Afreen Akhter
Washington,DC
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of State
Washington, USA
07.2022 - 01.2025
- Oversaw two offices and managed 55 people on cross-functional teams implementing security, political and economic policies.
- Drove coordination with four U.S embassies on U.S. policy and personnel abroad.
- Developed strategic relationships with Indo-Pacific partners, including Indo-Pacific dialogues on critical and emerging technologies, clean energy, and human rights issues.
- Persuaded the European Union to support a clean energy corridor in South Asia.
- Established a 13-person team to oversee a $1.2 billion assistance portfolio supporting technology, digital infrastructure, clean energy, human rights and other priorities.
- Presented complex policy to 500+ person audiences, including civil society, industry, academia and the public. Served as U.S spokesperson in live, taped and written media.
- Led coordination with Australia, Japan and India on Quad infrastructure initiatives. Conceived of and launched the 'Quad Ports of the Future Partnership' to build infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific, announced by President Biden.
- Helped establish a new U.S. embassy in the Maldives, growing U.S. presence in a strategic region.
- Developed and implemented human rights policies, including tools to hold accountable those perpetrating gross violations of human rights, undermining democratic elections, and engaged in significant acts of corruption
- Spearheaded multi-stakeholder Rohingya refugee response, driving coordination among U.S. embassies, international organizations, and NGO partners to deliver humanitarian solutions.
- Led engagement with Congress. Persuaded lawmakers to support appropriations measures and lift legislative restrictions on technology.
Senior Adviser to the Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of State
Washington, USA
02.2021 - 06.2022
National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser
U.S. Senate
Washington, USA
03.2017 - 01.2021
- Led foreign affairs, sanctions, export controls and technology portfolios for the Senate Banking and Appropriations Committees.
- Built bipartisan coalitions with industry stakeholders, advocacy groups, and foreign government officials on legislation and policy.
- Co-authored the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, enacted into law, to address human rights and regulatory compliance, resulting in sanctions on senior government officials in China and Hong Kong.
- Wrote the BRINK Act, enacted into law, strengthening compliance frameworks and preventing financial fraud.
- Drafted laws targeting intellectual property protection and telecommunications compliance.
- Managed a cross-functional team of policy professionals.
State Department and Brookings Institution Fellow
U.S. Senate
Washington, USA
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Analyzed emerging policy trends and developed legislative proposals for gender equity in military programs.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to influence legislation, policy development and implementation.
Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Washington, USA
04.2014 - 12.2015
- Advised on international security, technology transfer, and regulatory compliance matters.
- Managed stakeholder relationships and policy communication for 900+ person events.
- Developed strategies to address emerging technology and security challenges.
Political Officer and Presidential Management Fellow
U.S. Department of State
Beijing, China
11.2013 - 02.2014
- Reported on China’s relations with South Asia and on internal human rights issues.
- Facilitated international cooperation programs.
Special Assistant and Presidential Management Fellow
White House National Security Council
Washington, USA
06.2013 - 11.2013
- Supported development of legislative strategy on policy issues.
- Analyzed potential impacts of proposed legislation on national security priorities.
Foreign Affairs Officer and Presidential Management Fellow
U.S. Department of State
Washington, USA
04.2012 - 06.2013
- Analyzed regulatory environments and policy trends to develop strategic recommendations.
- Created a public-private partnership launched at UN General Assembly.
- Built coalitions between government stakeholders and private sector entities.
Research Assistant
New York Times
Washington, USA
05.2011 - 03.2012
- Researched and drafted chapters for Confront and Conceal: Obama’s Secret Wars and Surprising Use of American Power.
Nancy Klavans Cultural Bridge Fellow and Belfer Center Fellow
Shuhada Organization
Bamiyan and Kabul, Afghanistan
05.2010 - 08.2010
- Conducted strategic communications and program management training for employees of an Afghan nonprofit.
Communications Specialist
UNICEF USA
New York, USA
11.2007 - 06.2009
- Executed strategic communications campaigns for global initiatives.
- Managed department budget of $1,000,000 and stakeholder relationships.
Scholar
Fulbright Program
Kingston, Jamaica
10.2006 - 09.2007
- Developed public engagement initiatives in challenging environments.
- Published 'Sistren: The Vanguard of Popular Theater in Jamaica' in SIGNS: Journal of Women in Culture and Society (Winter 2008).
Education
Master of Public Policy - International and Global Affairs
Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
Cambridge, MA05.2011
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Brown University
Providence, RI05.2006
Awards
- U.S. Department of State Superior Honor Award, 2023
- DHS ICE Director’s Award, 2023
- Council on Foreign Relations Term Member, 2015 – 2020
- Brookings Institution Legislative Fellowship, 2016
- U.S. Department of State Superior Honor Award, 2015
- U.S. Department of State Meritorious Honor Award, 2013
- Presidential Management Fellow, 2011
- Belfer Center for International and Global Affairs Summer Fellowship, 2010
- Nancy Klavans Cultural Bridge Fellowship, 2010
- Fulbright Scholar, 2006 – 2007
Clearance
TS/SCI
Timeline
Deputy Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of State
07.2022 - 01.2025
Senior Adviser to the Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of State
02.2021 - 06.2022
National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser
U.S. Senate
03.2017 - 01.2021
State Department and Brookings Institution Fellow
U.S. Senate
01.2016 - 12.2016
Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
04.2014 - 12.2015
Political Officer and Presidential Management Fellow
U.S. Department of State
11.2013 - 02.2014
Special Assistant and Presidential Management Fellow
White House National Security Council
06.2013 - 11.2013
Foreign Affairs Officer and Presidential Management Fellow
U.S. Department of State
04.2012 - 06.2013
Research Assistant
New York Times
05.2011 - 03.2012
Nancy Klavans Cultural Bridge Fellow and Belfer Center Fellow
Shuhada Organization
05.2010 - 08.2010
Communications Specialist
UNICEF USA
11.2007 - 06.2009
Scholar
Fulbright Program
10.2006 - 09.2007
Master of Public Policy - International and Global Affairs
Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Brown University