Madison Marks

A global development professional with 7+ years specializing in strategic programs, communications, and partnerships for initiatives focused on innovation, impact, investment, ecosystem building, and cross-cultural exchange. As of August 2020, Madison currently serves as the Director of the Social Innovation Lab with Johns Hopkins University, supporting in scaling the impact and growth of Baltimore-area, mission-driven ventures. Through 2020, Madison has lived in Jordan, Lebanon, and GCC where she has worked with USAID-funded Innovation 4 Change, Womena Investments LLC, Startupbootcamp's Dubai Smart City Accelerator, and most recently leading programming at Expo 2020 Dubai's Expo Live program. Previously, Madison was DC-based where she led youth engagement and exchange initiatives between the US and Arab world at Qatar Foundation International. Additionally, Madison has led US Department of State-funded language immersion programs in Jordan and worked in a variety of roles ranging from product development with Bayt.com (Jordan), resource mobilization (Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow - Jerusalem), research (World Justice Project), grants development (ANERA-Jordan), and education. Since 2016, Madison has been an active board member with the MENAR Fellowship, connecting students with valuable work experience in the MENA region as part of building lasting professional connections between the US and Middle East.

Madison holds an MA in Arab Studies from Georgetown University and a BA in Middle East Studies from Florida State University.