QAI in a time of change and COVID-19 During the first quarter of 2020, the Qatar-America Institute underwent some major institutional changes that would redefine the organization moving forward. These changes consisted of a new Executive Director taking the helm, Fatima Al-Dosari, a new Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Peggy Loar, and a new Board of Directors that was selected to oversee the programs of QAI. These changes were instituted to both continue the operations of QAI and to bring them to a larger and more diverse audience outside of the Washington beltway. In this first quarter of 2020, QAI continued to bring unifying aspects of the U.S.-Qatar relationship to the American public by hosting various events across the country. QAI’s activities extended beyond Washington and took place in Los Angeles, New York City, and Houston, to name a few. Yet, it must also be mentioned that QAI’s activities were curtailed due to conditions outside of the institution’s control. As with many organizations across the world, the public health emergency that emerged as a result of the spread of the SARS-Cov-19 coronavirus forced QAI to halt its ongoing and scheduled programs. As a result, many programs were cancelled, a disappointing ending to several months of hard work, planning, and resources. As the previous pages highlighted the various successful programs that QAI held around the United States and in Washington, D.C. in advance of the lockdown, the following pages will illustrate the various months of planning and managing that was put into programs that were unable to take place. In spite of the setbacks brought on by the pandemic, the organization continued to pursue its mission during these unprecedented times, a task only made possible by the steadfast support of its donors and sponsors. Looking back, QAI (now QAIC) sincerely appreciates the invaluable opportunities that these generous contributions have provided to its communities and beneficiaries in both the United States and Qatar, and it looks forward to when it is deemed safe to once again welcome its friends and members of its community to its programs and events in the new year.
Qatar America Institute for Culture
2020 Annual Report
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