Leadership

Betsy Fischer Martin Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute and Executive in Residence SPA | Government

Betsy Fischer Martin is an Emmy-winning journalist and TV news executive. Currently she is Executive Director of AU School of Public Affairs' Women &

  fischerm@american.edu

  (202) 885-6149

Karen O'Connor Jonathan N. Helfat Distinguished Professor of Political Science SPA | Government

Karen O’Connor is the Jonathan N. Helfat Distinguished Professor of Political Science at American University, where she previously served as Chair of the Department of Government. She is an expert

  oconn@american.edu

  (202) 885-6237

Staff


Carolyn Al-Ghusbi Part-Time Digital Media Coordinator SPA | Women and Politics Institute

Carolyn completed her B.A.s in Writing and Communications with a digital media specialization at Loyola University of Maryland in 2021

  calghusbi@american.edu

My-Lien Le Associate Director, WPI SPA | Women and Politics Institute

My-Lien completed her M.A. in Comparative Politics of Gender & Development from American University in 2010. In 2008, My-Lien received her graduate certificate in Women, Policy & Political Leadership

  mylienle@american.edu

  (202) 885-3103

Julie Russell Part-Time Program Coordinator, WPI SPA | Women and Politics Institute

Julie is an experienced consultant with a Master of Science Degree in Economics. She is skilled in communications, event management, fundraising, nonprofit organizations, project management, and strat

  jrussell@american.edu

Sydney Weiss Hourly Wages

Sydney Weiss is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Political Science with a concentration in American Government. Her research interests include social activism and mental health

  sw3721a@american.edu

Student Staff


Evyn Anderson

Evyn is a PhD student at American University with a concentration in American Politics.  She is interested in gender equity and specifically how gender equity at home impacts parity in larger social,

  ea9328a@american.edu

Keaton Crouch

Keaton is pursuing her master’s in Political Communication at American University. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and minors in Politica

  kc8159a@american.edu

Taras Struk

In 2021, Taras started his career in Kyiv-based international communication consultancy firm focusing on international event management, strategic communications, and government relations. In 2024 aft

  ts5756a@american.edu