South Portland, Maine, United States
Nonprofit and higher education professional dedicated to making community and the arts a part of daily life. International Affairs practitioner and human rights advocate with a deep expertise in the political landscape of the Middle East and North Africa region. Specializes in simplifying complex international affairs subjects for general audiences without compromising nuance and facts. Passionate about doing the vital behind-the-scenes operational work that allows non-profits and higher education institutions to flourish. A highly-creative, solution-oriented strategist and people person with a focus on building bridges between cultures through education and the arts to create a more compassionate world.
• Successfully reopened all operations following the Covid-19 pandemic • Curated a collection of 5,000 academic and literary books on historical and contemporary Middle East affairs and culture • Planned and organized in-store events and maintains NGO and vendor contacts for annual conference on Middle East affairs • Wrote monthly book reviews on new releases and covers author release speaking events for the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
• Researched and compiled information and wrote reports on contemporary Middle East and global affairs for Dr. Hashemi to present and report to media and academic audiences • Followed current events and provided Dr. Hashemi with information and source material • Assisted Dr. Hashemi in the day-to-day requirements of teaching and researching such as compiling course materials, assembling class records
• Traveled with YMCA trauma counselors on field visits to work with cases of political violence and trauma • Documented work of trauma counselors and YMCA trough writing and photography • Gained valuable experience through field work, meeting with a variety of communities and individuals and seeing many techniques and strategies in practice • Appointed and supported by Global Ministries – United Church of Christ (UCC) and Disciples of Christ (DOC)
• Wrote reports and developed resources regarding the work of the JAI to further the advocacy work of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine • Shared and developed photography and media skills to be used for advocacy and outreach • Volunteered as international liaison for foreign school and learning groups visiting the JAI and Palestine • Appointed and supported by Global Ministries – United Church of Christ (UCC) and Disciples of Christ (DOC