Omar Parbhoo

Omar Parbhoo leads the civic engagement practice at ideas42, applying behavioral insights to promote more inclusive and sustained community participation in the US. His work ranges from designing structures that promote equitable access to voting to developing tools that strengthen giving intentions and follow-through.

Prior to joining ideas42, Omar served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, providing strategic guidance on global economic policy to top government officials. He also led efforts to promote inclusive economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa, from supporting entrepreneurship programs to leading key elements of the Arab-Israeli peace negotiations. In addition, Omar has held positions at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Social Security Administration, and served overseas in Jerusalem and Tripoli, Libya.

Omar received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Master’s degree in International Economics from the University of California, San Diego.