BIOGRAPHY

Nadine Maenza is a noted speaker, writer, and policy expert with more than two decades of experience as an advocate for working families and a champion for international religious freedom.

She serves as Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable in Washington, DC, and as Chair of the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE). She previously served four years on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), including as Chair.

Nadine has traveled extensively to understand conditions on the ground—especially in Syria and Iraq, and more recently in parts of Africa facing rising religious persecution. She is a sought-after speaker on international religious freedom, Middle East affairs, inclusive governance, and U.S. foreign policy. Her writings have appeared in publications both in the United States and abroad.

Her advocacy has been recognized by a range of communities, including honors from Christian and Muslim organizations. She has received the Hevrin Khalaf Peace Award from the Future Syria Party in Raqqa, the IRF Impact Award, the Humanitarian Award from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Cedar of God Award from In Defense of Christians, and the Advocacy for All Award from Justice for All.

Drawing on her extensive network, Nadine has built unique coalitions on issues such as paid family leave, health care, tax reform, and religious freedom. She has advised major organizations on faith engagement, working family policy, and strategic partnerships through The Clapham Group. She has also partnered with The Shai Fund to support evacuations and resettlement for persecuted communities, including Afghan refugees. Earlier in her career, she worked in fundraising and grassroots organizing as a senior advisor to several presidential candidates, former Senator Rick Santorum, and Patriot Voices. She also served on Capitol Hill in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nadine currently serves on the boards of the Sinjar Academy and the Freedom Research Foundation. She is a graduate of Penn State University, married with three adult children, and lives in Chester County, Pennsylvania.