Cassandra Nelson

Cassandra Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in strategic and crisis communications, media relations and multimedia journalism for international humanitarian organizations and global firms including Condé Nast and Apple Computer. She currently serves as Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs for the United Nations Assistance Missionin Somalia (UNSOM). In conflict and fragile environments, from Syria to South Sudan, she has a proven record of developing and delivering media strategies that create change, mobilize resources and make an impact.

• Media and Strategic Communications: More than 20 years of experience designing and implementing strategic communications and media campaigns for international humanitarian organizations, individual projects and global firms. Develops robust media strategies that garner the attention of major media outlets to raise awareness on a global level. Polished organizational spokesperson featured regularly on global media outlets including Reuters, AP, CNN, BBC, AJI, NBC, CBS, ABC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian.

Hands-on developer and implementer of community-level social and traditional media campaigns that increase local engagement and access to services. Leads communications initiatives across a wide range of technical areas, with particular expertise in Governance, Civil Society Building, Conflict Resolution, Economic Development and Recovery, and Gender/Child Protection.

• Management and Leadership: Senior manager with extensive experience leading diverse teams in multi-country, multi-office initiatives. Experience leading teams up to 48 and across more than six countries, and budgets of more than $7 million. Builds strong relationships with donors, local governments, community leaders and the private sector. Trains and mentors local staff.

• International Experience and Humanitarian Relief: More than 13 years of field-based experience in conflict, transitional and fragile environments, including seven years in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, in addition to extensive experience developing, advising and traveling to implement programs in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Lebanon, Gaza, Haiti, Niger, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Mongolia, Indonesia, and Mogadishu.

She received a B.A. from Stanford U