Rima Kawas is a senior leader in the democracy and governance field who has trained, advised, and worked with global leaders around the world.  From governors, members of parliament, mayors, civil rights activists, corporate and nonprofit leaders, Rima’s domestic and international career spans more than 20 years.  She has implemented programs and traveled to more than 50 countries, such as Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Indonesia, and Iraq. 

As the Director of Governance and Collaborative Learning, Rima led transformational organizational change efforts by helping establish the Center for Global Impact at the International Republican Institute (IRI) which is now a 60-person team of thematic experts.  In addition, Rima has extensive experience in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including as a Deputy Regional Director where she managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio focused on citizen-centered governance, women’s political leadership and civil society capacity building. 

Rima’s public and private sector expertise is wide-ranging. She worked at a Fortune 50 company where she led an extensive public policy portfolio, and worked at many levels of government, most notably as a Senior Policy Advisor for the Governor of Minnesota. 

Rima has engaged with, trained and advised leaders around the world on key skills such as best practices in leadership, citizen-centered governance, strategic planning, and advocacy. She has represented the United States as part of four international delegations. 

Rima loves meeting new people and creating a safe space for mutual respect and understanding.  She is published in Diplomatic Courier and Modern Diplomacy and has spoken and led workshops at conferences globally.