Our People

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.

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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