Amnesty International Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Amnesty International has 8 executives leading key functions including academic advocacy, organizational governance, campus outreach, regional political engagement, external relations, and grassroots mobilization.

Committed to global justice, Amnesty International advances human rights through rigorous research and targeted action to end abuses and secure accountability for victims worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Amnesty International

  • Co-President of Yale Chapter - Ayaisha Alsaedi
  • President - Faith Tucker
  • Campus President - Leah Velaga
  • President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) - Jamshed Iqbal
  • President - Venus Dastidar
  • Deputy President - Sthuthukile Conco
  • Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) - Theresa Behnan
  • External Affairs - Jean Saint-Cyr
  • Ayaisha Alsaedi - Co-President of Yale Chapter

    Ayaisha Alsaedi, the Co-President of Yale Chapter at Amnesty International, directs academic advocacy initiatives within the university environment. Alsaedi coordinates student-led research projects focused on documenting human rights violations across North American and international jurisdictions. By fostering collaboration between student activists and legal experts, the Co-President of Yale Chapter ensures that campus-based efforts align with the broader organizational mission of ending grave abuses. Alsaedi manages local fundraising campaigns and awareness events designed to mobilize the student body toward meaningful policy change. Through consistent engagement with university leadership, Alsaedi secures resources for human rights education programs. This leadership role requires balancing administrative duties with the urgent need for rapid response to global crises. Ultimately, Ayaisha Alsaedi strengthens the connection between academic inquiry and real-world human rights defense, ensuring that the next generation of advocates remains informed and active in the pursuit of justice.

    Faith Tucker - President

    Faith Tucker, the President at Amnesty International, oversees the strategic direction of the organization to ensure maximum impact in the global fight for human rights. Tucker manages the executive board and aligns organizational priorities with the core mission of preventing abuses and demanding justice. By supervising international research teams, the President maintains the integrity of reports documenting rights violations across diverse geographic regions. Tucker facilitates high-level discussions with global stakeholders to influence policy and promote accountability. This leadership position involves allocating resources to critical areas where human rights are under threat, ensuring that the organization remains agile in responding to emerging crises. Faith Tucker drives the long-term vision of the entity, fostering a culture of transparency and rigorous advocacy. Through constant evaluation of operational effectiveness, the President secures the necessary support to sustain global campaigns, ultimately advancing the fundamental goal of protecting human dignity on a worldwide scale.

    Leah Velaga - Campus President

    Leah Velaga, the Campus President at Amnesty International, leads grassroots mobilization efforts across various educational institutions. Velaga coordinates student chapters to execute campaigns that highlight human rights issues and demand systemic change. By overseeing the development of educational materials, the Campus President ensures that students possess the tools required for effective advocacy. Velaga manages regional outreach programs that connect local chapters with broader organizational goals, fostering a unified approach to human rights defense. This role involves mentoring student leaders and facilitating workshops on non-violent protest and policy engagement. Through strategic planning, Velaga expands the reach of the organization into new academic communities, increasing the volume of voices calling for justice. Leah Velaga maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that campus activities translate into tangible support for victims of rights violations. By driving these initiatives, the Campus President builds a sustainable foundation for future human rights activism.

    Jamshed Iqbal - President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan)

    Jamshed Iqbal, the President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) at Amnesty International, directs regional advocacy efforts focused on strengthening democratic institutions and protecting human rights within South Asia. Iqbal manages complex relationships with local stakeholders to address specific rights violations and promote legal reforms. By overseeing research into regional abuses, the President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) provides critical data that informs the global strategy of the organization. Iqbal facilitates dialogue between civil society groups and government entities to demand justice for those whose rights have been compromised. This leadership role requires navigating sensitive political landscapes while maintaining a firm commitment to international human rights standards. Through strategic communication and public awareness campaigns, Jamshed Iqbal amplifies the voices of marginalized communities. By focusing on regional stability and the rule of law, the President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) ensures that the organization effectively addresses the unique challenges present in the region, contributing to the global mission of ending systemic injustice.

    Venus Dastidar - President

    Venus Dastidar, the President at Amnesty International, directs the operational execution of human rights campaigns across diverse international markets. Dastidar oversees the allocation of funds and personnel to ensure that research and advocacy efforts remain robust and effective. By coordinating with regional directors, the President ensures that the organization responds appropriately to localized human rights crises. Dastidar facilitates the development of new strategies to address emerging threats to human rights, such as digital surveillance and freedom of expression. This leadership role involves maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency within the organization. Through the implementation of rigorous performance metrics, the President ensures that every campaign contributes to the overarching goal of ending grave abuses. Venus Dastidar fosters collaboration between internal departments to streamline operations and maximize the impact of advocacy work. By driving these strategic initiatives, the President secures the long-term viability of the organization and its mission to demand justice for all.

    Sthuthukile Conco - Deputy President

    Sthuthukile Conco, the Deputy President at Amnesty International, supports the executive leadership by overseeing internal governance and operational compliance. Conco manages the implementation of organizational policies that ensure all research and advocacy activities adhere to international human rights standards. By supervising administrative functions, the Deputy President maintains the efficiency of the organization's daily operations. Conco facilitates communication between the board and regional teams, ensuring that strategic objectives are clearly understood and executed. This role involves monitoring the progress of ongoing campaigns and identifying areas where additional resources or support are required. Through the management of internal audits and reporting processes, Conco ensures that the organization remains accountable to its donors and the public. Sthuthukile Conco plays a vital role in stabilizing the organizational structure, allowing the leadership team to focus on the critical mission of ending human rights abuses. By optimizing internal processes, the Deputy President enables the organization to scale its impact effectively.

    Theresa Behnan - Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East)

    Theresa Behnan, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) at Amnesty International, leads grassroots advocacy efforts within the regional community. Behnan coordinates local events and educational programs designed to raise awareness about global human rights issues. By overseeing the recruitment and training of volunteers, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) builds a dedicated network of activists committed to the organizational mission. Behnan manages local fundraising initiatives that provide essential support for international research and advocacy projects. This leadership role involves engaging with community leaders and local media to amplify the message of justice and accountability. Through strategic planning, Behnan ensures that the Maine chapter remains an active and influential participant in the broader movement. Theresa Behnan fosters a culture of collaboration and empowerment, enabling local members to contribute meaningfully to the global fight against human rights abuses. By driving these regional initiatives, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) strengthens the organization's grassroots foundation.

    Jean Saint-Cyr - External Affairs

    Jean Saint-Cyr, the External Affairs at Amnesty International, manages the organization's public image and strategic partnerships with international bodies. Saint-Cyr coordinates communication strategies that highlight human rights abuses to a global audience, ensuring that the mission remains at the forefront of public discourse. By overseeing relationships with media outlets and non-governmental partners, the External Affairs lead secures the visibility necessary to drive policy change. Saint-Cyr facilitates high-level meetings with diplomatic representatives to advocate for the protection of vulnerable populations. This role involves crafting messaging that resonates across diverse cultural and political contexts, thereby expanding the reach of the organization's advocacy. Through the management of public relations campaigns, Jean Saint-Cyr builds the support required to sustain long-term human rights initiatives. By aligning external communications with the core research findings of the organization, the External Affairs lead ensures that the message of justice reaches key decision-makers, ultimately influencing global policy and fostering a culture of accountability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Amnesty International Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Amnesty International?
    Amnesty International is led by Ayaisha Alsaedi (Co-President of Yale Chapter), along with executives such as Faith Tucker (President) and Leah Velaga (Campus President).
    Who is part of Amnesty International’s executive team?
    The executive team of Amnesty International includes leaders such as Ayaisha Alsaedi (Co-President of Yale Chapter), Faith Tucker (President), Leah Velaga (Campus President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Amnesty International have?
    Amnesty International has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Amnesty International’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Amnesty International includes roles such as Co-President of Yale Chapter, President, Campus President, President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan), President.