Elizabeth is an accomplished technical business leader possessing over two decades of expertise in strategy development, research and development, innovation, organizational design, and food security across both for-profit and non-profit sectors. Recently, she served as a consultant in Tanzania where she concentrated on testing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies … Read more

Bairy Diakite (He/Him) serves as the Director of Operations at the Congressional Hunger Center. In this capacity, Bairy works to maximize organizational efficiency and impact across all operational areas to advance the Hunger Center’s mission to develop, inspire, and connect leaders in the movement to end hunger and advocate for … Read more

Laura joined the Hunger Center in 2022. As the director of development, she is responsible for raising funds for the Hunger Center’s fellowships and programs. Laura has more than eleven years of experience in grants management and fundraising, including major and mid-range gifts, grant writing, and annual fund campaigns. She … Read more

Emily Irsik was raised in Emporia Kansas and holds a degree in Human Nutrition from Kansas State University. As the Internships and Recruitment Coordinator, she works to conduct participant recruitment in all fellowship and internship programs, coordinates the fellow and intern selection processes, and administers the Zero Hunger Internship. Emily … Read more

Liz joined The Congressional Hunger Center in 2022 and serves as the Partnership and Outreach Manager. She focuses on building new partnerships and leveraging networks to amplify the Zero Hunger Academy as well as promoting the Hunger Center’s End Hunger in 30 Challenge and public engagement campaigns. She coordinates sales … Read more

Emely manages the development, design, and delivery of in-person and virtual learning opportunities, retreats, and training events for the Hunger Center’s leadership development program participants. She is passionate about growing and developing people and improving learning systems. Prior to joining the team in 2021, she worked as an educator, teaching … Read more

Tony joined the Hunger Center in August 2020 and serves as the Director of the Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program. Tony is responsible for recruiting fellows and host organizations, as well as training and advising fellows. He is also responsible for implementing and providing strategic guidance for the program. Tony … Read more

Shannon Maynard assumed the position of Executive Director of the Congressional Hunger Center in September 2015. Prior to working at the Hunger Center, Shannon served as Chief Talent and Knowledge Officer at Grameen Foundation, where she was responsible for ensuring talent, knowledge management, performance measurement, and planning efforts that were … Read more

Zack designs and implements communications strategies to share the history and impact of the Hunger Center and its programs. Prior to joining the Hunger Center in 2015, he worked for the public library systems of Alexandria, Virginia, and Orange County, North Carolina, as well as the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library … Read more