Rima Kawas

Rima Kawas is the Deputy Director for Governance at the International Republic Institute, in this role she helps oversee the development and coordination of the Institute’s global democratic governance programs designed to strengthen the ability of governments to implement transparent and accountable governing practices, while promoting citizen engagement in policy development and government oversight.
Prior to her work with IRI, Kawas had over 10 years of cross-sector experience working in the private sector as well as at the state and local level of government. Her government experience includes working for former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty in a variety capacities including, as the Director of Legislative Affairs and Strategic Planning for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and as Senior Advisor to the governor on public safety, transportation, judicial and election policy issues. 
Kawas was recognized as a leader by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, where she served on three U.S. delegations to the countries of Algeria, Jordan and Peru in addition, she was the lead host for delegations in the United States from Japan, Peru and the Middle East and North Africa.
Kawas has a master’s of public affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and was named a Swain Fellow; the scholarship was granted to three students who exemplified leadership.  In 2009–2010, Kawas was selected as a Humphrey School Policy Fellow; the fellowship is granted to emerging leaders and focuses on building leadership skills in public affairs.
Kawas is passionate about governance and civic engagement and has been very active in her local community. She has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Global Village, volunteering in building homes in Cambodia and Chile and as a group leader to Bangladesh.