Seasoned, award-winning U.S. diplomat leading teams to achieve ambitious targets globally, using strategic communications to drive alignment on policy issues among diverse stakeholders across borders. Specializing in government relations and the intersection of technology and global affairs. Currently pursuing an executive MBA at London Business School. Fluent Italian, Urdu, and Hindi speaker.
EDUCATION
MBA, Jan 2022 - Jul 2023 (expected), London Business School
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - International Relations, Sep 2003 - Sep 2005, Boston University, Boston, MA, Graduated Summa Cum Laude, with Distinction
EXPERIENCE
Spokesperson and Associate Director, Feb 2020 - Present
U.S. Department of State - Media Hub, London
● Engage a public audience of over 1.5 billion in South Asia representing the U.S. government via regular live appearances on Hindi and Urdu news media and outreach through innovative storytelling via owned social media properties.
● Grew media coverage in key markets by 10x year over year by building relationships with key TV news producers that led to prime-time live interviews.
● Increased social media engagement by 30% year over year by designing and implementing a new campaign strategy that focuses on tailored and interactive content, such as a monthly “q and a” segment and tailored videos.
● Created new streamlined media workflows which improved quality while decreasing average production times by 50%, resulting in adoption by three other media hubs.
UN General Assembly Project Lead, Jul 2019 - Feb 2020
U.S. Department of State - International Organizations Bureau, Washington, D.C.
● Leading a large multifunctional team of over 30 colleagues, designed and implemented the U.S. government's participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which included the President and dozens of cabinet agencies spearheading UN initiatives, such as the President’s summit on religious freedom.
● Routinely advised senior-most government leaders, including assistant secretaries, and led planning sessions with over 100 diverse senior stakeholders in attendance.
European Affairs Lead, Aug 2017 - Jul 2019
U.S. Department of State - Political Military Affairs Bureau, Washington, D.C.
● Primary advisor for European Affairs in the Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers (RSAT), which advances U.S. foreign policy and national security interests through its management of the sale and transfer of U.S.-origin defense articles and services to foreign governments.
● Regularly orchestrated policy with the Defense Department, Congress, the White House, private industry, foreign governments, diplomats, and think-tanks to promote U.S. government national security interests through arms transfers.
Associate Director, Political Affairs, Jul 2014 - Jul 2017
U.S. Department of State, Embassy, Rome
● Collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including non-profits, governments, militaries, think-tanks, academics, and the public to promote peace and stability in North Africa and the Middle East.
● Spearheaded a team as it conducted complex negotiations on a sensitive humanitarian issue in Iraq, involving diverse stakeholders from multiple branches and governments, resulting in the resolution of the problem and ultimately saving a city.
Chief, American Services, Jul 2012 - Jul 2013
U.S. Department of State - Consulate General, Karachi
● As a Senate-confirmed Diplomatic and Consular officer, adjudicated visas and assisted American citizens living or visiting overseas who found themselves in emergency situations involving arrests, hospitalization and major accidents and provide non-emergency services, such as reports of birth, passport applications and notarial services.
Associate Director, Political Affairs, Feb 2010 - Jun 2012
U.S. Department of State, Embassy, Abu Dhabi
● Served as the Embassy's director on human rights, justice, rule of law, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism issues.
● Orchestrated high-level U.S. official visits to the UAE, including members of cabinet, Congress, agency heads, and the National Security Council.
● Chaired the Middle East Partnership Initiative in the UAE, issuing 5 new grants to civil society organizations totaling over $2 million.
Financial Center Manager, Nov 2006 - Feb 2010
Bank of America, Arlington, VA
● Directed a diverse and multilingual team of eight and routinely exceeded bank revenue targets while operating a client-centered operation.
● Coached team members as they provided the most appropriate financial solutions to clients while adhering to regulatory and compliance standards.
● Improved customer satisfaction 10% year over year, despite the financial crisis.
● Introduced simplified and improved internal workflows, reducing errors by half and improving audit scores. The workflow was later adopted by branches across the market.
HONORS & AWARDS
Meritorious Honor Award, 2021
U.S. Department of State
For outstanding results in furthering U.S. messaging goals following the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan.
Meritorious Honor Award, 2019
U.S. Department of State
In recognition of excellence in protecting U.S. national security interests. Selected among a pool of 350 bureau staff.
Superior Honor Award, 2017
U.S. Department of State
For outstanding leadership as liaison and reporting officer to further diplomatic engagement on the Middle East and Africa, especially to address instability in Libya. Selected from a pool of over 100 officers.
Diplomatic Appointment, 2014
The President of the United States
Appointed by President Barack Obama. Inscription reads, “Reposing special trust and confidence in your Integrity, Prudence and Ability, I have nominated and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint you a Foreign Service Officer, a Consular Officer, and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America, and do authorize and empower you to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said offices do appertain, and to have and to hold the said offices, and to exercise and enjoy all the rights, privileges, and immunities thereunto appertaining, during the pleasure of the President of the United States.”
Foreign Service Commission, 2010
The President of the United States
Commissioned as a member of the Foreign Service of the United States of America. Signed by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Approved by the United States Senate.