Pakhshan Kakawais, was born and educated in Kirkuk, before moving to Erbil to attain her Bachelor’s degree from Salahaddin University, and is currently studying for an MA in the politics of conflict and violence. Pakhsan started her career at Save the Children/UK in 1996, and has since worked with a variety of international organizations, including the United Nations. Pakhshan is currently the Country Director for Internews’ Iraq office.