Shafaq Zia

Shafaq Zia has a diverse work experience spanning several organizations. Shafaq currently holds the position of Chief Programs Officer at Penny Appeal USA, where they have been employed since January 2023. Prior to that role, they served as the Director of Programs from November 2021 to January 2023. From November 2018 to October 2021, Shafaq held the position of Programs Manager at the same company.

Before joining Penny Appeal USA, Shafaq worked at Blumont, Inc. starting from 2014. Shafaq'sroles at Blumont included Program Associate from August 2016 to October 2018, Program Assistant from April 2015 to July 2016, and Business Development Intern from June 2014 to March 2015. As a Program Associate, they managed and provided technical oversight to Iraq-based USAID/OFDA and USAID/FFP programming. Shafaq also offered strategic guidance and technical support to various teams within the organization. In addition, they were responsible for developing concept notes, proposals, and budgets for humanitarian and human rights programming in Iraq and Syria.

Shafaq's earlier professional experience includes an internship at Karamah : Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights in 2014 and a development internship at HealthRight International in 2013.

Shafaq Zia completed their Bachelor's degree in The Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University from 2011 to 2015. In 2013, they also studied Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Jordan, although it is unclear if they obtained a degree in that field. Additionally, they obtained a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy in July 2021.