Haima Askari left southern Kurdistan in the mid-1990s during the height of U.S. sanctions against Iraq. Growing up, he navigated the challenges of balancing two cultures while staying deeply engaged with international issues. This global awareness inspired him to pursue studies and professional opportunities across Germany, Spain, Morocco, Qatar, and Poland.
Haima earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from James Madison University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia. His academic background, combined with his lived experiences, shaped his commitment to fostering cultural understanding and advocating for justice. Professionally, Haima has held diverse and impactful roles, including serving as a researcher to the President of the Bundestag (Germany’s parliament) and conducting research on Syrian refugee startups. These experiences reinforced his dedication to amplifying Kurdish voices, both in the diaspora and in Kurdistan, to raise global awareness of their cause.
In Washington, D.C., Haima has led numerous initiatives promoting equity and cultural respect, including researching equity strategies for FEMA and managing an interfaith nonprofit. Now, as Director of AKIN, he draws on his international experience and education to advance the Kurdish cause of freedom and justice.
