ACLED is an entirely remote organization, which allows our team of over 200 to live and work in all countries and contexts where we collect and analyze instability. Team members work within ACLED’s executive office, global programs, external engagements, fundraising and development or operations departments. We have a distinguished board that is complemented by two active advisory boards. Further information about ACLED is available here, and about our local and strategic partners here.
Global Programs
Covering global data production, analysis, methodology, and data science
- Erin MillerChief of Global Programs
Analysis
Global and local analysis and research on conflicts and crisis
- Timothy LayAnalysis Manager
- Ladd SerwatAfrica Regional Specialist
- Heni NsaibiaAssociate Analysis Coordinator, West Africa
- Jalale Getachew Birru (Dr.des)East Africa Senior Analysis Coordinator
- Braden FullerSenior Researcher, East Africa
- Peter BofinSenior Research Coordinator
- Dr. Ameneh MehvarMiddle East Regional Specialist
- Luca NevolaMiddle East Regional Specialist
- Nichita GurcovEurope & Central Asia Regional Specialist
- Sandra PellegriniLatin America Regional Specialist
- Tiziano BredaLatin America Associate Analysis Coordinator
- Ciro MurilloAssociate Analysis Coordinator
- Ana MarcoResearch Analyst
- Christian JaffeResearch Analyst
Data Science
Developing innovative tools and data
- Dr. Katayoun KishiHead of Data Science
- Trey BillingData ScientistTrey BillingData Scientist
Trey Billing is a Data Scientist at ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2022. Dr. Billing holds a PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, as well as a BA in Economics from the University of Dayton. He was also a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Mershon Center for International Security Studies at The Ohio State University. Dr. Billing’s interests include conflict dynamics, computational social science, and causal inference.
- Mariah ElliottSenior Data OfficerMariah ElliottSenior Data Officer
Mariah Elliott is a Senior Data Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since July 2020, previously as a researcher for the US desk. As the Data Officer, she processes and uploads all ACLED data on a weekly basis as well as supports other data management processes at ACLED. Mariah holds degrees in International Affairs and Arabic from the University of Georgia and has experience supporting different data projects, specifically related to the mapping of the Syrian conflict and the measurement of subnational levels of repression globally.
- Elena Stotts-LeeSenior Data OfficerElena Stotts-LeeSenior Data OfficerElena Stotts-Lee is a Senior Data Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since May 2024. As part of the Data Science team, Elena assists in various data management tasks such as conducting quality assurance checks on weekly uploads and implementing strategies to improve the efficiency and robustness of data collection and publication processes. Elena is an experienced programmer in R Shiny and supports the maintenance of ACLED's Shiny applications. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Sociology (PPES) from Trinity College Dublin and a Master's from the Barcelona School of Economics in the Economics of Public Policy.
- Esther SimmendingerJunior Data ScientistEsther SimmendingerJunior Data Scientist
Esther Simmendinger is a Junior Data Scientist at ACLED and has been with the organisation since September 2023. She holds degrees in Public Policy and Human Development from UNU-MERIT and in Social and Economic Data Science from the University of Konstanz. Apart from the field of data science, Esther has over two years of experience in research in the fields of social policy and humanitarian aid as well as work experience in international development cooperation.
- Rachel LinData OfficerRachel LinData Officer
Rachel Lin is a Data Officer in ACLED’s Data Science team and cleans, merges, reviews, and uploads ACLED data. She also assists in creating curated data files and performs quality checks on ACLED’s internal databases. Rachel holds a degree in Political Science and a minor in Data Science from the George Washington University.
- Zainab AkhtarGIS AnalystZainab AkhtarGIS Analyst
Zainab Akhtar is a Geospatial Analyst with ACLED, where she supports the Data Science team with data manipulation, spatial database development, spatial analysis, and mapping. Her expertise includes Geographical Information Systems, Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Data Science, and Machine Learning. She has a strong focus on research and development and is dedicated to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Zainab holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and is currently pursuing her Master's in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology. She previously worked as a Research Assistant at Qatar Computing Research Institute, where she led the development of the Flood Insights system, earning recognition at top-tier conferences such as WWW'23 and AAAI '24, including the Best Deployed Application Award.
Methodology
Overseeing data quality, rigor, and literacy
- Fiona WongAssociate Manager, Methodology & Knowledge Management
- Danyal KamalAssociate Manager, Data Quality and Enrichment
- Charles VanniceTraining Coordinator
Charles Vannice is the Training Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since 2010, originally hired as an Africa researcher. He currently coordinates methodological training for all new and current researchers, as well as for ACLED’s external partners. Charles holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Central Missouri and a BS in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. His interests include insurgency and politically driven conflict with a focus on East Africa and Nigeria. Charles’ past research includes work with the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas, where his focus was on the Indian sub-continent and Afghanistan.
- Ashik KCMethodology CoordinatorAshik KCMethodology Coordinator
Ashik KC is a Methodology Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2018, originally hired as a Pakistan researcher. As part of the Methodology team, he currently oversees application of actors, categorization of actors and several methodology projects to enhance ACLED's data usage in analysis. Ashik holds a PhD in Political Science from University of Warsaw, and an MA in Peace and Conflict Research from Uppsala University. Ashik has over ten years of combined experience of desk and field research in violent political and ethnic conflicts in Nepal, South Asia, South Caucasus, Ukraine and Moldova. His research interests include ethno-territorial conflicts and the role of regional organizations in conflict resolution.
- Shanti VallsMethodology CoordinatorShanti VallsMethodology Coordinator
Shanti Valls works as Methodology Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2020, originally hired as a researcher for several countries in Central Africa. He is part of the Methodology team and leads project management of quality assurance projects in coordination with Methodology Coordinators. Shanti holds an MA in Human Development and Sustainability and a BA in Geography, both from the University of Girona. He also holds a PhD in African Studies from the Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona. Shanti has six years of experience working in social policy and local governance and over 2 years working at the United Nations.
- Shreya MaskaraMethodology & Training OfficerShreya MaskaraMethodology & Training Officer
Shreya Maskara is a Methodology & Training Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since December 2019. She was originally working as a researcher on the South Asia desk covering South India and now works with the global methodology team doing quality control. Shreya has a BA in Economics and English from the University of California, Los Angeles. Shreya has over four years of experience working in politics and research.
- Hannah GuedesQuality Assurance AssistantHannah GuedesQuality Assurance Assistant
Hannah Guedes is a Quality Assurance Assistant at ACLED and has been with the organization since 2019. She has previously worked as an Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay Researcher for the South America desk. She assists the Methodology team in projects related to data quality and accuracy. She holds an MA in Contemporary Latin-American Integration from the Latin-American Integration University and a BA in International Relations from the Fluminense Federal University. Her research interests include organized crime groups, international affairs, and gender. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
- Myung-Gyun LimMethodology CoordinatorMyung-Gyun LimMethodology Coordinator
Myung-Gyun Lim is the Methodology Coordinator at ACLED. Previously, he managed the ACLED's Oceania and Canada expansion project, and worked at the North America and East Asia desks as Research Manager and Researcher respectively. His research interest centers on the effects of threat inflation on inter-state conflicts.
- Rose DaviesSenior Methodology Officer on Data LiteracyRose DaviesSenior Methodology Officer on Data Literacy
Rose Davies is the Assistant Research Manager at the South America Desk and previously worked as a US researcher at the North America desk. She holds a Master of Global Affairs from the University of Toronto, and a BA in Sociology and Hispanic and Latin American Studies from Brock University.
- Aidar DossymovQuality Assurance AssistantAidar DossymovQuality Assurance Assistant
Aidar works as a Quality Assurance Assistant at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2018, originally hired as a researcher for Russia. He conducts regular quality control checks and methodological reviews, and assists the methodology team with overall data quality and accuracy. Aidar holds an MA in European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies from Carleton University and a BA in International Relations and History from University of Toronto. Aidar’s research interests include the emergence of authoritarian states and democratic transition in the post-Soviet space.
- Shannon NicholsQuality Assurance Assistant, Global CoderShannon NicholsQuality Assurance Assistant, Global Coder
Shannon Nichols is a Quality Assurance Assistant, Global Coder at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2021. She was originally a United States Researcher and Senior Research Assistant on the North America desk before joining the Methodology team where she performs quality checks of the data and integrates global source information into the dataset. Shannon holds an MSSc in Peace, Mediation, and Conflict Research as well as a BA in Politics and a BS in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology.
- Ankita PhalleQuality Assurance AssistantAnkita PhalleQuality Assurance Assistant
Ankita Phalle is a Quality Assurance Assistant at ACLED, and has been with the organization since September 2020. In her current role, she conducts regular data quality control and methodological reviews. Ankita holds an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Manchester. She has over six years of experience working with organizations in the social development sector in various capacities including teaching, managing programs and operations, and research.
- Juan Esteban MosqueraQuality Assurance AssistantJuan Esteban MosqueraQuality Assurance Assistant
Juan Esteban Mosquera is a Quality Assurance Assistant with ACLED and has been at the organization since October 2018. He holds a Master’s Degree in Development Economics from the University of Sussex, a BS in Economics from Universidad de las Américas. Previously in ACLED he worked as a researcher for Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, at the South America desk, and before that he worked at the Inter-American Development Bank as an assistant for the Country Economist of Ecuador. His research interests are gender equality dynamics, migration, political and domestic violence triggers and social development in Latin America.
Global Data Collection
Generating the highest quality, global, unbiased, independent conflict and demonstration event data
Desk Management
- Tom HartHead of Global Data Collection
- Franziska PfadtGlobal Data Collection ManagerFranziska PfadtGlobal Data Collection Manager
Franziska Pfadt is the Global Data Collection Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2018, and currently coordinates ACLED's regional research desks, overseeing staffing, reporting, and task allocations. Franziska holds an LLM in International Law from Leiden University and a BA in Political Science and Law. Prior to joining ACLED, she worked in several non-profit organizations acquiring extensive experience in process and knowledge management.
- Bhavani CastroRegional Desk CoordinatorBhavani CastroRegional Desk Coordinator
Bhavani Castro is the Research Desk Coordinator at ACLED, having previously managed the South America Research desk, and has been with the organization since 2018. She oversees the collection of data on political violence and demonstrations in the South America region and is responsible for managing the team members. She holds an MA in International Security from the Institut d´Études Politiques de Paris – Sciences Po Paris, and a BA in International Relations from the University of São Paulo. Her research interests include ethno-nationalist conflicts, communal violence, organized crime groups, and non-state armed groups and gender. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, and French.
- Yohaire Zumbado-MadrigalPartnership OfficerYohaire Zumbado-MadrigalPartnership Officer
Yohaire Zumbado-Madrigal is a Partnership Officer at ACLED. She has been with the organization since June 2021, previously working as a Caribbean Researcher and Assistant Research Manager at the Central America desk. Yohaire holds a MA in Social Sciences Applied to the Environment from Pablo de Olavide University and a B.A. in International Relations, with a Specialization in Diplomacy, and Foreign Policy, from the National University of Costa Rica. Yohaire has extensive experience in research, M&E, diplomacy, and electoral observation. She is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese.
- Aastha KaulAssociate Partnership CoordinatorAastha KaulAssociate Partnership Coordinator
Aastha Kaul is the Associate Partnership Coordinator at ACLED. She has been with the organisation since September 2020, previously working as the South Asia and Afghanistan Research Manager. Aastha holds a BSc. International Studies from the University of Surrey, and has worked with various organisations within the public policy and international development sector, gaining extensive experience in research, project and team management, and partnership engagement.
Research Desks
- Susanna DeetlefsRegional Desk Coordinator, Africa and North AmericaSusanna DeetlefsRegional Desk Coordinator, Africa and North America
Susanna Deetlefs is a Regional Desk Coordinator at ACLED. Previously, she was the research manager for the Southern and East Africa research desk. She has been part of the organization since 2019 and currently oversees the Africa and North America research desks. Susanna is an alumna of Durham University, United Kingdom, where she obtained an MSc in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding, and the University of Pretoria, South Africa, where she acquired an MA in Security Studies. With a career spanning over 5 years, she has directed her efforts towards specialized areas such as gendered security, peacebuilding, political violence, transnational organized crime, and research on child soldiers.
- John DodoNorthern & Western Africa Research ManagerJohn DodoNorthern & Western Africa Research Manager
John Dodo is ACLED's Northern & Western Africa Research Manager
- Ariane Dinalli FranciscoAfrica Assistant Research ManagerAriane Dinalli FranciscoAfrica Assistant Research Manager
Ariane Dinalli Francisco is the East and Southern Africa Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since December 2019. She was originally hired as a South America researcher for the Latam desk. Ariane holds a MA in Democratic Governance and Civil Society from the Osnabruck University, Germany, and a BA in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ariane has vast research experience, and her work focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to organized crime, security, and peace and conflict studies.
- Laura SoricaEast Asia Pacific Research ManagerLaura SoricaEast Asia Pacific Research Manager
Laura Sorica is a Research Manager at ACLED's East Asia Pacific desk and has been with the organization since August 2019. She is currently overseeing political violence and protests in the East Asia Pacific region, including in Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, East Timor and throughout Oceania. Laura holds an MA in International and Advanced Japanese Studies and two BAs, one in Political Science and one in Linguistics. Her previous experiences include working in the private sector, the Romanian Embassy in Tokyo, and as an academic researcher in Japan working on security policy.
- Andre AbouAfrica Assistant Research ManagerAndre AbouAfrica Assistant Research Manager
Andre Abou is an Assistan Research Manager on ACLED's Africa desk.
- Hangyu LeeEast Asia Pacific Research ManagerHangyu LeeEast Asia Pacific Research Manager
Hangyu Lee is an East Asia Pacific Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2020. Hangyu currently manages several countries for the East Asia Pacific research desk. He holds a BA in Global Communication and Culture and an MA in Global Studies from Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg and Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales. His research interests include political polarization in South Korea and the role of social media in politics. He is fluent in Korean, English, and Spanish.
- Mahmoud SalehEast Asia Pacific Assistant Research ManagerMahmoud SalehEast Asia Pacific Assistant Research Manager
Mahmoud Saleh is our Assistant Research Manager for the East Asia Pacific desk. His role is to assist in the desk management and producing data and analyses related to political violence events in East Asian countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan. He joined ACLED in March 2021 as a researcher for the Middle East desk. He also covered several countries in the Middle East, Africa, Western Europe, and the Gulf. Besides ACLED, Mahmoud worked in the development sector on projects in Tunisia and the UAE. Mahmoud holds an M.A. in International Security from Sciences Po Paris and a BSc dual degree in political science from Cairo University and Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne
- Asena KaraçaltiAfghanistan & South Asia Assistant Research ManagerAsena KaraçaltiAfghanistan & South Asia Assistant Research Manager
Asena Karaçalti is the Afghanistan Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since May 2017. Asena has previously worked as the Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Africa Research Manager at ACLED. She holds a BA in Law from Ankara University, and an MSc in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies from KU Leuven. Her research interests focus on the transit experiences of migrant and refugee populations and political violence across the Middle East and Afghanistan. She has past experience as a lawyer and as an expert in migration and asylum organizations.
- Pearl PandyaSouth Asia Research ManagerPearl PandyaSouth Asia Research Manager
Pearl Pandya is the South Asia Research Manager at ACLED, having joined the organization in February 2022 as an India Researcher. In her current role, she oversees the South Asia research team and performs data review and analysis. Prior to joining ACLED, she worked on international law and human rights at the UN, and in local politics in India. Pearl holds a master’s degree in public international law from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a LL.B. from King's College London.
- Giulia BernardiWestern Europe Research ManagerGiulia BernardiWestern Europe Research Manager
Giulia Bernardi is the Western Europe Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2019. She was originally hired as the Italy researcher. She currently coordinates the management of the Western Europe desk and the publishing of its data on a weekly basis. Giulia holds a double MA in Russian, Central and East European Studies from the University of Glasgow and a Master's in International Relations from KIMEP University, Almaty. Before joining ACLED, she had experience in the field of journalism and research in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Giulia is fluent in Italian, English and Russian.
- Nicola AudibertWestern Europe Assistant Research ManagerNicola AudibertWestern Europe Assistant Research Manager
Nicola Audibert is the Western Europe Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2020, starting as a Europe Researcher. He currently assists in the management of the Western Europe Desk and the production of its data and analyses. Nicola holds an MA in European Security from the University of Vienna and joint BAs and MAs in European Affairs from Sciences Po Bordeaux and the University of Turin. Nicola has five years of experience in diplomacy, research, and advocacy applied to European affairs and security.
- Olha PolishchukEastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Research ManagerOlha PolishchukEastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Research Manager
Olha Polishchuk is the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2018, originally hired as the Ukraine Researcher. Currently, she manages a team of researchers covering countries across Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia and oversees the dataset and analysis work for the region. Olha holds an LLM in Law of the Sea from the Arctic University of Norway, an LLM in Human Rights Law with International Law from the University of Kent, and a bachelor's degree from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She has experience working in the private law sector, with Ukrainian government institutions, and human rights NGOs.
- Christian VlasEastern Europe Assistant Research ManagerChristian VlasEastern Europe Assistant Research Manager
Cristian Vlas is the Assistant Research Manager at the Eastern Europe desk. His previous focus was political violence in Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, and Romania. His work experience includes four years of reporting on Moldova and the Transnistrian conflict settlement for Moldova.org, monitoring of the use of small arms and light weapons in Moldova at SEESAC's Armed Violence Monitoring Platform. He also worked on reporting and advocacy with the Romanian National Council of Refugees (CNRR). Cristian has a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and European Integration from the University of Pécs, Hungary.
- Magda AnastasijevicEastern Europee, Central Asia, and Caucasus Research ManagerMagda AnastasijevicEastern Europee, Central Asia, and Caucasus Research Manager
Magda Anastasijevic is the Eastern Europe Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since June 2019, originally hired as a Balkans researcher. She earned her BA in Sociology at the University of Belgrade and studied South-eastern European Studies at the University of Graz and the University of Zagreb. Prior to ACLED, Magda’s research focused on conflicts in former Yugoslavia.
- Maria Fernanda ArochaCentral America Research ManagerMaria Fernanda ArochaCentral America Research Manager
Maria Fernanda Arocha is the Central America Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2018. She currently leads the Central American desk, managing the coding team, supporting the review of data quality, and assisting in data analysis. María Fernanda holds a Master’s degree in Peace, Conflict, and Development from the University of Bradford and a B.A. in Political Science from Javeriana University. Her research interests are related to organized crime dynamics, security policies, and their impacts on development conditions in Latin America.
- Julia Lins FranciottiSouth America Research ManagerJulia Lins FranciottiSouth America Research Manager
Julia Lins Franciotti is the South America Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2018. She oversees the data collection on political violence and protests in South America and is responsible for managing the team members. She holds an LLM in International Law from Leiden University. Her research interests include non-state armed groups, urban violence, and political disorder in Latin America and the Caribbean. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and German.
- Laura Calderon FuentesSouth America Assistant Research ManagerLaura Calderon FuentesSouth America Assistant Research Manager
Laura Calderon Fuentes is the Assistant Research Manager at the South America desk at ACLED. She has been with the organization since October 2021 and has previously worked as a researcher for the South America team sourcing and coding for different countries, primarily Colombia. Laura holds a BA in International Relations with a focus on Security, Peace, and Conflict from the Rosario University in Bogota and a Specialization Degree in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law from the same University.
- Muaz Al AbdullahMiddle East Research ManagerMuaz Al AbdullahMiddle East Research Manager
Muaz Al Abdullah is a Middle East Research Manager at ACLED overseeing Syria, Iraq, and Iran. He has been with the organization since June 2017. Muaz holds an MA in Political Science and International Relations and has over eight years of experience working with different non-profit organizations and providing security analysis to organizations implementing projects in Syria. His research focuses on reconstruction efforts in the transitional/post-war phase in Syria.
- Sherwan Hindreen AliMiddle East Research ManagerSherwan Hindreen AliMiddle East Research Manager
Sherwan Hindreen Ali is a Middle East Research Manager at ACLED. He has been with ACLED since February 2021, first as an Iraq Researcher and then as Assistant Research Manager for the ACLED-Religion project. Sherwan earned a MA in Islamic Studies from McGill University, and his research background is in Islamist politics and Middle Eastern history. He speaks Arabic, Kurdish, English, French, and Persian, and is based in Montreal, Canada.
- Valentin d'HauthuilleRegional Desk Coordinator, Middle East and EuropeValentin d'HauthuilleRegional Desk Coordinator, Middle East and Europe
Valentin d’Hauthuille is the Regional Desk Coordinator for the Middle East and Europe at ACLED. In this role, he oversees the data collection in the two regions and is responsible for managing the team members. Prior to this role, he was the Gulf Research Manager at ACLED, responsible for data collection in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, including for the Yemen conflict, and regularly contributed to analysis. He was also the Research Manager for ACLED’s pilot project on religious repression and disorder, which covered seven MENA countries, after starting at ACLED as a Yemen Researcher. Beside ACLED, he has also worked at the UN in Lebanon and in the defense sector in France. Valentin holds an MSc in Middle East Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and a BA in International Politics from King’s College London.
- Nasser KhdourMiddle East Assistant Research ManagerNasser KhdourMiddle East Assistant Research Manager
Nasser Khdour is the Middle East Assistant Research Manager at ACLED, where he has been working since 2021, initially joining as a Palestine Researcher. He holds a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the Australian National University and another master’s degree in International Studies from Birzeit University. Before joining ACLED, Nasser had ten years of experience in international organizations and civil society projects. He is currently based in Basel, Switzerland.
- Salma EissaMiddle East Research ManagerSalma EissaMiddle East Research Manager
Salma Eissa is a Middle East Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2017. Salma has an MA in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. She has over 10 years of experience in the Egyptian civil society and research and academia sectors and has a keen interest in political analysis and trends and patterns of political violence in the MENA region. She is fluent in Arabic and English.
- Kieran DoyleNorth America Research ManagerKieran DoyleNorth America Research Manager
Kieran Doyle is the North America Research Manager and has been with the organization since October 2020. He previously worked in local politics in the US, for human rights NGOs in Brussels, and later as a North America Researcher for ACLED, covering sourcing and coding for multiple regions. As Research Manager, he oversees the North America research team and performs data review and analysis. Kieran holds a Master's degree in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Studies from Tampere University in Finland and holds a BA in International Relations and French from the University of Denver.
- Bianca HoNorth America Assistant Research ManagerBianca HoNorth America Assistant Research Manager
Bianca Ho is the North America Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since August 2021. She previously worked on the Canada expansion project as well as data collection for multiple regions in the United States before moving to her current position. Bianca has a BA in Political Science and Economics from McGill University.
- Miriam AdahSouthern and Eastern Africa Assistant Research ManagerMiriam AdahSouthern and Eastern Africa Assistant Research Manager
Miriam is an assistant manager at the Africa desk, specifically the Southern and East Africa desk, and has been with the organization since July 2021. Starting as a Nigeria Researcher, and then a Senior Research Assistant, she currently assists in all duties and responsibilities related to running the desk.
Miriam holds an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies and a BA in Philosophy. She has over five years of experience working in different organizations and conducting research related to political violence. - Bianca CecconSouthern & Eastern Africa Research ManagerBianca CecconSouthern & Eastern Africa Research Manager
Bianca Ceccon is the Southern & Eastern Africa Research Manager at ACLED. She first joined the organization as a Southern Africa Researcher in April 2022. In her current role, she leads the Southern & Eastern Africa research team, overseeing data collection, review, and ensuring data quality.
Before joining ACLED, Bianca worked in humanitarian organizations and conducted conflict research in Brazil, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon, as well as on sexual violence in conflict at the United Nations Secretariat. She holds an MSc in International Politics and Conflict Studies from the University of Brasilia and a BA in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro.
External Affairs
Overseeing communications, advocacy, and digital engagement
- Danny LordWeb ManagerDanny LordWeb Manager
Danny Lord is the Web Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2021. He manages ACLED’s main site and subsidiary web properties. Danny has an MSc in Comparative Political Thought from SOAS University of London, and his research focuses on the politics of peace, conflict, and humanitarian response. He has several years’ experience in digital marketing and SEO in the private sector, covering web development and content management.
- Niki PapadogiannakiPublications CoordinatorNiki PapadogiannakiPublications Coordinator
Niki Papadogiannaki is the Publications Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since February 2022. Niki holds an MA in Migration Studies and Conflict & Security from the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies. Niki has over five years of work experience in journalism in Washington, DC, and over three years in the humanitarian sector.
- Gina DorsoCommunications CoordinatorGina DorsoCommunications Coordinator
Gina Dorso is a Communications Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2022. Gina supports the execution of ACLED’s outreach and media engagement strategy. She holds a BFA and MA in Communication Arts from New York Institute of Technology and an MPhil in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin. Gina’s research focuses on the geopolitics of peace processes and transitional justice in South Asia. She has previously worked in communications for the NGO and development sectors in New York and Dublin.
- Christina De ParisAssociate Multimedia CoordinatorChristina De ParisAssociate Multimedia Coordinator
Christina De Paris is an Associate Multimedia Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2022. She supports ACLED’s brand management, publications, and multimedia work for internal and external communications. Christina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, specializing in visual communications, and a Master’s degree in Global Studies. Within private and nonprofit sectors, she has broad experience in publishing and international development. Her research interests include peace and security, resistance movements, and human geography.
- Eva DoummarDigital OfficerEva DoummarDigital Officer
Eva Doummar is the Digital Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since January 2024. Eva supports ACLED’s main site and subsidiary web properties. She holds a BA in Media Communication and Publishing along with a Fine Art diploma with a specialization in photography. She has broad experience in digital transformation in the private sector, covering web engagement, SEO and content management.
- Ren OvungMultimedia OfficerRen OvungMultimedia Officer
Ren Ovung has over eight years of experience working in key areas of communication—content, videos, infographics and layout design—for international and inter-governmental organizations such as UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization and The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. She specializes in applying communication and design principles to create the right tone and effectively convey information that is aesthetically appealing, succinct and accessible. Ren holds an MA in Global Media and Communication from the University of Warwick, UK and a Diploma in Design Studies from LaSalle College of the Arts, Singapore and Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan, Italy.
- Claudia AzañedoSocial Media OfficerClaudia AzañedoSocial Media OfficerClaudia Azañedo joined ACLED in April 2024 as Social Media Officer. She holds a Master's Degree in International Development Cooperation from the Comillas Pontifical University of Madrid and a Degree in International Relations from the Complutense University of Madrid. She has four years of professional experience working in digital communications for non-profit organizations and international projects. Her research interests include peace and war studies, human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Sanet OberholzerSenior Editorial OfficerSanet OberholzerSenior Editorial Officer
Sanet Oberholzer is a Senior Editorial Officer at ACLED where she is responsible for developing, reviewing, and revising the organization's written material prior to publication. She has been with the organization since July 2024. Sanet is an experienced language specialist and holds a Bachelor of Political Sciences in Political Studies, a Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Relations, and a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism And Media Studies.
Development & Engagement
Generating opportunites and ensuring the reach and impact of our projects
Grants & Development
- Eva Danae CharidasAssociate Program CoordinatorEva Danae CharidasAssociate Program Coordinator
Eva Charidas is the Associate Program Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2020. She holds a BA in International Relations from San Francisco State University and an MA in International Conflict and Security from the Brussels School of International Studies. Previously, she has worked on humanitarian operations for both the United Nations and other local organizations in Greece and Palestine.
- Juliet Delate IlerAssociate Fundraising CoordinatorJuliet Delate IlerAssociate Fundraising Coordinator
Juliet is the Associate Fundraising Coordinator at ACLED. She holds a bachelor's degree in both Social Work and Social Education from Spain’s UNED University and an MS in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the Uniervsidad Complutense de Madrid. She is passionate about fighting social injustice and has spent time in a variety of countries including China, Senegal, Spain, Thailand, and the United States. She currently resides in Madrid, Spain.
- Emily RothsteinSenior Database OfficerEmily RothsteinSenior Database Officer
Emily Rothstein is a Senior Data & Access Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2021. She assists users and clients in accessing the global dataset. Emily holds an MA in Post-war Recovery Studies from the University of York and a BA in International Affairs and Sociology from the University of Mary Washington. She has previous experience working with various international non-profits and small businesses.
- Anita MantzariAssociate Design, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (DMEL) CoordinatorAnita MantzariAssociate Design, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (DMEL) Coordinator
Anita Mantzari is an Associate Design, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (DMEL) Coordinator and has been with the organization since January 2023. She holds a BSc in Psychology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and has specialized in research methodology, statistics, and assessment. Her professional background is in humanitarian aid, where she supported a diverse range of projects in grassroots, national, and international NGOs catering to the needs of displaced populations.
- Hélène PilloudProgram ManagerHélène PilloudProgram Manager
Hélène is a Program Manager at ACLED. In this role, she oversees current projects, pursues new funding opportunities, manages the start-up of projects and initiatives, and coordinates design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (DMEL) activities. Prior to joining ACLED, Hélène worked for organizations such as the UN, International Crisis Group, the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York, and law firms based in Switzerland, specializing in project management, research, and legal affairs. She holds an LL.M. in International Law from the University of Lausanne, as well as an LL.B. in International Humanitarian Law from the University of Geneva. She is fluent in English, French, and German.
- Eleni TezapsidouProgram OfficerEleni TezapsidouProgram Officer
Eleni is a Program Officer at ACLED. Prior to joining ACLED, she worked five years in the humanitarian aid sector in Greece with grassroots and international organizations, namely the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). She worked mostly on migration, but also disaster management and anticipatory action programs.
Eleni holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of York, an MA in International Relations, Security, Peace, and Conflict studies, and an LL.M in Public International Law from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB).
Corporate Licensing
- Will MitchellCorporate Licensing Development Representative
Operations & Finance
Ensuring expert, fair, and innovative working practices in a global office
Operations and HR
- Daria MelchenkoProgram Management Director
- Dipali TikoneCoordinator, Compensation and BenefitsDipali TikoneCoordinator, Compensation and Benefits
Dipali Tikone is the Compensation and Benefits Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2021. She holds an MS in Marketing from American University and a BS in Business Administration along with Marketing from Methodist University. Dipali has previously worked in the HR field with expertise in employee relations, onboarding, HRIS, and benefits management.
- Michelle StoneSenior Coordinator, OperationsMichelle StoneSenior Coordinator, Operations
Michelle Stone is the Operations Senior Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2022. In this role, she supports the administration and management of ACLED's operations and digital office. She holds a BA in International Relations from San Francisco State University and an MA in Human Rights from University College London. She has experience working with non-profit organizations and with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
- Uliana ChornenkaSenior Projects OfficerUliana ChornenkaSenior Projects Officer
- Ednah LusegaAssociate Human Resources OfficerEdnah LusegaAssociate Human Resources Officer
Ednah Lusega is the Associate Human Resources Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2022. She is primarily involved in all the functions of the department, including recruitment, HR record maintenance, administrative tasks, and organization policies and procedures in the HR department. Ednah holds an BA in Human Resource Management from Riara University. She is an Associate member at the Institute of Human Resource Management. She has three years of experience practicing HR in different sectors
- Yann LüthiSenior Officer, Logistics & ProcurementYann LüthiSenior Officer, Logistics & Procurement
Yann Lüthi is a Logistics and Procurement Senior Officer at ACED. He graduated with a BA in International Relations at the University of Geneva in 2017 and with an MsC in Crisis and Disaster Management/Humanitarian Logistics from the University of Lincoln in 2020. He has previously worked in Mozambique as a Senior Country Logistics Officer for ACTED, as well as a Logistics Officer in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Jordan, and as a Logistics Intern at Impact Initiatives.
- Anastasiia VozholHR GeneralistAnastasiia VozholHR Generalist
Anastasiia Vozhol joined ACLED in April 2023 as an HR Generalist. She provides support to employees with daily inquiries, manages HR platforms, supports HR department with administrative tasks.
- Lorenzo GuerraAssociate Administrative OfficerLorenzo GuerraAssociate Administrative Officer
Lorenzo Guerra joined ACLED on January 2024 as Associate Administrative Officer. He holds a MSc in Global Studies and International Development from Roskilde University and a BA in International Cooperation and Development from Sapienza University of Rome. Lorenzo has previously worked in operations management and administration within the EU and UN systems in Denmark, Ecuador, and Malta.
- Maria KahwagiSenior Talent Management OfficerMaria KahwagiSenior Talent Management Officer
Maria Kahwagi is a Senior Talent Management Officer at ACLED. She has been with the organization since 2023 and is based in Beirut, Lebanon. Maria holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration & Management as well as a Master's degree in Human Resources Management & Leadership from Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth. Maria has five years of experience working in human resources with non-profit organizations.
Finance
- Amanda Bertran LloveraHead of Finance
- David BenoitSenior Finance CoordinatorDavid BenoitSenior Finance Coordinator
David Benoit is the Senior Finance Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since June 2022. David supports the implementation of plans, policies, and procedures for the finance department. He holds a B.S. in Public Administration and has a background public sector finance and operations.
- Christen BagwellPayroll CoordinatorChristen BagwellPayroll Coordinator
Christen Bagwell is the Payroll Coordinator for ACLED. She has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and is pursuing a MA in Computer Science. She has experience in government finance, travel, and payroll responsibilities and is interested in creating new processes and platforms for finance functions. She is based in Sevierville, TN, US.
- Sheila ManiAccountantSheila ManiAccountant
Sheila Mani is the Accountant at ACLED and has been with the organization since February 2024. She supports the Senior Finance Coordinator in the Finance department with reconciliations, necessary schedules, and month end closure activities, including reporting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Post Graduate degree in Management. She has a background in banking and technology start ups and is based in Fremont, California, USA.