Rania Atalla

Writer/Editor

Rania Atalla has spent nearly 20 years working at the global cross-roads of politics, development and communications between the US and the Middle East. She most recently served as the first US Executive Director of Women for Women International, a global women's NGO that works to empower women in conflict and post-conflict countries around the world. Prior to that, and in Amman, Jordan, she served as Director of Communications for King Abdullah of Jordan (2005-2006) where she led a multi-lingual team that developed and implemented comprehensive communications strategies, shaped speeches and crafted messages, and leveraged media relations on a global scale. As the first Chief of Staff to Queen Rania Al-Abdullah (1999-2005), Ms. Atalla established the First Lady's office as a model public service institution, recruiting and leading a team of 35 professionals, setting up standard operating procedures internally, and developing strategic partnerships with multiple stake-holders locally, regionally and globally. She served as the Queen's communications advisor and primary interlocutor, driving all aspects of the policy agenda, public profile, positioning and messaging. Before returning to the Middle East to serve the King and Queen, she was Director of the Jordan Information Bureau in Washington, D.C. -- the public affairs arm of the Embassy of Jordan -- where she spent approximately a decade working with the White House, Congress, public policy leaders and the news media on Middle East related issues. Ms. Atalla began her career with international NGOs in Jordan, including Catholic Relief Services and Save the Children Federation. She also worked as a journalist for the Jordan Times, where she covered a wide range of political and socio-economic issues and reported from a number of capitals in the region. Ms. Atalla holds a BA in Comparative and Regional Studies and an MA in International Affairs from Georgetown University. She serves on the Middle East board of the regional Junior Achievement International, INJAZ, holds a private pilot's license and speaks three languages.

Mentoring & coaching youth, particularly young women

Branding & Communications, communications and global advocacy, Communications and relationship building, CSR, development and growth, Media & Communication, Media Relations, politics, PR & Communications

Coaching and mentoring young professionals