I have accumulated more than three decades of experience in the fields of humanitarian relief and development, with a particular emphasis on education, governance, and conflict management in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. I excelled in a competitive educational environment as the only daughter in a large family, despite the patriarchal society. I was admitted to Harvard University, where I pursued a graduate degree in public policy and management and received training for senior management positions. This was a significant milestone in my voyage. I was responsible for overseeing the reconstruction of communities that had been devastated by Saddam Hussein’s regime while serving in critical leadership roles within the United Nations and the Iraqi government. Furthermore, in my capacity as the Minister of Reconstruction & Development for the Kurdistan Regional Government, I spearheaded initiatives to enhance the quality of life for displaced families. I was the sole woman in Iraq’s first interim administration as Minister of Municipalities & Public Works following the 2003 regime change. While leading a large ministry, I encountered significant challenges in a tumultuous environment. I subsequently enhanced my expertise by earning a PhD in spatial planning, and my efforts were recognized on a global scale. I provide distinctive perspectives that have been influenced by my extensive experience in the MENA region during crucial periods, as I am proficient in Arabic, Kurdish, and English.