@LizSchrayer

Liz serves as President & CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), a broad-based coalition of over 500 businesses and NGOs that advocates for strong U.S. global leadership through development and diplomacy. Under her leadership, the USGLC has grown to a nationwide network of advocates in all 50 states and boasts a bipartisan Advisory Council, which includes virtually every living former Secretary of State, and a National Security Advisory Council consisting of nearly 200 retired three and four-star generals and admirals.

Ms. Schrayer currently serves on the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s Development Advisory Council, USAID’s Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACFVA), as well as several advisory boards and committees for the University of Michigan, including the Ford School of Public Policy. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

In addition to running the USGLC, Ms. Schrayer serves as President of Schrayer & Associates, Inc., a nationwide consulting firm founded in 1995, which works on a wide range of domestic and international issues.

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Jason serves as Executive Director of the USGLC, tapping over 20 years of public policy, Capitol Hill, and Presidential campaign experience to oversee day-to-day operations of the nationwide coalition. Prior to rejoining the USGLC, Gross served nine years as Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut. Gross launched Courtney’s office in the House and led the office from a razor-thin 83-vote victory in 2006 to four strong reelections and Courtney being named Congress’s 8th highest over-performing Democrat by the Cook Political Report in 2014. Previously, Gross became the USGLC’s first full-time employee in 2001 and contributed to the organization’s growth from a nascent coalition to an established organization in six years as Managing Director.

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Emily serves as the Chief of Staff of the USGLC. She joined the USGLC in 2011, most recently serving as Program Director, overseeing the organization’s events and programming in DC and across the country.  Prior to joining, Emily spent two years at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee managing activity for AIPAC’s top political activists, and has previous experience working at an education non-profit and on Capitol Hill.  In her community life, Emily is a member of the Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, a premier young leadership development program that educates and connects the next generation of global Jewish leaders and philanthropists.  She has served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and co-chaired many programs and initiatives.  Emily is a native of Louisville, KY, and received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan.

Vanessa serves as Executive Assistant to the CEO of the USGLC. She has over 15 years of experience supporting C-suite leaders in administrative, communications, fundraising and legal fields. Prior to joining USGLC, Vanessa held various positions with Beth Group Associates, Sun Automation, and ran her own business helping small businesses widen their market outreach. A co-founder of the North Baltimore County Democratic Club, Vanessa recently served as President and led their efforts on voter education. Vanessa earned her Early Childhood Education Certificate and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration at the Community College of Baltimore County and is currently completing a business degree at the University of Baltimore.

Ariana serves as Government Relations Director of the USGLC. She brings nearly ten years of federal government experience working on foreign policy and national security issues. Most recently, Ariana served as the Director of Senate Affairs in the Department of State’s Bureau of Legislative Affairs. In this capacity, she advised the Department on how to advance U.S. foreign policy, national security, and development priorities in Congress and managed the Department’s relationship with the U.S. Senate. Prior to joining the State Department, Ariana served as the Foreign Policy and Defense Advisor to Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) responsible for the Senator’s foreign policy, national security, and related appropriations portfolios. A native of Syracuse, New York, Ariana spent a year studying in Paris, France, before earning her bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a minor in French Literature from Johns Hopkins University.

Parker serves as Deputy Government Relations Director of the USGLC. Prior to joining, he was working at the International Republican Institute (IRI), where he served in various roles, including Resident Program Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Living in Jakarta and Dili, he served as IRI’s senior in-country representative and implemented democracy and governance programs funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, the State Department, and the US Agency for International Development. He has lived in six countries and worked in 13, with experience across government, policy, and politics. He started his career as an aide to then-House Speaker John A. Boehner and worked on political and public affairs campaigns in his home state of Ohio. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Management and Global Politics from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University.

Rodney serves as the Deputy Government Relations Director of the USGLC. He joins the USGLC with bicameral and Congressional leadership work experience. As an aide to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Rodney worked on a diverse set of legislative priorities including maintaining robust support for U.S. international development programs. Most recently, Rodney served as the Foreign Affairs Legislative Assistant to Representative Colin Allred, leading his work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In this role, Rodney worked to advance a legislative agenda focused on democracy building, global good governance, and humanitarian assistance. Born in Kampala, Uganda he holds a Master’s degree in International Economic Development from the George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in International Affairs from the University of Georgia.

Sam serves as a Government Relations Assistant of the USGLC. Prior to joining, he interned at the American Foreign Policy Council, the National Interest, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Squire Patton Boggs. Throughout his internships, he wrote on foreign policy issues in publications including Newsweek and RealClearDefense. Sam earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Politics from Carnegie Mellon University. Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing and watching soccer. Originally from New York City, he is excited to be back in Washington, DC and working with USGLC.

Lily serves as a Government Relations Assistant of the USGLC. Prior to joining, she interned in the office of Congressman Derek Kilmer, following her work on his re-election campaign in 2022. Lily earned her degree in International Relations and Spanish from the University of San Diego, where she had the opportunity to study in Prague, Czech Republic, researching democratic transitions in Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, she spent time working as an au pair in Alto-Adige, Italy. Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Lily now resides in D.C. and is thrilled to be working with the USGLC.

Michelle serves as the National Engagement Director of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Bekkering served at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where she was nominated by the President and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as an Assistant Administrator. An international development expert, Bekkering led efforts to address some of the most complex development challenges around the world. Bekkering was a key leader in implementing efforts to modernize foreign assistance, including the Agency’s approach to private sector engagement. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and equality, Bekkering was a leading architect of the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP); a whole of U.S. Government initiative to economically empower 50 million women by 2025. Bekkering was awarded a Superior Accomplishment Award by USAID for her leadership.

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Liza serves as the National Engagement Associate of the USGLC. Prior to joining, she graduated from Kenyon College, where she majored in Anthropology with concentrations in African Diaspora Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies. Building on her interest in international relations and her passion for human rights advocacy, Liza spent time abroad in Copenhagen studying international human rights law, transnational human trafficking, and modern-day slavery. Originally from Chevy-Chase, Maryland, Liza is now based in Washington, D.C., and excited to be working with the USGLC.

Alex serves as the National Outreach Director of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Alex served as Senior Manager of the National Association of Broadcasters’ Political Action Committee (NABPAC). At NABPAC, his responsibilities included expanding the visibility and size of the PAC, recruiting new donors, managing communications, and working with leaders of the broadcast industry to engage with key stakeholders. His previous experiences include serving as Campaign Manager for a congressional campaign in Indiana during the 2012 cycle, as a PAC Compliance Specialist at Vocus, Inc., and as Finance Director and Legislative Aide for Congressman Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ-09). A native of Rustburg, Virginia, Alex received his Bachelor of Arts in government & international relations from George Mason University, and holds a Master of Professional Studies in political management from George Washington University.

Jeremy serves as the Deputy National Outreach Director for the Eastern Region of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Jeremy worked in the Office of U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). During his tenure there, he focused his efforts on military affairs outreach, directed the Military Academy Nominations Program and served as the Senator’s liaison to various groups and organizations. In addition, he was involved with Department of State issues and organized and directed major events. To date, he has worked for two U.S. Senators and has been a part of several federal campaigns, including the historic election of Tim Scott, who became the South’s first African-American Senator since Reconstruction. He is a graduate of Clemson University where he served as the Governmental Affairs Director and advocated for higher education on behalf of Clemson’s undergraduate student body. Jeremy is a proud native of Greenville, South Carolina.

Luke serves as the Deputy National Outreach Director for the West and Military of the USGLC. In addition to his work with USGLC, Luke serves as the President of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations as well as the President of Big Stick Consulting, LLC – an Arizona-based strategic consulting firm focusing on a broad range of public relations and policy issues. In addition, Luke serves on the Board of Directors of the American Committees on Foreign Relations and the Advisory Boards of Global Ties Arizona and the World Pix Foundation. He is a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and the American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network. He has previously held fellowships at the Shafik Gabr Foundation’s “East-West: The Art of Dialogue” initiative and the African Middle Eastern Leadership Project.

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Emily serves as the Deputy National Outreach Director for Special Projects of the USGLC. Prior to joining USGLC, Emily worked at Finseca, a national trade association representing the country’s top life insurance agents and financial advisors. As a Political Affairs Manager, Emily worked with a portfolio of Finseca advocates to educate lawmakers on financial security issues and to expand and strengthen the organization’s advocacy network. Previously, she served as a senior staffer for former Chairman Sharon Bulova of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in Northern Virginia. A proud native of Leesburg, Virginia, Emily received her B.A. degree in Government from the College of William & Mary and M.P.P. degree from George Mason University.

Kiersten serves as the Outreach Director for Texas–Colorado–New Mexico of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Kiersten served as Director of Programs at the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, designing and coordinating public speaking engagements to educate the North Texas community on global issues. She first joined the Council’s staff in 2018 following an internship with the programs department. A Dallas area native, Kiersten attended Louisiana State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science and international relations, with a minor in religious studies. While in school, Kiersten studied abroad in Morocco and focused her studies on the Arabic language and women in world religions. She was a proud member of The Golden Band From Tigerland and is an alumni member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Iota. Kiersten is currently based in Dallas, TX.

Eric serves as the Director for the Heartland Region of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Eric served as Deputy Canvass Director for the Grassroots Team’s DC office, fundraising on behalf of Amnesty International. Previously, Eric interned for a U.S. Senator’s state operation and served as a Catholic Community Connection fellow for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Earlier, Eric worked as a political campaign coordinator for a Cleveland City Council candidate and as the executive assistant for an Ohio gubernatorial campaign. A native of Northeast Ohio, Eric earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Notre Dame College, where he served as the college student representative to the Propel Ohio Collegiate Leadership Summit and was a 2-time conference champion for the college’s track and field team. Eric is a proud Cleveland sports fan and excited to manage outreach efforts in the Ohio Valley.

Carey serves as the South Outreach Director of the USGLC. Prior to rejoining USGLC, Carey worked to address domestic hunger issues during the pandemic. She has served as Chief of Staff to the South Carolina House of Representatives Deputy Minority Leader James Smith, where she oversaw all political and legislative priorities. Her experience also includes serving as South Carolina Deputy Political Director for the Hillary for President campaign during the 2008 primaries and a former lobbyist for a South Carolina education organization. Carey has worked on numerous political campaigns at the local, state, and presidential level overseeing field, fundraising, and policy development. She graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina, where she focused on political science. She is a native of Decatur, AL and spent several years in Nashville, TN.

Jolan serves as the Senior Veterans Outreach Manager of the USGLC. Previously, Jolan worked at the Office of Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, where he served in various roles, including  Assistant Director of Disability Affairs, Community Specialist, and Project Coordinator. During that time, Jolan helped establish Louisiana as a model employer for individuals with disabilities, spearheaded the 2020 Louisiana Census effort, and led the effort to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library statewide to increase early childhood literacy rates. Jolan currently serves as an Air Force officer with the Louisiana Air National Guard 159th Fighter Wing.  Jolan has also served as a Field Organizer for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu and a board member for the Greater Southwest Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce. A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jolan attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in History.

Rose serves as the Manager of Farmers for Prosperity of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Rose worked with the Organization of American States (OAS) in the Department for Social Inclusion. Prior to her time at the OAS, Rose was an English teacher for three years in Madrid, Spain, where she also earned a master’s degree in international relations from Instituto de Empresa (IE University). A native of Massachusetts, Rose received a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from Simmons University in Boston. She is thrilled to continue assisting in outreach efforts for USGLC.

Devonte serves as Outreach Manager for the Northeast Region of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Devonte worked at the Office of U.S. Representative Jeff Jackson of North Carolina, where he served as Senior Director of Community Engagement. Previously, he worked as Civic Engagement Field Liaison for Representative Deborah Ross also of North Carolina (and former USGLC State Advisory Committee Member). In 2019, Devonte was appointed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to chair the Youth Engagement Committee of the State Commission on Community Service. Devonte served as President of the Young Democrats of North Carolina and taught social studies in middle school.  Devonte earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UNC Greensboro and dual Master’s degrees in Divinity and Public Administration from Liberty University.

Sarah serves as an Outreach Assistant of the Western Region at the USGLC. Prior to joining, Sarah worked as an intern for U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi of New York. Earlier, Sarah interned on Anna Kaplan’s campaign for the New York State Senate. She is a recent graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in Energy and Environmental Policy and a concentration in Economics and Public Policy. Originally from Long Island, New York, Sarah is excited to call Washington, D.C. home.

James serves as an Outreach Assistant for the Heartland Region of the USGLC. Prior to joining, James interned in the offices of Representative Trey Gowdy and Senator Tim Scott, both of South Carolina. He is a recent graduate from American University, with a major in International Service, focused on global health and conflict resolution. James also studied in Madrid, Spain furthering his comparative analysis of Western European vs. U.S. health systems. James is originally from Greenville, South Carolina.

Mia serves as an Outreach Assistant for the Eastern Region of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Mia interned in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07).  She also interned at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. She is a recent graduate from the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy with a focus on Identity and Social Justice and a minor in Dance and American Culture. Mia also spent a semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark where she took courses on International Humanitarian Law and Armed Conflict, Criminology in Scandinavia, Democracies at Risk in Europe, and Migrants and Minorities in Denmark. After growing up in Los Angeles and spending four years in the Midwest, Mia is thrilled to be back in the Nation’s Capital and working at USGLC.

Josh serves as Director of Communications of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Josh was at the State Department as Senior Advisor and Speechwriter to Acting Deputy Secretary Victoria Nuland and Under Secretary John Bass—managing strategic communications to articulate and amplify the Department’s global efforts to advance the security, prosperity, and values of the American people. Earlier, Josh served for more than a decade in policymaking circles at the Department of Defense and on Capitol Hill, including as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Lois Frankel, and as the Middle East Subcommittee Staff Director under Congressman Ted Deutch. Josh holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School. A native Michigander, Josh and his wife, Kelly, now live with their son in Washington, DC.

Shawn serves as Deputy Communications Director of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Shawn worked at Brookings, where he served as a senior advisor providing strategic counsel, guidance, and leadership to the Brookings Community by helping advance high-quality, fact-based research and policy recommendations to shape U.S. and international policy debates. Prior to joining Brookings, Shawn served as the Communications Director for Congressman Adam Putnam (R-FL) and Director of Media Relations for the House Republican Conference under Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK). Shawn is a native of Rochester Hills, Michigan and received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science Pre-Law from Michigan State University and his master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. He lives with his wife, Megan, daughters, Maddie and Ellie, and their mini goldendoodle, Bailey, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Mia serves as the Communications Project Manager of the USGLC. Prior to joining, she worked as the Assistant Director of Marketing for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. There, Mia integrated marketing and communications to increase the university’s enrollment of international and military-affiliated students and implemented the university’s international programs in partnership with the U.S. State Department that promote intercultural understanding and diplomacy in foreign policy, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, U.S. Fulbright Program, and International Visitors Leadership Program, University Partnerships Initiative Senegal, and the Peace Corps Prep Program. She started her career in local newsrooms in her home state, Nebraska, where she wrote and covered local community engagement, breaking news, and the state legislature. Mia earned a Fulbright Teaching Assistant Award to Timor-Leste and her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Elizabeth serves as the Communications and Press Manager of the USGLC. Prior to joining, she worked as a Communications Associate at Scott Circle Communications, a public relations and communications agency aiding mission-driven causes. There, Elizabeth created digital and social content and implemented state-based and national media outreach efforts for national non-profits and leading companies. Elizabeth earned her Master’s degree in Politics and International Studies from the University of Cambridge and her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from UCLA. Elizabeth is a proud first-generation American and is deeply connected to her Jamaican and Nigerian heritage. While she was born and raised in California, she is now happy to call DC home.

Megan serves as the Data/CRM Senior Manager of the USGLC. She has over 14 years of experience in marketing, including six in database analytics and CRM Strategy. Prior to joining, Megan served as the Manager of CRM Strategy with PENN Entertainment, Inc.  There, she established and managed the CRM strategy of eight casinos throughout the northeast. Additionally, she worked as a Membership Marketing Specialist for the AAA Club Alliance in Wilmington, DE where she helped grow their membership base and create new marketing efforts. Originally from Delaware, Megan earned her B.S. in Marketing from Wilmington University. She now calls Reston, VA her home where she lives with her family.

Feiras serves as the Data and Digital Marketing Associate of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Feiras worked at Project Sunshine, a nonprofit that provides developmental support to pediatric patients. There, he spearheaded their email marketing and website restructuring in efforts to establish a more efficient system that helped boost lead generation and overall brand recognition. Previously, he was a consultant at the United Nations Capital Development Fund where he supported the development of a framework for the integrated appraisal of municipal waste management projects. Feiras earned his Master’s degree in International Development and Nonprofit Management from New York University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Economics from American University. Feiras’ upbringing as a third culture child involved growing up in five diverse countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Today, he is happy to call DC his home.

Madison serves as the Communications Assistant of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Madison graduated from the George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs concentrating in Conflict Resolution. Most recently, Madison worked as an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA). Originally from Boston Massachusetts, Madison has lived in Washington D.C. for the past four years. She is thrilled to be joining the USGLC team to pursue her passions for communications and international development.

Emily serves as Program Director of the USGLC, overseeing the strategy and implementation of the numerous events hosted by the organization each year in Washington, DC, and around the country. Prior to joining, Emily graduated from American University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations, with a focus on U.S. foreign policy, national security, and the Russian language, which included a semester spent living in St. Petersburg, Russia. A native of Burlington, Vermont, Emily has lived and worked in the DC area for over 15 years and currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and their young children – a son and twin daughters.

Brynn serves as Deputy Program Director at the USGLC. Prior to joining, she held a variety of positions at nonprofits in Philadelphia, where she spearheaded girls leadership programs for Women’s Campaign International and directed development and communications at Philadelphia Legal Assistance. Brynn was a recipient of the Citizen Action Diplomacy Fund and the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange for her work in Kenya and Malawi, and served on the inaugural delegation of Young American NGO Leaders to Taiwan. Brynn holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Roanoke College and a certificate in Nonprofit Ascending Leadership from Bryn Mawr College. A New Jersey native, Brynn is now happy to call Washington, D.C. her home.

Lou serves as a Program Associate at the USGLC. Prior to joining, she completed a fellowship with the National Park Service, where she organized, managed, and facilitated training for the National Capital Region. Before coming back to the DC area in 2022, Lou gained experience in program management, communications, research, and journalism through internships with EuCham – European Chamber, CEEweb for Biodiversity, Institute for Cultural Relations Policy, Malaya Business Insight, and Brigada News FM National. She also volunteered at the Philippine Embassy in Hungary where she participated in the planning and execution of cultural events. Lou graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications where she earned credits for that degree from the University of Toronto and the University of the Philippines and received her master’s degree in International Relations from Budapest Business School. Having lived in five countries, Lou is thrilled to be back in the first place she called home.

Favor serves as a Program & Development Assistant of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Favor graduated from Towson University, where she received her B.S. in Political Science and International Studies and served as a Senator for the Towson Student Government Association and President Pro-Tempore of the Student Senate. Her dedication to her role as senator resulted in her being awarded “Senator of The Year” for 2020-2021. Favor has also previously interned for Congressman David Trone (D-MD) at the U.S. House of Representatives. Born in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Favor now resides in Silver Spring, MD and is enthusiastic to continue her passion for international development with the USGLC.

Sidney serves as Senior Director for Policy and Strategy of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Sidney gained over a decade of experience in communications, policy and advocacy in the US, Europe, Asia and Africa. He most recently led the national press outreach and digital campaign efforts on immigration and refugee issues for Church World Service’s DC office. Prior to returning to DC, he worked in the international humanitarian and development sector in Geneva with the ACT Alliance, after which he was based in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Thailand with Church World Service. A DC native, Sidney received his undergraduate degree from American University and more recently earned his Master’s in international peace and security from the War Studies Department at King’s College London.

Alexis serves as the Policy Outreach Director of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Alexis spent over a decade working in human capital development focused in private, public, and non-profit sectors across multiple continents. A recent graduate of Johns Hopkins’ School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Alexis received a master’s degree in International Economics and American Foreign Policy studying in Bologna, Italy and Washington, D.C. Before SAIS, Alexis spent four years working in East Africa for One Acre Fund, four years with the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. serving the U.S. federal government, and two years with Smith College Executive Education. A native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Alexis completed her undergraduate degree at Smith College in Sociology and French Studies, where she spent her junior year studying and working abroad in Paris and Rabat, Morocco.

Matt serves as Deputy Policy Director at the USGLC. Prior to joining, Matt served as Legislative Director in the office of U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta of California. Previously, he served in policy roles at the Department of Defense, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Supreme Court, and private sector firms addressing national security and energy.   A native Nebraskan, Matt holds a Juris Doctorate in International & Comparative Law from the Creighton University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Creighton University. He is an honorary Admiral of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. In his downtime, Matt serves as Assistant Coach for a high school basketball team, enjoys cooking, and cheers on his beloved Creighton Bluejays and Philadelphia Eagles.

Olivia serves as a Policy Assistant at the USGLC. Prior to joining, she graduated from the University of Georgia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Economics. Olivia most recently served as a French language intern for the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, where she contributed to the Bureau’s policy work for security partnerships. Earlier, Olivia consulted for a Georgia county’s economic development team and interned at an international human rights organization. Olivia is excited to make the move to DC and join the USGLC team.

Alex serves as a Policy and Government Relations Assistant. Prior to joining, Alex interned for the European Division of the Library of Congress and in the Washington office of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03).  Alex also lived in Paris, France where he participated in a year-long teaching exchange at Paris-East Créteil University, instructing undergraduate courses for the English Department and master’s courses for the Public and Political Communication Department. Alex is a proud graduate of Wesleyan University (CT) where he majored in Government and French Studies and competed as a distance swimmer on the varsity swim team for all four years. A native of the D.C. metro area, Alex is thrilled to be back and working to support the mission of USGLC.

Dana serves as Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Dana served as a managing consultant for then-Governor Nikki Haley’s One South Carolina Flood Fund where she developed the protocol to manage and distribute funding to the disaster relief organizations. Dana was the Executive Director for the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Palmetto Chapter in Columbia, SC for over seven years, where she was responsible for the geographical growth of the chapter to include national advocacy, fundraising and events planning. Dana holds a graduate degree in international relations from the University of South Carolina and an undergraduate degree in Spanish from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Dana lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her two daughters.

Haniz serves as a Senior Development Manager of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Haniz graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in International Relations. She served as the Executive Director for the World Affairs Council Columbia, SC chapter where she also managed the sister city relationships for the City of Columbia. She also became involved in the Somali Bantu Refugee Program where she was responsible for over a dozen refugees and their integration into US society. After several years Haniz moved to Doha, Qatar where she directed INJAZ Qatar, an NGO that focuses on youth development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. A dedicated volunteer, she has over ten years of supporting, building, and giving back to the local Northern Virginia community for boards, schools, and political efforts where her three children attend school. Prior to joining USGLC as a senior development manager, she served as a consultant for USGLC for over a year.

Joshua serves as a Development Assistant at the USGLC. Prior to joining, he worked as an Operations and Development Assistant for Issue One, a non-profit focusing on cross-partisan political reform to ensure the health of US democracy. His previous experiences included administrative support in legal, HR, and Congressional settings. Joshua earned his Master’s in International Affairs Policy and Analysis from The American University and his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Joshua is now excited to be in the D.C. area working with the USGLC team.

Dular serves as the Chief Financial Officer at the USGLC and is responsible for the organization’s finances, accounting, human resources, technology, contracts, and administration. Prior to joining, Dular was the CFO for Optica (formerly The Optical Society) where he led finance and customer service departments. For over twenty-five years, Dular has served as a trusted business partner and advisor for not-for-profit entities to strategically align finances and operations to maximize the impact of key programs and initiatives. Prior to returning to the not-for-profit sector, as an entrepreneur, Dular worked with farmers around the world to introduce sustainable organic agricultural products to the US and EU markets. Dular lives with his wife and two children in Washington, DC.

Grace serves as Senior Human Resources Business Partner of the USGLC. Prior to joining, Grace served as the HR Manager for a private regional professional services firm, the Calibre CPA Group. Her background in HR management includes leadership, benefits administration, process improvements, and employee relations. Grace earned her bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY). She also holds the SHRM Certified Professional credential. Grace is originally from the island of Jamaica and now considers the DC area her home.

Meiraf serves as a Staff Accountant of the USGLC, with more than six years of experience in the public and private sectors. Prior to joining, Meiraf worked as an accountant in a manufacturing company. She earned a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mekelle University in Ethiopia. She is a proud member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and The National Society of Leadership and Success. Meiraf lives in Rockville, Maryland with her husband and three kids.