WASHINGTON, D.C., January 16, 2023 — Together for Girls, a partnership dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence against children, welcomed Lena Alhusseini as Deputy CEO today. Alhusseini is the first Deputy CEO at Together for Girls, joining the team to facilitate internal cohesion throughout the partnership and provide strategic and technical direction during a period of expansive global growth.

Alhuessini has more than 20 years of experience in child protection, gender-based sexual violence, human rights, and peacekeeping. Most recently, she served as the International Commission of Missing Persons Head of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Prior to that, Alhuessini was the Director of Child Welfare for the State of Oregon. For a decade, she was the Executive Director of the Arab-American Family Support Center in New York City.

During her career, she has worked with USAID, UNICEF, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2011, US President Barack Obama named her a “Champion of Change for outstanding work on child protection, domestic violence, and sex trafficking.”

“We are thrilled that Lena is joining our team at Together for Girls,” said Daniela Ligiero, CEO of Together for Girls. “Her dedication to human rights and strategic leadership experience will be invaluable to furthering our mission of creating a safer, more equitable world.”

Founded in 2009, Together for Girls is a global partnership working to end violence against children and adolescents, particularly sexual violence against girls. The partnership brings together national governments, civil society organizations, UN entities, development partners, and the private sector to improve violence prevention, healing, and justice.

Learn more about Lena Alhusseini

About Together for Girls

Ending violence against children cannot be solved by a single actor or sector alone. Together for Girls is a global partnership working to end violence against children and adolescents, with a special focus on elminiating sexual violence. Active in over 20 countries, Together for Girls unites actors that often do not work together, including national governments, United Nations entities, the private sector, civil society, and survivors. Through data and advocacy, Together for Girls drives action to break cycles of violence and ensure prevention, healing, and justice. To learn more, visit togetherforgirls.org.