Amnesty International Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Amnesty International has 7 executives leading key functions including academic advocacy, organizational governance, strategic operations, regional democratic engagement, external relations, and grassroots mobilization.

Committed to global justice, Amnesty International advances human rights through rigorous research and targeted advocacy to end systemic abuses worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Amnesty International

  • Co-President of Yale Chapter - Ayaisha Alsaedi
  • President - Venus Dastidar
  • Deputy President - Sthuthukile Conco
  • President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) - Jamshed Iqbal
  • President - Faith Tucker
  • 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 engagement and student-led human rights initiatives. Overseeing campus-based research projects, Alsaedi ensures alignment with the broader organizational mission to document and expose grave rights violations. This leadership role involves coordinating educational workshops and mobilizing student activists to demand justice for victims of systemic abuse. By fostering partnerships with faculty and regional human rights groups, the Co-President of Yale Chapter expands the reach of Amnesty International within academic circles. Ayaisha Alsaedi drives the development of advocacy campaigns that translate complex international legal standards into actionable local policy recommendations. Through consistent collaboration with other student leaders, the Co-President of Yale Chapter strengthens the pipeline of future human rights defenders. This work directly supports the organizational goal of building a sustainable, informed movement capable of challenging power structures and protecting vulnerable populations across diverse global landscapes.

    Venus Dastidar - President

    Venus Dastidar, the President at Amnesty International, governs the strategic direction and operational integrity of the organization. Overseeing the implementation of global human rights mandates, Dastidar ensures that research findings translate into effective advocacy and policy change. This leadership role involves managing high-level relationships with international stakeholders and directing the allocation of resources toward critical crisis zones. By maintaining rigorous standards for evidence-based reporting, the President upholds the credibility of Amnesty International in the face of geopolitical pressure. Venus Dastidar drives the long-term vision for organizational growth, focusing on expanding the capacity to demand justice for those suffering from rights violations. Through constant coordination with the board and senior management, the President secures the financial and operational stability required to sustain long-term campaigns. This executive oversight remains essential for maintaining the global influence of the organization while navigating complex legal and political environments across multiple continents.

    Sthuthukile Conco - Deputy President

    Sthuthukile Conco, the Deputy President at Amnesty International, manages internal operations and supports the execution of core human rights programs. Overseeing cross-departmental workflows, Conco ensures that research teams and advocacy units maintain operational synergy. This leadership role involves refining internal processes to improve the speed and impact of responses to urgent human rights crises. By facilitating communication between regional offices and the central headquarters, the Deputy President optimizes the delivery of support to victims of abuse. Sthuthukile Conco drives the implementation of organizational policies that promote transparency and accountability within the global network. Through the oversight of administrative functions, the Deputy President enables the broader team to focus on high-impact research and public campaigning. This role remains vital for maintaining the structural health of Amnesty International, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the overarching mission to end grave abuses and secure justice for marginalized communities worldwide.

    Jamshed Iqbal - President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan)

    Jamshed Iqbal, the President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) at Amnesty International, directs regional advocacy efforts and promotes democratic values within the South Asian market. Overseeing local research initiatives, Iqbal ensures that the organization documents human rights conditions with precision and cultural nuance. This leadership role involves engaging with local civil society groups to build coalitions that demand justice and legal reform. By monitoring political developments, the President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) identifies emerging threats to human rights and coordinates rapid response actions. Jamshed Iqbal drives the strategic expansion of Amnesty International initiatives in the region, focusing on protecting freedom of expression and assembly. Through consistent dialogue with regional stakeholders, the President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) amplifies the voices of those whose rights face constant violation. This work directly supports the global mission by establishing a strong, localized presence capable of influencing policy and fostering a culture of accountability in challenging political environments.

    Faith Tucker - President

    Faith Tucker, the President at Amnesty International, leads the organizational commitment to human rights through the oversight of global research and advocacy programs. Overseeing the development of strategic campaigns, Tucker ensures that the organization effectively addresses systemic abuses and demands justice for victims. This leadership role involves coordinating with international legal experts to challenge violations and promote the rule of law. By directing the focus of research teams, the President identifies critical areas where intervention can prevent further harm. Faith Tucker drives the implementation of initiatives that empower local communities to advocate for their own rights. Through constant engagement with global partners, the President strengthens the capacity of Amnesty International to respond to emerging crises. This executive role remains essential for maintaining the focus of the organization on its core mission, ensuring that every action contributes to a world where human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for all individuals.

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

    Theresa Behnan, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) at Amnesty International, directs grassroots mobilization and regional advocacy efforts. Overseeing the growth of local membership, Behnan ensures that the chapter remains a vibrant hub for human rights activism. This leadership role involves organizing community events and educational programs that raise awareness about global rights violations. By fostering a network of local volunteers, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) drives the implementation of national campaigns at the community level. Theresa Behnan coordinates with regional leadership to ensure that local actions support the broader goals of Amnesty International. Through the development of outreach strategies, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) expands the reach of the organization, building a dedicated base of supporters committed to demanding justice. This work remains vital for sustaining the grassroots movement that underpins the global influence of the organization in protecting human rights.

    Jean Saint-Cyr - External Affairs

    Jean Saint-Cyr, the External Affairs at Amnesty International, manages public relations and strategic partnerships to amplify the impact of human rights campaigns. Overseeing media engagement and donor communications, Saint-Cyr ensures that the organizational message reaches diverse global audiences. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with international media outlets and policy influencers to keep human rights issues at the forefront of public discourse. By directing the narrative strategy, the External Affairs lead builds public support for initiatives aimed at ending grave abuses. Jean Saint-Cyr drives the development of communication frameworks that translate complex research into compelling calls for justice. Through constant collaboration with advocacy teams, the External Affairs lead ensures that public messaging aligns with the strategic goals of Amnesty International. This work remains critical for maintaining the visibility and reputation of the organization, ultimately securing the public pressure necessary to hold governments and institutions accountable for rights violations across the globe.

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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 Venus Dastidar (President) and Sthuthukile Conco (Deputy 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), Venus Dastidar (President), Sthuthukile Conco (Deputy President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Amnesty International have?
    Amnesty International has 7 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, Deputy President, President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan), President.