Biography

Amy Smathers has previously worked with the U.S. State Department, U.S. Institute of Peace, International Republican Institute, and Human Rights Watch, and has advised some of the world's most influential leaders on social impact as a philanthropic strategist.

Previously, she managed Generation Democracy, a global network of over 400 human rights activists and leaders in 75 countries. Additionally, she supported the U.S. Institute of Peace's programs to advance peacebuilding and democracy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and has worked on U.S. government projects to support women's empowerment, counterterrorism, and economic development. Most recently, she served as Program Director of Life Without Limbs, Nick Vujicic ministries where she managed strategic partnerships and coordinated a year-long campaign to equip the church to engage in prayer and advocacy for human dignity, from foster care and adoption to human trafficking.

Amy's research has been published internationally by Propel Women, The Hill, Fair Observer, the Soufan Group, the United States Institute of Peace, and the Atlantic Council. She has also served as a guest speaker for career diplomats in the Foreign Service Institute, an advisor for Congressional staff on global women's rights legislation, and a consultant on human rights education for youth. Additionally, in 2008 she co-founded a non-profit to support girls education in South-Central LA. Amy holds a Masters of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Tufts University.