Jill L’Heureux Grana joined IREX in May 2014 to serve as the Project Director for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. In this role, Jill works closely with US Department of State and host university representatives, providing administrative, programmatic, and financial management oversight.

Jill brings a background of 15 years working on professional, academic, and youth programs for US government and private funders, and has a proven track record providing meaningful exchange experiences for students and professionals from around the world. Prior to joining IREX, Jill was the Director of Academic Programs at Meridian International Center, serving as Project Director for the Study of the US Institutes (SUSI) and Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) grants, as well as contributing to the organization’s new business and proposal development. Previously, Jill worked at the Academy for Educational Development (AED) for eight years, with work on the International Visitor Leadership Program and as the Director of Short-Term Academic Exchange programs in the Center for Academic Partnerships.

Jill has a BA in Anthropology from Colby College, and an MA in International Affairs, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, from the School of International Service at American University.