Professional fellows congress program book by World Learning

Professional Fellows Congress United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of Citizen Exchanges Professional Fellows Division

Fall 2014 November 5-7 Washington, D.C. Economic Empowerment Legislative Process and Governance Rule of Law/Administration of Justice

Table of Contents Professional Fellows Program Overview

Area and Hotel Map 6 Program Notes and Social Media Guide

Agenda at a Glance 10 Professional Fellows Congress By the Numbers

Program Schedule 12 Workshops 17 Alumni Impact Awardeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Biographies

Civil Rights Panelist Biographies 27 U.S. Department of State and Panelist Biographies

Fellow Origin and Placement Map

Fellow Biographies 38 Partner Organizations 60 Notes 62

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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 week practical 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足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 Congress At 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 program colleagues 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

U.S. Department of State The 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. Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Map of Hotel Area

Washington Marriott Georgetown 1221 22nd Street NW Washington, District of Columbia 20037 USA

Photo courtsey of www.history.com

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

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Hotel Layout

1 5

7 8

3 4

West End Ballroom

Dupont Ballroom

Registration Area

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

Thomas Salon

Escalators to lobby level

Georgetown I and II are located on the Lobby Level

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

2nd Floor Foyer

Program Notes 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.

Pro Fellows with the International Center for Journalists visit National Public Radioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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

Name Tag Color Codes: Economic Empowerment Fellows: Green Legislative Process & Governance Fellows: Yellow Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Fellows: Blue U.S.-Based Host Organization Staff: Maroon U.S. Department of State: White

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

#ProFellows Social Media Guide 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

Twitter Handles

@ProFellows @ConnectStateGov @ECA_AS

Professional Fellows Division U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary of State ECA

Speakers, Panelists, Workshop Facilitators @Alexmae Alex Dickinson @FrankMcLough Frank McLoughlin @GlobalForests Global Forest Watch @MatthewClausen Matthew Clausen @LawyersComm The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law @OikocreditUSA Oikocredit USA @SITGrad SIT Graduate Institute @Tclayhouse4 Tanya Clay House

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

American Councils ACYPL Business Council for Peace Barbara Peitsch ICFJ ICMA Mansfield Center/University of Montana @MeridianIntl Meridian International Center @OKState Oklahoma State University @PartnersAmerica Partners of the Americas @um-isr UMich Institute for Social Research @umich University of Michigan @WorldLearning World Learning

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 the latest research in your field; • Find professional development resources; • Develop plans for your alumni association, or find an • View 20,000 online magazines and newspapers; association to join; • Network with fellow alumni around the world; • Share your experience with a global audience; and • Recruit fellow alumni for projects and competitions; • Read alumni success stories, perspectives, and ideas.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Agenda at a Glance Wednesday, November 5th 10:30 AM 11:00 AM

Congress Check-In for all Attendees Administrative Meeting for Partner Organizations 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM

Orientation

3:00 PM

Pro Fellow Talk; Small Group Discussions

4:45-5:00 PM

General Announcements

2:45-3:00 PM Break

Thursday, November 6th 8:30 AM

Civil Rights Panel 10:00-10:15 Break

10:15 AM

Pro Fellow Talk; Electronic Library Presentation; Alumni Resources

12:30 PM

Ambassadors Luncheon

2:00 PM

Pro Fellow Talk

11:45-12:30 PM Break

2:15-3:00 PM Break

2:45 PM

Group Photo; Ideas Market

Friday, November 7th 8:00 AM 8:15 AM

Announcements Professional Workshops 9:45-10:00 AM Break

10:00 AM

Professional Workshops

12:30 PM

U.S. Department of State

5:30 PM

Farewell Dinner; Music and Dancing

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

11:30 AM-12:30 PM Lunch

Professional Fellows By the Numbers 10

Themes Represented

Professional Fellows Congresses since

922

2010

Legislative Process and Governance

340

Economic Empowerment

364 332 209

314

311

107

182

Africa East Asia and the Pacific

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empowerment

Europe and Eurasia

Near East

South and Western Central Hem. Asia

Number of Fellows by Region

Climate Change

Global Health

Food Security

46 78

countries and territories

1,701

total participants

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Education to Employment

Media

Rule of Law/ Administration of Justice 11

Program Schedule Wednesday, 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, Ongoing Please 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

1:00 p.m.

Patricia Harrison, World Learning

World Learning Welcome U.S. Department of State Welcome Introduction of Distinguished Alumni Awardees Presentation 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

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 Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

3:15-4:45 p.m. – Fellowship Experience Small Group Discussions Location: 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. Group 1 West End Ballroom (Left) Moderator: Marla Gitterman, Business Council for Peace Group 3 West End Ballroom (Center) Moderator: Kelsey Stamm, University of Montana Group 5 Dupont Ballroom, Salon G Moderator: Leslie Ryan, American Councils for International Education Group 7 Thomas Salon Moderator: Sara Ambler and Amanda Bischoping, World Learning Group 9 Meeting Room 3016 3rd Floor Moderator: Gretchen Ehle Meridian International Center Group Georgetown I, 1st Floor 11 Moderator: Elliot Bell-Krasner, American Council for Young Political Leaders Group Atrium Restaurant, 1st Floor 13 Moderators: Penelope Kim and Martin Rozenberg, Partners of the Americas

Group 2 West End Ballroom (Right) Moderator: Julia Hurley, Hands Along the Nile Development Services Group 4 Dupont Ballroom, Salon F Moderator: Shradda Kharel-Pandey, International City/County Management Association Group 6 Dupont Ballroom, Salon H Moderator: Elanie Steyn, University of Oklahoma Group 8 Meeting Room 3015, 3rd Floor Moderator: Dan Bernard, International Center for Journalists Group Meeting Room 3017, 3rd Floor 10 Moderator: Barbara Peitsch, University of Michigan Group Georgetown II, 1st Floor, 12 Moderator: Lisa Taylor, Oklahoma State University Group 2nd Floor Foyer 14 Moderator: Colleen White, Boston College Irish Institute

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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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 Panel Location: 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 Presentation Darin 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 Luncheon Location: 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 Photo Location: West End Ballroom Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

3:00-5:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ideas Market Location: 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. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dinner provided at the hotel in the West End Ballroom Evening Free 6:00-7:00 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.

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

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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 Workshops Workshops 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 pages 18-20. 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.

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

Fellows hosted by American Councils for International Education “jump for joy” in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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 1 8:15-9:45 a.m.

Workshop 2 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Lessons in Change Management Matt Clausen, Vice President for Partnerships Program Partners of the Americas Dupont Ballroom, Salon F, 2nd Floor

Tapping into the Power of the Public Speaker Sui Lang Panoke, Founder Women Politics Media Dupont Ballroom, Salon G, 2nd Floor

Women and Leadership Surry Scheerer, Leadership and Development Coach University of Michigan Dupont Ballroom, Salon H, 2nd Floor

Advocacy and Coalition Building Preeti Shroff-Mehta, Dean World Learning SIT Graduate Institute Thomas Salon, 2nd Floor

Impact Investing Sharlene Brown, National Director Oikocredit USA Georgetown I, Lobby Level

Awareness Campaign Management Alex Dickinson, Director and Chief of Staff Beekeeper Group Georgetown II, Lobby Level

Real-Time Data Global Forest Watch World Resources Institute Meeting Room 3015, 3rd Floor

Real-Time Data Gloal Forest Watch World Resources Institute Meeting Room 3015, 3rd Floor

Promoting Legal Reform Frank McLoughlin Rule of Law and Electoral Legal Consultant Democracy International Meeting Room 3016-3017, 3rd Floor

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Workshops 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 @matthewclausen 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.

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. Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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.

@umich

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.

Advocacy and Coalition Building Dupont 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.

@SITGrad 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Workshops Impact Investing: A New Approach to Raising Capital Georgetown I, Lobby Level

@OikocreditUSA

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.

Legal Reform Meeting 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.

FrankMcLough

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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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

@GlobalForests

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 Management Thomas 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.

@alexmae 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 for undergraduate 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Program Schedule 11:30 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 12:30 p.m.

Board buses and Depart for Department of State Arrival at DOS and Security Screening Welcome and Recognition of Alumni Impact Awardees Introduction 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

Panelists for the Regional Briefing: David Gilmour Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of African Affairs Robin Diallo Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Adele Rupee Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Robert Hilton Director, Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Eileen O’Connor Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Jeff Brown Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m. – Farewell Dinner at the hotel 7:00-10:00 p.m. – Music and dancing Location: West End Ballroom, 2nd floor

Saturday, November 8, 2014: Departure Day Breakfast 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Alumni Impact Awardees 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!

International Award Winners Chanthalangsy “See” Sisouvanh, Laos Professional Fellow, Women’s Empowerment, 2012

Natia Nasrashvili, Georgia

Professional Fellow, Legislative Process and Governance, 2010

American Award Winners Tad Long, Kentucky

Legislative Process and Governance, 2012

Wendy Mota Kasongo, Connecticut Women’s Empowerment, 2013

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Chanthalangsy “See” Sisouvanh

Centre Manager, Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC)/SuanMaiLao Eco-Forest Learning Centre (SML) Vientiane, Laos Email: chanthalangsy@padetc.org U.S. Host Organization: University of Montana U.S. Placement Organization: Women’s Voices for the Earth Month(s) and Year of Fellowship: April-May 2012 Fellowship 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 Nasrashvili

Chief of Operations for non-medical services, EVEX Medical Corporation Tbilisi, Georgia Email: nnasrashvili@gmail.com U.S. Host Organization: American Councils for International Education U.S. Placement Organization: Office of Congressman Thomas Petri, U.S. House of Representatives Month(s) and Year of Fellowship: March-May 2010 Fellowship 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Alumni Impact Awardees Wendy Mota Kasongo

Diversity and Accessibility Program Coordinator, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Email: wmota@hotmail.com U.S. Host Organization: Institute for Training and Development Foreign Placement: Brazil Date of Fellowship: January 2013 Fellowship 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 victims 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 Long

Community Development Advisor, Kentucky League of Cities Email: tlong@klc.org U.S. Host Organization: University of Kentucky Foreign Placement: Mongolia Date of Fellowship: September 2012 Fellowship 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, improve infrastructure, 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.”

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Civil Rights Panelists Tanya 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

U.S. Department of State Evan Ryan Assistant 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. Kelly Keiderling Principal 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. Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Mara Tekach Deputy 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.

Bruce Armstrong Director, 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 Madison.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Citizen Exchanges, Professional Fellows Division Patricia “Kit” Norland Patricia “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 Allison Linnéa 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 Brandenburg Karin 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 Gustafson David 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 Herrera Carol 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Sue Levenstein Sue 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 Litvinsky Inga 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 Meier Adam 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 Rudkin Alana 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. Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

U.S. Department of State Thomas 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Panelist Biographies 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 Panama Canal, 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 State Department’s Superior Honor Award and Meritorious Honor Award. Mr. Gilmour holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. 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. Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

U.S. Department of State Adele 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. 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. 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. Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Where in the World are the Professional Fellows?

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

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

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Philippines 2 Russia 6 Saudi Arabia 1 South Africa 4 Sri Lanka 5 Thailand 2 Timor-Leste 7 Tunisia 6 Turkey 2 Uganda 4 Ukraine 11 United Arab Emirates 1 Vietnam 2 Zambia 6 Zimbabwe 6 36

Where have they been in the United States?

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

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

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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

Fall 2014 Professional Fellows Algeria

Azerbaijan

Djamila Mouffok Reporter, ENTV Algerian TV Email: djamila_mouffok@yahoo.fr Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: WUSA 9 TV Motivation: 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.

Fagan Huseynov Advisor in the Youth Sector, Youth and Sport Organization of Bilasuvar District Email: feqanhuseynov@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Girls in the Game Motivation: To gain experience with youth programs and policy.

Armenia Varduhi Dadunts Project Manager, Harmony NGO Email: vdadunts@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship 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. Diana Ghukeyan Chief Specialist, Ministry of Justice, Department for Relations with the European Court of Human Rights Email: dianaghukeyan@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Office of Hawaii Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland Motivation: 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 Harutyunyan Expert on Defense & National Security, Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, the National Assembly of RA Email: angelina.yer@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Office of United States Senator Dan Coats Motivation: 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Bangladesh Biplog G. Rahul Managing Director and CEO, eCourier Ltd. Email: biplobgrahul@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: McMahon Marketing Motivation: To gain US working experience so that I can deploy it in my work place. Golam Mohiuddin CTO and Partner, Latitude-23 Email: mohiudin@latitude-23.net Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates Motivation: To exchange ideas and interact with fellow entrepreneurs in the US. Nafis Ahmed CEO, LiveSquare Ltd. Email: nafis.25.ahmed@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: Norman Arts Council Motivation: 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 Rahman CEO, Sphuron Technology- Sphuron Labs Email: mizan.sphuron@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: ithemes Motivation: 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 Shahriar Managing Director, Aajob Records Email: joyshahriar@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: ACM@UCO Motivation: To learn as much as possible about my field of work so that I can implement a future for the betterment of my business.

Bolivia Violeta Ross National Chair, Bolivian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (REDBOL) Email: graciavioleta@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: AIDS United Motivation: To gain new insight and skills for her advocacy strategy. Javier Thellaeche Ortiz Food Policy Program Officer, Fundacion Alternativas Email: jahbic@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: City of Portland, Oregon Motivation: To learn the working mechanisms of local governments’ food policies. Mariana Rodríguez Law Projects Manager, Secretary of Institutional Coordination, State of Santa Cruz Email: marianarodriguezsaucedo@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship 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 Vacaflor Communications and Advocacy Coordinator, Action Against Hunger Email: pvr_master@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Feed Communities Motivation: 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).

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Burma Tial Hnin Programme Officer, Norwegian People’s Aid Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Texas Tribune Motivation: To learn about US federal system, lobbying, the electoral process, and the differences between culture and public opinion. Oo Kyaw Maung Founding Member, Arakkha Foundation Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Annie’s List Motivation: 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 Yee Program Officer, Actionaid Myanmar Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Texas State Senate Motivation: To gain an understanding of the political system of the US, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Su Su Hlaing Managing Director, Winning Security Group Co. Email: susuhlaing.malay@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of Montana Fellowship 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 Khin Deputy Director, WTO & International Organizations Division, Directorate of Trade, Ministry of Commerce Email: thandakhinkhin@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Governor’s Office, State of Montana Motivation: 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 Khine Deputy Township Planning Office, Myebon Township Planning Office Email: hthunkhaine@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of Montana Fellowship Placement: City of Bozeman, MT Motivation: To discuss economic reform for Burma/Myanmar and learn more about economics.

Cambodia Kim Sokny Executive Director, Emerald Solutions Cambodia Email: kimsokny@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Cascadia Business Development Motivation: 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. Chhair Sokty Policy Advisor, Preah Vihear Province Email: chhairsokty@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of Montana Fellowship 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 Sundara Director, Department of International Cooperation & ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Environment Email: semsundara@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/ University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Department of Environmental 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Colombia Nicolás Llano Director of ICT Promotion, Ministry of Information & Communication Technology Email: nllanon@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship 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.

Egypt Amira Hassan Long Term Expert & Career Advisor, Employment Promotion Program Email: amirahassaneg@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship 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. Reham Elgebaly Gender Mainstreaming Trainer & Education Consultant, South Egypt Development Association in Qena Email: elgebaly_reham@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: American Association of University Women Motivation: 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. Sherine Eltabbakh Project Officer, Women Business Development Centre Email: sherine_eltabbakh@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: Welcoming Center for New

Pennsylvanians Motivation: 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 Roshdy Team Coordinator Economic Development, CEOSS Email: amirroshdy2006@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship 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 Meligy Acting Director, ETP Woodworking and Furniture Email: shaima.karrany@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: Pennsylvania Women Work Motivation: 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. Dalia Soliman Owner & General Manager, CHANCE Training Center Email: chance_langc@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: Philadelphia Works Motivation: 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. Amal Youssef Tony Director & Trainer, Intilaqa Training Center Email: amelyousef@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship 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 Habib Operations Manager, Beit Al Karma Consulting Email: nermine.habib@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship 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. Yousara Hamrouch Project Manager, CARE International Email: yousra.hamrouch@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: Welcoming Center for New

Pennsylvanians Motivation: 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Lamia Nabil Business Editor, Dot Misr Email: lamia.nabil323@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Miami Herald Motivation: 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 Saeed Business Reporter, Al Arab News Channel Email: mohammedsa3id@gmail.com Fellowship Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: MarketWatch Motivation: 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. Sally Mashaly Mentor, BBC Media Action Email: salymashaly@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Texas Tribune Motivation: To learn how to manage my own journalism project and how to bring money to attain sustainability. Yasser Alfakharany Foreign Relations Manager, Electronic Media Syndicate Email: prof.fakharany@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Freedom House Motivation: 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-Behary Journalist, Al Masry Al Youm English Email: hend_elbehary@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Slate.com Motivation: 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 Azzam Media and Communication Consultant, Chamber of Engineering Industries Email: engy.azzam@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Edelman Digital Public

Affairs Motivation: To learn about media planning, media policies, and implications of traditional media and social media in fostering donations and funding. Emad Medhat Senior Journalist, Arab News Agency Email: emadmedhat3@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: KDLH-TV/KBJR-TV Motivation: 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.

Amira Mamdouh Abdelgalil Abdelaal Business Development Consultant, Arab Union of Small Business & Trade Email: amira2day@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Sensei Change Associates Motivation: To gain the knowledge and experience that can help me set up my company “The Incubator” that works to empower vulnerable groups in Egypt. Maysa El Shekh Principal/Consultant/Trainer, Maysa ElShekh HR Training & Consulting Email: maya.elshekh@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Inforum Motivation: 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.

Mohamed Emad Senior Video Journalist, El Watan News Email: 3omada.7@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Oregon Public Broadcasting/ KCTS TV Motivation: To learn the new technologies of digital media tools, film making, video journalism, journalism and video editing to serve civil society issues.

Yara Moustafa Program Supervisor, INJAZ Egypt Email: yaraa@aucegpyt.edu Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Maker Works Motivation: 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.

Yasmin Abdel Aziz Marketing Manager, Arabian Company for Construction Email: yasminabdelaziz989@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Wayne State Marketing Department Motivation: 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.

Habiba Helmy Country Lead- Egypt, MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab Region Email: habibahelmy@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Sensei Change Motivation: 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.

Salma Magdy Marketing PR Team Leader, Microsoft Aspire Women’s Initiative Email: salmazahran92@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Detroit Creative Corridor Center Motivation: 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Sherin Louza Family Doctor, Evangelical Mission Hospital Email: sherinlouza@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University Motivation: To learn what aspects of entrepreneurship I can apply in medicine for women in the resource-poor MENA region.

Sherine Abdel-Salam Start Up Program Manager- Entrepreneurship Pipeline, INJAZ Egypt Email: sabdelsalam@injaz-egypt.org Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Detroit Creative Corridor Center Motivation: To educate and help me develop and implement an effective program that promotes female entrepreneurship in Egypt.

Maha Khalil Ahmed Lecturer, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University Email: mahakahil@feps.edu.eg Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Eastern Market Cooperative Motivation: To enhance my knowledge in a targeted way about the role and importance of civil society and community involvement in empowering through entrepreneurship.

Eman Hany Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University Email: dvm.emanhany@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: University of Michigan Fellowship Placement: Shelly Flagel Lab, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Motivation: 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.

EL Salvador Diana Figueroa Marketing Manager, Peludos Email: dfigueroa@veterinariapeludos.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Bubba Rose Motivation: 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 Giannine Regional Manager, Grupo Joseph Email: mgianniane@grupojoseph.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Tom Cat Bakery Motivation: 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

grow my company.

Juan Pablo Lemus General Manager, Pan San Antonio Email: jplemus_1@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus Economic Empowerment: Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Tom Cat Bakery Motivation: To learn production, marketing and management systems to improve, develop, and

Veronica Mejia Handal Sales Manager, El Lechon S.A. de C.V. Email: vmhandal@la-cochinita.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: D’ Artagnan Motivation: To learn and apply knowledge to handle franchising, packaging, marketing, and preserving pork.

bakery business.

Celia de Pereira General Manager and Owner, Inversiones Anthony’s Email: celiab_pp@yahoo.es Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Julia’s Bakery Motivation: To manage and plan the future of my

Andrea Q. Kuny Import/Export, Patronic S.A. de C.V. Email: operaciones@saboramigo.com.sv Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Vann’s Spices Motivation: To learn the US best practices in sales, marketing, and HR practices.

Axel Rivera General Manager, Foam Industrial S.A. de C.V. Email: axel@plastinsa.com.sv Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Irwin Research Motivation: To learn how large companies run their business to become successful. Orlando Rodriguez CEO, Creativa Counsultores Email: orlando.rodriguez@creativaconsultores.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Venture Communications Motivation: To learn how to increase our potential to export our services and products to the USA and to become a bigger company.

Guatemala

suppliers

Jenny Ruiz Principal Manager, Ruimaga S.A. de C.V. Email: jennyroxana97@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Julia’s Bakery Motivation: To learn system controls, product innovation, marketing techniques, and get new

Regina Cáceres HR/Administrative Manager, Contactos Inteligentes, S.A. Email: reginacaceres@cointel.com.gt Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: American Express Motivation: To learn best practices in financial sales strategies collections, guerrilla marketing, financial strategies and telemarketing

Georgia Nino Danelia Senior Social Worker, Social Service Agency, Ministry of Labor Health & Social Affairs or Georgia Email: niniko_danelia@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center Motivation: To learn about American child welfare system, especially in the field of state policy and services against child abuse. Maka Gioshvili Project Coordinator, NGO “Article 42 of the Constitution” Email: makagioshvili@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Maryland Commission for Women Motivation: To learn about strategic litigation focused on Human Rights, Gender Equality, and Women’s Economic Empowerment.

Tornike Tsagareishvili Project Coordinator, Public Defender’s Office Email: tornike.tsagareishvili@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Motivation: To learn the US approach to internal displacement and best practices of emergency assistance in the case of natural disasters. Tamta Tsotskhalashvili Head of Civil Service Reform and Development Department, Civil Service Bureau Email: tamta.tsotskhalashvili@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Office of County Attorney

Doris España General Manager, Alimentos Bohemia, S.A. Email: dorisespana@alimentosbohemia.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: McClure Pickles Motivation: To learn how manufacturing companies operated in the US in order to adapt best practices and improve our company.

Silvia Galotta Deputy Director, Equipamiento Industrial, S.A. Email: silvia.galotta@mueblesdori.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: The Brewer Company, LLC Motivation: To learn how to better market our products to increase sales and improve our installation capacity.

Carlos Rodas Operations Manager, Open Marketing Corp. Email: crodas@maiviu.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Geometry Global Motivation: To learn about marketing and creative agencies in the US in order to improve our services

Karina Koper Owner, Myogurt Email: akoper@cafegitane.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Fresh & Co., Chop’t Creative Salad Company Motivation: To learn how to take our healthy eating restaurant to the next level; to make it more organized and more profitable.

Debra Bechtel Motivation: 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Gaby Maldonado CEO and Founder, Jugando Aprendo Email: gerencia@editorialjugandoaprendo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Business Council for Peace Fellowship Placement: Heinemann Publishing Motivation: To learn best practices of business development in the field of education publication.

India Chandan Kumar General Secretatr, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee- Patna, National Spokesperson, All Indian Congress Committee Email: chandanju@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Ohio House of Representatives Motivation: 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 Babbar Founder & Director, Kat-Katha Email: babbar.gitanjali@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Awaken Motivation: 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 Dubbudu Convener, United Forum for RTI Campaign Email: rakesh.dubbudu@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Smart Chicago Collaborative Motivation: To create a strong monitoring system to evaluate the Right to Information Act continuously and make amends accordingly. Revendra Head of Strategy & Operations Functions, Takhashila Institution Email: revendra@takshashila.org.in Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: DePaul University, School of

Sachin Upadhayay Managing Director, SN Group of Companies Email: sachin@sngroup.co Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Ohio House of Representatives Motivation: To learn about how local and federal legislative processes in the US affect youth development.

Indonesia Andrea Adhi Technical Assistant in Monitoring & Evaluation Working Group, The National Team of Acceleration for Poverty Reduction (TNP2K) under the Office of the Vice President Email: andrea.adhi@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: Coconino County, Arizona Motivation: To learn how democracy works in the US and to create a democracy initiative in Indonesia through youth engagement.

Elly Ratni Head of Research & Development Sub Division, Secretariat Coordinator of Climate Change, Development Planning Agency of Blitar Local Government Email: ellyratni@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Tulsa, Oklahoma Motivation: 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 Yanti Head of Economic Division, Bappeda Kota Jambi (Local Planning Office, Jambi) Email: marianiyantilinehan@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship 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.

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

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Safrinal Sofaniadi Urban & Environment Planner, Regional Development & Planning Board, Semarang Municipality Email: safrinal_sofaniadi@yahoo.co.id Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Emporia, Virginia; Carter Planning District Motivation: To learn about capacity building, transparency, good governance, and to be a good planner for the sustainable city. Ade Barokah Program Manager for Poverty Eradication & Economic Governance, Partnership for Governance Reforms (Kemitraan) Email: adenastiti@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/Council Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Dubuque, Iowa Motivation: 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. Siti Rohmatul Umah Head of Sub Division of Programming & Reporting, Center for Handicraft & Batik, Ministry of Industry Email: umasady@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/Council Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Tulsa, Oklahoma Motivation: 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 Rosdiana Head of Public Relation & Marketing Department, Taman Pintar Science Center, Yogyakarta Municipal Government Email: afi@tamanpintar.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/Council Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Tallahassee, Florida Motivation: 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.

Ireland Claire Cumiskey Senior Legal Officer, Irish Immigration Support Centre Email: claire@nascireland.org Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Irish International Immigration Center Motivation: To learn about best practices to bring about systemic change.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Gareth Henry Senior Prosecution Solicitor, Judicial Review Section, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Dublin Email: gareth.henry34@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Supreme Judicial Court for the

Commonwealth Motivation: 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. Ian Power Executive Director, SpunOut.ie Email: ian@spunout.ie Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Roca Motivation: To learn about the engagement strategies and funding models used to establish community projects to work with young offenders to reduce recidivism. Kieran Doyle Assistant Director, Edward M. Kennedy Insitutie for Mediation and Conflict Resolution Email: kieran.doyle@nuim.ie Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Office of New Bostonians- City of Boston Motivation: 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 Flynn Juvenile Liaison Officer, An Garda Siochana Email: flynn60.mf@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship 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 Brady Reseach & Projects Manager, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rights Allowance Email: saorise.brady@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Citizens for Juvenile Justice Motivation: 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.

Virginija Petrauskaite Legal Officer, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland Email: virginija.petrauskaite@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Irish International Immigration Center Motivation: To learn about the justice system and the best practice models to achieve legislative and policy change.

Jordan Saa`ed Khawaldeh Assistant Director, Annaja7 Radio Email: saed.bassam.kamel@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International City/Council Management Association Fellowship Placement: MIT Center for Civic Media Motivation: 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.

Kazakhstan Abdilda Deputy Director, Technology Commercialization Center LLC Email: shamenov@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Illinois Institute of Technology Commercialization Office Motivation: 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 Jussupova Expert, Department of Macroeconomics, National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan Email: arailymj@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Global Commerce in Economic Development - Metro Atlanta Chamber Motivation: To learn how to define “state support” to determine if subsidies should be considered as state support of entrepreneurs or as state politics. Lina Vorkova Project & PR Manager, MediaNet, Vlast.kz Email: vassilina.vorkova@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Center for Civil and Human Rights Motivation: 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Kenya Mathai Ndungu Socio Economist/Administrative Officer, Kenya Agriculture Research Institute Email: mathaimnm@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship 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. Raymond Ngeno Founder & CEO, Chepkoilel Fabricators Enterprises Email: raynell2158@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: P&K Equipment, Meridian Technology Center Motivation: To improve technical skills in machinery, welding, and equipment repairs while upgrading to modern fabricating technologies. Frank Ojwang Research Associate, International Potato Centre Email: frankrhymes@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship 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 to improve their livelihood and incomes.

Kuwait Khalil AlHammar Founder & CEO, Edges Media Co. Email: khalil.hamar@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International City/Council Management Association Fellowship Placement: Global Voice Hall Motivation: To learn more about the United States and worldwide community involvement in digital media and to exchange knowledge.

Kyrgyzstan Aida Ulakova Chief Specialist/Lawyer, Secretariat of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Email: aulakova@bk.ru Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency Motivation: To learn about the resettlement of citizens from potentially dangerous areas to safer areas in the US and other foreign countries.

Mansur Abylaev Staff Member, Committee on Economic & Fiscal Policy, Parliament of Kyrgyz Republic Email: abylaev@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Ohio House of Representatives Motivation: 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. Mirlan Zhukeshov Deputy, Cholpon-Ata City Council Email: zhukeshov@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Creek County Commission

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

Nazgul Kurmanalieva Program Manager, Media Support Center Public Foundation Email: kurmanalievan@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Ohio Senate Motivation: To learn about Internet governance, legislation on the Internet and media, and legislative and regulatory compliance practices in the US.

Laos

Somsack Souvannalath Communication & Knowledge Management, Social Protection & Sustainable Livelihood Program Email: somsacksouvannalath@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Small Business Development Center Motivation: To build personal capacity, network, and share knowledge and experiences with colleagues and the community. Phoutsavad Vongphachan Technical Officer, Department of Inspection, Ministry of Education & Sports Email: phoutsavad.vpc@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Missoula County Public Schools Motivation: To increase development, share knowledge about education, monitoring and evaluation and international understanding about culture.

Malaysia Lena Hendry Program Coordinator, Pusat KOMAS Email: lenarasathi@komas.org Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Freedom House Motivation: To learn about US governance, best practices in advocacy campaigns and the media, and bring this knowledge back to Malaysia.

Somvilay Chanthalounnavong Lecturer, Faculty of Forestry Science, National University of Laos Email: somvilaaych@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Salish and Kootenani College Motivation: To learn about the impacts of climate change on water resources and on society in the US and to learn about water governance.

Leong Yu Man State Assemblyman, Pahang State Legislative Assembly Email: Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Youth Service America Motivation: To learn about the different processes and roles in the US government, as well as the planning and execution of political campaigns.

Phutthasone Phomvisay Head of Business Development and SMEs Division, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Email: phut.phomvisay@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Motivation: 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.

Ehsan Shahwahid Campaign Coordinator, Projek Dialog Email: ehsanshahwahid@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Grieboski Global Strategies Motivation: To learn about the political culture of America and bring back solutions to many unresolved tensions in Malaysia.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Mexico Daniela Rochin Head of Social Auditing Department, Office of the Comptroller, State of Queretaro Email: dannie_rochin@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host 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. Eva Rosas Community Coordinator, Family System Development, Municipal Government of Tepeaca Email: miros_miroslavora@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Peace at Home Shelter Motivation: To learn and improve my knowledge about the prevention of domestic violence and share my experiences as a professional. Fernando Elizondo GarcĂa Director of the Center for Human Rights, Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey Email: fernando.elizondo.garcia@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Immigration Equality Motivation: To learn about best practices and methods of working with immigrant populations, particularly LGBT individuals. James Chavez Alor Senior Legislative Counsel, Mexican Senate Email: jaime@chavezalor.com.mx Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Center for Court Innovation Motivation: 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.

Moldova Andrei Briceac Chairman, Institute for Civil Justice Email: briceacandrei@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Justice at Stake Motivation: To learn about best practices in advocating access to justice for all.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Irina Greiter Projects Coordinator, Law Center of Advocates Email: greiteri@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: HIAS Motivation: To learn best practices concerning how human rights for people seeking international protection in the US and how stakeholders cooperate in daily matters.

Morocco Rashid El Habi Managing Partner, Neoxia Morocco Email: rachid.elhabi@neoxia.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Edelman Digital Public Affairs Motivation: To learn and network about innovating digital solutions for a changing world.

Nepal Mahesh Mahato Managing Director, Cosmic Electrical Engineering Associates, Pvt., Ltd. Email: manesh.mahato@np.ceeapl.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: University of Oklahoma Architecture and Engineering Motivation: To learn best practices in the industry to apply back in my company. Manish Jha General Manager, FACTS Research and Analytics Pvt., Ltd. Email: manish@factsnepal.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: Shapard Research Motivation: To learn how global markets work in the research industry. Juna Mathema Managing Director, Blitz Media P. Ltd. Email: junamathema@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: Shapard Research Motivation: To develop analytic thinking and team motivation and capacity building.

Rajeev Joshi CEO, Kathalaya Publication Email: rajeev@kathalaya.com.np Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication Motivation: To understand the process of promoting a culture of reading and identify tools for it. Ishita Lohia Director-General Manager, Corporate Affairs & Human Resources, Aarti Soaps & Chemicals Pvt., Ltd. Email: lohia.ish@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: A Date with Iris Motivation: To learn and share knowledge on different aspects of doing business, mainly in a FMCG company.

Bishal Dhakal CEO & Founder, Health at Home, Pvt., Ltd. Email: drbishaldhakal@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: The University of Oklahoma Fellowship Placement: Mercy Hospital Motivation: To experience, explore, and educate on American healthcare systems and processes.

Northern Ireland Lee Russell Temporary Inspector, Police Service of Northern Ireland Email: lee.russell@psi.pnn.police.uk Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship 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 Taylor Deputy Governor, Northern Ireland Prison Service Email: richard.taylor@dojni.x.gsi.gov.uk Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Massachusetts Suffolk County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Gerard McLoughlin Public Prosecutor, Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland Email: gerard_mcloughlin@hotmail.com Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Suffolk County Juvenile Court Motivation: 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 Mallon Legal & Investigations Officer, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children & Young People Email: sineadmallon@hotmail.co.uk Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship 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. Conor Houston Solicitor, John J. Rice & Co. Solicitors Email: conorhoustom0@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host Organization: Boston College Irish Institute Fellowship Placement: Cambridge Human Rights Commission Motivation: 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. Sarah McGuckin Barrister, Inn of Court of Northern Ireland Mediator, Mediation Northern Ireland Email: sarah.mcguckin@barlibrary.com Fellowship Focus: Rule of Law/Administration of Justice Host 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.

Nicaragua Carolina Caldera Senior Program Officer, National Democratic Institute Email: karol.caldera@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Amherst H Wilder Foundation Motivation: To learn and share methodologies and best practices of programs focused on youth leadership and advocacy.

Michelle Chávez Community Development Director, TECHO Nicaragua Email: michelle.chavez.36@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research Motivation: To gain work experience and develop my skills, showing initiative and teamwork.

Zainab Nazir Program Manager, GADE Foundation Email: informzainab@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: University of Nevada Reno Motivation: To adopt new technology in desert areas of Pakistan, where there is no electricity and people are living below the poverty line.

Octavio Alarcón Guardado Court Clerk, Second District Civil Court of Managua, Supreme Court of Justice Email: octavio.alarcongu@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: El Paso County Combined Courts Motivation: To learn about the US judicial system, specifically the decision making process within the courts.

Paraguay

Pakistan Batool Monitoring & Evaluation Learning Officer, Society for Education & Environmental Protection Email: batool2008@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship 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. M. Irfan Founder & President, Rights Defenders Welfare Association Email: ku_irfan@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Children’s Cabinet Motivation: To learn more about child protection issues in the US to work for the betterment of behavioral issues of children.

Waqar Abbas Project Manager of Operations, Meezan Educational Trust Email: waqariba@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Wood Stock Institute Motivation: To work on better public policy reforms and changes in policy for sustainable economic growth; to reduce poverty through proper research and statistics.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Marian Mujica Chief of Public Policy, Human Rights Office, Supreme Court of Justice Email: marianmujica80@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Hennepin County Office of the

Public Defender Motivation: To learn about the American criminal justice system, especially about the Minnesota juvenile system. Rodrigo Gómez Law Clerk, Human Rights Office, Supreme Court of Justice Email: rodrigogomexo@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: Ramsey County Office of the Public Defender Motivation: To learn about the American juvenile justice system.

Silvana Arce Director of International Relations and Cooperation, Ministry of Youth Email: silvanaarce90@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship 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 Ginés Jurisdictional Expert, Office of Dr. Ramón Rolando Ojeda, 2nd Chamber, Supreme Court of Justice Email: sbgines@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: Partners of the Americas Fellowship Placement: El Paso Combined Courts Motivation: To improve my personal and professional skills by learning how other cultures think and work.

Philippines Jenny Macaraan Provincial Account Officer, Health Leadership & Governance Program, Zuellig Family Foundation Email: jenny.macaraan@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young

Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Denver Health Motivation: 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 Oyas Municipal Councilor, Municipality of Catmon, Cebu Email: earloyas@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship Placement: Denver City Council Motivation: To learn about how the government manages issues concerning the homeless, and increase knowledge about legislation, community organizations, and leadership. Shernan Gamol Municipal Councilor, Municipality of Mansalay Email: sfgamol@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellowship 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.

Russia Temir Alimov Head of IT Accelerator, IT Park, Technopark Email: temiral@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: University City Science Center Motivation: To learn how to build new high-tech startups from scratch based on the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential and launching a joint program with a US business incubator. Damir Kazykhanov General Director, Global Startup Email: damir.kazykhanov@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Tatiana Khozhaeva Head of Complex Programs & Projects Department, Innovation Development Centre of Moscow Email: khozhaeva@yandex.ru Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Root Causeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Innovation Forum Motivation: To gain experience in the field of innovation and development. Veronika Orlovskaya Head of Moscow Innovation Mentoring Program, Moscow Innovation Development Centre Email: 4veronika@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Chicago Innovation

Mentors Motivation: To gain knowledge and experience with Incubator Mentorship Programs.

Zhanna Smirnova Deputy Director of Center for Technology Transfer & Commercialization, National Research University of Electronic Technology Email: zhsmirnova@bk.ru Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago Motivation: 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. Anton Turchenko Head of the Department for Innovation Business Development, Technology Commercialization Center, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novogorod Email: anton@turchenko.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: College of Engineering, University of Missouri Motivation: To learn about the best practices of the US ecosystem for start-ups.

Saudi Arabia Afrah Jafar Writer, Freelance Email: afrahj@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: Al Mas TV & Radio Motivation: 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.

South Africa Petso Mokhatla Lecturer & Consultant, University of Free State Email: mokhatlap@ufs.ac.za Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: Farm Credit of Oklahoma, Oklahoma CareerTech, OSU Department of Agricultural Economics, Tonkawa Farmers Cooperative Association Motivation: To acquire strategies to expand business capacities and increase knowledge in agribusiness development. Abe Oliver Ignition Centre Manager, TSiBA Education NPC Email: abe@tsiba.org.za Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: OSU Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, Meridian Technology Center Motivation: To gain experience using global practices and methodology for mentoring students and incorporating new teaching tools. Nono Sekhoto Managing Director, Mokolobane Farmers Enterprises Email: nono@makolobane.co.za Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, OSU Diary Cattle Center Motivation: To experience and learn current trends with agricultural youth programs that could be implemented in South Africa. Petunia Thulo Online Content Editor, North-West University Email: pthulo17@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: The Maisha Project Motivation: To link womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment to agricultural development to create jobs and food security for women.

Sri Lanka Aingkaran Kugathasan Senior Program Officer, Law & Society Trust Email: kaingkaran@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Leaning Fellowship Placement: Ohio House of

Representatives Motivation: 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Harshini Ranasinghe Project Coordinator, International Center for Ethnic Studies Email: harshini_ranasinghe@hotmail.com; harshini. ices@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence Motivation: To build networks between the civil society and the corporate sector to get more engagement with the corporate sector. Luwie Ganeshathasan Researcher, Legal & Consultation Unit, Center for Policy Alternatives Email: luweig@gmail.com; luwie@cpalanka.org Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Ohio Senate Motivation: To learn more about legislative processes and the dissemination of information raising awareness. Sarmi Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Email: sarmilit@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Ann Patterson Dooley Family Safety Center Motivation: To learn more about child issues in foreign countries and how policies and practices are available to respond to child issues.

Sulakshana De Mel Program Officer, Arthacharya Foundation Email: sulakshanademel@yahoo.co.uk Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: World Learning Fellowship Placement: Ohio Senate Motivation: To learn more about establishing food security among marginalized families in raid fed areas of the dry zone.

Thailand Umaporn Muneenam Lecturer & Researcher, Prince of Songkla University Email: umaporn.m@psu.ac.th Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, University of Montana Motivation: To bring knowledge and experience to the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to improve economic development in low-income communities.

Orn-anong Saenyakul Marketing Director, Abeno Coffee Email: chomedoichang@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Lake County Community Development Corporation Motivation: To learn more about community enterprises; to form a network of community enterprises and exchange experiences.

Timor-Leste

Herminio Moniz Ribeiro National Director, Ministry of State Administration Email: herminiomoniz@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Middleton, Wisconsin Motivation: To enhance my knowledge and understanding on legislative process and local governance and share it with people that share the same vision.

Margarida Francisca Jose Maria Dos Santos Education & Promotion Officer, Ombudsman for Human Rights & Justice in Timor-Leste Email: margaridasantos611@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Tallahassee, Florida Motivation: To increase my skills and knowledge of legislative process and governance practice and to continue promoting good governance practice in my country.

BenĂcia Eriana Xavier Dos Reis Magno Governance Manager, Counterpart International Email: lalukehi@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: Coconino County, Arizona Motivation: To enhance my knowledge on legislative process and local governance from other countries and to network with people with the same interests.

Matthew De Almeida Senior Program Coordinator, Austraining International Email: matthew@servingourworld.org Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Emporia, Virgina and Carter Planning District Motivation: To gain better understanding of legislative processes and governance in other countries.

Marco Da Cruz Fernandes Advisor for the Department of Research and Planning, Ministry of Industry and Commerce Email: marcolapaz@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Lenoir, North Carolina Motivation: To enhance my intellectual capacity and gain more knowledge and different experiences.

Josh Trindade Advisor, Presidency of the Republic, Timor-Leste Email: trindade.josh@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Lenoir, North Carolina Motivation: To gain more understanding on mechanisms to prevent corruption in the US and other countries.

Tunisia

Angelo Moniz Jong Country Program Manager, CUFA Email: babasefehan@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: International City/County Management Association Fellowship Placement: City of Middleton, Wisconsin Motivation: To enhance my knowledge on community development practice.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Kawther Hattab Entrepreneurship & Soft Skills Trainer, Freelance/CAWTAR Email: kawther.hattab@yahoo.fr Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship 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 Hassyaoui Translator, Tunis Camber of Commerce & Industry Email: yosrahsiaoui@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: National Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Council Motivation: To improve my knowledge about community involvement and to learn about the working environment of the US and other countries.

Amani Labidi Project Assistant, Tunisian Association for Leadership, Self Development & Solidarity Email: labidi_amani@yahoo.fr Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: Ten Thousand Villages Motivation: To learn about American experience in the field of economic empowerment of women and share experience in my field.

Muharrem Erdem Parliamentary Advisor, Turkish Parliament Email: erdemuharrem@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Cook County Department of Human Rights and Ethics Motivation: To work with policies related to the freedoms, rights, and advancement of minorities and different religious and belief groups.

Fatma M’Selmi Innovation & Technology Transfer Expert, German Development Cooperation Email: fatma.mselmi@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: STEM Connector Motivation: 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.

United Arab Emirates

Imen Rebai Entrepreneur/Managing Director, MISHA Email: imen.rebai@gmx.de Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship 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. Olfa Arafoui Technical Expert in the Regional Program for the Economic Integration of Women in the MENA region, German Development Cooperation Email: olfa.arfaoui@giz.de Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Hands Along the Nile Development Services Fellowship Placement: Creative Learning Motivation: To learn about other women’s empowerment programs, success stories of women leaders in the US and other countries.

Turkey Sezin Dereci Project Coordinator, Third Sector Foundation of Turkey Email: sezzin@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Jascula Terman Strategic

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

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Marwa Sabry Editor/Journalist/News Translator Email: marwa.hassan88@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: International Center for Journalists Fellowship Placement: WIBW TV Motivation: To improve international relationships and get linked with like-minded people.

Uganda Daniel Aliddeki Agricultural Engineer, St. Jude Family Projects Email: ssajjadaniel@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: OSU Food and Agricultural Products Center, OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Lorenz’s OK Seeds LLC, Anichini-Moore Ranch and Farm Motivation: To gain a better understanding of US small and large scale renewable energy sources and techniques to apply in Uganda. Beatrice Alyanata Director, B-Trends Ltd. Email: alyanata@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Payne County Cooperative Extension Motivation: 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 Kisembo Agricultural Team Leader, Self Sustainability Dept., Watoto Childcare Ministries Email: rmoses01@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship 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.

Caroline Nabukonde Gender Equity Manager, National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses & Farm Enterprises Email: ncarol600@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Oklahoma State University Fellowship Placement: Aspen Coffee Motivation: To acquire skills to mobilize small-holder coffee business in Uganda.

Ukraine Oleksii Bondarev Chief Specialist, Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Email: ab.bondarev@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host 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. Sergiy Gerasimchuk Head of Legal Department, Dnepropetrovsk City Council (Local Administration) Email: gerasimchukss@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Office of Sacramento City Council Member Jay Schenirer Motivation: 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. Petro Korol Lawyer, NGO Media Law Institute Email: petro@medialaw.kiev.ua Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Office of Hawaii Representative Lauren Matsumoto Motivation: To obtain skills for improving voters’ rights in Ukraine and developing tobacco legislation. Khrystyna Kholod Head of Investment Project Support Sector, Economic Policy Department/ Lviv City Council Email: khrystyna.kovtalo@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Milwaukee County Executive’s Office Motivation: To learn about economic development initiatives, IT BPO innovations and also industrial parks development.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Iuliia Krasnogolov Gender Consultant & Assistant to Member of Parliament Olena Kondratiuk, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Email: krasnogolov@ukr.net Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Running Start Motivation: To learn about gender equality, women’s political empowerment, and leadership. Rostyslav Litvinov Head of the Legal Department, Kharkiv District Council Email: rost_108@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Office of Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria, Virginia Motivation: To learn about the functions and best practices of US city councils, legal departments, and public administration in general. Alona Pryguza Senior Specialist, Ministry of Justice Email: pryguza_ap@ukr.net Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Law Library of Congress Motivation: To learn best practices in the American judicial system. Oleh Pylypchynets Legislative Assistant to a Member of Parliament, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Email: pylypchynets@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Office of Hawaii Representative Gene Ward Motivation: 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 Strielkov Chief Legal Advisor, Financial Monitoring Service of the National Bank of Ukraine Email: strielkovsergii@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International

Education Fellowship Placement: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Motivation: 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 Vainagii Chief Consultant, The High Specialized Court of Ukraine on Civil and Criminal Cases Email: mykhaylow@ukr.net Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Bronx Hall of Justice Motivation: To learn about the judicial system in the US.

Monica Mulenga Founder and Managing Director, Raspberry Kisses Email: monicachans@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship Placement: Three Tomatoes Catering Motivation: 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.

Inna Zdor Head of European Integration Division, Department of Foreign Economic Activity and European Integration of Regional State Administration Email: innazdor@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Legislative Process and Governance Host Organization: American Councils for International Education Fellowship Placement: Puget Sound Regional Council Motivation: 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.

Sulani Nyimbili Managing Director/Agribusiness Manager, Raika Solutions Email: sulannis@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship 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.

Vietnam Le Quoc Viet Director, Santa Co. Ltd. Email: leviet365@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: Montana Association of Conservation Districts Motivation: To discover better ways of management and doing business in tourism; improve the quality of Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism products; learn how to benefit the poor and disadvantaged, particularly for people with disabilities. Tran Thanh Thao Director, Bacassurance Division, Baoviet Insurance Corporation Email: thanhthao2510vn@yahoo.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Mansfield Center/University of Montana Fellowship Placement: ALPS Corporation Motivation: To understand US society and organizations; gain first-hand experience with insurance-related issues and how to integrate under-served populations.

Zambia

Elemson Muyanga Consultant, Agribusiness Finance, Smallholder Agribusiness Promotion Program Email: elemson@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship Placement: Lilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Motivation: 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. Chola Chisengalumbwe Copywriter, DDB Iris Email: quarterchuck@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship Placement: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Digital Scholarship Department Motivation: To learn critical technology skills, such as coding, with the aim to launch his own digital multimedia enterprise. Misozi Mkandawire CEO, Fappis Solutions Email: misozie@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship 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.

Betty Chilonde Creative Director, Buloz Pieces Email: bettybulongo@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship Placement: Denver Design Incubator, Justice Talent Agency Motivation: To learn best practices in manufacturing, marketing, and pricing methods with the hope of making her business more cost effective and sustainable.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Zimbabwe Meakin Marange Operations Director, Turmol Tiles, Makomwe Transport & Hardware (Pvt.) Ltd. Email: meakin.marange@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship Placement: Nokero Motivation: 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 Banga Co-Founder, Managing & Creative Director, Glen Agric Africa (Pvt) Ltd. t/a GAA Marketing Design & Advertising Solutions Email: tsungi1@live.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship 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.

Samuelle Dimairho Co-Founder & Managing Director, Aura Group (Pvt) Ltd. Email: sdimairho@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship Placement: QCFinTech Motivation: To learn from the ITC and financial industries in the US, explore industry synergies, technical advancements, and funding opportunities.

Chikomborrero Mukwenha Founder & COO, LookingFor Email: mukwenhac@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship Placement: Union Advertising Agency Motivation: 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 Muzamwese Chief Sustainability Consultant, Toxiconsol t/a African Sustainability Consultants Email: tmuzamwese@gmail.com Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship 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.

Josephine Takundwa Managing Director, Earthlink Technologies Email: jtakundwa@earthlink.co.zw Fellowship Focus: Economic Empowerment Host Organization: Meridian International Center Fellowship 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.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

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

Fellows with ICMA take a group “selfie”.

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

University of Oklahoma Fellows enjoy an outdoor lunch in Tulsa.

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Partner Organizations

Elliot Bell-Krasner ebkrasner@acypl.org

Ivana Smucker ismucker@handsalongthenile.org

Leslie Ryan lryan@ameicancouncils.org

Dan Bernard dbernard@icfj.org

Shraddha Kharel-Pandey skharelpandey@icma.org Marla Gitterman mgitterman@bpeace.org

Robert Mauro robert.mauro@bc.edu

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Gretchen Ehle gehle@meridian.org 60

Melissa Golladay mgolladay@partners.net Deena Mansour deena.mansour@mso.umt.edu

Elanie Steyn elanie@ou.edu

Lisa Taylor Lisa.k.taylor@okstate.edu

Amanda Bischoping Amanda.Bischoping@worldlearning.org

Professional Fellows Congress Team:

Barbara Peitsch bpeitsch@umich.edu

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014

Patricia Harrison Edith Cecchini Mary Ann Aabye LaurĂŠn Ettinger profellowscongress@worldlearning.org

Notes

Professional Fellows Congress Fall 2014