As the President and Executive Director of WANi Organization, Van Azad has been at the forefront of empowering local women-led organizations in Iraq since founding the organization in 2020. With a robust background in international development and government relations within the MENA region, Van has...
As the President and Executive Director of WANi Organization, Van Azad has been at the forefront of empowering local women-led organizations in Iraq since founding the organization in 2020. With a robust background in international development and government relations within the MENA region, Van has effectively leveraged his expertise in stakeholder engagement and gender equality to drive impactful initiatives that foster sustainable growth and social equity. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to corporate social responsibility and a keen understanding of the complexities involved in budgeting and grants management, particularly in the context of US government funding.
Under Van's guidance, WANi has launched several key projects aimed at enhancing the capacity of women-led enterprises, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in a challenging economic landscape. His strategic approach to project planning and execution has not only improved organizational effectiveness but also strengthened community ties, ensuring that local voices are heard and prioritized.
Fluent in three languages, Van excels in executive communications, enabling him to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and the private sector. His proficiency in alternative energy and the oil and gas industry further enriches WANi's mission, as he advocates for sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. As a visionary leader, Van Azad continues to inspire change, championing the cause of gender equality and empowering women to take their rightful place in the socio-economic fabric of Iraq.
