Experience

USA for UNHCR

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Director, Advocacy and Community Engagement

  • Jul 2019 - 4 years 6 months

  Greater New York City Area Reporting to the CEO and member of the Executive Team, lead the organization’s advocacy and community engagement programs. Develop and implement strategies to spur action on priority refugee and humanitarian issues. Lead cross-functional team of communications, digital and data experts to advance advocacy priorities. Collaborate with humanitarian policy and advocacy networks, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Identify and facilitate opportunities to raise awareness through thought leadership and… Show more Reporting to the CEO and member of the Executive Team, lead the organization’s advocacy and community engagement programs. Develop and implement strategies to spur action on priority refugee and humanitarian issues. Lead cross-functional team of communications, digital and data experts to advance advocacy priorities. Collaborate with humanitarian policy and advocacy networks, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Identify and facilitate opportunities to raise awareness through thought leadership and external engagement. Show less



Edelman

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Vice President, Social Impact and Advocacy

  • Apr 2015 - Nov 2018

  New York City Managed a diverse portfolio of corporate, foundation and nonprofit accounts focused on social impact initiatives, strategic philanthropy and issues advocacy. Responsible for numerous integrated teams to develop clients' social impact and advocacy programs. Directed strategic planning, negotiated partnerships, drafted and executed communications plans, and oversaw development of creative assets. Built engagement strategies for clients' stakeholders. Led Edelman’s social impact focus on and… Show more Managed a diverse portfolio of corporate, foundation and nonprofit accounts focused on social impact initiatives, strategic philanthropy and issues advocacy. Responsible for numerous integrated teams to develop clients' social impact and advocacy programs. Directed strategic planning, negotiated partnerships, drafted and executed communications plans, and oversaw development of creative assets. Built engagement strategies for clients' stakeholders. Led Edelman’s social impact focus on and women and girls’ equality, providing thought leadership and subject matter expertise. Show less



The White House

• United States
• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Policy Advisor and Director of International Affairs

  • May 2011 - Apr 2015

  Washington, D.C. Lead advisor for strategic planning and implementation of First Lady Michelle Obama’s policy and international affairs agenda. Convened and managed senior inter-agency working groups, processes and deliverables to support the First Lady's leadership on women's and youth empowerment issues. Briefed and advised the First Lady on the Administration’s policy and programs. Represented the First Lady’s initiatives to U.S. and international stakeholders. Built and managed partnerships with… Show more Lead advisor for strategic planning and implementation of First Lady Michelle Obama’s policy and international affairs agenda. Convened and managed senior inter-agency working groups, processes and deliverables to support the First Lady's leadership on women's and youth empowerment issues. Briefed and advised the First Lady on the Administration’s policy and programs. Represented the First Lady’s initiatives to U.S. and international stakeholders. Built and managed partnerships with foundation, advocacy, nonprofit and corporate leaders. Show less



USAID

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Deputy Chief of Staff

  • Jun 2010 - Jun 2011

  Washington, D.C. Managed executive office operations of USAID Administrator Raj Shah, including oversight of all staff, processes, and briefing materials for the Administrator. Collaborated with USAID leadership to troubleshoot and resolve critical issues within the agency. Served as USAID Executive Office liaison to White House Offices of Cabinet Affairs and Presidential Personnel, responsible for recruiting and hiring political appointees at all levels.



U.S. Department of State

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Advisor to Ambassador Susan Rice

  • Jan 2009 - Jun 2010

  Washington, D.C. Advised UN Ambassador Rice on global women's issues, human rights, maternal and child health, reproductive rights, refugee and migration issues, and humanitarian affairs. Represented the Ambassador’s policy positions at White House Interagency Policy Committee Meetings. Led the Ambassador’s strategy and engagement with the US Senate and House of Representatives, nongovernmental organizations and advocacy leaders. Served as the Ambassador's representative to the White House Council on Women and… Show more Advised UN Ambassador Rice on global women's issues, human rights, maternal and child health, reproductive rights, refugee and migration issues, and humanitarian affairs. Represented the Ambassador’s policy positions at White House Interagency Policy Committee Meetings. Led the Ambassador’s strategy and engagement with the US Senate and House of Representatives, nongovernmental organizations and advocacy leaders. Served as the Ambassador's representative to the White House Council on Women and Girls. Show less



United States Senate

• Legislative Offices
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

  • Sep 2002 - Jan 2009

  Washington, DC Advised Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Biden on global women's issues, global health, humanitarian and refugee issues and U.S. relations with the United Nations. Represented Chairman Biden’s policy positions to federal agencies. Built coalitions with nongovernmental organizations and advocacy leaders to advance legislation and policy priorities. Drafted and negotiated legislation, including the International Violence Against Women Act, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Planned… Show more Advised Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Biden on global women's issues, global health, humanitarian and refugee issues and U.S. relations with the United Nations. Represented Chairman Biden’s policy positions to federal agencies. Built coalitions with nongovernmental organizations and advocacy leaders to advance legislation and policy priorities. Drafted and negotiated legislation, including the International Violence Against Women Act, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Planned and managed oversight and Ambassadorial confirmation hearings in all issue areas of responsibility. Show less



U.S. House of Representatives

• United States
• Legislative Offices
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Barbara Lee

  • Apr 1998 - Aug 2000

  Washington, DC; Oakland, CA