2015-2016 Ruba Musleh and Dalal Iriqat The Cross Cultural Institute of Palestine Ruba is a development professional and certified employability trainer with more than 10 years of experience in internationally-funded development programs. Her recent work has focused on building capacity in institutions that serve Palestinian youth through training programs and mentorships. A Fulbright scholar, Ruba earned her MA degree in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia. She is an advocate for sustainable social change through tolerance and peace building efforts, and supports various peacebuilding organizations including Seeds of Peace and the Palestinian Center for Transitional Justice. Dalal is a research expert in public administration, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. She is a skilled university professor and has worked on coordinating conferences and international affairs at Birzeit University. Dalal has conducted a number of trainings on communication, leadership, diplomacy, and protocol. Her recent research has focused on the development of marginalized communities in Palestine as part of the UNDP’s Human Development Report. Dalal is passionate about bringing social change to Palestine by strengthening public administration and empowering younger generations. Currently, Dalal volunteers with various social change organizations and believes strongly in the influential role of the individual.
Fellows Project Summary The Cross Cultural Institute of Palestine aims to pro-vide training and coaching to new members of the diplomatic corps and to all entities that represent Palestine at international conventions and conferences, including advocacy groups, politicians, and NGO workers. The institute will follow the model of diplomatic institutes around the world, such as the Foreign Service Institute in the United States. Its main objectives will be to empower civil servants by enhancing their ability to advocate for their nation internationally.
Rasha Abu-Safieh The Gaza Gateway Rasha graduated first in her class in Information Technology Systems from the Islamic University of Gaza. She worked as a systems analyst and software developer for three years before moving into the academic sector to serve as head of information technology and registration at the University. After acquiring academic and private sector knowledge, Rasha stepped into the INGO world as the head of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Mercy Corps International’s education program, and as the lead for the advisory committee on education and training. Since starting her professional career, Rasha has been attracted to social change, particularly in difficult communities with few opportunities for women, and inspired by the significant role technology plays in creating change.