El-Hibri Foundation Announces Farhan Latif as President

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The El-Hibri Foundation is delighted to announce that Farhan Latif has been named the new President effective June 8, 2015. Mr. Latif comes to the Foundation with a breadth of experience in peacebuilding, policy development, higher education, social entrepreneurship, and interfaith leadership.

On behalf of the El-Hibri Foundation staff, current Interim President Greg Siegrist, stated, "I am delighted to welcome Farhan to the El-Hibri Foundation.  His experience, intellect and energy will enhance the Foundation's ability to accomplish our annual goals and our long-term mission."

Mr. Latif succeeds Judy Barsalou who served as the Foundation's President for the last two years. Dr. Barsalou led the Foundation through substantial consolidation and growth.  The Foundation is looking forward to Mr. Latif continuing her work in expanding the impact of grants and programs to meet the Foundation's strategic objectives.

Chairman of the El-Hibri Foundation, Fuad El-Hibri, commented that he has "full confidence in Farhan's ability to lead the El-Hibri Foundation team and take the Foundation to the next level, expanding the impact of the Foundation and raising awareness of the importance of peace education and respect for diversity."

Before joining the El-Hibri Foundation, Mr. Latif served as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Policy Impact at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), a leading research organization focused on American Muslim communities. During his time at ISPU, he provided focus to the Institute's strategy, strengthened its impact in policy circles and expanded support and awareness of its research. Familiar with Washington DC, Mr. Latif has worked on a range of domestic and foreign policy issues with the White House, Department of State and Department of Homeland Security.

"We are all excited to work with Farhan, who brings such a wealth of innovative and interesting experience in social policy, as well as in raising understanding about complex issues in the American Muslim communities," remarked Lynn Kunkle, Director of Grants and Peace Education.

Prior to his work with ISPU, Mr. Latif spent over a decade in higher education building a culture of philanthropy while enabling access to funds for underrepresented, low income and first generation students. He co-founded the largest youth-organized summit in metropolitan Detroit, and has continued to serve as an advisor on multiple interfaith-related efforts.

Mr. Latif's innovation and entrepreneurial spirit is crucial for the Foundation as it expands its impact and network. As a social entrepreneur, he founded Strategic Inspirations, a social impact consulting firm focused on strengthening the ability of nonprofit organizations to build capacity, create a culture of learning, catalyze innovation through philanthropy and maximize impact. Additionally, Mr. Latif holds an M.A. in Social Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, and Education from Harvard University.

Mr. Latif's combined background in peace, interfaith dialogue, higher education, and philanthropy equips him to lead the Foundation effectively.

About the El-Hibri Foundation
The El-Hibri Foundation supports peace education and respect for diversity through grant making, prizes, scholarships, and programs that promote learning, bridge-building and interfaith cooperation. The El-Hibri Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation based in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit our website at www.elhibrifoundation.org.

Contact: Sarah Omar, (202) 387-9500, [email protected]

SOURCE El-Hibri Foundation