A former refugee, first generation-college student, Jawad’s experiences are informed by the conflicts his family left behind. His experiences inspired him to obtain a degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution from San Diego State University (SDSU), intern at the University of California, San Diego’s (UCSD) Institute on Global Conflict & Cooperation, and begin his career in public service by serving in the district offices for two Congressional Representatives, representing the 53rd and 51st Districts of California, respectively. Jawad interned for the San Diego Diplomacy Council as an IVLP Program Intern while studying at SDSU, and is grateful to return as the Program Director.