Governance and Staff

Laurel Townhead

Laurel serves as Interim Director of QUNO Geneva and Human Rights & Refugees Representative. Since 2014 Laurel has been responsible for managing our work to uphold the dignity of all members of our human family and is currently also leading QUNO Geneva. Her programme work focuses on the human rights of migrants and supporting those who reject militarisation through the right to conscientious objection to military service.

Laurel has built over 20 years of experience working on the promotion and protection of human rights nationally and through the UN human rights system, on a range of issues including criminal justice, migration, refugee protection, children’s rights and women’s rights.

Laurel has a degree in Law & Politics from the University of Manchester and a Masters in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex.

Laurel enjoys being in nature, snowshoeing and swimming in the lake (not usually in the same season) and being with her family (in any season).

Laurel is a Member of South East London Area Meeting and values aligning her work with Quaker witness.

Lindsey Fielder-Cook

Lindsey is the Interim Deputy Director and the Representative for the Human Impacts of Climate Change at QUNO Geneva.   Her work focuses on strengthening international efforts to urgently, equitably and healthily transform root causes driving planetary crises, including existential rates of global temperature rise, species extinction and chemical pollution.

Lindsey has over 25 years’ experience at the international level, first working on humanitarian and human rights protection in conflict zones, followed by climate change as a peace and justice concern.  Initially inspired by reconciliation work in Northern Ireland, an internship at QUNO New York and teaching at the Friends Schools in the Israeli Occupied West Bank, Lindsey went on to work with UNRWA on refugee protection, OHCHR (then UNCHR) on war atrocities in the Former Yugoslavia, UNOSOM in Somalia during the 1993 starvation, UNSCO in Gaza coordinating donor efforts during the Oslo Peace Accords, In Development UK to as programme support manager, and UNV to develop project communications. She published articles reflecting people’s life stories in conflict, and has written both fiction and non-fiction manuscripts.  She began working with QUNO Geneva in 2013.

Lindsey has an Honors degree in Politics from the Durham University (UK), a Masters Degree in Literature of Conflict from the York University (UK), and a Postgraduate Certificate (Merit) in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from De Montfort University (UK).  She is a Member of German Yearly Meeting and lives with her family in Germany.

Andrés Naranjo

Andrés serves as the Associate Representative for QUNO’s Sustainable and Just Economic Systems (SJES) programme. In this role, he develops and implements advocacy priorities, particularly focusing on the intersection of trade, sustainable development, and environmental challenges such as plastic pollution. His work centers on fostering systems that promote equity, sustainability, and justice in global economic governance.

Before joining QUNO, Andrés gained experience across various United Nations entities and international organizations. He worked with UNICEF as a junior analyst, benchmarking income growth opportunities, and supported projects in disarmament with UNODA and humanitarian action. Additionally, he contributed to academic research on sustainability and climate change, cultivating a multidisciplinary perspective on global issues. Andrés joined QUNO in 2021 as a Programme Assistant for both the SJES and Human Impacts of Climate Change (HICC) programmes. He was promoted to Programme Associate in 2023 and appointed Associate Representative in 2024.

Andrés holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kenyon College, with a year abroad at the London School of Economics, and a double Master’s degree in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy & International Relations and the University of Business Innovation and Sustainability.

A dual national of Ecuador and Italy, Andrés enjoys exploring the interconnectedness of global challenges and is driven by a passion for justice, sustainability, and the power of human stories. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, hiking, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Virginie Blume

Virginie joined QUNO in November 2024, where she is responsible for the sound financial management of the Geneva office. Her expertise includes financial management of secretariat operations as well as international programmes, development of tools, policies and internal controls, financial planning & analysis, grant management, financial reporting to donors, senior management and board.

Prior to joining QUNO, Virginie held senior positions in the Swiss headquarters of various non-profit organizations with large global operations. She recently set-up and headed for 4 years the finances of the Global Survivors Fund. Before that, she was for 6 years at WWF-International, in charge of the Financial Planning & Analysis of operations across 40 countries. She also headed for 5 years the Programme Finance unit of MSF-Switzerland.

Earlier in her career, Virginie was based in the field in multiple conflict and post-conflict contexts, for humanitarian organizations such as MSF and ICRC, where she developed her in-depth knowledge of how to ensure a high standard of financial accountability, even in large operations, complex contexts and crisis situations.

Virginie holds a Master’s in Management from EDHEC graduate business school in France, and a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Management of Non-Profit Organizations from University of Geneva. She has also been teaching financial management of non-profits.

Virginie is not a quaker, but she shares its core values. For 2 years she has been treasurer on the board of Nonviolent Peaceforce, another quaker foundation. She is also in parallel highly committed to transmission of Holocaust memory to younger generations, and promoting a world of tolerance and peace.

Sophie Niaye

As office manager, Sophie is accountable for assuming general responsibility for Quaker House, providing support to QUNO staff and programmes and overseeing all arrangements for QUNO meetings and events, under the guidance of the Director.

Prior to QUNO, from 2016 to 2022, Sophie supported access to affordable medicines in low-and-middle income countries, by joining the Medicines Patent Pool foundation as office manager, being responsible for the development and implementation of offices’ policies and procedures amongst various other human resources tasks under her responsibility.

Born in the North of France, Sophie studied in Ireland and graduated a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Business Studies in Languages and Marketing (2003), a B.A in Business Studies with Human resources (2005), and a M.B.S in Internationalisation of Affairs (2006).

Sophie is driven to work with multiculturally diverse cultures. She has two daughters and in her free time she is involved in local religious and youth communities. Equestrian and wakeboarding are her favorite outdoor activities.

Rachel Brett

Rachel Brett serves as Senior Technical Adviser, Human Rights and Refugees, for QUNO Geneva, in particular in relation to conscientious objection to military service.

She is a British Quaker, with a Masters degree in International Human Rights Law, and was QUNO Human Rights and Refugees Representative for many years.

Yvette Issar

Yvette Issar is a consultant with QUNO Geneva’s Peace and Disarmament Programme, supporting the Office’s work to highlight and promote accountability for the human rights impacts of arms transfers. This cross-cutting issue area requires building bridges between the realms of business, human rights and arms control to ensure that the profound suffering, destruction and loss of life caused by arms transfers is addressed. One way this can be achieved is through advocating for norms and standards on responsible business conduct to be applied to those engaging in arms transfers.

Yvette’s professional journey began in 2007 at QUNO Geneva, where she served as a Programme Assistant for the Peace and Disarmament Programme after graduating from Earlham College in Richmond, IN. That introduction to Quaker liaison work at the international level led her to remain in Geneva, and acquire sixteen years of experience in international humanitarian law, disarmament and multilateral affairs. She has worked in this time for several institutions, including the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the University of Geneva.

She holds an LL.M from the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Geneva. A natural bridge-builder, Yvette fosters connections between people, disciplines, and themes to drive systemic transformation. In line with this commitment, she recently founded and directs The Olerai Lab, a company dedicated to fostering innovative, interdisciplinary collaborations for a safer and more sustainable world.

Recognizing the deep interconnection between personal healing and collective change, Yvette is currently pursuing specialized training in analytical psychology. She is also a founding member of The Emigrants, a well-loved folk band in Geneva. In work and life, she is guided by Quaker principles, and is a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition of engaged Buddhism.

Ronald Steenblik

Ronald Steenblik serves as the Senior Technical Advisor for the Sustainable and Just Economic Systems (SJES) programme at QUNO in Geneva, where since 2022 he has contributed his expertise on a pro-bono basis. Drawing on his decades of work related to environmentally harmful subsidies, Ronald is helping the SJES in its engagement with organizations such as the WTO and the UN on subsidies directed at fossil fuels and plastics, and supporting global efforts to reform those subsidies.

Prior to joining QUNO, Ronald had an extensive career at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), most recently and until his retirement in November 2018 as its Special Counsellor for Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform. In this role, he led the OECD’s work on fossil fuel subsidies and their reform, guided interdisciplinary teams at the nexus of trade and the environment, and chaired the G20’s voluntary peer reviews of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Ronald’s earlier work also involved investigations into subsidies to agriculture, biofuels, and fisheries.

Ronald holds a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and currently resides in Paris, France.

Johan Cavert

Johan Cavert is the 2024-2025 Human Impacts of Climate Change Programme Assistant. Based in Geneva, his work at QUNO supports global environmental justice and the development of solutions to the climate crisis that are grounded in values of nonviolence and equity.

Most recently, Johan worked on US domestic climate and energy issues as a policy analyst for a non-profit think tank in Washington D.C. Previous work and internship experience included time with The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and U.S. Congressional and Senate Offices.

Johan holds a Bachelors degree in Economics, Spanish, and International Studies from Oberlin College in the United States. He completed a 2019 Humanity In Action Fellowship in the Netherlands and was a 2020-2021 Fulbright grantee in Mexico. Driven by a passion for impactful policy research and reform, he hopes to create just and sustainable pathways to build a more resilient and equitable planet.

Kaya Van der Horst

Kaya serves as the Human Rights and Refugees Programme Assistant for QUNO Geneva. In this capacity, she engages in multi-stakeholder engagement and transformative dialogue to further QUNO’s work on ending lethal border violence and the dehumanization of migrants, while advocating for meaningful migrant participation within international policy processes. In particular, Kaya closely engages with the human rights apparatus of the UN-system, including the Human Rights Council, UN Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures. As PA, she also co-organizes QUNO Summer School together with Johan.

In her past work experience, Kaya has worked at the Asser Institute, a center for international and European law, and at Global Action on Gun Violence, a US-based NGO dedicated to ending global gun violence. Kaya is currently part of the VCDNP’s Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme.

Kaya obtained her Master of Arts (MA) in International Affairs and Development, with a specialization in migration, from the Geneva Graduate Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Justice from Leiden University College, The Hague. Throughout her studies, Kaya acquired an enduring predilection for creatively harnessing international law and international processes to advance global peace and justice. With her interests in disarmament and tackling root causes of forced migration, Kaya seeks to harness her interdisciplinary background to contribute to a more just world of movement.

Sarah Clarke

Sarah serves as Director and UN Representative for the Quaker UN Office in New York. In this capacity, she leads QUNO’s engagement with the UN, diplomats, and civil society representatives, bringing Quaker practice and insights to the UN system. At the UN, she serves on the steering committees for the NGO Working Group on the Security Council and the NGO Working Group on Korea.

Previously, Sarah served as a Representative at QUNO from 2002 – 2014 before undertaking work with various peacebuilding actors in Myanmar, including the UN. In her work, Sarah brings a passion for building inclusive dialogue between stakeholders and strengthening engagement between non-state actors and international policymakers.

Sarah holds a graduate degree in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and has worked in peacebuilding and conflict transformation for over twenty years.

While she spends much of her work week in New York, she resides with her family in Philadelphia and enjoys taking long walks with her dog.

Sarah is originally from Canada and is a member of Ottawa Monthly Meeting.

Kavita Desai

Kavita serves as a Quaker UN Representative with QUNO. In this capacity, she supports efforts to build relationships with Member States and other civil society organizations in order to advocate for sustainable peace. Prior to joining the team, she worked with the UN Foundation’s Global Policy Team where she supported UN processes around sustainable development and led engagement at the regional and global levels across development and human rights issues. Prior to that she was Adviser to the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the United Nations from 2010 to 2016, where she negotiated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, advocating for the adoption of SDG 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies.

Kavita holds a BA from Rutgers University College where she double majored in political science and art history, and a Juris Doctorate (JD) from Pace University Law School with certificates in environmental and international law.

Jessica Walker-Kelliher

Jessica serves as a United Nations Representative in New York where she helps represent the insights, perspectives, and concerns of the Religious Society of Friends.

As a mediator and attorney, Jessica joins QUNO after decades of work in the field of human security (the intersection of conflict resolution, human rights, humanitarian aid, and development). She has worked both domestically and internationally – in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, South Sudan, and Cuba – on related issues with universities, non-governmental organizations, and the United Nations. She has also supported the Confederated Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille Tribal nations in asserting their rights to appropriate education for indigenous children.

Jessica attended Swarthmore College and, in addition to studying American Indian Law in law school, earned graduate degrees in Conflict Resolution from Antioch University, International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and International Education from Harvard University.

She is a member of Missoula Monthly Meeting in western Montana.

Bo Méndez

Bo serves as the Global Communications and Engagement Lead for QUNO’s two offices. Based out of the United States, Bo is responsible for developing key messaging and communications strategy for sharing news about QUNO’s work, as well as maintaining communications platforms, fundraising for the New York office, and conducting outreach to communities of Friends and partner organizations.

Prior to joining the QUNO team, Bo worked with a number of cultural and charitable organizations on programming and communications initiatives. His experiences include staging public programs about everything from structural racism to the history of hot sauce at Brooklyn Historical Society, developing communications focused on natural history at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, and managing multi-tiered international social media strategy with the American Friends Service Committee.

Bo attained his MA in Museum Studies and BA in Anthropology from New York University. He is committed to leveraging the human desire to learn into a catalyst to take action. He is also a heavy metal musician, a New York Marathon finisher, and a last-place contestant on Jeopardy!

Daulton Beck

Daulton Beck serves as the Office Coordinator at QUNO, where he manages daily operations in collaboration with the Representative for Operations, focusing on the organization’s financial administration. Additionally, he works closely with the Director to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of Quaker House.

Prior to joining QUNO, Daulton held various leadership and analytical roles. During his undergraduate studies, he served as Vice President of Communications for the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. Following graduation, he gained experience in financial reporting for a mortgage company while leading a small team.

Daulton earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Politics with a minor in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. His academic focus included Middle Eastern studies, with a particular emphasis on the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Daulton is a passionate home cook and florist. He enjoys exploring local farmers’ markets in search of fresh ingredients and unique floral arrangements.

Chelsea Comas

Chelsea serves as a Program Assistant at the QUNO New York office. Along with handling some administrative tasks, Chelsea also assists with overall programmatic work with a specific focus on areas of work involving Myanmar and Israel-Palestine.

Prior to joining QUNO, she worked as an intern for the American Friends Service Committee’s Immigrant Rights Program in the Newark office. As an intern, she assisted with various immigration cases and helped run multiple immigration services clinics within the Newark community. This opportunity introduced Chelsea to the principles that guide Quakers’ work and helped develop her interest in human rights and international issues. This experience fostered her desire to contribute to QUNO’s work as a program assistant.

In early 2024, Chelsea earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, where she double majored in political science and communications. She aims to use her experience in people-centered design thinking to contribute to efforts promoting sustainable peace and justice. Chelsea is also an avid traveler, a lover of the gym, and a voracious reader of fiction novels. 

Ailih Weeldreyer

Ailih Weeldreyer serves as a Program Assistant for QUNO in New York, where she supports the work of program staff on finding peaceful solutions to the conflict on the Korean Peninsula, as well as on Palestine and other QUNO entry points. 

Prior to QUNO, Ailih served as a Fellow for International Issues with the Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness and a Visiting Scholar at the United States Institute of Peace. She has gained experience advocating to Congress and US government officials for peace-centered policies, as well as in organizing her local community for climate action. Ailih is passionate about finding new ways of conducting foreign policy that center the needs and flourishing of people above all else.

Ailih received her MTS in Religion, Ethics, and Politics with a Certificate in Religion and Public Life from Harvard Divinity School and her BA in Political Science and French from Kalamazoo College. Throughout her career, Ailih hopes to bring a nuanced perspective on religion to the field of international relations. In her free time you can find her at a dance studio, bookstore, or at a coffee shop with friends.