Board of Directors

  • Samer Naoum is a political professional and educator based in Washington, D.C. He is the founder and CEO of the Washington Political International Institute (WPII), a political education institute focused on fostering international collaboration and providing networking opportunities, workshops, and seminars for political students and aspiring leaders. With experience in lobbying and advocacy within the U.S. Congress, Samer has developed a strong understanding of the legislative process and political strategy. He is an active member of the American Political Science Association (APSA).

    Samer holds a Master’s in Political Management from The George Washington University, a Master’s in Political Science from Liberty University, and a Master’s in Global Security Studies with a concentration in Strategic Studies (Military and Intelligence) from Johns Hopkins University. He also holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Notre Dame University. He is dedicated to shaping the future of political education, with a strong focus on combating child radicalization and terrorism. 

Board of Advisors

  • Desiree Kennedy is a policy and political professional based in Raleigh, NC. In February 2025, Desiree was appointed to serve Governor Josh Stein as a Program Officer in the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, overseeing the Housing, Children and Families, and Economic Recovery portfolios. Prior to her current role, Desiree served in senior leadership, operations, and strategy roles on national Presidential campaigns, as Deputy Chief of Staff to a Member of the United States House of Representatives, and a leader in the Corporate and Government Affairs department of a global medical device manufacturer specializing in cancer care.  

     

    Desiree received a B.S. in legal studies and a B.A. in political science from Nova Southeastern University, a Master’s Degree specializing in Political Management from The George Washington University, and a certificate in Health Care Economics from Harvard Business School Online. 

  • Jessica Joseph Azar is a Lebanese journalist with over ten years of professional experience. In 2018, she announced her candidacy for the Lebanese parliamentary elections as an independent, entering one of the country’s most competitive political arenas. Despite the challenges, Jessica emerged as one of the youngest and most widely discussed candidates of the 2018 elections. She gained national attention for her outspoken positions, her firm stance against oppressive interference, and her bold policy proposals, which resonated with many voters seeking change.

    Jessica’s professional experience spans public affairs, media, journalism, politics, and social activism. She graduated with honors from Notre Dame University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and began her career in 2007 at Nahar Al Shabab, a youth-focused subsidiary of An-Nahar newspaper. In this role, she encouraged young people to voice their opinions and engage more actively in public life.

    Between 2007 and 2008, Jessica served as the Minister of Sports and Youth in the Youth Shadow Government, where she gained deeper insight into youth-related challenges. Her work focused on initiatives aimed at fostering a healthier society and empowering young people in a context marked by high levels of migration.

    Also in 2007, she joined Now Lebanon, a political and social digital media platform that provided emerging journalists and writers with a space for open expression. At the time, Now Lebanon played an influential role in shaping public discourse and raising awareness about critical national issues.

    In 2009, Jessica joined MTV Lebanon, a leading political and social television channel, where she worked for nine years as a reporter and senior news anchor. In 2020, she launched her own television program, Al Ahad Mnehke, which focuses on women’s empowerment and highlights the important roles women play in contemporary society.

    In 2021, she introduced 40, a primetime one-on-one interview series featuring A-list public figures, celebrities, and political leaders. The program ran for three seasons and aired on both MTV Lebanon and Dubai TV.

    Throughout her career, Jessica has maintained a strong commitment to issues related to freedom, youth, and women’s empowerment. She continues to collaborate with various associations and organizations across the region to encourage young people—particularly women—to believe in their potential and speak confidently on issues that matter to them.

    Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Government from Harvard University, a Graduate Certificate in International Relations from Harvard Extension School, and an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where she completed programs in Negotiation, Moral Leadership, and Climate Change & Energy in 2019. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Notre Dame University.

Management

  • Sarah is a communications and policy professional based in Washington, DC, whose work intersects advocacy, international security, and digital outreach. She supports strategic messaging, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement for U.S. government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions.

    With a strong background in international relations and security, Sarah has contributed to high-visibility research projects on terrorism, transnational crime, and global security issues.

    She holds a Master of Arts in International Security, with a concentration in transnational challenges, and a Graduate Certificate in Illicit Trade Analysis, both from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics, with a minor in Legal Studies.

    Combining her research on terrorism, transnational crime, and global security with communications leadership, Sarah advances dialogue and solutions at the intersection of governance, security, and human rights.

  • Hanadi Chidiac is a strategic thinker with strong business development skills, grounded in both legal training and corporate experience. She graduated from The George Washington University Law School, where she focused on public interest law with an emphasis on health rights and immigration advocacy.

    Hanadi also holds a bachelor's degree in French with minors in Political Science and Arabic from The Ohio State University, where she completed the Pre-Med track. Guided by a deep belief in the power of knowledge, she is passionate about equipping individuals with the tools and information they need to advocate for themselves and their communities.

    Before attending law school, Hanadi worked as a technical product manager at a Fortune 10 company, where she led cross-functional teams, launched innovative products, and developed scalable frameworks that drove measurable business growth. Her ability to navigate complex stakeholder needs and align product strategy with business objectives continues to define her professional approach.

    She has also contributed to the nonprofit sector, supporting field operations across the Middle East and beyond with Spirit of America. Hanadi’s diverse background enables her to operate effectively at the intersection of law, business, and impact—bringing a unique, interdisciplinary perspective to every challenge.

  • Mara Harwin brings a strong interdisciplinary background in historical research, journalism, and donor engagement. Based in Tucson, Arizona, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Princeton University, where she developed a deep interest in how historical narratives shape contemporary political understanding and public discourse.

    Before joining WPII, Mara contributed feature articles to the Princeton Alumni Weekly, gaining experience in analytical writing and storytelling. She also worked in special education, strengthening her skills in communication and community outreach. Her previous roles include internships in donor relations at the African Wildlife Foundation and Briana Cash Publishing LLC, where she supported outreach initiatives, donor stewardship, and fundraising communications.

    At WPII, Mara applies her experience in research, public engagement, and donor support to advance the Institute’s mission and expand its outreach efforts.

Legal

  • Mathilda El Hachem is a highly accomplished immigration and corporate lawyer, licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas and based in the United States. She holds an LL.M. in International Law from the University of Houston, bringing a deep understanding of both U.S. and international legal systems.

    Her career is shaped by global experience and a strong focus on the American legal landscape. She also holds a law degree from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.

    In addition to her legal practice, Attorney El Hachem has a background in alternative dispute resolution and experience in advocacy and public policy. She serves on the boards of several prominent organizations and is an active member of professional associations, including the State Bar of Texas, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, and the World Affairs Council.

Speakers and Professors

  • Dr. Al-Hindy's expertise is intricately woven around the management of diversity, both in the political and cultural spheres. This specialized knowledge encompasses the nuanced influences of primary affiliations such as religion and ethnicity on the political conduct of diverse populations. On one hand, this expertise is linked to accommodative power-sharing political systems, inter-religious dialogue, and peacebuilding. On the other hand, it extends to countering violent extremism, addressing the weaponization of religion and security concerns, and effective conflict management.

    His research pursuits explore a range of topics, including Minorities and Identity Politics, Consociational Democracy, Inclusive Citizenship, Lebanese & Middle Eastern Studies, Electoral Engineering, Human Rights, Civil Society, Youth Participation, Religion and Politics, as well as Social Cohesion and Peace Education.

    Within the academic domain, Dr. Al-Hindy has held significant roles, serving as both Associate and Assistant Professor of Government and International Relations at Notre Dame University Louaize. Further contributing to the academic landscape, he served as a Scholar in Residence at Dayton University, Ohio, and shared his expertise as a Tutor of International Relations and Global Politics at the University of Sydney and Macquarie University.

    His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Government and International Relations from the University of Sydney in 2009, with a thesis focused on "The Right of Self-Determination for Minorities."

    In the administrative and professional arena, Dr. Al-Hindy has showcased leadership through roles such as the Executive Director of the Adyan Foundation, Director of the Middle East Institute for Research and Strategic Studies, and Chairperson of the Department of Government & International Relations at Notre Dame University Louaize. Additionally, he co-founded and presided over ALEF act for Human Rights and served as a Project Officer at the International Management and Training Institute in YMCA.

    Dr. Al-Hindy's affiliations are extensive, including his role as a Senior Expert at Adyan Foundation, Co-Founder & Board member of ALEF – act for human rights, Co-Founder & Board member of the International and Transitional Justice Resource Center, Board member of Dialogue for Life & Reconciliation, and participation in the Political Mentor Program for young political leaders with the Eduardo Frei Foundation - Robert Schuman Institute. He is also recognized as an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) by the U.S. Department of State for the years 2021 and 2022.

  • Nancy Bocskor, tagged a "Democracy Coach" by a major German newspaper, is dedicated to redefining political leadership worldwide, with a strong focus on empowering women to enter public service.

    She currently serves as Director of Development for Business for America, a non-partisan organization, where she engages corporate leaders to promote civic engagement and improve civic health. (BFA.us) Bocskor launched her career in Washington, D.C. after college, working on Capitol Hill, for the Republican party and on numerous political campaigns. In 1990, she started her own consulting business which has taken her to all 50 states and 28 countries.

    As the inaugural director of the Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy at Texas Woman’s University, she spearheaded initiatives to increase women's political participation, promote civics by launching “Texas Counties Work” in partnership with iCivics.org, and create a museum honoring pioneering women in Texas politics and public policy. She’s the author of “Go Fish: How to Catch (and Keep) Contributors”, based on her experience as a fundraising strategist, and teaches “Fundraising” and “Women, Democracy & Global Politics” at the Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University.

    She serves on the board of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School at the University of Texas; the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University; and the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN). She’s a past board member for The Campaign School at Yale and for Running Start, an organization that encourages young women to run for office.

  • Melissa’s career spans two decades working with unions, political parties, and non-profit corporations organizing for candidate, issue, and ballot initiative campaigns. As a political consultant in Las Vegas, NV for nine years, Melissa worked on campaigns ranging from community-level organizing up through presidential field direction. She previously served as the Grassroots Advocacy Manager for the American Association of University Women before joining the TargetSmart Communications family in early 2015, ultimately transitioning to REAL Strategies where she helmed the primary full-service vendor team responsible for the Independent Expenditures and Issues Mobilization operations of the largest trade association in the United States in addition to overseeing the department responsible for its member advocacy. Her decades of advocacy for women in politics and dedication to values-first organizing led to her most recent position as National Director, Field Strategy for Vote Run Lead Action.

     Melissa has her master’s degree in political management from George Washington University. She is also a graduate of The Campaign School at Yale (formerly the Women’s Campaign School at Yale) and the Emerge program. She previously served an appointment by the Rockville City Council as a Board member for the Rockville Board of Supervisors of Elections.

  • Dr. Joseph Gebeily is a Lebanese-American civic leader, policy advocate, and founding President of the Lebanese Information Center (LIC) in Washington, D.C., now serving as Chair of its Board of Advisors. With extensive experience in U.S.–Lebanon relations, congressional lobbying, and foreign policy advocacy, Dr. Gebeily has advised U.S. policymakers, engaged with think tanks, and mobilized diaspora networks to influence American policy in the Middle East. He is a frequent speaker on governance, security, and U.S. foreign policy, and has coordinated advocacy campaigns in Washington and beyond.

  • Randa Jebai has more than 20 years of journalism experience. She joined Alhurra Television’s investigative team in Washington, D.C. as a correspondent in 2020. Her work at MBN has garnered multiple awards at competitions, including the AIBs, New York Festivals TV and Film Awards and the Telly Awards.

    Before joining MBN, Jebai was a producer at Future Television, a reporter at Assafir newspaper and served as editor-in-chief and anchor at the Voice of Lebanon. Throughout her career, Jebai has served as a media consultant for International and Lebanese NGOs, as well as teaching communications and journalism at various universities in Lebanon. She holds a master’s degree in law from the Lebanese University and a master’s degree in journalism from Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas University.