mara TekachDeputy Assistant Secretary, Educational and Cultural Affairs

Mara Tekach serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. She previously served as Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Deputy Director of Communications at the United States Mission to the United Nations in New York, and Press Attaché in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has also held positions as Minister Counselor for Public Affairs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Senior Desk Officer for Italy, and Senior Watch Officer in the State Department’s Operations Center. She has also served as an economics specialist in Moscow, Russia, in the Office of the United States Trade Representative and the Office of Monetary Affairs of the State Department’s Economic Bureau. Her earliest assignments were in Mauritania and Niger.Dr. Tekach holds a Bachelors of Science in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She holds two degrees from Columbia University: a Masters of Arts in International Affairs, School of International and Public Affairs and a Doctor of Education, Teachers College. She spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niamey, Niger. Her languages are Spanish, Russian, French and some Haitian Creole.


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Citizen Exchanges, Professional Fellows Division

Patricia “Kit” NorlandPatricia “Kit” Norland joined the Professional Fellows Division in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in August 2014. Ms. Norland has served as a Public Diplomacy (PD) officer at U.S. embassies in Thailand and Laos and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She has managed the spectrum of programs, promoting mutual understanding through education, media, culture, English teaching, student advising and more. Ms. Norland also served in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and coordinated courses at the Foreign Service Institute. Prior to public service, she worked in a non-governmental organization, a public relations firm, and with the Smithsonian Associates.

Linnéa AllisonLinnéa E. Allison is a Program Officer in the ECA Professional Fellows Division working on a global portfolio of exchange programs. Her career has been spent in the field of international education and development with a special emphasis on higher education. Ms. Allison served with the first Peace Corps group in the Republic of Moldova. In addition to her volunteer service, Allison spent three years as the Moldova Country Director for a large non-profit organization. Ms. Allison has an undergraduate degree in history from Muhlenberg College and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Georgetown University.

Karin BrandenburgKarin Brandenburg is a Program Officer in the ECA Professional Fellows Division and works primarily on the South and Central Asia programs. Prior to coming to the State Department, she worked in the field of international development pertaining to rule of law technical assistance in the regions of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet region. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis on Soviet politics from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and completed a master’s degree in government at the University of Texas at Austin. She grew up in West Germany and has studied Russian and lived abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia.

David GustafsonDavid Gustafson is a Program Specialist in the ECA Professional Fellows Division. He has been with the U.S. Department of State since 2002. Mr. Gustafason earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northwestern University. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali and spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Carol HerreraCarol Herrera is a Program Officer in the ECA Professional Fellows Division and has worked in ECA’s Office of Citizen Exchanges since December 2001. At the core of her responsibilities is the evaluation of grant proposals and the management of professional exchange programs involving participants from dozens of Latin American and African countries. Prior to joining the Professional Fellows Division, she managed Fulbright programs for American senior scholars and students going to sub-Saharan Africa. She received a master’s degree in French language and literature at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Herrera put her language and teaching skills to good use as an instructor at the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer. In addition to her volunteer service, Ms. Herrera served as Peace Corps Country Director in both the Cormoros and Guinea-Bissau.

U.S. Department of State


Sue LevensteinSue Levenstein is a Program Specialist in ECA’s Professional Fellows Division working on projects involving Africa, East Asia and the Pacific. Prior to coming to the State Department, Levenstein worked at the Wilson Center’s Asia Program where she conducted research and coordinated events on social, political, and economic issues in Northeast, South, and Southeast Asia. She has a master’s degree in international relations and communications from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Tufts University. A California native, Ms. Levenstein spent her formative years in Taipei, Taiwan, and traveled extensively through China and parts of Western Europe. She speaks Mandarin Chinese and French.

Inga LitvinskyInga Litvinsky is a Program Officer in the Professional Fellows Division currently working on professional exchanges with the Middle East and North Africa. She has been a career Foreign Service Officer for over ten years, and has served as Cultural Affairs Officer in Lahore, Pakistan; Public Affairs Officer in Almaty, Kazakhstan; Economic Officer in Baghdad, Iraq; and Vice Consul in Johannesburg, South Africa. Prior to joining the State Department, Ms. Litvinsky worked for USAID and the U.S. Department of Commerce on economic development and trade and investment issues. Ms. Litvinsky has a BA in Political Economy from Williams College, an MA in International Economics from George Mason University, and speaks fluent Russian.

Adam MeierAdam Meier is a Program Officer in the ECA Professional Fellows Division. He has worked for the State Department for more than a decade, first in the Office of the Spokesman, and then in ECA as the Bureau’s primary Press Officer. Mr. Meier now works on exchanges with East Asia and the Pacific, as well as global exchanges. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University, and has taught English at a college in China through the Peace Corps.

Alana RudkinAlana Rudkin is a Program Coordinator in ECA’s Professional Fellows Division. She is responsible for managing public affairs outreach across programs, working closely with partnering grantee organizations, U.S. embassy colleagues, and ECA’s strategic communications team to elevate the profile of the Professional Fellows’ exchange programs around the world. Ms. Rudkin holds a bachelor’s degree in public communications and international relations from American University (AU), and is currently completing her master’s degree in strategic communications at AU.

Left: Jamie Chávez Alor, hosted by Partners of the Americas, visits Reed Hook Community Court in Brooklyn with Judge Alex Calabresse and Center for Court Innovation staff

Right: University of Montana Fellow Umaporn Muneenam and her partner Norma Nickerson in Yellowstone National Park.


U.S. Department of StateThomas A. Shannon, Jr.Counselor of the Department

Ambassador Shannon was appointed Counselor of the Department by Secretary Kerry on December 24, 2013. Ambassador Shannon had served briefly as Senior Advisor to the Secretary following his return in September from Brazil, where he served as United States Ambassador for nearly four years. He is a Career Ambassador in the Senior Foreign Service of the United States. Ambassador Shannon is only the seventh Foreign Service Officer to hold the position of Counselor since World War II, and the first in 32 years.

Prior to his tenure in Brazil, Ambassador Shannon served as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs from 2005 to 2009. He served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council from 2003 to 2005. From 2002 to 2003, he was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Department of State, where he was Director of Andean Affairs from 2001 to 2002. He was U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), with the rank of Ambassador, from 2000 to 2001.

Ambassador Shannon also served as Director of Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council from 1999 to 2000, as Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, from 1996 to 1999, and as Regional Labor Attache at the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 1992 to 1996. During his thirty-year career as a Foreign Service officer, Ambassador Shannon also served as Special Assistant to the Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil from 1989 to 1992, as Country Officer for Cameroon, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe from 1987 to 1989, and as a Consular/Political Rotational Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, Guatemala, from 1984 to 1986. Ambassador Shannon graduated with high honors from the College of William and Mary in 1980, having studied government and philosophy. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He then studied at Oxford University, where he received a M. Phil. in Politics in 1982, and a D.Phil. in Politics in 1983. He speaks Spanish and Portuguese.


Panelist Biographies

Robin Diallo is currently Director of Public Diplomacy in the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau (EAP/PD). She was most recently Senior Military Liaison with International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) in Kabul, Afghanistan. She served as PAO in Manila, Philippines; Dakar, Senegal; and Lilongwe, Malawi. She has also served at PRT Najaf in Iraq; New Delhi, India; Paramaribo, Suriname; and Cotonou, Benin. She has an MA from the University of Southern California and a BA from Michigan State University. Robin was a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger from 1984 to 1988.

Left: BPeace Fellows, Marcos Giannine and Juan Pablo Lemus, owners of bread bakeries in El Salvador, at Tom Cat Bakery in New York.Above: Journalists and other media professionals from the Middle East and North Africa through ICFJ visit the State Department Bureau of International Information Programs’ Digital Diplomacy studio.

David Gilmour was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs in August 2013. Previously, he was the Africa Bureau’s Director of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, directing the deployment of public diplomacy personnel and resources at 48 U.S. embassies and consulates in sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Gilmour was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Panama (2008-2011), where he managed the operations of 22 U.S. federal agencies and over 500 employees, and coordinated the work of a large interagency law enforcement team focused on the security of the PanamaCanal, illicit trafficking, money laundering and counter-terrorism. Mr. Gilmour served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’ Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Malawi (2004-2007), where he oversaw U.S. assistance programs that totaled nearly $100 million annually, including the Millennium Challenge, President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Peace Corps, emergency food aid and peacekeeping programs. His other overseas assignments include Geneva,

Switzerland; Sydney, Australia, where he worked on projects including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games; San Jose, Costa Rica; Pretoria, South Africa, where he managed a large program of exchanges during South Africa’s transition to democracy; Douala, Cameroon; and Dakar, Senegal. Mr. Gilmour joined the Foreign Service in 1986 and attained the rank of Minister Counselor in 2010. He is a recipient of the StateDepartment’s Superior Honor Award and Meritorious Honor Award. Mr. Gilmour holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.


U.S. Department of StateAdele Ruppe is the Director of the Public Diplomacy Office in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. Prior to this assignment, she served as the Deputy Public Affairs Officer in India. She previously served as the Country Public Affairs Officer for Brazil, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, and Trade and Policy Desk Officer in the Bureau of European Affairs. Earlier in her career she served in public diplomacy positions at U.S. embassies in Spain, Russia, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

Eileen O’Connor, is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia and Senior Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy in the office of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. In those capacities, Ms. O’Connor manages strategic communications and supports critical foreign policy goals through approximately $220 million in public diplomacy programs that build capacity in civil society and government institutions, counter violent extremism, expand information access, and improve education. She served in a similar role in Embassy Kabul from May 2011 to July 2012. Previously, Ms. O’Connor worked as an attorney specializing in legal crisis management for high profile litigation, investigations, and controversies both in the U.S. and abroad. Ms. O’Connor also served as President of the International Center for Journalists, a nonprofit that trains journalists in emerging democracies. Prior to that, Ms. O’Connor spent 24 years as an award-winning on-air reporter, producer, and Bureau Chief for ABC News and CNN, covering the White House and conflicts in Bosnia, Chechnya, Northern Ireland, Israel, Ossetia, Ingushetia and the fall of Communism from bases in London, Moscow, Tokyo and Washington. Her pro bono work centered on human rights issues for individuals and various non-governmental organizations, such as the Center for Justice and Accountability, the Women’s Refugee Commission, and Vital Voices. Ms. O’Connor has a JD from Georgetown University Law Center, a post-graduate Diploma in World Politics from the London School of Economics, and BS in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Ms. O’Connor is an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University Law Center, and a member of the Atlantic Council.

Robert Hilton, is Director of the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He is responsible for public diplomacy operations and activities in a region stretching from Morocco to Iran as well as U.S. public affairs engagement on issues in the region. His most recent previous assignment was Spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. He has been Director of the Public Diplomacy Training Division at the Foreign Service Institute and Director of Press and Policy Outreach for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. He previously served as Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, and as Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia. Other assignments at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., included Special Assistant to the

Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Environment and Science, and Regional Coordinator and Estonia Desk Officer in the Office of Nordic and Baltic Affairs. Earlier in his career he served in public diplomacy positions at U.S. Embassies in Tunisia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.


Panelist Biographies Jefferson Brown, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, is the

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. From April 2010 to June 2013, Mr. Brown was the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Mr. Brown has previously served as Director for Multilateral Affairs at the National Security Council in the White House and the Director of the Office of UNESCO Affairs at the Department of State. He was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador from 2005 to 2008. Mr. Brown’s other overseas assignments include Minister Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs in Mexico City; Cultural Attaché in Brazil, and Press Attaché in Paraguay, El Salvador, and Portugal. From 1995 to 1997,

Mr. Brown served as Executive Assistant to the Counselor of the U.S. Information Agency, the ranking career officer responsible for U.S. government public diplomacy operations abroad. From 1999 through 2000, he was a senior advisor in the State Department’s Office of Policy Planning, working on democracy initiatives. He spent the following two years as Director of the Washington Foreign Press Center, responsible for the coordination of U.S. Government outreach to and support for U.S.-based and visiting foreign correspondents. Mr. Brown was born in Boston and raised in New Jersey. He received a BA in Modern European History from the University of Chicago.

Ukrainian Fellows hosted by American Councils for

International Education in front of the U.S. Capitol.

World Learning Legislative Fellows Mr. Aingkaran

Kugathasan (Sri Lanka), Mr. Waqar Abbas (Pakistan), and Mr. Chandan Kumar (India)

stand united on the balcony of the Great Hall in the Library of

Congress.

University of Montana Fellow Tran Thanh Thao prepares

Vietnamese food with her host family.


Where in the World are the Professional Fellows?

Algeria 1Armenia 3Azerbaijan 1Bangladesh 5Bolivia 4Burma 6Cambodia 3Colombia 1Egypt 28El Salvador 9Georgia 4Guatemala 6India 5Indonesia 7Ireland 7

Northern Ireland, UK 6Jordan 1Kazakhstan 3Kenya 3Kuwait 1Kyrgyzstan 4Laos 4Malaysia 3Mexico 4Moldova 2Morocco 1Nepal 6Nicaragua 3Pakistan 4Paraguay 4

Philippines 2Russia 6Saudi Arabia 1South Africa 4Sri Lanka 5Thailand 2Timor-Leste 7Tunisia 6Turkey 2Uganda 4Ukraine 11United Arab Emirates 1Vietnam 2Zambia 6Zimbabwe 6


Where have they been in the United States?

Arizona 2Arkansas 2California 1Colorado 11Connecticut 2District of Columbia 20Florida 3Georgia 2Hawaii 5Illinois 13Indiana 1

Iowa 2 Kansas 1Maryland 3Massachusetts 16Michigan 12Minnesota 6Montana 15Nevada 3New Hampshire 1New Jersey 2New York 8

North Carolina 9 Ohio 7Oklahoma 29Oregon 2Pennsylvania 8Texas 5Virginia 7Washington 2Wisconsin 4


Fall 2014 Professional Fellows

Djamila MouffokReporter, ENTV Algerian TVEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: WUSA 9 TVMotivation: To learn more about American life, politics, and economy; to know and see the real greatness of the US and to carry this learning with me to Algeria.

Algeria

Varduhi DaduntsProject Manager, Harmony NGOEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Pacific Asia Affairs Council

Motivation: To learn about the US experience on civil society and community involvement in the decision making processes and best practices to become an agent of change.

Armenia

Diana GhukeyanChief Specialist, Ministry of Justice, Department for Relations with the European Court of Human RightsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Office of Hawaii Senator Suzanne Chun OaklandMotivation: To study American legal and judicial system, share Armenian best practices in the field, gain more detailed knowledge about American law-making process and gain leadership skills.

Angelina HarutyunyanExpert on Defense & National Security, Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, the National Assembly of RAEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and Governance

Host Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Office of United States Senator Dan CoatsMotivation: To learn about the role of the US legislature in the defense sector, defense reforms, specifically intelligence oversight, defense-industrial base, reserve forces, defense budget planning and procurement.

Fagan HuseynovAdvisor in the Youth Sector, Youth and Sport Organization of Bilasuvar DistrictEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Girls in the GameMotivation: To gain experience with youth programs and policy.

Azerbaijan

Biplog G. RahulManaging Director and CEO, eCourier Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: McMahon MarketingMotivation: To gain US working experience so that I can deploy it in my work place.

Bangladesh

Golam MohiuddinCTO and Partner, Latitude-23Email: [email protected] Fellowship Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: Frankfurt-Short-Bruza AssociatesMotivation: To exchange ideas and interact with fellow entrepreneurs in the US.

Nafis AhmedCEO, LiveSquare Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: Norman Arts CouncilMotivation: To learn the US perspective how music and entertainment companies work together to create an

ecosystem and to build a good network for future exchanges and collaboration scopes.

Mizanur RahmanCEO, Sphuron Technology- Sphuron LabsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: ithemesMotivation: To learn about US work culture, to better understand the customer, growth management, HR management, and motivating for best performance in sales and marketing.


Joy ShahriarManaging Director, Aajob RecordsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: ACM@UCOMotivation: To learn as much as possible about my field of work so that I can implement a future for the

betterment of my business.

Javier Thellaeche OrtizFood Policy Program Officer, Fundacion AlternativasEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: City of Portland, OregonMotivation: To learn the working mechanisms of local governments’ food policies.

Mariana RodríguezLaw Projects Manager, Secretary of Institutional Coordination, State of Santa CruzEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: Indiana State Senate Motivation: To learn about the political system and the legislative process in the U.S. to improve her skills in her career.

Pedro Pablo VacaflorCommunications and Advocacy Coordinator, Action Against HungerEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the Americas

Fellowship Placement: Feed CommunitiesMotivation: To improve and learn the best practices to be an agent of change from a profile of project management (initiation, planning, production or execution, monitoring and closing).

Tial HninProgramme Officer, Norwegian People’s AidFellowship Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political LeadersFellowship Placement: Texas TribuneMotivation: To learn about US federal system, lobbying, the electoral process, and the differences between culture and public opinion.Bolivia

Violeta RossNational Chair, Bolivian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (REDBOL)Email: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: AIDS UnitedMotivation: To gain new insight and skills for her advocacy strategy.

Burma

Oo Kyaw MaungFounding Member, Arakkha FoundationFellowship Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political LeadersFellowship Placement: Annie’s ListMotivation: To gain an understanding on politics, governance and the legislative process of the countries

participating in the PFP and build a network from among them.

Zin Wint YeeProgram Officer, Actionaid MyanmarFellowship Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political LeadersFellowship Placement: Texas State SenateMotivation: To gain an understanding of the political system of the US, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Su Su HlaingManaging Director, Winning Security Group Co.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Pesola, Inc.Motivation: To expand and upgrade my business to an international level; to learn how to start service

industries with a small amount of capital; to better understand the relationship between Myanmar and the US.


Thanda KhinDeputy Director, WTO & International Organizations Division, Directorate of Trade, Ministry of CommerceEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Governor’s Office, State of MontanaMotivation: To learn about the US experience in market access for agricultural products; learn about trade negotiation techniques and reviewing trade policy; to better understand the relationship between Myanmar and the US.

Tun Tun KhineDeputy Township Planning Office, Myebon Township Planning OfficeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of MontanaFellowship Placement: City of Bozeman, MT

Motivation: To discuss economic reform for Burma/Myanmar and learn more about economics.

Chhair SoktyPolicy Advisor, Preah Vihear ProvinceEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of MontanaFellowship Placement: City of Missoula, MT

Motivation: To build long-term professional relations with international Fellows and Americans; to interact with lawmakers and other American politicians; to develop a master plan for Preah Vihear Province and Preah Vihear Temple Area.

Sem SundaraDirector, Department of International Cooperation & ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of EnvironmentEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Department of Environ-mental Quality (DEQ)Motivation: To learn approaches and tools for community facilitation, skills for business marketing and management, marketing strategies and sales techniques and email skills for sales and marketing.

Nicolás LlanoDirector of ICT Promotion, Ministry of Information & Communication TechnologyEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: City of Chicago

Motivation: To learn how to design public policies, new experiences and good practices in promoting the use of Internet to reduce poverty.

Amira HassanLong Term Expert & Career Advisor, Employment Promotion ProgramEmail: [email protected] Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Philadelphia Works Motivation: To get acquainted with US programs

that motivate involvement for women in civil society and labor markets, increase women’s participation in policy making in my country. Cambodia

Kim SoknyExecutive Director, Emerald Solutions CambodiaEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Cascadia Business DevelopmentMotivation: To learn cross-cultural business perspectives; to advance knowledge on SME and entrepreneurship; to promote Cambodia and its business environment; expand knowledge and understanding of business ethics and social responsibility.

Colombia

Reham ElgebalyGender Mainstreaming Trainer & Education Consultant, South Egypt Development Association in QenaEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: American Association of University WomenMotivation: To gain new ideas for developing the education system for women’s capacity building and job creation; best practices for civil society and the state to empower women economically.

Egypt

Sherine EltabbakhProject Officer, Women Business Development CentreEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Welcoming Center for New

PennsylvaniansMotivation: To learn how different civil societies and communities are involved in development so I can return to Egypt and implement what is suitable for my country by thinking outside the box.

Amir RoshdyTeam Coordinator Economic Development, CEOSSEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Casa de Maryland Motivation: To learn new ideas, understand the legislative system and learn best practices for the economic empowerment of women in the US.


Shaimaa Hessen MeligyActing Director, ETP Woodworking and FurnitureEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Pennsylvania Women WorkMotivation: To learn more about civil society, community involvement, volunteerism,

entrepreneurial support and best practices in the US, with a special focus on women in urban areas, to improve the quality of the activities I run at home.

Amal Youssef TonyDirector & Trainer, Intilaqa Training CenterEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Empowered Women International

Motivation: To learn more about life in the US, civil society, and community involvement; how to be an effective leader, and how to face community challenges from a different perspective.

Nermine Nabil Hafez HabibOperations Manager, Beit Al Karma ConsultingEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc.Motivation: To learn different methods for empowering women economically and to learn about project implementation and best practices to become an agent of change.

Lamia NabilBusiness Editor, Dot MisrEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center forJournalistsFellowship Placement: Miami HeraldMotivation: To learn about journalism regulations in the US compared with Egypt; to learn more about business journalism that shows the audience the impact on their day-to-day lives.

Mohammed SaeedBusiness Reporter, Al Arab News ChannelEmail: [email protected] Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: MarketWatchMotivation: To learn about how American media

deals with business stories about stock markets, their goals, the technological environment, practical new methods of reporting, and the code of ethics for business reporters or editors.

Dalia SolimanOwner & General Manager, CHANCE Training CenterEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Philadelphia WorksMotivation: To learn more about other cultures, ways of thinking, and social and economic systems so that I can build on my professional knowledge and help me support my community.

Sally MashalyMentor, BBC Media ActionEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: Texas TribuneMotivation: To learn how to manage my own journalism project and how to bring money to attain sustainability.

Yousara HamrouchProject Manager, CARE InternationalEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Welcoming Center for New

PennsylvaniansMotivation: To learn about programming for the economic empowerment of women by US civil society; to gain experience in job coaching, NGO management, and advocacy efforts for the empowerment of women.

Yasser AlfakharanyForeign Relations Manager, Electronic Media SyndicateEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: Freedom HouseMotivation: To learn about best methods and practices in digital media in international

institutions as a means of changing society and a trusted means of providing information and awareness.

Hend El-BeharyJournalist, Al Masry Al Youm EnglishEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: Slate.comMotivation: To learn the latest technologies in new digital media, journalism, and video investigative features, in order to enhance my skills to become an agent of change in my country and serve society.


Engy AzzamMedia and Communication Consultant, Chamber of Engineering IndustriesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: Edelman Digital Public

AffairsMotivation: To learn about media planning, media policies, and implications of traditional media and social media in fostering donations and funding.

Emad MedhatSenior Journalist, Arab News AgencyEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: KDLH-TV/KBJR-TVMotivation: To learn how the US foreign policy towards Arab states and the Middle East is shaped,

and how the US political parties affect this as well as think tanks.

Yasmin Abdel AzizMarketing Manager, Arabian Company for ConstructionEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Wayne State Marketing DepartmentMotivation: To gain skills and knowledge to empower more women to take action to improve their human

rights and access to healthcare through creating my own business or volunteering in local communities.

Salma MagdyMarketing PR Team Leader, Microsoft Aspire Women’s InitiativeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Detroit Creative Corridor CenterMotivation: To learn how to promote entrepreneurship and leadership among women in Egypt so that they can have their business and could achieve something valuable and become economically independent.

Amira Mamdouh Abdelgalil AbdelaalBusiness Development Consultant, Arab Union of Small Business & TradeEmail: [email protected] Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Sensei Change AssociatesMotivation: To gain the knowledge and experience

that can help me set up my company “The Incubator” that works to empower vulnerable groups in Egypt.

Mohamed EmadSenior Video Journalist, El Watan NewsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: Oregon Public Broadcasting/KCTS TVMotivation: To learn the new technologies of digital media tools, film making, video journalism, journalism and video editing to serve civil society issues.

Maysa El ShekhPrincipal/Consultant/Trainer, Maysa ElShekh HR Training & ConsultingEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: InforumMotivation: To learn how to better encourage women to acquire professional success through a package of trainings and to enhance my skills in bridging gaps between gender in my country.

Yara MoustafaProgram Supervisor, INJAZ EgyptEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Maker WorksMotivation: To enhance my knowledge about the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the US and gain exposure to new and different approaches to

spread the concept of entrepreneurship in my community.

Habiba HelmyCountry Lead- Egypt, MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab RegionEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Sensei ChangeMotivation: To acquire greater knowledge and personal development through the different interactions with people from diverse groups, cultures, and backgrounds and gain life experience through them.

Sherin LouzaFamily Doctor, Evangelical Mission HospitalEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State UniversityMotivation: To learn what aspects of

entrepreneurship I can apply in medicine for women in the resource-poor MENA region.


Sherine Abdel-SalamStart Up Program Manager- Entrepreneurship Pipeline, INJAZ EgyptEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Detroit Creative Corridor CenterMotivation: To educate and help me develop and implement an effective program that promotes female entrepreneurship in Egypt.

Eman HanyTeaching Assistant, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo UniversityEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Shelly Flagel Lab, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of MichiganMotivation: To learn new skills and gain experience which will positively affect my abilities and enhance my talents and way of thinking in order to achieve success by becoming an entrepreneur.

Diana FigueroaMarketing Manager, PeludosEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Bubba RoseMotivation: To learn about new trends in the pet

market that allow us to improve the processes and services that we currently have and to implement new services and create new products.

Marcos GiannineRegional Manager, Grupo JosephEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Tom Cat BakeryMotivation: To learn new skills in company management; learn new ideas and strategies that can be applied to our business for future growth so that we can help our community and country.

Juan Pablo LemusGeneral Manager, Pan San AntonioEmail: [email protected] Fellowship Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Tom Cat Bakery Motivation: To learn production, marketing and management systems to improve, develop, and

grow my company.

Maha Khalil AhmedLecturer, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: University of MichiganFellowship Placement: Eastern Market CooperativeMotivation: To enhance my knowledge in a

targeted way about the role and importance of civil society and community involvement in empowering through entrepreneurship.

Veronica Mejia HandalSales Manager, El Lechon S.A. de C.V.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: D’ ArtagnanMotivation: To learn and apply knowledge to handle franchising, packaging, marketing, and preserving pork.

EL Salvador

Celia de PereiraGeneral Manager and Owner, Inversiones Anthony’sEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Julia’s BakeryMotivation: To manage and plan the future of my

bakery business.

Andrea Q. KunyImport/Export, Patronic S.A. de C.V.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Vann’s SpicesMotivation: To learn the US best practices in sales, marketing, and HR practices.

Axel RiveraGeneral Manager, Foam Industrial S.A. de C.V.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Irwin ResearchMotivation: To learn how large companies run their

business to become successful.

Orlando RodriguezCEO, Creativa CounsultoresEmail: [email protected] Fellowship Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Venture CommunicationsMotivation: To learn how to increase our potential to export our services and products to the USA and to become a bigger company.


Nino DaneliaSenior Social Worker, Social Service Agency, Ministry of Labor Health & Social Affairs or GeorgiaEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Chicago Children’s Advocacy CenterMotivation: To learn about American child welfare system, especially in the field of state policy and services against child abuse.

Maka GioshviliProject Coordinator, NGO “Article 42 of the Constitution”Email: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International Education

Fellowship Placement: Maryland Commission for WomenMotivation: To learn about strategic litigation focused on Human Rights, Gender Equality, and Women’s Economic Empowerment.

Tornike TsagareishviliProject Coordinator, Public Defender’s OfficeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: American Red Cross of Greater ChicagoMotivation: To learn the US approach to internal displacement and best practices of emergency assistance in the case of natural disasters.

Tamta TsotskhalashviliHead of Civil Service Reform and Development Department, Civil Service BureauEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Office of County Attorney

Debra BechtelMotivation: To explore the issues related to good governance, economics, public policy and to use this knowledge to advance the cause of good governance and rule of law in Georgia.

Jenny RuizPrincipal Manager, Ruimaga S.A. de C.V.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Julia’s BakeryMotivation: To learn system controls, product innovation, marketing techniques, and get new

suppliers

Regina CáceresHR/Administrative Manager, Contactos Inteligentes, S.A.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: American ExpressMotivation: To learn best practices in financial sales strategies collections, guerrilla marketing, financial strategies and telemarketing

Georgia

Guatemala

Doris EspañaGeneral Manager, Alimentos Bohemia, S.A.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: McClure PicklesMotivation: To learn how manufacturing companies operated in the US in order to adapt

best practices and improve our company.

Silvia GalottaDeputy Director, Equipamiento Industrial, S.A.Email: [email protected] Fellowship Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: The Brewer Company, LLC Motivation: To learn how to better market our products to increase sales and improve our installation capacity.

Carlos RodasOperations Manager, Open Marketing Corp.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Geometry GlobalMotivation: To learn about marketing and creative agencies in the US in order to improve our services

Karina KoperOwner, MyogurtEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Fresh & Co., Chop’t Creative Salad CompanyMotivation: To learn how to take our healthy eating restaurant to the next level; to make it more organized and more profitable.


Chandan KumarGeneral Secretatr, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee- Patna, National Spokesperson, All Indian Congress CommitteeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Ohio House of RepresentativesMotivation: To work together to develop an idea that will enable the generation of industry and employment in the area through cooperative movement and Public Private Partnership models.

Gitanjali BabbarFounder & Director, Kat-KathaEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: AwakenMotivation: To understand how civil society, NGOs, and government bodies initiate and manage

projects that deal with issues like human trafficking, rights of a sex worker and social awareness.

Rakesh DubbuduConvener, United Forum for RTI CampaignEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Smart Chicago CollaborativeMotivation: To create a strong monitoring system to evaluate the Right to Information Act continuously and make amends accordingly.

RevendraHead of Strategy & Operations Functions, Takhashila InstitutionEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: DePaul University, School of

Public ServiceMotivation: To understand how the government and third sector organizations address the gap through legislation, governance, and adopting market-oriented solutions.

Gaby MaldonadoCEO and Founder, Jugando AprendoEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Business Council for PeaceFellowship Placement: Heinemann PublishingMotivation: To learn best practices of business

development in the field of education publication.

Sachin UpadhayayManaging Director, SN Group of CompaniesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Ohio House of RepresentativesMotivation: To learn about how local and federal legislative processes in the US affect youth development.

India

Andrea AdhiTechnical Assistant in Monitoring & Evaluation Working Group, The National Team of Acceleration for Poverty Reduction (TNP2K) under the Office of the Vice PresidentEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and Governance

Host Organization: International City/County Management AssociationFellowship Placement: Coconino County, ArizonaMotivation: To learn how democracy works in the US and to create a democracy initiative in Indonesia through youth engagement.

Indonesia

Elly RatniHead of Research & Development Sub Division, Secretariat Coordinator of Climate Change, Development Planning Agency of Blitar Local GovernmentEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/CountyManagement AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Tulsa, OklahomaMotivation: To learn about how US local governments improve the involvement of women and children in Climate Change Actions to have a sustainable city resilience in facing the climate change impact.

Mariani YantiHead of Economic Division, Bappeda Kota Jambi (Local Planning Office, Jambi)Email: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/County Management AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Dubuque, Iowa

Motivation: To learn best practices of community involvement in economic and sanitation programs (solid waste management) and to become an agent of change in my office.


Siti Rohmatul UmahHead of Sub Division of Programming & Reporting, Center for Handicraft & Batik, Ministry of IndustryEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/Council Management AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Tulsa, OklahomaMotivation: To learn about how to make the best strategic cooperation and sustainability programs with local government and civil society; to learn how to identify the real problems in the society; best practices to influence societal change

Afia RosdianaHead of Public Relation & Marketing Department, Taman Pintar Science Center, Yogyakarta Municipal GovernmentEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and Gover-nanceHost Organization: International City/Council

Management AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Tallahassee, FloridaMotivation: To learn about the US government system and public services, community life and their involvement in government; how the US protects, motivates, and facilitates citizens in science and technology.

Claire CumiskeySenior Legal Officer, Irish Immigration Support CentreEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Irish International Immigration CenterMotivation: To learn about best practices to bring about systemic change.

Gareth HenrySenior Prosecution Solicitor, Judicial Review Section, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DublinEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Supreme Judicial Court for the

CommonwealthMotivation: To learn, teach, create and innovate, and to take the experiences I have had to find a new way to face the challenges of juvenile justice, rehabilitation, and the successful re-entry into society of our vulnerable young.

Ade BarokahProgram Manager for Poverty Eradication & Economic Governance, Partnership for Governance Reforms (Kemitraan)Email: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/Council Management Association

Fellowship Placement: City of Dubuque, IowaMotivation: To learn about legislative process and good governance practices in the US and other countries, particularly ensuring public participation and engagement, inclusion process, transparency, accountability, and law enforcement.

Ian PowerExecutive Director, SpunOut.ieEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: RocaMotivation: To learn about the engagement strategies and funding models used to establish community projects to work with young offenders to reduce recidivism.

Ireland

Kieran DoyleAssistant Director, Edward M. Kennedy Insitutie for Mediation and Conflict ResolutionEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Office of New Bostonians- City of BostonMotivation: To learn how universities in the US engage with communities in order to play a role in the facilitation of dialogue and resolution of conflict in that community.

Mary FlynnJuvenile Liaison Officer, An Garda SiochanaEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Boston Police Department- District B-2 (Roxbury)Motivation: To gain an international perspective on the administration of juvenile justice in other jurisdictions with a view to identifying skills and practices that could be utilized in the administration of juvenile justice in Ireland.

Saoirse BradyReseach & Projects Manager, Children’s Rights AllowanceEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Citizens for Juvenile JusticeMotivation: To experience working for legal and

policy change to protect and respect the rights of young people in a different political, social, and economic context while exchanging knowledge, experience and expertise with colleagues from the US and abroad.

Safrinal SofaniadiUrban & Environment Planner, Regional Development & Planning Board, Semarang MunicipalityEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/County Management AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Emporia, Virginia; Carter Planning DistrictMotivation: To learn about capacity building, transparency, good governance, and to be a good planner for the sustainable city.


Virginija PetrauskaiteLegal Officer, Migrant Rights Centre IrelandEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Irish International Immigration CenterMotivation: To learn about the justice system and the best practice models to achieve legislative and policy change.

AbdildaDeputy Director, Technology Commercialization Center LLCEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Illinois Institute of Technology Commercialization OfficeMotivation: To learn how to spot obstacles during the transition from idea in the lab to product on the market and how to overcome these obstacles in a developing country.

Arai JussupovaExpert, Department of Macroeconomics, National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of KazakhstanEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Global Commerce in Economic

Development - Metro Atlanta ChamberMotivation: To learn how to define “state support” to determine if subsidies should be considered as state support of entrepreneurs or as state politics.

Lina VorkovaProject & PR Manager, MediaNet, Vlast.kzEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Center for Civil and Human RightsMotivation: To gain knowledge from American experts--human rights defenders and activists, international organizations, NGOs, journalists--in the field of SMM, public and media relations, data visualization, crowd sourcing and advocacy.

Mathai NdunguSocio Economist/Administrative Officer, Kenya Agriculture Research InstituteEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: Oklahoma State University Dairy Cattle Center

Motivation: To acquire skills in business management to take back to Kenya and apply to small agro-business enterprises.

Saa`ed KhawaldehAssistant Director, Annaja7 RadioEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International City/Council Management AssociationFellowship Placement: MIT Center for Civic MediaMotivation: To expand my knowledge and experience

in the realm of entrepreneurship for young people and implement it though the youth programs at the national radio station I work for.

Raymond NgenoFounder & CEO, Chepkoilel Fabricators EnterprisesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: P&K Equipment, Meridian Technology CenterMotivation: To improve technical skills in machinery, welding, and equipment repairs while upgrading to modern fabricating technologies.

Kazakhstan

Jordan

Kenya

Frank OjwangResearch Associate, International Potato CentreEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: Oklahoma State University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

Motivation: To generate a work plan to mobilize women and youth involvement in the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes toimprove their livelihood and incomes.

Khalil AlHammarFounder & CEO, Edges Media Co.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International City/Council Management AssociationFellowship Placement: Global Voice HallMotivation: To learn more about the United States and worldwide community involvement in digital media and to exchange knowledge.

Aida UlakovaChief Specialist/Lawyer, Secretariat of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz RepublicEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World Learning

Fellowship Placement: Tulsa Area Emergency Management AgencyMotivation: To learn about the resettlement of citizens from potentially dangerous areas to safer areas in the US and other foreign countries.

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan


Mansur AbylaevStaff Member, Committee on Economic & Fiscal Policy, Parliament of Kyrgyz RepublicEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Ohio House of RepresentativesMotivation: To investigate how local government interacts with local producers for better tax policy making and how local government increases attractiveness of regions for development investments.

Nazgul KurmanalievaProgram Manager, Media Support Center Public FoundationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Ohio SenateMotivation: To learn about Internet governance, legislation on the Internet and media, and legislative and regulatory compliance practices in the US.

Somvilay ChanthalounnavongLecturer, Faculty of Forestry Science, National University of LaosEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana

Fellowship Placement: Salish and Kootenani CollegeMotivation: To learn about the impacts of climate change on water resources and on society in the US and to learn about water governance.

Phutthasone PhomvisayHead of Business Development and SMEs Division, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and IndustryEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Kalispell Chamber of CommerceMotivation: To share and exchange knowledge about best practices for SME development; to learn how to support entrepreneurs for growth; to share how to increase public and private cooperation; and to learn about value and supply chains and how to integrate SMEs.

Somsack SouvannalathCommunication & Knowledge Management, Social Protection & Sustainable Livelihood ProgramEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana

Fellowship Placement: Small Business Development CenterMotivation: To build personal capacity, network, and share knowledge and experiences with colleagues and the community.

Mirlan ZhukeshovDeputy, Cholpon-Ata City CouncilEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Creek County Commission

OfficeMotivation: To learn more about how local government in the US regulates management practices and adopting laws in resolving social issues.

Phoutsavad VongphachanTechnical Officer, Department of Inspection, Ministry of Education & SportsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Missoula County Public SchoolsMotivation: To increase development, share knowledge about education, monitoring and evaluation and international understanding about culture.

Laos

Lena HendryProgram Coordinator, Pusat KOMASEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders

Fellowship Placement: Freedom HouseMotivation: To learn about US governance, best practices in advocacy campaigns and the media, and bring this knowledge back to Malaysia.

Leong Yu ManState Assemblyman, Pahang State Legislative AssemblyEmail: Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political LeadersFellowship Placement: Youth Service AmericaMotivation: To learn about the different processes and roles in the US government, as well as the planning and execution of political campaigns.

Ehsan ShahwahidCampaign Coordinator, Projek DialogEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political LeadersFellowship Placement: Grieboski Global StrategiesMotivation: To learn about the political culture of America and bring back solutions to many unresolved tensions in Malaysia.

Malaysia


Daniela RochinHead of Social Auditing Department, Office of the Comptroller, State of QueretaroEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the Americas

Fellowship Placement: Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER)Motivation: To learn about best practices in the battle against corruption to become an agent of change.

Fernando Elizondo GarcíaDirector of the Center for Human Rights, Facultad Libre de Derecho de MonterreyEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the Americas

Fellowship Placement: Immigration EqualityMotivation: To learn about best practices and methods of working with immigrant populations, particularly LGBT individuals.

Andrei BriceacChairman, Institute for Civil JusticeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for

International EducationFellowship Placement: Justice at StakeMotivation: To learn about best practices in advocating access to justice for all.

Irina GreiterProjects Coordinator, Law Center of AdvocatesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: HIASMotivation: To learn best practices concerning how human rights for people seeking international protection in the US and how stakeholders cooperate in daily matters.

Rashid El HabiManaging Partner, Neoxia MoroccoEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: Edelman Digital Public AffairsMotivation: To learn and network about innovating

digital solutions for a changing world.

Eva RosasCommunity Coordinator, Family System Development, Municipal Government of TepeacaEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: Peace at Home ShelterMotivation: To learn and improve my knowledge about the prevention of domestic violence and share my experiences as a professional.

Mahesh MahatoManaging Director, Cosmic Electrical Engineering Associates, Pvt., Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: University of Oklahoma Architecture and EngineeringMotivation: To learn best practices in the industry to apply back in my company.

Moldova

Mexico

Morocco

Nepal

James Chavez AlorSenior Legislative Counsel, Mexican SenateEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: Center for Court InnovationMotivation: To learn about the human rights protection system and justice administration in the US in order to detect functional practices that may be included in Mexican law.

Manish JhaGeneral Manager, FACTS Research and Analytics Pvt., Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: Shapard ResearchMotivation: To learn how global markets work in theresearch industry.

Juna MathemaManaging Director, Blitz Media P. Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: Shapard ResearchMotivation: To develop analytic thinking and team motivation and capacity building.


Rajeev JoshiCEO, Kathalaya PublicationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass CommunicationMotivation: To understand the process of promoting a culture of reading and identify tools for it.

Ishita LohiaDirector-General Manager, Corporate Affairs & Human Resources, Aarti Soaps & Chemicals Pvt., Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: A Date with IrisMotivation: To learn and share knowledge on different aspects of doing business, mainly in a FMCG company.

Lee RussellTemporary Inspector, Police Service of Northern IrelandEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Boston Police Department--District B-2 (Roxbury)Motivation: To learn about the judicial system in the US and other countries, community engagement, crime reduction, and to bring back evidence-based best practice to drive and implement change.

Richard TaylorDeputy Governor, Northern Ireland Prison ServiceEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Massachusetts Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Executive Office

Motivation: To gain an understanding of how US colleagues work progressively within their correctional centers to deal effectively with offenders and the causes of crime.

Gerard McLoughlinPublic Prosecutor, Public Prosecution Service for Northern IrelandEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Suffolk County Juvenile CourtMotivation: To develop specific skills, exchange best practices, and experiences; to learn from US specialists in criminal law, to enable me to ultimately share experiences and knowledge gained with internal and external stakeholders in my organization at home.

Sinead MallonLegal & Investigations Officer, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children & Young PeopleEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Suffolk County Juvenile Court

Motivation: To learn of international youth justice systems and examples of best practices in this field, which I can take forward in my work in influencing the development of domestic youth justice policies.

Bishal DhakalCEO & Founder, Health at Home, Pvt., Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: The University of OklahomaFellowship Placement: Mercy HospitalMotivation: To experience, explore, and educate on American healthcare systems and processes.

Conor HoustonSolicitor, John J. Rice & Co. SolicitorsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish InstituteFellowship Placement: Cambridge Human Rights CommissionMotivation: To engage with the US justice system to enhance understanding of administration of the rule of law and to promote active citizenship to deliver innovative change to society.

Northern Ireland

Sarah McGuckinBarrister, Inn of Court of Northern IrelandMediator, Mediation Northern IrelandEmail: [email protected] Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of JusticeHost Organization: Boston College Irish Institute

Fellowship Placement: Law Offices of Sarah E. Lyons Motivation: To work with like-minded people, developing enduring professional ties and lasting partnerships.

Carolina CalderaSenior Program Officer, National Democratic InstituteEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: Amherst H Wilder FoundationMotivation: To learn and share methodologies and best practices of programs focused on youth leadership and advocacy.

Nicaragua


Michelle ChávezCommunity Development Director, TECHO NicaraguaEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the Americas

Fellowship Placement: Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through ResearchMotivation: To gain work experience and develop my skills, showing initiative and teamwork.

Octavio Alarcón GuardadoCourt Clerk, Second District Civil Court of Managua, Supreme Court of JusticeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: El Paso County Combined CourtsMotivation: To learn about the US judicial system, specifically the decision making process within the courts.

M. IrfanFounder & President, Rights Defenders Welfare AssociationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Children’s CabinetMotivation: To learn more about child protection issues in the US to work for the betterment of behavioral issues of children.

Zainab NazirProgram Manager, GADE FoundationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: University of Nevada RenoMotivation: To adopt new technology in desert areas of Pakistan, where there is no electricity and people are living below the poverty line.

Marian MujicaChief of Public Policy, Human Rights Office, Supreme Court of JusticeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: Hennepin County Office of the

Public DefenderMotivation: To learn about the American criminal justice system, especially about the Minnesota juvenile system.

BatoolMonitoring & Evaluation Learning Officer, Society for Education & Environmental ProtectionEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: The Nature Conservancy Field Office

Motivation: To learn about advocacy and capacity building abroad to be able to develop better judgment about issues on social development, women’s empowerment, and NGO management in Pakistan.

Rodrigo GómezLaw Clerk, Human Rights Office, Supreme Court of JusticeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: Ramsey County Office of the Public DefenderMotivation: To learn about the American juvenile justice system.

Pakistan

Paraguay

Waqar AbbasProject Manager of Operations, Meezan Educational TrustEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Wood Stock InstituteMotivation: To work on better public policy reforms

and changes in policy for sustainable economic growth; to reduce poverty through proper research and statistics.

Silvana ArceDirector of International Relations and Cooperation, Ministry of YouthEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: The Washington Center

Motivation: To learn about best practices that address youth unemployment in Latin America and strategies to find technical and financial cooperations for projects related to youth.

Sonia GinésJurisdictional Expert, Office of Dr. Ramón Rolando Ojeda, 2nd Chamber, Supreme Court of JusticeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process andGovernanceHost Organization: Partners of the AmericasFellowship Placement: El Paso Combined CourtsMotivation: To improve my personal and professional skills by learning how other cultures think and work.


Jenny MacaraanProvincial Account Officer, Health Leadership & Governance Program, Zuellig Family FoundationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young

Political LeadersFellowship Placement: Denver HealthMotivation: To gain knowledge about the US government process as well as leadership styles of individuals and organizations that were able to bring change to the country.

Earl OyasMunicipal Councilor, Municipality of Catmon, CebuEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political LeadersFellowship Placement: Denver City CouncilMotivation: To learn about how the government manages issues concerning the homeless, and increase knowledge about legislation, community organizations, and leadership.

Temir AlimovHead of IT Accelerator, IT Park, TechnoparkEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: University City Science CenterMotivation: To learn how to build new high-tech startups from scratch based on the university’s potential and launching a joint program with a US business incubator.

Damir KazykhanovGeneral Director, Global StartupEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: MassChallenge

Motivation: To learn best practices in startup creation and development; to explore business models of accelerators and incubators in the US and other countries; to share personal experiences in running a private accelerator.

Tatiana KhozhaevaHead of Complex Programs & Projects Department, Innovation Development Centre of MoscowEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Root Cause’s Social Innovation ForumMotivation: To gain experience in the field of innovation and development.

Veronika OrlovskayaHead of Moscow Innovation Mentoring Program, Moscow Innovation Development CentreEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Chicago Innovation

MentorsMotivation: To gain knowledge and experience with Incubator Mentorship Programs.

Shernan GamolMunicipal Councilor, Municipality of MansalayEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Council of Young Political LeadersFellowship Placement: City of Denver

Motivation: To gain knowledge about global issues of vital importance to Americans, such as terrorism, human rights, international development assistance, education and healthcare.

Zhanna SmirnovaDeputy Director of Center for Technology Transfer & Commercialization, National Research University of Electronic TechnologyEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Industrial Council of Nearwest ChicagoMotivation: To learn best practices in developing the innovation ecosystem; to learn the principles of American companies and increase my understanding of the development of the innovation ecosystem and how to manage start-ups.

Philippines

RussiaAnton TurchenkoHead of the Department for Innovation Business Development, Technology Commercialization Center, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni NovogorodEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: American Councils for International Education

Fellowship Placement: College of Engineering, University of MissouriMotivation: To learn about the best practices of the US ecosystem for start-ups.

Afrah JafarWriter, FreelanceEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: Al Mas TV & RadioMotivation: To learn about civil society and volunteering in America; to increase my ability to change my home for the better and to learn about different cultures.

Saudi Arabia


Petso MokhatlaLecturer & Consultant, University of Free StateEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: Farm Credit of Oklahoma, Oklahoma CareerTech, OSU Department of Agricultural Economics, Tonkawa Farmers

Cooperative AssociationMotivation: To acquire strategies to expand business capacities and increase knowledge in agribusiness development.

Abe OliverIgnition Centre Manager, TSiBA Education NPCEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: OSU Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, Meridian Technology CenterMotivation: To gain experience using global practices and methodology for mentoring students and incorporating new teaching tools.

Petunia ThuloOnline Content Editor, North-West UniversityEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: The Maisha ProjectMotivation: To link women’s empowerment to agricultural development to create jobs and food security for women.

Aingkaran KugathasanSenior Program Officer, Law & Society TrustEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LeaningFellowship Placement: Ohio House of

RepresentativesMotivation: To raise awareness on human rights advocacy and mechanisms in different countries; to experience work and situations in the US through field work and research; to sharpen my skills in NGO work.

Harshini RanasingheProject Coordinator, International Center for Ethnic StudiesEmail: [email protected]; [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Nevada Network Against Domestic ViolenceMotivation: To build networks between the civil society and the corporate sector to get more engagement with the corporate sector.

Luwie GaneshathasanResearcher, Legal & Consultation Unit, Center for Policy AlternativesEmail: [email protected]; [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Ohio Senate

Motivation: To learn more about legislative processes and the dissemination of information raising awareness.

Nono SekhotoManaging Director, Mokolobane Farmers EnterprisesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, OSU Diary Cattle CenterMotivation: To experience and learn current trends

with agricultural youth programs that could be implemented in South Africa.

SarmiChild Protection Officer, UNICEFEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Ann Patterson Dooley Family Safety CenterMotivation: To learn more about child issues in foreign countries and how policies and practices are available to respond to child issues.

Sri Lanka

South Africa

Sulakshana De MelProgram Officer, Arthacharya FoundationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: World LearningFellowship Placement: Ohio SenateMotivation: To learn more about establishing

food security among marginalized families in raid fed areas of the dry zone.

Umaporn MuneenamLecturer & Researcher, Prince of Songkla UniversityEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, University of MontanaMotivation: To bring knowledge and experience to the University’s mission to improve economic development in low-income communities.

Thailand


Orn-anong SaenyakulMarketing Director, Abeno CoffeeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Lake County Community

Development CorporationMotivation: To learn more about community enterprises; to form a network of community enterprises and exchange experiences.

Margarida Francisca Jose Maria Dos SantosEducation & Promotion Officer, Ombudsman for Human Rights & Justice in Timor-LesteEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/CountyManagement AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Tallahassee, FloridaMotivation: To increase my skills and knowledge of legislative process and governance practice and to continue promoting good governance practice in my country.

Josh TrindadeAdvisor, Presidency of the Republic, Timor-LesteEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/County Management AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Lenoir, North CarolinaMotivation: To gain more understanding on mechanisms to prevent corruption in the US and other countries.

Angelo Moniz JongCountry Program Manager, CUFAEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/CountyManagement AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Middleton, Wisconsin

Motivation: To enhance my knowledge on community development practice.

Herminio Moniz RibeiroNational Director, Ministry of State AdministrationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/County Management AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Middleton, WisconsinMotivation: To enhance my knowledge and understanding on legislative process and local governance and share it with people that share the same vision.

Benícia Eriana Xavier Dos Reis MagnoGovernance Manager, Counterpart InternationalEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/County Management Association

Fellowship Placement: Coconino County, ArizonaMotivation: To enhance my knowledge on legislative process and local governance from other countries and to network with people with the same interests.

Matthew De AlmeidaSenior Program Coordinator, Austraining InternationalEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/County Management Association

Fellowship Placement: City of Emporia, Virgina and Carter Planning DistrictMotivation: To gain better understanding of legislative processes and governance in other countries.

Marco Da Cruz FernandesAdvisor for the Department of Research and Planning, Ministry of Industry and CommerceEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: International City/County Management AssociationFellowship Placement: City of Lenoir, North CarolinaMotivation: To enhance my intellectual capacity and gain more knowledge and different experiences.

Timor-Leste

Kawther HattabEntrepreneurship & Soft Skills Trainer, Freelance/CAWTAREmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: SCORE- DC

Motivation: To improve my training skills by learning more about the principles of economic empowerment of women with a focus on best practices.

Yosra HassyaouiTranslator, Tunis Camber of Commerce & IndustryEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: National Women’s Business CouncilMotivation: To improve my knowledge about community involvement and to learn about the working environment of the US and other countries.

Tunisia


Amani LabidiProject Assistant, Tunisian Association for Leadership, Self Development & SolidarityEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Ten Thousand VillagesMotivation: To learn about American experience in the

field of economic empowerment of women and share experience in my field.

Fatma M’SelmiInnovation & Technology Transfer Expert, German Development CooperationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: STEM ConnectorMotivation: To learn how to counter socio-cultural and structural hurdles that discourage women from working by learning more about the legislative and judicial systems of the US and other countries, civil society, and community involvement.

Olfa ArafouiTechnical Expert in the Regional Program for the Economic Integration of Women in the MENA region, German Development CooperationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Creative LearningMotivation: To learn about other women’s empowerment programs, success stories of women leaders in the US and other countries.

Sezin DereciProject Coordinator, Third Sector Foundation of TurkeyEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Jascula Terman Strategic

CommunicationsMotivation: To engage best practices related to strengthening the legal, fiscal, and operational infrastructure of civil society in Turkey.

Muharrem ErdemParliamentary Advisor, Turkish ParliamentEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International Education

Fellowship Placement: Cook County Department of Human Rights and EthicsMotivation: To work with policies related to the freedoms, rights, and advancement of minorities and different religious and belief groups.

Marwa SabryEditor/Journalist/News TranslatorEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: International Center for JournalistsFellowship Placement: WIBW TVMotivation: To improve international relationships and get linked with like-minded people.

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

Imen RebaiEntrepreneur/Managing Director, MISHAEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development ServicesFellowship Placement: Women’s Opportunities Resource Center

Motivation: To learn about American management style, best practices to become a successful female business owner, and how to overcome socio-economic challenges.

Beatrice AlyanataDirector, B-Trends Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Payne County Cooperative ExtensionMotivation: To learn from successful youth programs in the US to help create social change by building closer links between the agriculture sector and youth.

Moses KisemboAgricultural Team Leader, Self Sustainability Dept., Watoto Childcare MinistriesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: Martha Valley Farms & The Noble Foundation

Motivation: To gain knowledge about setting up an agri-business, including relationships with stakeholders, policymakers, and the role of social media.

Daniel AliddekiAgricultural Engineer, St. Jude Family ProjectsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: OSU Food and Agricultural Products Center, OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Lorenz’s OK Seeds LLC,

Anichini-Moore Ranch and FarmMotivation: To gain a better understanding of US small and large scale renewable energy sources and techniques to apply in Uganda.

Uganda


Caroline NabukondeGender Equity Manager, National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses & Farm EnterprisesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Oklahoma State UniversityFellowship Placement: Aspen CoffeeMotivation: To acquire skills to mobilize small-holder coffee business in Uganda.

Oleksii BondarevChief Specialist, Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human RightsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International Education

Fellowship Placement: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)Motivation: To learn about the legislative system of the US and discover best practices of ensuring human rights and rule of law.

Petro KorolLawyer, NGO Media Law InstituteEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International Education

Fellowship Placement: Office of Hawaii Representative Lauren MatsumotoMotivation: To obtain skills for improving voters’ rights in Ukraine and developing tobacco legislation.

Khrystyna KholodHead of Investment Project Support Sector, Economic Policy Department/ Lviv City CouncilEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Milwaukee County Executive’s OfficeMotivation: To learn about economic development initiatives, IT BPO innovations and also industrial parks development.

Iuliia KrasnogolovGender Consultant & Assistant to Member of Parliament Olena Kondratiuk, Verkhovna Rada of UkraineEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for

International EducationFellowship Placement: Running StartMotivation: To learn about gender equality, women’s political empowerment, and leadership.

Rostyslav LitvinovHead of the Legal Department, Kharkiv District CouncilEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Office of Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria, VirginiaMotivation: To learn about the functions and best practices of US city councils, legal departments, and public administration in general.

Sergiy GerasimchukHead of Legal Department, Dnepropetrovsk City Council (Local Administration)Email: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Office of Sacramento City Council Member Jay SchenirerMotivation: To find out how the federal and state legislative system and the system of local self-governance works in the US and other countries; how decentralization works in practice.

Alona PryguzaSenior Specialist, Ministry of JusticeEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International Education

Fellowship Placement: Law Library of CongressMotivation: To learn best practices in the American judicial system.

Ukraine

Oleh PylypchynetsLegislative Assistant to a Member of Parliament, Verkhovna Rada of UkraineEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Office of Hawaii Representative Gene WardMotivation: To acquire substantive knowledge of US experience in legislative, administrative, political processes and get first-hand information and insight into the everyday life in US institutions.

Sergii StrielkovChief Legal Advisor, Financial Monitoring Service of the National Bank of UkraineEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International

EducationFellowship Placement: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional RegulationMotivation: To learn about the regulatory framework of the banking activity in the US, main functions, and best practices of regulatory authorities in this field.


Mykhailo VainagiiChief Consultant, The High Specialized Court of Ukraine on Civil and Criminal CasesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for International EducationFellowship Placement: Bronx Hall of JusticeMotivation: To learn about the judicial system in the US.

Inna ZdorHead of European Integration Division, Department of Foreign Economic Activity and European Integration of Regional State AdministrationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Legislative Process and GovernanceHost Organization: American Councils for

International EducationFellowship Placement: Puget Sound Regional CouncilMotivation: To learn about best practices of local governance, especially in the sphere of economy, issues of international cooperation development, and tools for promoting regional culture and tourism.

Tran Thanh ThaoDirector, Bacassurance Division, Baoviet Insurance CorporationEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of MontanaFellowship Placement: ALPS CorporationMotivation: To understand US society and

organizations; gain first-hand experience with insurance-related issues and how to integrate under-served populations.

Betty ChilondeCreative Director, Buloz PiecesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: Denver Design Incubator, Justice Talent AgencyMotivation: To learn best practices in manufacturing, marketing, and pricing methods with the hope of making her business more cost effective and sustainable.

Monica MulengaFounder and Managing Director, Raspberry KissesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: Three Tomatoes CateringMotivation: To gain exposure to operation and management, best practices from the food and

catering industry while in the US, while also learning about branding, marketing, and franchising.

Sulani NyimbiliManaging Director/Agribusiness Manager, Raika SolutionsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: Colorado State University Extension for Adams County.Motivation: To gain knowledge and insight on best business practices in the veterinary, public health, and epidemiology fields and learn how common challenges are addressed.

Le Quoc VietDirector, Santa Co. Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Mansfield Center/University of MontanaFellowship Placement: Montana Association of Conservation DistrictsMotivation: To discover better ways of management and doing business in tourism; improve the quality of Vietnam’s tourism products; learn how to benefit the poor and disadvantaged, particularly for people with disabilities.

Vietnam

Zambia

Chola ChisengalumbweCopywriter, DDB IrisEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Digital Scholarship DepartmentMotivation: To learn critical technology skills, such as coding, with the aim to launch his own digital multimedia enterprise.

Misozi MkandawireCEO, Fappis SolutionsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: Self-Help Credit Union

Motivation: To learn how to successfully start up a micro-finance company and facilitate its successful growth through improved networking skills and mentorships.

Elemson MuyangaConsultant, Agribusiness Finance, Smallholder Agribusiness Promotion ProgramEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International Center

Fellowship Placement: Lila’s GardenMotivation: To work in the agriculture technology and processing industry to learn about financing mechanisms, technology utilized to scale cost efficiently, developing partnerships between financial institutions, out growers and small scale agriculture processors.


Meakin MarangeOperations Director, Turmol Tiles, Makomwe Transport & Hardware (Pvt.) Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: NokeroMotivation: To learn best practices in the manufacturing of commercial building materials, the logistics involved, and how to allow for the cost effective distribution and transportation of new products.

Tsungirirai BangaCo-Founder, Managing & Creative Director, Glen Agric Africa (Pvt) Ltd. t/a GAA Marketing Design & Advertising SolutionsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: Linhart Public Relations

Motivation: To learn and experience best practices that will help her to build viable clientele networks, provide superior services, and strengthen the business environment in her country.

Josephine TakundwaManaging Director, Earthlink TechnologiesEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: RF Micro Devices, Inc.Motivation: To learn best practices in ICT company management, distribution deals, and how to make

improvements to the manufacturing processes.

Samuelle DimairhoCo-Founder & Managing Director, Aura Group (Pvt) Ltd.Email: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: QCFinTechMotivation: To learn from the ITC and financial industries in the US, explore industry synergies, technical advancements, and funding opportunities.

Chikomborrero MukwenhaFounder & COO, LookingForEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: Union Advertising AgencyMotivation: To gain an understanding of the agricultural import industry; to network with parties

that are interested in investing in African-based technology start ups.

Tawanda MuzamweseChief Sustainability Consultant, Toxiconsol t/a African Sustainability ConsultantsEmail: [email protected] Focus: Economic EmpowermentHost Organization: Meridian International CenterFellowship Placement: Geotech Environmental Equipment Inc.Motivation: To learn about the latest technologies in environmental monitoring and pollution prevention; environmental sustainability and business ethics in the US.

Zimbabwe


Fellows with the University of Oklahoma enjoy coffee after watching the OU vs. Texas Football game.

University of Michigan Fellows lead business simulation for Sensei Change.

Local historian, James Horrigan speaking to the Boston College Fellows at Copley Square on a

walking tour of Boston Irish politics.

Fellows with ICMA take a group “selfie”.

HANDS Tunisian fellow, Sarah Radaddi, in Chicago with JJ’s List.

Moldovan Fellow Andrei, hosted by American Councils with his collegues from Justice at Stake in front of the Supreme Court.

University of Oklahoma Fellows enjoy an outdoor lunch in Tulsa.


Partner Organizations

Leslie [email protected]

Marla [email protected]

Ivana [email protected]

Dan [email protected]

Shraddha [email protected]

Gretchen [email protected]

Robert [email protected]

Elliot [email protected]


Barbara Peitsch [email protected]

Deena [email protected]

Melissa [email protected]

Lisa [email protected]

Elanie [email protected]

Amanda [email protected]

Professional Fellows Congress Team:

Patricia HarrisonEdith Cecchini

Mary Ann AabyeLaurén Ettinger

[email protected]


Notes

professional fellows congress program book

Documents

professional fellows

foreign fellows

american fellows

professional expertise

professional sphere

professional approaches

program notes

fellowship program