OUR TEAM
Obada Shtaya
Co-Founder and CEO
Obada Shtaya is Co-Founder and CEO of the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. Obada is a Fulbright scholar, pollster, and researcher with interests in social psychology, political economy, and social movement theory. Most recently, Obada supervised one of the most rigorous political orientation research projects ever done in Palestine using Moral Foundation Theory as a basis for mapping political orientation beyond traditional party lines. As a community organizer and development professional, Obada has led civil society efforts in Palestine, London, and Washington DC, and he has led discussion groups globally at the United Nations, the Middle East Institute (MEI), and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Obada also co-founded Masa7a, a progressive media platform exploring Palestinian society, economy, and politics. Obada holds a M.A. in Conflict Studies from George Mason University in Virginia.
Zayne Abudaka
Co-Founder and Senior Fellow
Zayne is Co-Founder and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. Zayne is an economist with an in-depth understanding of various sectors in the Palestinian economy. Zayne is also Co-founder and Director of Research of the Ramallah-based startup studio, Momentum Labs. Before moving to Palestine, Zayne was the Chief Economist at the London office of the British think-tank, The Portland Trust, which focuses on business-led economic development in Palestine. Throughout his career, Zayne has provided strategic support to 70+ economic development and research projects focused on various economic sectors in Palestine. He also led and contributed to several publications, and led numerous discussions with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society activists. Zayne also co-founded Masa7a, a progressive media platform exploring Palestinian society, economy, and politics. Zayne holds an M.A. in Economics from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
Yousef Srouji
Research Fellow
Yousef is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. His research interests cut across socioeconomic and political themes with a focus on sustainable development in Palestine and the MENA region. Most recently, Yousef contributed to research projects on decentralized solar power and its implications on Palestinian communities, the impact of COVID-19 on various sectors in the Palestinian economy, and the political psychology of Palestinians. Professionally, Yousef is a Principal Consultant at Momentum Labs and the CEO of MENA Analytics. Before that, he was a project coordinator and researcher at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS). Yousef graduated with a Masters of Development Practice from the University of California, Berkeley and holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Amal Hjouj
Research Fellow
Amal is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. Amal’s research focuses on empowerment of women and youth, impact analysis of civil society, and political psychology. Amal's publications and research contributions include: “Supporting Women and Youth: the importance of financial inclusion, globally and locally,” featured in This Week in Palestine, and "The Palestinian Tech Ecosystem.” Amal brings five years of experience working with NGOs and UN agencies in Palestine, including her role as the multimedia and archiving officer at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Amal holds a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and International Relations from East Carolina University.
Mais Statiyeh
Research Fellow
Mais is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. Mais’s academic background is in literature and philosophy with interests across social science. Mais’s interest in politics and anthropology drives her to explore research themes at the intersection of culture, society, and political systems. Most recently, Mais had an opportunity to train at the U.S, House of Representatives, supporting the communication staff of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Mais is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Philosophy from a university in Jordan, and she is working as an Advancement Associate at Zimam, Palestine’s largest youth organization.
Noor Al Maslamani
Research Fellow
Noor Almaslamani is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. Her research interests include international security, conflict resolution, foreign policy, and media biases. Noor has had experience in radio and podcasts, connecting macro-level state and institutional policies with micro-level human experiences. Last year, she worked with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Noor holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from Clark University.
Baker Shakhshir
Research Fellow
Baker Shakhshir is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Progress. Baker is a policy analyst and an international development professional. He holds an M.Sc. in International Social and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a B.A. in Public Administration from the American University of Beirut. Baker’s research focuses on issues of social security, institutional reform, and youth political engagement. Baker currently serves as a Youth Programme Coordinator at UNFPA Palestine. Baker’s research interests include social and public policy issues such as social security, institutional reform, and youth political engagement.