Staff
Megan Kelly
Position: Director
Bio: Megan Kelly, a journalism graduate from University of Oregon, has been dedicated to youth empowerment and civil society programming in Iraq and Kurdistan since 2015. Before starting Youth Speak, Megan worked with Mercy Corps and New York University in-country, supporting peacebuilding, civic engagement, and youth empowerment programming. Before that, Megan worked with the Iraqi refugee community in the U.S., assisting young individuals in adapting to new educational environments. Her past experience also includes a tenure in Palestine, focusing on psychosocial programming for youth.
At Youth Speak, Megan's role is multifaceted. She oversees programmatic and operational aspects, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. In addition, she spearheads coordination with donors and potential partners, extending Youth Speak's reach. Her contributions to the organization center on bolstering team abilities and equipping them for expanded roles, ultimately creating a path for them to assume full operations at Youth Speak.
In her spare time, Megan explores her creativity through watercolor painting, stays active with yoga, and enjoys delving into podcasts.
Kajeen Waisy
Position: Operations Manager
Bio: Kajeen Waisy is a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Duhok, where she actively volunteered with the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies. Her academic background and volunteer experience provide a solid foundation for her role in Youth Speak.
Kajeen's role at Youth Speak includes overseeing finance and human resources. She ensures accuracy in weekly cash counts, diligent record keeping, and efficient payroll management. Her support in financial reporting is integral to maintaining transparency and organization-wide effectiveness.
In her spare time, Kajeen enjoys painting, nurturing baby birds, and gardening.
Muhammad Shaker
Position: Program Manager
Bio: Muhammad Sakir, originally from Syria, has been dedicated to youth work since his teenage years. His journey began with activism during the Syrian revolution, followed by pivotal roles with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Red Cross, and the Youth Peer Education Network. This varied experience, ranging from community training in refugee camps to officer roles, shapes his work at Youth Speak.
At Youth Speak, Muhammad ensures projects align with planned objectives and fosters a bridge of communication between youth and the team. His tasks include report writing and facilitating the youth advisory board. His work is instrumental in keeping our operations efficient and impact-focused.
In his spare time, Muhammad enjoys making friends, participating in sports, and pursuing his interest in journalism.
Sheelan Faisal
Position: Project Manager
Bio: Sheelan Faisal, a civil engineering graduate from Duhok Polytechnic University, began her journey working with internally displaced Iraqis. Her volunteering experiences in camps involved facilitating and data collection. These experiences sparked a passion for youth work as she observed the incredible potential of young individuals and recognized their need for support.
In her role at Youth Speak, Sheelan is vital in team coordination. She ensures activities and projects align with the organization's objectives through planning and consistent communication with the team and the community.
In her spare time, Shilan cherishes spending time with her family, delving into books, and practicing meditation.
Message: "We have great youth in our community, but they need support."
Ahmad Ali
Position: Administrative Assistant
Bio: Ahmad Ali brings diverse skills to the Youth Speak team. With a background in production, metalwork, and computer skills, Ahmad's versatility greatly enriches our operations. His talents also extend to the creative realm, as he is skilled in photography, video editing, and cooking.
At Youth Speak, Ahmad applies his multifaceted abilities in various ways. Ahmad is a key player in our daily operations, from managing our biogas project and garden to providing logistical support for activities. His technical skills come to the forefront in maintaining our office and resolving issues. Additionally, Ahmad's creative touch is seen in the photos and videos he produces and edits from our events.
In his spare time, Ahmad enjoys recycling, creating art, watching movies, and listening to music.