Wesal is the Program Manager of FemForward North, a leadership program that empowers women in the north of Israel to enter and thrive in the high-tech industry. FemForward has played a central role in her personal journey—after losing her partner in the war, she chose to honor his memory and the values of kindness and impact they both believed in. Through the program, she found a way to transform grief into strength, and to give back by supporting other women on their path to leadership and professional growth. Her greatest passion lies in creating opportunities, building communities, and helping women realize their potential. Alongside this work, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Statistics at the University of Haifa, following a B.Sc. in Information Systems Engineering with a specialization in Data Science from the Technion.

Rachel Wagner Rosenzweig is the CEO and co-founder of FemForward, a leadership initiative advancing women in tech and building bridges across Israel and the MENA region. Since 2020, FemForward has run 8 cohorts across three tracks—FemForward Leaders (for women in early tech careers), FemForward MENA (uniting women from Abraham Accords nations in partnership with the U.S. Embassy), and FemForward YoungLeaders (for female youth)—graduating over 220 alumnae, with more than 50% achieving promotions or raises within three months and 53% advancing into management or senior roles. Rachel is also a board member and former COO of Made in JLM, co-founder of the CTO Club of Jerusalem, and creator of HappyHourJLM, the city’s largest networking event. Recognized by Israel21c as one of “48 Israelis Shaping Israel” in 2023, she continues to drive inclusive leadership, gender equity, and cross-regional collaboration.

Tali Semani is a clinical psychologist, lecturer, and PhD candidate at Ben-Gurion University. With over 15 years of experience, she combines activism, leadership, and psychotherapy to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also serves as a strategic consultant for managers and teams. Tali has published academic articles and is the author of the children’s book “Emi’s Color”, which explores skin color and belonging. Tali previously directed the Ma’oz Alumni Network – a trusted based cross-sector leadership network – and founded a parent-child center serving the Ethiopian-Israeli community. She brings extensive experience in leadership and management roles, as well as in driving meaningful change across communities and organizations.

Hanan is a Bedouin Muslim woman and Israeli citizen, dedicated to advancing social justice and shared society. She is the first Bedouin woman from an unrecognized village to establish a women’s sports training studio, where she leads more than 150 women in promoting health, empowerment, and resilience despite the absence of infrastructure. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and integrates her academic background with community leadership to drive change. Hanan is also the founder of Suwar Al-Mahabba, a newly established non-profit organization fostering connections between Bedouin and Jewish women, advancing women’s sports, and providing mental health support within her community. In recognition of her pioneering achievements, she was awarded the Azrieli Prize for Sport and Social Change as an outstanding coach and change-maker.

Yuvi Tashome Katz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Friends by Nature – Community Empowerment. She was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel in 1984 as a child. Yuvi holds a B.A. in Informal Education and has devoted her career to strengthening communities, developing leadership, and creating innovative educational and therapeutic programs that integrate cultural heritage with contemporary needs. Under her leadership, Friends by Nature has pioneered unique models for social entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and mental health initiatives that bridge tradition and modern society. She has worked extensively with diverse populations across Israel’s social periphery, designing programs that emphasize cultural identity as a source of strength and resilience. Yuvi’s vision is deeply rooted in her belief in the power of communities to foster belonging, growth, and sustainable change through the balance of heritage and innovation.

Rachel Cohen is Head of Global Partnerships at Voice of the People, where she leads strategic collaborations and relationship-building initiatives across diverse communities worldwide. She has over a decade of experience developing networks and programs that strengthen leadership, foster belonging, and create collective impact. Originally from London, Rachel has long been passionate about education and community engagement. She holds a BA in European Politics from the University of Leeds and an MA in Child Protection from King’s College London. Since moving to Israel in 2008, Rachel has continued to focus her career on building global connections. She lives in the center of the country with her husband and two sons.

Ghadeer Kort is the Chief of Operations and Finance and Lead NGO Consultant at Amal-Tikva. She oversees the organization’s operations, finance, and HR, while also leading consulting processes that help NGOs design and implement effective strategic plans. Originally from the Old City of Jerusalem, Ghadeer holds a BA in Accounting and a Master’s in International Cooperation and Development from Bethlehem University. She is passionate about empowering mission-driven organizations, combining her background in finance and strategy with a collaborative approach that helps NGOs strengthen their impact and sustainability.

Justine Zwerling, Proud Mother, Middle East Diplomacy, global finance expert, Capital Markets, Investments, startups, scale-ups; Her career centres around entrepreneurship combined with a life purpose to develop the support structures surrounding women on their journey and neurodiversity. Prior to the Abraham Accords, she founded the Jewish Women’s Business Network, Co-Founder of Gulf Israel Women’s Forum, Founding Member of UAE Israel Business Council; Member of first cohort VOP Voices of President Herzog. Board advisor for God’s Gang, Top Teff, SAHI Youth at risk support, Athena Fund, Autism awareness; She is a lucky mum of two lovely girls, one of them on the spectrum Incredible Young woman, and a wonderful patient husband.

Tally Zingher is the Managing Director at Blue Laurel Advisors, a strategic advisory firm that navigates Israeli opportunities and Israeli entities in the Arab world. She is also the CEO and co-founder of Dawsat, a leading Arabic-language platform for health and wellness in the Middle East. Prior to it, Tally practiced corporate law (financing & M&A) in Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in New York and with Istithmar in Dubai. Tally holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and Middle Eastern studies from Harvard College, magna cum laude, an M.P.A. in international development economics from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Tally is a fellow of the Middle East Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute Global Leadership Network and one of the founders of the Israel Gulf Chamber of Commerce recently founded.

Ariel Markose is a seasoned professional in peacebuilding, with a strong track record in developing strategies, driving cross-sector initiatives, and forging strategic partnerships. She serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Amal-Tikva, an organization dedicated to fostering a nonviolent and sustainable future for Israelis and Palestinians. Previously, she directed the Jerusalem Model, an innovative network of social activists in the city, and has held senior leadership roles in various social sector organizations. Ariel holds a degree in Law and Government from Reichman University, and is a proud Jerusalemite, married and mother of four.

Jerusalem-based educator, activist and blogger, Peta Jones Pellach is Director of Educational Activities for the Elijah Interfaith Institute, founder and moderator of Praying Together in Jerusalem and a blogger on Times of Israel. Her passion is for the principles and objectives of Israel’s largest grass-roots peace movement, Women Wage Peace, where she is a member of several committees, including working with international supporters. Peta was born and educated in Australia before studying International Affairs at Columbia University (New York). She was a Jerusalem Fellow (now “Mandel Fellow”) and had the privilege of studying with Nehama Leibowitz for two years. On returning to Australia, she became a leading figure in adult education and community education and also represented the Jewish community of Australia in interfaith dialogue at the highest level. Ms Pellach continues to work for understanding between religious leaders and communities, using Bibliodrama as one of her tools.

Maysa Halabi Alshiekh is an educator, social entrepreneur, and the founder & CEO of Lotus, a leading organization advancing the integration of Druze and Arab women into Israel’s high-tech sector through training, mentorship, and job placement. She is also the founder of Resala Tech, an educational initiative bringing Lotus’s values to younger generations. Maysa serves on national steering committees for leadership and tech programs, including Snabel for Druze youth and 5 Tech, promoting high-tech integration for Druze men. Following the 2025 Sweida crisis, she has been active in public advocacy and emergency response efforts supporting the Druze community in Syria. She is a graduate of the Mandel Center for Leadership in the North and Avney Rosha – The Israeli Institute for School Leadership, and was awarded the Medal of Distinction by the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation for her leadership and impact.

Daphna Goldschmidt-Cohen is a public diplomacy leader and advocate for female leadership, prioritizing social impact in her work. As the first female Chairperson of Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem FC, she launched Israel’s first professional women’s football team and promoted equal opportunities. She drives peacebuilding initiatives through sport, leveraging partnerships with UEFA Foundation, Facebook, Visa, US Embassy Israel, USAID, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, and Google. A Fellow of the Global Sports Mentoring Program for Female Leaders, Daphna serves on committees including the Regional Forum, ALLMEP, and Fan Supporters Europe, emphasizing Palestinian and Israeli female leadership. At ROPES.org, she developed programs like the US Embassy-funded Female Journalists initiative and a methodology to align projects with organizational goals. An international keynote speaker and lecturer, she was commissioned by the US State Department, ESPN, and University of Tennessee to create an eLearning module on public diplomacy leadership for women.

Bonnie Manor Gotfrid, born in 1985, is a former professional water polo player who represented Israel at the European Championships, continuing her family’s tradition of athletic excellence. With over 17 years of experience in sports management and coaching, she has played an influential role in advancing sports development in Israel. At the Israel Volleyball Association, she led the Women’s Division, overseeing the Premier League, developing national sports infrastructure, and establishing the league’s marketing department to enhance visibility and growth. Bonnie holds a master’s degree from the prestigious MEMOS program, affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, underscoring her commitment to global sports leadership. Since 2023, she has served as CEO of the Israel Rugby Union and is recognized as a World Rugby Educator in leadership and management, where she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of sports leaders.

Dr. Alisa Rubin is the founding academic director of the Argov Fellows Program in Leadership and Diplomacy. She is also a senior lecturer at RU’s Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy. Alisa formerly served as a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution and worked as an equity investment analyst, both in Boston and in Israel. She completed her Ph.D. in history and Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University, her M.A. in international economics and finance at Brandeis University, and her B.A. (summa cum laude) at Yale University. Alisa specializes in international political economy and business-government relations. Her current research focuses on American higher education in the Middle East and the future of higher education in the 21st century. She is passionate about educating and mentoring aspiring leaders who seek to make a positive difference in the world.

Adv. Hanan Alsanah is Co-Executive Director of Itach-Maaki – Women Lawyers for Social Justice, a human rights lawyer, feminist, and activist from Be’er Sheva with over 20 years of experience advancing women’s rights, particularly for Bedouin women. Born into a large Bedouin family, she overcame social barriers to become a pioneering leader and role model.
Hanan founded the first women’s center in an unrecognized village, launched the first Arabic feminist newspaper for Bedouin women, and developed empowerment programs that reached thousands. She also established Alnashmiyat, a leadership movement that helped increase Bedouin women’s voter turnout by 22%. In 2005, she became the first Bedouin woman to represent her community before the UN CEDAW Committee.
Active in peacebuilding, she brings a gender lens to Track 2 diplomacy and the implementation of UNSCR 1325. Following October 7th, she co-founded Jewish-Arab Emergency Relief Centers in the Negev. Her leadership earned her the Peres Center Knight’s Award, the President’s Volunteer Award, and the 2025 NIF UK Human Rights Award.

Ravit focuses on fostering scientific collaborations and building researchers communities between the UK and Israel. One of her main goals is promoting research on women’s conditions in ageing and healthy ageing.
Previously, Ravit managed faculties at the University of Cambridge. She holds a BA in Economics from Tel Aviv University and an MSc in Management from Boston and Ben Gurion Universities.

Sabrin Hojerat is Head of the Governance and Planning Division at Tachlith – The Institute for Israeli Public Policy. A public policy expert with deep experience in strategic planning, government affairs, and gender equality, she previously led the Strategy and Planning Department at the Ministry of Culture and Sport, and was appointed by the Prime Minister’s Office to a key emergency coordination role during the 2023 war. Sabrin has also held senior positions in the education sector and in national youth leadership programs. She holds three master’s degrees—in Public Policy, Gender Studies, and Educational Counseling—and was named one of Globes’ 40 Promising Female Leaders Under 40 in 2023. Her recently published thesis in gender studies explores the sexual subjectivity and agency of single Arab women in Israel, examining how women navigate social norms, resistance, and identity in a patriarchal society.

Alaa Balal Al Shimmari is a British lawyer of Iraqi descent, currently based in the UAE, with over ten years of experience in strategic partnerships, education, and cross-cultural engagement across the MENA region and beyond. She works with IMPACT-se and MONITOR IMPACT Education Support Services (UK and Israel-based), organizations focused on promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence through evidence-based textbook analysis and educational reform. Her work supports curriculum benchmarking against UNESCO standards, in collaboration with policymakers, governments, and academic institutions. During Expo 2020 Dubai, Alaa partnered with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supporting bilateral engagement and visiting Israel as part of the initiative. She is active across the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia, as well as in Europe, Asia, and Africa—advancing education as a tool for mutual respect and the prevention of extremism.

Felicity is the Policy Director at IMPACT-se, where she leads strategic engagement with governments and civil society across Europe and the MENA region. She also oversees the organization’s expanding efforts in deradicalization and pan-Abrahamic education. Prior to relocating to Israel, Felicity served as Senior External Affairs Officer at the Office of the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, where she focused on political advocacy, education, interfaith relations, and social responsibility. In this role, she led prominent interfaith initiatives involving Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders, alongside other flagship national programs. She holds a BA in Classics and Arabic from the University of Oxford, and is commencing a Master’s degree in Government at Reichman University, with a specialization in Contemporary Middle East Politics.

Nadia Al Turki is an accomplished international journalist, writer, poet, and academic, with a distinguished career in media, diplomacy, and global affairs. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, she has contributed to leading outlets such as Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Arab News, and Saudi Research and Publishing, and has held academic roles including at Sterling University. She is the founder and former president of the International Academy of Media and Diplomacy (IAMD), and served as executive editor-in-chief and founder of 7Dnews. As head of the political section of Middle East newspaper, she conducted high-profile interviews with global figures such as Benazir Bhutto, NATO leadership, Arab and European heads of state, UN officials, and renowned academics. Ms. Al Turki is a regular political analyst and media commentator, frequently appearing on international radio and television programs, including the BBC Arabic service and London-based features such as 7 Days, Open Agenda, and Talk Time.

Christina Samara is a seasoned tourism professional and Palestinian Christian from Jerusalem, with over 35 years of experience in organizing pilgrimage and educational tours. She has led Samara Tourist & Travel, one of the region’s most established and respected tour operators. Ms. Samara holds a U.S. degree in Travel and Tourism and is a licensed guide recognized for her expertise in Palestinian tourism. She is a co-founder of the Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association and served as Chair of its Board. In 2010, under the framework of the Quartet Initiative, she co-founded Breaking Bread Journeys, a groundbreaking Israeli-Palestinian tourism venture supported by USAID. The initiative promotes cultural exchange and economic cooperation through experiential travel across Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Throughout her career, Ms. Samara has remained committed to leveraging tourism as a platform for peacebuilding, mutual understanding, and regional development.

Rina Naor is a social impact entrepreneur with two decades of experience in the tech industry, driven by a deep commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration between communities. With a background in Computer Science and Gerontology, and a track record of founding three startups, she brings extensive expertise in product development, business development, and market strategy — all fueling her passion for innovative problem-solving. Rina’s current focus is on building bridges between Arab and Jewish communities. Through Lumiflies, her latest venture, she leads a mission to “go viral on hope” — empowering existing grassroots initiatives to amplify their impact, scale sustainably, and grow within an active Hope Community of millions. She believes that every individual has a role to play in shaping a brighter future for the Middle East, and Lumiflies provides the platform for anyone to become an active promoter of hope.

Dafna Meitar-Nechmad is Chairwoman of the Board of Governors at Tel Aviv University and a leading voice in Israeli philanthropy. A former corporate attorney and partner at Meitar Law Offices, she now heads her family’s Zvi and Ofra Meitar Family Fund and co-founded the Institute for Law and Philanthropy at TAU. Dafna serves on the board of the Jewish Funders Network (JFN), where she also launched the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership initiative and co-authored the guide Gender Lens Philanthropy. She has held cultural leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Israeli Opera Friends’ Association and committee positions at the Metropolitan Opera and Guggenheim Museum. Through her work, Dafna continues to champion strategic giving, gender equity, and the role of arts and education in building a vibrant civil society.

Passionate about integrating social purpose into corporate culture and using sports as a force for global change, Ayelet Mavor recently served as Head of Impact at Minute Media, where she led the group’s ESG strategy and community engagement programs across brands like Sports Illustrated and The Players’ Tribune. Within her tenure at the company she also served as Chief of Staff and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, overseeing strategic programmes, investor relations, stakeholder engagement and internal communications. Ayelet’s past experience includes commercial diplomacy work in the public sector where she spent 7 years working for the UK Government, leading teams and spearheading commercial partnerships connecting Israel’s innovation ecosystem with British industry and helping shape public discourse around technology and impact. Ayelet holds an MBA from IESE Business School and an LLB in Law from Tel Aviv University.

Paula Kweskin is a human rights attorney, writer, and award-winning documentary filmmaker dedicated to advancing women’s rights through storytelling. She is the founder and director of The 49%, a global nonprofit using film and media to amplify women’s voices and drive social change. Her films, including Honor Diaries and Samira’s Camera, have aired on Netflix, Amazon, and global platforms. Paula holds a J.D. and B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an LL.M. in Human Rights and International Law from the Hebrew University. A member of the New York Bar, she combines legal expertise with creative vision to challenge injustice and inspire collective action. Her work bridges advocacy and art, mobilizing audiences around the world to reimagine gender equity.

Tamar (Tami) Hay-Sagiv is an experienced educator and social change leader with over 15 years in peace education, cross-cultural dialogue, and sports for development. She currently serves as Deputy Director General for Education and Content at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, where she leads programs that use sport, innovation, and dialogue to build connection and resilience across diverse communities in Israel and beyond. Tami has designed and led impactful initiatives promoting understanding between Israelis and Palestinians, Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel, and youth from divided sectors. She collaborates with local and international partners, including municipalities, NGOs, and global foundations. She holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University and is an alumna of the U.S. State Department IVLP and the Friedrich Naumann Foundations leadership program.

Ulfat Haider is a social entrepreneur, leadership trainer, and peace activist with over two decades of experience using outdoor and nature-based experiences to promote intercultural dialogue and social change. She is the founder of ULFA, a multicultural initiative leveraging physical challenge and nature for personal growth and coexistence. Her work includes leading Jewish-Arab women’s groups, facilitating youth dialogue in conflict zones, and empowering girls through outdoor education. A mountain climber, triathlete, and former national volleyball player, Ulfat integrates sports and social activism. She has collaborated with Beit Hagefen, Natal, Etgarim, and Outward Bound, and participated in international peace expeditions. Ulfat holds degrees in Gender Studies and Environmental Studies and is a certified yoga instructor and tour guide. Fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, she is a sought-after speaker and facilitator committed to bridging divides through movement, nature, and dialogue.

Mas Watad is an accomplished wellness and digital health entrepreneur who had built successful businesses both offline and online, impacting over 50,000 individuals. Her venture, Mas Clinics, operates 20 branches across Israel and Palestine, offering health, weight loss and wellness services, including proprietary, patent-pending products. the organization currently employs over 50 people. She is also the Co-Founder and President of Dawsat International headquartered in Abu Dhabi, which deliver online wellness services to the global Arabic-speaking community. Mas is a sought after speaker and presenter at international forums and campaigns focused on wellness and digital health. She holds a BSc in Nutritional SCiences from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

With a background in medicine, government strategy, and innovation, Dr Mariam designs and lead systems-level programs at the intersection of public service, technology, and human wellbeing. From shaping AI-driven talent and aerospace initiatives to advising on national wellbeing in the UAE, Dr Mariam brings a people-centered, policy-driven approach. A founding member of key accelerators and part of MBZUAI’s first executive AI cohort, she is committed to building agile, future-ready organizations across sectors like defense, health, and infrastructure.

Tal Hochman is Executive Director of the Israel Women’s Network (IWN), Israel’s oldest women’s rights organization founded in 1984 to promote women’s equality and create the social, physical, economic and judicial conditions for their prosperity. Today, IWN is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights in all areas, working closely with many grassroots organizations to uplift diverse issues impacting women of all backgrounds and communities and ensure they reach decision making tables. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of IWN, Tal headed its Government Relations department for three years. Tal holds a Master’s Degree in International Social and Public Policy from London School of Economics (LSE) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Tel Aviv University. She formerly worked as a Parliamentary Advisor and as a social worker at a shelter for youth involved in prostitution.

Manel Msalmi is a Belgian-Tunisian researcher and advisor on MENA affairs, gender equality, and counter-extremism at the European Parliament. She is a partner with UNESCO on climate change and frequently speaks at the UN and EU institutions, advocating for women’s rights, interfaith dialogue, and peace in the Middle East. She is President of the Liberal Women’s Section in Brussels and founder of the European Association for the Defense of Minorities. Msalmi has participated in delegations to Israel, the U.S. Congress, and the UK Parliament, promoting female leadership and combating antisemitism. She holds an MA in International Politics, lectures in Brussels and Paris, and authored “The Iranian Project in the Middle East.” In 2025, she co-organized the Brussels Forum and received the Global Peace Building Award.

Chama Mechtaly is a Moroccan-born artist, writer, and peacebuilder based in New York, working at the crossroads of cultural diplomacy and regional integration. She is the founder of The Emma Lazarus Institute and a fellow at the Atlantic Council. Trained in International Relations and Conflict Resolution at Brandeis University, Chama is a leading voice on the Abraham Accords and Jewish–Muslim coexistence. Her multidisciplinary work integrates art, storytelling, and policy to build shared narratives across the Middle East and North Africa. By reviving Indigenous identities and dismantling radicalization through culture, Chama advances a vision of sustainable peace rooted in mutual recognition and collective memory. Her efforts reflect a unique blend of statecraft and soulcraft—laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and integrated region.

Roya Hakakian is the author of Assassins of the Turquoise Palace, a NYT Notable Book in 2011, and Journey from the Land of No ,which was Elle Magazine’s Best Nonfiction in 2004, among other prizes. Her most recent book, A Beginner’s Guide to America for the Immigrant and the Curious (Vintage, 2022) has received critical acclaim. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times and The New York Review of Books, and she has been a frequent contributor to The Atlantic. She has collaborated on programming for leading journalism units in network television, including 60 Minutes. She is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. Born and raised in a family of Jewish educators in Iran, she arrived in the US in 1985 on political asylum.

Stav Bar-Shany is an internationally recognized consultant, educator, and speaker specializing in social innovation and systems change. She is the Founder of Co-Catalyst, a global consultancy advancing inclusive development through strategy, training, and multi-stakeholder engagement. With over 15 years of experience, Stav has led high-impact initiatives in gender equity, ethical tech, and education with organizations such as the EBRD, Horizon2020, JDC, and Innovate UK. She lectures at Tel Aviv and Hebrew Universities and serves as a board member at Future Holders and the Africa Technology Business Network. An Erasmus+ Higher Education Reform Expert in Israel, Stav holds an MPA from LSE and completed the Social Finance Executive Programme at Oxford Saïd. Her work has been featured in SSIR, Chatham House, and republica. Passionate about inclusive leadership, Stav works to empower the next generation of changemakers across the Middle East and beyond.

Sanaa Badir is a Palestinian-Israeli educator, social entrepreneur, and founder of Spark, a pioneering organization that advances youth empowerment, gender equity, and leadership through sport and education. She holds a FIFA Master in Sport Management, Law & Humanities, an M.A. in Leadership & Management (USA), and a B.Ed. in Physical Education (Israel), making her the woman from her region to complete the prestigious FIFA program. Sanaa’s work bridges cultural divides through initiatives that integrate sports, the arts, and sustainability, both locally and globally. Fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, she is a sought-after speaker and mentor in international forums. Her approach emphasizes creative expression, cross-cultural trust-building, and long-term community transformation.

Nazanin Afshin-Jam Mackay is an international human rights activist, author, and co-founder of Stop Child Executions and the Iranian Justice Collective. She advocates globally for youth, women, and democracy. Nazanin holds a BA in Political Science, a Master’s in Diplomacy, and an honorary Doctorate Laws. She has spoken at the UN, EU, and various parliaments, and is the recipient of numerous human rights awards including the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Her book The Tale of Two Nazanins supports women’s initiatives. She is a leading voice in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement and facilitates a network of 100+ Iranian diaspora groups.

Donna Orender is an American sports executive and former professional basketball player. She served as President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 2005 to 2010, where she drove significant growth in the league’s visibility and commercial performance. Before that, she spent 17 years at the PGA Tour, serving as Senior Vice President of Strategic Development. Donna is the founder of Generation W, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, inspiration, and connection.

Heidi Basch-Harod is a nonprofit leader, educator, writer, and advocate for girls’ and women’s rights, currently serving as Executive Director of Women’s Voices Now, a Los Angeles-based NGO using film to drive global social change. She is a Daytime Emmy Award winner (2021) and a 2024 nominee in the Children’s and Family category. Heidi’s work spans youth empowerment, Holocaust education, and the fight against antisemitism. Her background includes roles with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, the Tibetan Nuns Project, and the Palestine-Israel Journal. A scholar of Middle Eastern and North African history, she served as a Junior Researcher at Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center from 2012 to 2023. Her published master’s thesis, The Kurdish Women of Turkey: Building a Nation, Struggling for Gender Parity, reflects her long-standing commitment to gender justice and regional understanding.

Karen Doubilet is a global social impact leader in peacebuilding and sport-for-development, with over 20 years of executive experience advancing social change. As the former Global Executive Director of PeacePlayers International, she led programs in five countries and co-founded SPIN, a global network promoting sport for peace. In the Middle East, Karen built PeacePlayers’ operations from the ground up, pioneering the region’s first integrated Palestinian-Israeli girls’ basketball club. She is the founder of ProActive Strategies, a consultancy supporting purpose-driven organizations in strategy and impact across a variety of sectors. Karen holds an MA in Conflict Management and has been widely recognized for her work in peacebuilding, gender equity, and youth leadership. Her efforts continue to inspire collaboration and resilience in divided communities worldwide.

Mariya Dostzadah Goodbrake is the founder and director of Global FC. Mariya is originally from Afghanistan. Her family fled that country during the Soviet invasion and embarked on a journey that took them to Iran and India, before immigrating to Canada with her family. She relocated to the United States in 2013. Mariya is an active public speaker, intercultural trainer, storyteller, and human rights activist. Mariya has extensive experience in the areas of youth and sports development, diaspora community, religious freedom, refugee resettlement, and cross-cultural training. Within the United States, her research and programming focus on the educational and socialization experiences of immigrant and refugee youth.