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Our Coordinator and Office Staff

Executive Coordinator

Sarah Taylor, the Executive Coordinator of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, researches and writes on women, peace and security. She has worked and conducted research in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, and has taught on gender, violence, and education. She received her M.A. with distinction in Political Science from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand with a focus on nationalism and gender in Eastern Europe, and is a Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at the New School University in New York, conducting a comparative analysis of high-level women negotiators.

Program Associate

Kristina Mader is a graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in International Relations with a focus on women, conflict and human rights.  Before joining the NGOWG, she worked at Western Washington University as Director of the Resource and Outreach Programs, a group of offices which provides services, both legal and social, to minorities, non-traditional students, and women. In addition, she worked with the PeaceWomen Project in the UN Office of the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom, and continues to be engaged in the work of that office, particularly in their ongoing monitoring of the Security Council.


Summer 2010 Interns

Katrina Clydesdale
Katrina is a MA graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, with a degree in Comparative Ethnic Conflict. Her thesis was concentrated on sexual violence during conflict in Rwanda and Bosnia. Upon completion of her internship she hopes to work within the field of Women’s Rights during and post conflict, and in particular the role of women in peace building. Katrina’s undergraduate degree in Modern and Contemporary History was obtained from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland.

Spring 2010 Interns

Maureen Shaw
Maureen is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Human Rights, with a concentration in Women’s Rights, at Columbia University in the City of New York. Prior to interning with the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, she worked in public relations for several years, with a focus on corporate and B2B communications. In addition to her graduate work and internship, Maureen also holds the elected position of Legislative Vice President for the National Organization of Women’s New York City chapter. In this role, she advocates for the equality and empowerment of the women and girls of New York. Maureen graduated Cum Laude from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s degree in English.


Patience Tusingwire


Fall 2009 Interns

Emily Puckart
Emily earned a B.A. in International Affairs and Russian and East European studies at the University of Virginia. Emily is currently a candidate for a Masters in Public Administration with an international specialization at the Robert F. Wagner School Graduate School of Public Service at New York University.  Emily Puckart began her work in international development when she worked in Romania as a Peace Corps volunteer with a focus on institutional development. Before attending Wagner, Emily worked at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Washington D.C. with Women’s Political Participation Programs.

Simran Sachdev
Simran is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Global Affairs, with a concentration in Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance, at New York University.  Simran attended New York University as an undergraduate as well and majored in Communication Studies with a specialization in Mass Media, and a minor in Psychology.  Prior to graduate school, Simran worked in online marketing for over three years and is now hoping to apply her skills to the human rights field.  She is planning on working in the international women’s rights field upon graduation in May 2010.