Matthew Kazden

 As the Director of Youth Engagement and Young Professionals Outreach, Matthew leads initiatives to drive   engagement amongst young professionals in San Diego with an interest in International Affairs. Matthew is excited   to spearhead and develop the Young Professionals program because of his deep interest in geopolitics and his   desire to connect the next generation of professionals in the ever-evolving world of global diplomacy. He believes   that San Diego provides an ideal space for this given its importance as an   international city.

 Matthew has experience in fostering international collaboration and driving impactful change across various global   sectors. He has facilitated partnerships with visiting international delegations, working to strengthen cross-border   cooperation and advance shared goals. In addition, he has developed and delivered customized training programs   for impact-driven businesses, empowering them to integrate sustainability practices into their operations for long-term global impact. 

He currently works with a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean energy solutions in West Africa, where his efforts have contributed to transformative change—improving economic conditions, advancing gender equity, and enhancing educational outcomes through sustainable energy access.

Matthew has a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis and a masters degree in International Affairs from the University of California San Diego, with a focus on International Politics.

 Jared Hernandez

 Jared’s upbringing in Imperial Valley, CA and Mexicali, Mexico cultivated his interest in international   affairs and multiculturalism. His interest deepened when he studied abroad in Amsterdam under the   Gilman Scholarship. His study abroad experience greatly influenced his decision to obtain a Master of   International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego. Additionally, he holds a degree in   business administration from California State University San Marcos. 

 Jared is currently the Executive Director at CSA San Diego County, a non-profit that advocates for fair   housing and against all forms of discrimination. In his free time, he enjoys reading about history and   philosophy, traveling, following baseball and soccer, and strength training.

 Khalid Alharthi

 Khalid is currently serving as our Programs Manager. 

 Khalid grew up on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia, in the beautiful city of Jeddah. Following his   high school graduation, he embarked on a transformative journey by choosing to study abroad,   eventually landing in the United States as an international student. His academic pursuits led   him to San Diego State University, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Political   Science,  delving deep into the intricacies of governance and international relations. Building   upon this foundation, Khalid furthered his education at the University of San Diego, where he   earned a master's degree specializing in Conflict Resolution, Peace, and Justice, honing his   expertise in promoting harmony and understanding in diverse settings.

 Beyond his academic endeavors, Khalid is a passionate martial artist who actively competes in   tournaments across the vibrant city of San Diego and its neighboring regions. His dedication to both intellectual pursuits and physical challenges reflects a multifaceted individual committed to personal growth and making a positive impact in his community.

 Igbinosa Ojehomon

 Igbinosa Ojehomon is a dynamic thinker and problem-solver with a global outlook. Born in Nigeria,   he holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Eastern Mediterranean University in   Famagusta, Cyprus. He furthered his expertise with a master’s degree in International Relations and   Diplomacy from Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, and a master’s degree in Computer Information   Systems from California Miramar University, San Diego, United States.

 Driven by a passion for global affairs, cybersecurity, and innovative solutions, Igbinosa specializes in   addressing complex challenges such as terrorism, international relations, and technological   advancements. He thrives on engaging with diverse perspectives, fostering impactful dialogue, and   crafting strategies that make a tangible difference in the world.