Padideh Ala’i

Director, Humphrey Fellowship Program

Padideh Ala’i is a Professor of Law at American University Washington College of Law (WCL). She specializes in international economic law, law of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and comparative legal traditions. She teaches international trade law and comparative law. Professor Alai’s scholarship has concentrated on the history of free trade, transparency obligations of the WTO and their implications on internal domestic transparency, universalizing the administrative state through the multilateral trading system, as well as good governance and evolution of international anti-corruption norms.

Her recent publications include Research Handbook on Transparency (eds. with Robert Vaughn, Edward Elgar Publishing), “Transparency in International Economic Relations and the Role of the WTO” in Research Handbook on Transparency (with Matthew D’Orsi, Edward Elgar Publishing), “Climate Change Innovation, Products and Services Under the GATT/WTO System” in Research Handbook on Intellectual Property and Climate Change (with David Gantz, Edward Elgar Publishing), and “Civil Consequences of Corruption in International Commercial Contracts” in American Journal of Comparative Law.

KARIN EDWARDS

Assistant Director, Humphrey Fellowship Program

Karin Edwards is the Assistant Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. In this capacity, she manages the Humphrey Fellowship Program and oversees its daily operations. Prior to joining AUWCL, she worked as a Student Affairs Professional within the Office of the Dean of Students at American University. Before that, Ms. Edwards worked as a Fellow for the English Language Program at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and served as a Peace Corps TEFL Instructor in Chongqing, China. Karin is a graduate of American University School of International Studies and adjunct Professor at School of Education. She has worked extensively with youth and adult learners through non-profit ESL/literacy programs. She enjoys walking trails, traveling and learning about other cultures.

NAANA AMA BRUCE | Program Assistant, Humphrey Fellowship Program

Naana Ama Bruce holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainability Management at American University's Kogod School of Business, she is driven by a passion for global development and Environmental, Social Governance (ESG). Naana offers a diverse skill set honed through her career in retail and investment banking, encompassing data analysis, project management, research, and communication.

In previous roles, she excelled in business development, customer service, and administrative support. Naana streamlined administrative tasks, contributed to developing business strategy maps, and spearheaded process improvements. Beyond her professional achievements, she demonstrates strong leadership through volunteering activities in career development initiatives. This includes managing workshops for young graduates and establishing a mentorship program – evidence of her commitment to fostering growth in others. Naana's multifaceted background promises invaluable administrative, research, and communication support to the Humphrey Fellowship Program.