Layma Murtaza is a seasoned professional development expert with extensive experience across Central and South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. She has worked with local and international NGOs, governments, and civil society in Afghanistan, Syria, and Türkiye. Holding a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Davis, and a Master’s in Global Public Policy from the American University in Cairo, Layma is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Development Management at American University’s School of International Service.

With eight years of experience in U.S. political affairs, including government representation, political finance, policy advocacy, Layma also specializes in international development focused on civil society, democracy, rule of law, governance, humanitarian operations, and women’s empowerment programming.
Multicultural and multilingual, her global work and studies in England, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Afghanistan have honed her expertise in governance, social inclusion, capacity building, strategic planning, and international development.