Team
Empowering Tomorrow’s Diplomatic Leaders
Meet the dynamic individuals driving our mission forward.
Rukhsar Balkhi
Founder and Director
Rukhsar Balkhi is a second-year Master of International Affairs (MIA) candidate at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University, New York City, and is concurrently pursuing an MSc in Modern South Asian Studies at the University of Oxford, UK. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human Rights and Macroeconomics from Bard College, New York, and is an alumna of the Bard Globalization and International Affairs Program (BGIA) in NYC.
Rukhsar is the founder and co-founder of multiple initiatives, including WEGO (Women Empowerment and Growth Organization), Noda Academy, Mawlana International Model United Nations, and Startups Mazar—each aimed at fostering leadership, education, and civic engagement in marginalized and conflict-affected communities.
She has collaborated with international organizations such as the U.S. Embassy, USAID, United Nations agencies, and global think tanks to implement research-driven programs and policy initiatives. Additionally, Rukhsar is an advocate with Our Generation for Inclusive Peace (OGIP) and a Fellow at the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP). Her work has been recognized with the First Project Award in Gender Equality at the National Forum for Afghan Young Leaders toward SDGs.
Aamir Amiri
Project Manager & Data Quality Specialist
Aamir Amiri is an experienced project coordinator and data quality specialist with a strong background in migration support, humanitarian projects, and administrative management. He has worked with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Global Affairs Canada, where he played a crucial role in coordinating evacuation projects, training teams, and managing data for refugee and family assistance programs. With a bachelor’s degree in economics and additional certifications in Project Management and Result-Oriented Management, Aamir has successfully led cross-functional teams, ensured quality control in reporting, and streamlined operational processes in challenging environments. His diverse skill set includes team leadership, process optimization, translation services, and community engagement, along with experience as a part-time lecturer in English and business studies. Aamir is currently advancing his German language skills. Aamir is eager to apply his expertise to new opportunities in project management, education, and humanitarian work.
Zarina Dawlat
Global Engagement and Diversity Coordinator
Zarina Dawlat is currently a graduate student pursuing a double major in Accounting and an MBA, interning at Deloitte. She holds a bachelor’s degree in politics with a strong interest in diplomacy, public administration, data analytics, and financial management. Coming from a refugee background, both from Afghanistan and Tajikistan, her experiences navigating cultural adaptation and displacement have shaped her commitment to foster inclusivity at all levels and engagement. She loves learning different languages and reading books.
Dinu Antonescu
Policy and Research Coordinator
Dinu Antonescu’s commitment to human rights, youth civic engagement, and international affairs is rooted in his experiences growing up in Romania and the United States of America. Dinu has helped champion three bills, including an amendment to modernize the Americans with Disabilities Act, a bill promoting equal access to menstrual products in schools, and a measure aimed at increasing transparency around big tech’s role in elections. Additionally, Dinu continues to advance human rights through various United Nations mechanisms. As the founder of AccessibilityAtlas, a youth-led disability rights NGO, he leads a team writing reports surrounding the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in member states. Outside of his work, Dinu enjoys ski racing, aerial photography, and travelling back to Romania to reconnect with family and friends.
Join Our Team Today
Become a part of our dynamic team to unlock your full potential and embark on an exciting journey of growth, collaboration, and success! Together, we create innovative solutions, tackle challenges head-on, and make a meaningful impact in a supportive and inspiring environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and thrive in a workplace where your ideas and efforts are truly valued.
