CHSS Distinguished Alumni - Middle East and Islamic Studies

Jumana Kamal

MA Middle East and Islamic Studies '15

Jumana Kamal is a program management professional in international education, cultural exchange, and global engagement. Her work focuses on managing programs that enable cross-cultural understanding, leadership development, and international collaboration, with an emphasis on strengthening participant experience in exchange and fellowship initiatives. 

She currently serves as a program officer at the U.S. Department of State, supporting the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Previously, she worked with the Institute of International Education, managing Fulbright and other exchange programs across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia. She also served at George Mason University in project management roles focused on student engagement and community-building initiatives. 

Her work has supported programs serving students, scholars, and emerging leaders by helping design and implement structures that facilitate access to academic, professional, and cultural exchange opportunities. 

Originally from Jordan, she earned a master’s degree in Middle East and Islamic Studies from George Mason University and holds a bachelor's degree in interior design. A native Arabic speaker who has studied and worked across cultures, she is interested in global learning and mentorship. In addition to her professional work, she volunteers with MENTEE as a Global Mentor and contributes to the organization in an advisory capacity.