Info Sessions are online presentations providing an introduction to virtual exchange, the Stevens Initiative, and basic steps for getting involved in a program or starting a new one. This session will address key virtual exchange elements, ways to engage, and opportunities and resources for support. This session is intended for someone with little to no knowledge about the Stevens Initiative and/or virtual exchange, and gives a broad overview of both.

Alanoud Alown is a Regional Program Manager based in the United Arab Emirates. Alanoud has extensive experience working in various research and analysis capacities. She held the role of Lead Consultant at Analyseize Research, a leading research firm specializing in social and economic research projects across the MENA region. At Analyseize, Alanoud worked on the first comprehensive study on Corporate Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship which included seven countries across the region. The study aimed at creating a movement of companies dedicated to responsible management as a way forward towards ensuring sustainable societies. Previously, Alanoud worked at the Political Affairs Department at the office of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. In her capacity as Senior Policy Researcher, she conducted research and analysis on regional and international developments and was actively involved in preparing various studies on the ramifications of global and regional developments on Jordan, among other responsibilities. Alanoud holds a Bachelor’s degree in French with a minor in Spanish from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics.

Phoebe Amend is a Program Coordinator for the Stevens Initiative. Prior to joining the Initiative, Phoebe held internships at the Council on Foreign Relations, Atlantic Council, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. While interning at UNHCR in Amman, Jordan, Phoebe studied Modern Standard Arabic at Qasid Arabic Institute. Phoebe graduated from New York University in May 2019 with a B.A. in Politics, cum laude, with a regional focus on the Middle East.