The American University in Cairo
MISSION
Serve as the leading provider of knowledge and resources for strengthening philanthropic practice in the Arab region.
Pakiname Mamdouh
Senior Manager, Civic Engagement Unit
Pakiname holds an MA degree in Political Science from the Saint Joseph University in Beirut. Her studies have allowed her to develop an in-depth understanding of development needs of the region to complement her professional experience in the field.
She is currently working as the Head of the Civic Engagement Unit, at the John D. Gerhart center at the American University in Cairo. Her work involves developing and advancing the Units’ programs nationally and regionally, and conducting strategic planning including outreach, partnerships, and fundraising. Her main role is leading the efforts of institutionalizing civic education and social change and scaling it both nationally and regionally.
She worked for almost 8 years as a Senior Development Specialist in Charge of Cooperation with European Countries in the Cabinet of the Minister of International Cooperation. As an assistant to the Minister her responsibilities included acting as a coordinator and a focal point with European Countries' Embassies in Egypt, as well as European agencies of development in addition to conducting research in relevance to development aid and cooperation between Egypt and European Countries. She was also responsible for monitoring and assessing development projects carried out with European partners.
Her work at the Ministry – a focal point of Egypt’s bilateral and economic relations – helped her build an insight of the different work systems of Egypt's donors. Besides, liaising between relevant line ministries and the donors’ community helped her maintain connection with multiple donors and international development agencies. Equally important, her work has involved regular representation of the Ministry at events held for coordinating cooperation between Egypt and European Countries, including Joint Committees for economic, scientific and technical cooperation, seminars, forums and conferences. Pakiname was also handling the NGO’s file, which is one of the confidential files at the Ministry, through the coordination with all the concerned authorities regarding the work of the Egyptian and Foreign NGO’s in Egypt.
Her experience at the Cabinet of the Minister of International Cooperation, not only did her job tasks focus on research and analysis but was also entrusted with the preparation of talking points, speeches and all the Minister’s correspondence, as well as providing strategic and technical opinion to the Minister about matters relevant to international development and economic cooperation.
Nada Bahgat
Program Officer
Nada Bahgat is a youth development practitioner, researcher, and cultural anthropologist. Driven by the 2011 Egyptian revolution, Nada decided to blend her roles and interests to empower youth and catalyze social change. With over 8 years of dedicated experience in fostering youth civic engagement and education projects within the Egyptian context, she has made significant contributions to the empowerment of hundreds of Egyptian youth, leveraging her expertise in project design and management. Nada was awarded the Civil Society Leadership Awards in 2021 by the Open Society Foundation.
Nada works as the Lazord Fellowship Program Officer at John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business, at the American University in Cairo, where she plays a pivotal role in creating learning journeys for youth for empowerment, growth, and civic participation. Additionally, she serves as an anthropological consultant and previously as a teaching assistant and as a researcher on a couple of projects at the American University in Washington D.C.
Bahgat holds a B.Sc. in Political Science from Cairo University and a master’s degree in Public Anthropology from the American University, in Washington D.C. Bahgat also studied Gender and Anthropology of the Middle East at George Washington University.
Beyond her professional commitments, Nada is a writer and aspiring filmmaker, utilizing her talents to amplify marginalized voices and shed light on pressing social issues. Her passion for writing and filmmaking reflects her dedication to storytelling as a powerful tool for social transformation.
HIGGS
MISSION
HIGGS is an initiative which aims to reinforce Nonprofit Organizations | NPOs | and Social Enterprises operating in Greece, through educational and supportive programs and activities.
Dr. Sotiris Petropoulos
Co-Founder
During his PhD studies, he came across the Civil Society and Nonprofit Organizations. Since 2009, Sotiris has been focusing on the NPO ecosystem, in particular through the research program “Thales-Evaluation of Greek Nonprofit Organizations”. In 2012, he started organizing a series of capacity building seminars directed to organizations throughout Greece. Having met people from more than 200 Nonprofit Organizations, Sotiris can maintain his positive attitude and smile since all the elements for fascinating initiatives are out there. His aspiration is to support as much as possible the Greek ecosystem.
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Sotiris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Shipping, an MA in International Political Economy and a PhD focusing on Regionalism in the Developing World.
Alexandra Emirza
Deputy Director
Her first contact with the NPO ecosystem starts with her participation in the high school environmental volunteer team. Upon completion of her academic studies, Alexandra worked in private and Nonprofit Organisations where she gained experience in conducting economic studies and mainly in the preparation, analysis and monitoring of programs funded by national and international donors. Since 2012, she has been a key lecturer in capacity building trainings and regularly evaluates projects, since measuring social impact is a long standing goal. Being a HIGGS member Alexandra hopes to put her knowledge and experience to the service of all those who try to make the world better.
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Alexandra has studied Public Administration and holds an MSc in Health Care Policy and Management from University of Birmingham.
Angeliki Stamataki
Administrative Officer
Her first contact with volunteering and engaging with the CSOs ecosystem was in her early years as a student. Through her daily interaction with humanitarian organizations and through her work, she always wanted to be close to people.
As part of her work at HIGGS, she wants to provide the necessary support to the common effort of empowering NGOs and effectively addressing the growing challenges.
Angeliki studied at the Department of French Language and Literature of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens.
INJAZ
MISSION
To inspire and prepare youth to become productive members of their society and accelerate the development of the national economy.
Thuria Ibrahime
Project Manager
Thuria holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Development from the University of Jordan. Her academic background, combined with more than twelve years of professional experience, has enabled her to develop a deep understanding of the region’s development needs. Throughout her career, she has worked across civic engagement, peacebuilding, sexual and reproductive health, economic empowerment, and youth leadership, contributing to initiatives that strengthen community resilience and expand equitable access to opportunities.
She is currently the Project Manager for Youth Employment at INJAZ, where she leads national programs aimed at improving young people’s readiness for the labor market. Her role includes designing and managing employment pathways, building strategic partnerships, and strengthening collaboration with public, private, and civil society institutions. Through her work, she supports the development of innovative, practical, and inclusive solutions that help young people transition successfully into the workforce.
In addition to her national work, she is an active member of the International AIDS Society and serves on the Grant Review Committee of the Black Feminist Fund, contributing to global conversations on public health, gender justice, and community-led development. Her professional journey reflects a strong belief in collaboration, evidence-based practice, and the power of inclusive, rights-based approaches to advance justice, equity, and sustainable development across the region.
Antoun Al-Twal
Senior Project Officer
Antoun Al-Twal is a motivated young professional with a strong background in finance, accounting, partnerships, and event planning. He holds a Diploma in International Accounting and a bachelor’s degree in finance and Banking.
He was part of the Lazord Fellowship in the 2024–2025 cohort, and he is now continuing his journey with the fellowship through his role as a Senior Project Officer at INJAZ.
Antoun also has solid experience in planning and organizing events, along with international exposure from his time in the United States, which strengthened his communication and cultural understanding. He is interested in community work and continues to build his skills to contribute to impactful projects in the humanitarian and development fields.
UTIL
MISSION
Founded in 2011, UTIL is dedicated to engaging youth and women in public life, fighting government corruption, and ensuring economic opportunity for youth as a means to combat radicalization.
Ali Cherif
Program Officer
Ali Cherif is a Program Officer at UTIL, with over a decade of experience designing and implementing civil society programs across Tunisia and the MENA region. His work focuses on advancing youth economic empowerment, Professional integration, employability, and civic engagement.
In his current role, Ali leads national programs that equip young people with the skills and pathways needed to access the labor market. He oversees the design and delivery of employment initiatives, builds cross-sector partnerships, and strengthens collaboration among public institutions, private sector actors, and civil society organizations to enhance program reach and impact.
Ali holds a Research Master’s degree in Computer Science and a Professional Master’s degree in Good Governance and Anti-Corruption. He applies a data-driven and evidence-based approach to program design, addressing systemic barriers to youth employment and enhancing program effectiveness and sustainability.
A Lazord Fellowship alumnus, Ali is also a Workplace Success Program (WSP) alumnus with EFE Organization, and a certified Local Development Program Facilitator. He is a graduate of the 2017 civil society cohort of the Tunisian School of Politics. Through his work, he contributes to building inclusive ecosystems that enable young people to successfully transition into the workforce.
Moez Ali
President
Moez Ali is a seasoned Tunisian civil society leader with expertise in youth economic empowerment, professional integration, and countering and preventing violent extremism (CVE/PVE) both online and offline.
He is the Co-Founder and President of UTIL, an organization established in the wake of the Tunisian uprising, dedicated to strengthening youth economic capacity and supporting professional integration. Through UTIL, he has cultivated a robust partnership with the Lazord Foundation, hosting its Tunisian chapter fellowship program and expanding leadership development opportunities for young Tunisians.
Moez Ali is a recognized expert consultant to international organizations and government agencies on CVE/PVE strategy. He holds a Certificate of Completion from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, Executive Education, in the Strategic Management of NGO Leaders Program (2015).
In the private sector, he has served as foounder of MAConsulting since 2005, specializing in business development. His career also encompasses experience within U.S. government administration and various private sector organizations, reflecting a broad and versatile professional background at the intersection of civil society, governance, and enterprise.