Oona Nelson (Howard University)

Stephen Moseley - President

BIO:

Stephen F. Moseley is the current President of the UNA-NCA Board of Directors, elected for the first Term in 2017. Previously he served as President Elect for one year, and prior thereto he served as Chair of the UNA-NCA Advisory Council, and member of UNA-NCA's Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. He has also served as Board Member at Large, and as a member of UNA-NCA's Committees for Advocacy and Development, and as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals Task Force. Mr. Moseley is a Board member of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, an Emeritus Board Member of the Society for International Development, Washington Chapter, where he served twice as President. Mr. Moseley served as President and CEO of the Academy for Educational Development from 1987 to 2010.

Mr. Moseley has been a member of the Board of InterAction; a member of the International Governing Board of the Society for International Development; served as Chairman of the Board of the Basic Education Coalition; and served on the UNESCO Working Committee in Paris for Education for All from 2002 to 2010. Mr. Moseley holds an Honorary Doctorate and a BA degree from the University of Hartford.

VISION:

I believe our vision together must be to support the UNA-NCA's three key objectives: 1) to increase public understanding and support of the United Nations; 2) to encourage constructive US leadership to strengthen the UN; and 3) to prepare present and future leaders to work for a better world, both globally and locally. To further this mission we reach out to new audiences in every generation to include more citizens groups, NGO's, universities, faith-based organizations, foundations and businesses. We must address the needs for peacebuilding and violence prevention, human rights, equity for all people without discrimination; promote the full range of social, economic and environmental development goals for 2016 to 2030; promote the Paris accords climate change agreement, even without the support of the current US President; promote public understanding about the UN's work in many other critical areas, including international peacekeeping, nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, rule of law, and humanitarian support of refugees , migrants and displaced people.

Vice President of Communications: Sultana Ali

BIO:

An accredited public relations professional with 15+ years experience, Sultana F. Ali is communications manager at The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global nonprofit, where she produces Pew's podcast "After the Fact," facilitates media training, and provides strategic communications support. Sultana was previously the PR Director for Liquidity Services and provided client support— including strategic communications and media relations—for Ketchum and a boutique agency in Florida. A longtime UNA-USA volunteer and youth mentor, Sultana was the first elected YP representative to its national board of directors and helped form its
young professionals group. She's a former Orlando chapter president and chaired UNA-NCA's Human Rights Committee. Sultana has a Master's degree in Strategic Public Relations from The George Washington University and received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. She is former president of PRSA-NCC, the largest chapter of U.S. PR professionals, and adjunct faculty at Georgetown University.

VISION:

While many topics attract members, they all require strong communications. As VP of communications, I would plan to audit tools and tactics, review best practices, and shape an innovative communications strategy. I'd also work with programs and chapter leadership to advance strategic goals, ensure message alignment, and deepen stakeholder engagement.

Vice President Development: Tim Barner

BIO:

Tim Barner retired in 2017 after 15 years as a development professional with the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), a Quaker lobby in the public interest. He traveled from Maine to Georgia to interpret FCNL's program to supporters. Tim moved to DC in 1992 to direct the World Federalist Assn and became an active member of UNA-USA and its Council of Organizations. Tim and his wife Kathy Guthrie have lived in their rapidly changing Capitol Hill neighborhood since 1994.

VISION:

I enjoy the challenge of fundraising teamwork with fellow Board members as we secure a firm base for current and future UNA-NCA programs.

Support for the United Nations and its dedicated global staff has been an important part of my life, from UN studies at Princeton and Pitt to work with the peace and security committee of UNA-NCA. I feel privileged to continue serving on the UNA-NCA board.

Vice President of Finance and Treasurer: Scott Stiens

BIO:

Scott Steins worked for the Secretary of State's Office for the Director of Foreign Assistance, where he was the Deputy Program Director for FACTS (Foreign Assistance Coordination and Tracking System). FACTS tracks budget and performance for all AID to other countries, be it from USAID, DoD, DoS, OGAC, DoA, DoE, Peace Corps, and others. He has a strong interest and background in international affairs, and has volunteered with the United Nations Association for nearly a decade.

Having been the second longest staff member managing this project, now grown into many service modules, he manages the e300 funding, the SA&A, hosting, and developer hiring, and most recently they are negotiating with their host for a Continuity of Operations (COOP) site. His history with the Government is long . . . nearly 28 years. He entered directly out of graduate school in England to work as a health care administrator negotiating contracts between DoD and the Cambridge Health Authority. Then he moved back to the US to work for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in health policy, a true introduction to accounting data systems.

Then he went to the Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition, to the Hill for House Veteran's Affairs Committee, and then to the White House on Health Reform. His last fifteen years have been as a diplomat with USAID and Department of State. He has enhanced his original education in health administration and legal policy -- with a masters in IT project management - passing his PMP, and having earned a masters in Government IT from DoD's National Defense University, home of the War College. Personally, he likes all things associated with water: boating, fishing, swimming, beaches, cruises. He also raises Afghan Hounds and shows them, as well as renovate investment property, and restore vintage sports cars (e.g. 996 C2, 308 GTSi and DMC-12).

VISION:

Having served as Treasurer for several institutions including the Department of Veterans Affairs Credit Union, The Shriners, and in the past for UNA-NCA – I welcome the opportunity to further the improvements and maintain the integrity in non-profit accounting and cost control. The challenges which face UNA-NCA are multi-faceted: development and donations, synergizing with partners in our community, efficient expense management, and effective program performance tracking. All these may sound boring to those who deliver the wonderful programs of UNA-NCA, but I see them as the financial lifeblood supplying sustained energy into our shared program successes. I look forward to working with all of you: fellow board members, UNA-NCA leadership and staff, our like-minded community partners, as well as our intelligent engaged members.

Vice President of Membership: Kristen Hecht

BIO:

Kristen Hecht joined UNA-USA in 2009 through its Council of Organizations, a coalition of nongovernmental organizations that share the common goals of making the American public more knowledgeable about global issues and strengthening the U.S.– UN relationship. Since then, she has been an active member of the National Capital Area chapter (UNA-NCA) by participating in its DC for CEDAW Committee, working in the UNA-NCA office as its Director of Membership and Programs, serving as a delegate to the sixty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations, and participating in multiple speaking engagements on behalf of the organization.

Kristen has a background in nonprofit and membership management, with experience in the areas of organizational governance, program management, event planning, and communications. She currently works as program director for the B.A. Rudolph Foundation, an organization that champions the educational and professional development of women. Prior to her position at the B.A. Rudolph Foundation, Kristen worked at several different membership organizations of varying sizes (UNA-NCA with 3,000 members, volunteers, and supporters; Quota International with 6,000 members; and the American Physical Therapy Association with over 100,000 members), where she managed membership recruitment and retention efforts, governing bodies, program committees, and volunteers.

VISION:

My vision for UNA-NCA is a membership that is diverse, informed, and engaged. One of UNA-NCA's unique assets is its multi-generational membership and programs, with over half of its members identifying as a student or young professional under the age of 40. There are opportunities to engage at all ages and career levels: Global Classrooms for students grades 5-12; the Graduate Fellows and Young Professionals Programs for college students and young professionals; Career Dinners for those wanting to gain advice on starting or transitioning their career; and program committees on issue-related topics for individuals at all levels. As Vice President of Membership and Volunteer Engagement, I will actively work to ensure UNA-NCA recruits members from all backgrounds, that all members are welcomed and aware of the many program activities that UNA-NCA offers, and that members are engaged in the mission of the organization.

Vice President of Programs: Thomas Bradley

BIO:

Thomas Bradley served on the UNA-NCA Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2009-2017. He has been chair of the Virginia Area of the organization (2009-2013), vice president for development (2013-2017), vice chair of the Legacy Circle (2017 to present), and an assistant
director of the Graduate Fellows Program (2018 to present). He has been involved in UNA-NCA's Global Classrooms DC program most years 2006 to present. He served 30 years on active duty in the US Air Force, with leadership experience in fighter aircraft operations, operation planning, academic instruction, international affairs, and foreign liaison. He has been executive director and CEO of a non-profit educational association and has been a contractor-consultant to the US Department of Defense. He earned a master's degree in peace operations in 2018 from the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, and earned earlier degrees from Auburn University and the University of Tennessee.

VISION:

Our programs achieve UNA-NCA's vision, mission, and goals by partnering with the board, committee chairs, staff, and volunteers to: harmonize event programming with the strategic plan; produce, evaluate, and enhance high-quality programs; use communications best practices to increase awareness of programs; identify new opportunities; and develop strategic partnerships.

Vice President of Governance: Lauren B. Terrell

BIO:

Lauren B. Terrell serves as the International Foundation for Electoral Systems' (IFES) board affairs and compliance advisor. In her role, she provides guidance and coordination on best practices in nonprofit board governance. She also leads the organization's compliance program and various fundraising events, including online giving.

Terrell began her career with IFES as an executive assistant, providing organizational support to the executive office and taking on a wide range of responsibilities including, event management and logistical and fundraising support to the chief executive officer, chief operating officer and executive vice president.

Terrell holds a bachelor's degree in government and international politics, with a concentration in political theory and law, and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from George Mason University. She is a member of BoardSource and serves as a board member with the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area and with her homeowner's association.

VISION:

A great deal of work has already been done by UNA-NCA and the current Vice President of Strategy and Operations in developing and implementing a strategic plan. My goal is to continue to build upon the work already underway. Given the changing external environment, I think it is also critical that we re-assess and re-realign identified priorities (as needed) and consider new priorities that address the new realities of that environment.

Vice President of Young Professionals: Laura Byler

BIO:

Laura Blyler became involved with UNA-NCA in 2011 as a volunteer at the annual Global Classrooms Model UN Conference. After a few years of supporting GCDC, Laura joined the Young Professionals Board of Directors in 2014 as Director of Development. She currently serves as the Vice President for Young Professionals and is seeking a second term in 2019.

Laura has been working in the nonprofit sector for ten years focusing on fellowship program management, event planning, communications, and strategic planning. She was most recently the Fellowships Alumni Manager at the Social Science Research Council, where she developed and implemented engagement strategies to build a network of SSRC's 18,000 fellowship recipients. Prior to that, she was a Program Manager at the American Association of University Women (AAUW) where she oversaw the network of AAUW's fellowships and grants program. She also coordinated AAUW's global initiatives, developing programs for members and supporting AAUW's representatives to the United Nations. In addition to her volunteer work with UNA-NCA, Laura volunteers with The Spitfire Club, a local girls' literacy empowerment program. Laura holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from American University.

VISION:

I am honored to be nominated for a second term to serve as Vice President for Young Professionals. If elected to a second term, I plan to work with my colleagues on the Board of Directors to strengthen our membership and fundraising strategies to recruit and retain talented young professionals in UNA-NCA.

Director at Large: Lori Kaplan

BIO:

From 1979 to 2018 Lori worked at the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), a multi-service youth and family center for immigrant and refugee youth who reside in the DC metropolitan area. She served as CEO for 30 years. She has been involved in many local, regional and national issues that impact the lives of refugees and immigrants in the area of immigration, health, employment and has served as a policy advocate to regional mayors and county executives. While at the LAYC she was the founder of three public charter schools designed to offer opportunity and re-engagement support to young people between the ages of 16-24 who have dropped out of traditional public school settings. During that time, with a team of experts, she was also one of the founders of a bilingual Pre-K through 5th bilingual Montessori Spanish immersion charter school.

VISION:

For 40 years Lori worked in the national capital area with young people from all over the world. She worked with refugees forced out of their countries due to war, political oppression, poverty and famine. She worked with immigrants who have come to our region searching for better social, educational and economic opportunities. Many of the immigrant families are refugees fleeing political oppression but due to country specific US foreign policy decisions they are not recognized as refugees. This has recently worsened due to current US Central American policy. To address current and future global issues it is of critical importance that students understand their world well beyond their neighborhoods and communities. The UNA-NCA plays a critical education and advocacy role introducing students to global issues including women's issues, migration and the environment. Lori is committed to working with the UN-NCA to continue and expand its critically important work in the region.

Director at Large: Jill Christianson

BIO:

Jill Christianson builds strong international connections by forging relationships, practice and policy to ensure quality public education worldwide. At the National Education Association, the nation's largest labor union, Jill's guides the international relations work. Gender justice is prominent in her intersectional and multinational approach, such as in advocacy with women educators at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. In a multi-year project to curb School-Related Gender-Based Violence in Kenya and other African nations, she partners with the UN Girls Education Initiative (UNGEI) and Education International. This project has led to instrumental changes in the attitudes and practices of women and men educators. Jill has participated in UN meetings on migration, education, and children. She holds degrees in Intercultural Communication and in Multicultural Education. As a strong ally of the United Nations Association and the UNA-NCA, Jill's leadership is evidenced through several conferences and events.

VISION:

Within the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, we have a responsibility to promote sound United States engagement in the United Nations agencies and the full payment of UN dues. I will advance the organization's strong, positive message about US participation in the United Nations.

Director at Large: Bailey Dinman

BIO:

Bailey is a senior in the Honors College at the University of Maryland pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Government and Politics with a concentration in International Relations. Bailey is double minoring in International Development and Conflict Management, and Public Leadership. She has completed multiple student fellowships on campus, and studied abroad in Paris last spring.

In 2016, Bailey served as the UNA-USA Membership Intern at the UN Foundation, beginning her involvement in the organization. Following her experience, Bailey worked to revamp the UNA chapter at the University of Maryland, serving as chapter President. Since June of 2018, Bailey has served as the Student Representative on UNA-NCA's Board of Directors and looks forward to continuing her involvement with
the organization.

Bailey is currently interning with the United Nations Information Center. She has held
previous internships at Amnesty International and Freedom House.

VISION:

As a member at large on the UNA-NCA Board of Directors, I hope to build upon my experience serving as the Student Representative by maintaining a strong relationship with fellow board members, and an active presence within the chapter at large. Further, I hope to continue to build relationships with local student leaders, and offer continued support to the incoming Student Representative. I hope to contribute my unique opinions as a young professional and a young woman during board meetings and discussions, and ensure that there is younger perspective to governance conversations.

Director at Large: Rajesh Gupta

BIO:

Rajesh is a veteran in the IT industry, having served as President of DMI's IoT & Analytics Division (formerly Lochbridge acquired by DMI in May 2017), Global Head & Industry GM of Automotive Sector at CSC and Head & GM of Client Services at Infosys. He has driven exponential client growth by leveraging underlying advanced technologies, such as data science, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, cryptography and IoT in the context of clients' environment. He also served as the Deputy Director of Defence R&D for the Indian Ministry of Defence. Over the years, Rajesh has gained valuable experience as a global business leader in business transformation, P&L management, strategy, business development, and corporate social responsibility. He has been instrumental in pivoting the companies towards a strategic foundation and building a strong partner eco-system. He has, and continues to be, a driving force in strategic, relationship, entrepreneurial, content and operational leadership.

He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and a post-graduate in Management from Birla Institute of Management Technology. He holds a Bachelors in Electronics Engineering from the National Institute of Technology and a Master's Degree in Communication Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.

VISION:

UNA-NCA is a not-for-profit organization that has been at the forefront to improve the collective wisdom at United Nations by working with the decision makers in the UN as well as the US for important humankind issues like nuclear non-proliferation, global health, conflict resolution, dignity in living for all across the globe, etc. There is a lot which can be accomplished in all these areas by selfless contributions to benefit society and humankind. With my experiences in both government and corporate world and a strong focus on technologies, I believe that we can help bring the much desired change in today's world through continuous innovation and incubation of new ideas. I will dedicate my efforts to work with the UNA-NCA team and the partner eco-system for the sustainable development and to advocate and reach for the young professionals to help accomplish the noble mission of the organization.

Director at Large: Brian Heilman

BIO:

Brian C. Heilman is an advisor to non-profit organizations, foundations and families in the Washington region for investment policy and allocation. He is an advocate for the principles on which the UN was founded: the Sustainable Development Goals, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.

Brian is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and member since 1998 of the CFA Society of Washington, where he previously served on the External Relations Committee. He holds an MBA in Business Administration from the Anderson School at UCLA and BA, Biology, also from the University of California.

Brian is a member of the Society for International Development, and a co-author of research regarding the causative agent of South American Trypanosomiasis, T. Cruzi. His son and daughter attended District of Columbia schools, and he has attended Model United Nations sessions in Washington. Brian has lived on three continents, and resided in Tokyo, Japan, for four years.

VISION:

Global change demands coordinated and swift action to achieve a sustainable future. My vision is to achieve new alliances to advance the UN and capital community toward realization of a world where opportunity exists for all earth's inhabitants, built on peace, security, and justice, the bedrock of the United Nations.

Director at Large: Ambassador (ret.) Keith Harper

BIO:

Ambassador (ret.) Keith M. Harper is a partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. From 2014 to 2017, he served as the United States Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Harper currently also serves as a
Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. And the American Bar Association has appointed him as Special Advisor to the ABA's Rule of Law Initiative.

Throughout his legal career, Harper has represented Indian tribes and individual Indians. He served as Class Counsel representing a class of 500,000 individual Indians in the landmark trust funds lawsuit, Cobell v. Salazar, which settled for $3.4 billion in 2009. Harper served as a Chair for Native American policy in the 2008 Obama For America presidential campaign and then on President Obama's transition team. He was appointed by President Obama to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships in 2010. He has taught Federal Indian Law as an adjunct professor at Catholic University Columbus School of Law and American University Washington College of Law. Harper began service as an At-Large member of the Democratic National Committee in October 2017.

Harper was selected as one of the 500 best lawyers in America (LawDragon500) and one of the fifty most influential minority lawyers (National Law Journal). He graduated from University of
California, Berkeley and received his J.D. from New York University School of Law. After graduation, he served as law clerk to the Honorable Lawrence W. Pierce on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

VISION:

The United Nations is the extant manifestation of a simple proposition that an international community united in purpose and objective is essential for greater stability, security and prosperity for all. I would join UNA-NCA to advocate for the multilateral system and its objectives while at the same time addressing some of the United Nation's imperfections. In addition, it is necessary in a world where human rights and rule of law are under assault at home and abroad, that we unite in support of these key principles.

Director at Large: Iqbal Unus

BIO:

Dr. Iqbal J. Unus is a trustee, since 1989, of Amana Mutual Funds Trust, the leading mutual fund operating with Islamic principles. He has focused his professional career on the evolving Muslim presence in America, gaining distinctive insight into its growth. He has recently retired from International Institute of Islamic Thought, is a fellow at Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, chairs the Board of newly established The Islamic Seminary of America, and has served one term on UNA-NCA Board. He has served as secretary general of Islamic Society of North America, where now he is Board member. He has published several articles in Islamic Horizons magazine, a chapter in The Muslims' Place in the American Public Square, and two children's books. He has also abridged Apostasy in Islam: An Historical and Scriptural Analysis, edited Muslim American Life: Reflections and Perspectives, and written two short books, Moses on Leadership and They Desire to Serve.

VISION:

It is imperative that the citizens of the United States constructively engage with the United Nations and its system of cooperation and collaboration across national boundaries. Such engagement fosters a truer understanding of global citizenship, and subsequently develops within them a genuine concern for all peoples of the world. By educating individuals about their power to bring about change through the UN system, we will be better prepared for the challenges and open to the possibilities that emerge within our global community. Ever-increasing globalization demands a response. To that end, we must facilitate education in global citizenship. I seek to further the work of UNA-NCA by extending it to communities of citizens and immigrants not reached effectively.

Director at Large: Melissa Wolfe

BIO:

Melissa Wolfe chairs UNA-NCA's Governance Committee. She lends expertise and counsel on governance best practices to UNA-NCA and most notably led the process to develop UNA-NCA's current strategic plan and 2019 business plan. Melissa is United Way Worldwide's Director of Governance. As part of the Executive Office team, she is responsible for governance strategies for the global network and she manages the work of United Way's Worldwide and U.S.A. National Boards. She also provides technical assistance to United Way's members and international partners in 41 countries and territories. Melissa is a National Association of Corporate Directors Governance Fellow and was recognized as one of 24 America's Leaders of Change by the National Urban Fellows. She is also a past recipient of UNA-NCA's Evelyn Falkowski Service Award for advancing the mission of the United Nations and for strengthening UNA-NCA as an organization.

VISION:

The United Nations charter remains as relevant today as it did in 1945. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development invites all of us from around the world to be a part of truly global solutions. As a member of the UNA-NCA board, I am honored and privileged to contribute to this work and I look forward to advancing our organization's mission in the next few years.

Student Representative: Oona Nelson

BIO:

Oona Nelson is a junior International Business Major concentrating in emerging nations and Spanish with a minor in political science at Howard University. In Spring 2019, she interned at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Human Resources where she worked in Student Programs, planning and coordinating events for the Unpaid Interns. Previously, she collaborated with Miss Black Ambassador D.C. 2018, Candace Johnson, on an event co-sponsored by her campaign and the United States Department of State, to increase the awareness and involvement of young African-Americans in careers in international affairs.

Oona joined the United Nations Association as a freshman in 2017, when it was first chartered on Howard University's campus. From then to now, she has been actively involved with planning and facilitating events. Now, she acts as the President of her Chapter for the 2019-2020 school year.

VISION:

As Student Representative to the Board of Directors of the National Capital Area, Oona intends to grow the collaboration between chapters and increase membership retention to campus and advocacy events. She also intends to increase the amount of diversity and inclusion within the Chapters to promote innovation in ideas and representation for all. While promoting the 17 sustainable goals, through advocacy work, fundraising and event planning.