Nayab Ali

Nayab Ali works at the intersection of international affairs, diplomacy, and public policy, designing strategic initiatives that engage policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and global leaders to foster dialogue and collaboration on today's most pressing international challenges.

As the Administrator of the Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen collaboration across academia, government, and the global policy community. She manages the Center's approximately $10 million budget, develops partnerships with leading policy institutions, and oversees high-profile diplomacy programs featuring ambassadors, senior government officials, scholars, and international policy leaders. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of policy professionals, she administers the Weiser Diplomacy Fellowship, leads the Ford School's participation in the U.S. Department of State's programs, and oversees student programs that prepare future leaders for careers in diplomacy and international affairs.

Nayab has a strong background in international affairs, with experience spanning public policy research, government engagement, and international cooperation. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, she worked at the Brookings Institution and the Center for American Progress, supporting research and policy initiatives on U.S. foreign policy, national security, democratic governance, and international cooperation. At Brookings, she conducted research in support of E.J. Dionne Jr.'s work for The Washington Post and William Galston's work for The Wall Street Journal, contributing to analysis on American democracy, governance, and public opinion. Throughout her career, she has contributed to institutional strategy and policy engagement by fostering collaboration among government agencies, policy institutions, scholars, and civil society organizations.

Educational background

Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies, Pitzer College

Honor Diploma in Policy, Politics and Leadership, Princeton University

Honor Diploma in Heroes & Human Rights, Peace Journalism, Music & Peacebuilding, and Environmental Sustainability, Genesis at the Crossroads

Recent publications

Policy Brief: Advancing North American Cooperation and Regional Integration