Our People

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Professor Dame Fiona E. Murray DCMG CBE

Associate Dean for Innovation, MIT Sloan

International policy expert on the transformation of investments in science and technology into deep-tech start-up ventures that solve significant global challenges and create national advantage – from defense and security to health, food, and water.

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Dina H. Sherif

Executive Director

Renowned expert in the fields of economic development and risk capital, in addition to entrepreneurship and innovation. With over twenty years of experience, Dina has made significant contributions to shaping and advancing these sectors worldwide.

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Rania Helmy

Senior Advisor, Strategy & Partnerships

Seasoned communications consultant with over two decades of expertise in advising and collaborating with leaders and executives to enhance their connections with audiences and achieve organizational objectives.

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Haitham Khoury Ph.D

Director, Fellowships and Global Initiatives

A driver of engagement, growth, and development, Haitham is recognized for his ability to analyze and embrace the unique qualities of teams and leaders.

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Donovan Beck

Assistant Director, Communications and Storytelling

A multifaceted storyteller – an author, filmmaker, and advocate committed to reshaping dialogues around mental health and creativity, particularly on digital platforms—an experienced creative consultant who has worked with META, AFSP, and Calm.

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Andrea Kates

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Andrea Kates is a former San Francisco tech CEO, and is the 2025 MIT Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Sloan School of Management, Legatum Center, and Senior Fellow at The Conference Board. She has led innovation initiatives for companies including Ford, Fujitsu, Intel, KK Wind, Mayo Clinic, and Tata and advised technology + innovation startups, government organizations and nonprofits across 5 continents.

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Jennifer Brady

Senior Advisor, Foundry Fellowships

As a skilled facilitator, strategist, and learning experience designer, Jennifer helps guide impact-driven organizations navigate complex initiatives, build partner capacities, and mobilize new resources.

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Valeria Budinich

Scholar in Residence

A leading social entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience enabling high-impact alliances for transforming markets to create value across economic and social systems.

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Shamil Ibragimov

Scholar-In-Residence

A highly experienced professional with over 20 years of expertise in the fields of international development, social innovation, education, and media development. He previously served as the Executive Director of Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan.

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Jacquelyn Gasparek

Global Initiatives and Fellowships Coordinator

She brings a focus to work that specifically benefits first-generation, Pell-eligible students and a keen interest in seeing an equitable higher education culture for the next generation.

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Eileen Carney

Senior Administrative Assistant

With broad administrative experience in International Business and Higher Education—balanced by a multiyear stint in foreign language subtitling—Eileen is committed to supporting our mission and that of the larger MIT Sloan community.

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