Staff

QUNO has fully-staffed offices in Geneva and New York.

Geneva

Sophie Naeye

Office Manager

Sophie holds a Master’s degree in Languages, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Studies with Human resources, and a MBS in Internationalisation of Affairs from Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland. Sophie first joined Shaza Hotels' headquarters (Kempinski branch) in Geneva in 2011 where she assisted two Vice-Presidents in Product Development and Technical Services, before serving the Executive operations' team with the opening of the first Shaza hotel in Al Madina, Saudi Arabia and other projects based in the United Arab Emirates. From 2016 to 2022, she then moved to a non-for-profit organisation, the Medicines Patent Pool, as office manager. Aiming at supporting access to affordable medicines in low-and-middle income countries, Sophie was responsible for the development and implementation of the Geneva offices' policies and procedures amongst various other human resources tasks under her responsibility. Sophie enters QUNO in September 2022, bringing over 10 years' office management experience and has competencies in planning and executing a range of services, including ensuring a smooth-running office, and overseeing arrangements for meetings and events. At QUNO Sophie will serve both institutional administrative needs and attend to the internal arrangements of the Director’s office. She is driven to work with people across the globe and diverse cultures. In her free time she gives support to people in needs and is involved in local, religious and youth communities. She is a passionate yogi and horse-rider, a proficient snowboarder and wakeboarder.

Ronald Steenblik

Senior Technical Advisor (Pro-Bono), Sustainable & Just Economic Systems

Ronald Steenblik serves as the Senior Technical Advisor for the Sustainable and Just Economic Systems (SJES) programme at the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in Geneva, where he contributes his expertise on a pro-bono basis. Ronald's research focuses on identifying and estimating environmentally harmful subsidies, particularly those directed at fossil fuels and plastics, and supporting global efforts to reform these subsidies.

Before joining QUNO, Ronald had an extensive career at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), where he was the Special Counsellor for Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform in the Trade & Agriculture Directorate until his retirement in November 2018. In this role, he led the OECD’s fossil fuel subsidy reform initiatives, guided interdisciplinary teams at the nexus of trade and the environment, and chaired the G20’s voluntary peer reviews of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.

Earlier in his career, Ronald was the first Director of Research for the Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) from 2006 to 2007. His work at the IISD focused on improving transparency around the size and effects of subsidies to biofuels.

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

Kaya Van der Horst

Programme Assistant

Kaya recently obtained her Masters 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. 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. With her interests in global disarmament and tackling root causes of forced migration, Kaya seeks to harness her interdisciplinary background to contribute to a more just world of movement. She is particularly passionate about the human rights implications of novel migration management technologies and ending border violence. 

Johan Cavert

Programme Assistant

Johan Cavert is the 2024-2025 Human Impacts of Climate Change Programme Assistant. He holds a Bachelors degree in Economics, Spanish, and International Studies from Oberlin College in Ohio, USA. 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.

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, he worked on USA domestic climate and energy issues as a policy analyst for a non-profit think tank in Washington D.C. Previous work and internship experience includes time with The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and U.S. Congressional and Senate Offices. Johan completed a 2019 Humanity In Action Fellowship in the Netherlands and was a 2020-2021 Fulbright grantee in Mexico.
 

Lindsey Fielder Cook

Interim Deputy Director and Representative for Climate Change

Lindsey holds a BA in Politics from the Durham University, an MA in Literature of Conflict from York University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from DeMontfort University. She joined QUNO in 2013, following a career in conflict areas, initially as a volunteer in reconciliation youth work in Northern Ireland and as a teacher in the Israeli Occupied West Bank.  She has worked with UNRWA on refugee protection in the West Bank, with OHCHR (formerly UNCHR) during the war in the Former Yugoslavia, with UNOSOM in Somalia to help coordinate humanitarian efforts, with UNSCO in Gaza on donor coordination to implement of the Oslo Peace Accords, and in Bonn with UNV on communication of development efforts. Lindsey’s work at QUNO focuses on climate change and environmental degradation as a peace and justice concern, engaging at a international level with the climate change negotiations, climate science, human rights efforts, while seeking to connect international progress with grassroots efforts.  Lindsey is a Member of German Yearly Meeting and lives with her family in Bonn, where QUNO has an office space.

Laurel Townhead

Interim Director and Representative for Human Rights and Refugees

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 joined QUNO as Human Rights and Refugees Representative in 2014 and has over 15 years experience working on human rights protection nationally and through the UN human rights system, during which time she has worked on a wide range issues, including women’s rights and refugee protection. Immediately before coming to QUNO, Laurel was Policy and Campaigns Manager for Women in Prison; a role that included advocating for national implementation of the Bangkok Rules on the Treatment of Women Prisoners, which she contributed to drafting. At QUNO Laurel continues to work on human rights and criminal justice, with a focus on the rights of children of incarcerated parents. Laurel leads our work on human rights of migrants. Building on work to secure an ambitious, effective and human rights based Global Compact for Migration, Laurel focuses on how the UN system can better promote and protect the rights of migrants regardless of status. Laurel also takes forward our long term commitment to recognition of the right to conscientious objection to military service. Laurel is a Member of South East London Area Meeting.

Andrés Naranjo

Associate Representative, Sustainable & Just Economic Systems

Andrés holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kenyon College, with a year abroad at the London School of Economics and Political Science, 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. He joined QUNO in 2021 as a Programme Assistant for both the Sustainable and Just Economic Systems (SJES) and Human Impacts of Climate Change (HICC) programmes. In 2023, he progressed to the role of Programme Associate for SJES and was appointed Associate Representative in 2024.

Before joining QUNO, Andrés worked with UNICEF as a junior analyst, where he was responsible for identifying income growth opportunities by benchmarking UNICEF's results against those of comparators. He also supported United Nations work in various fields, such as disarmament with UNODA and humanitarian action, and contributed to academic research on sustainability and climate change.

At QUNO, Andrés develops detailed plans for the organization’s advocacy priorities, particularly focusing on trade and sustainable development, with a specific emphasis on addressing plastic pollution. He is deeply committed to exploring the interconnectedness of global challenges and is driven by a passion for justice and the power of human stories. His work is motivated by a genuine desire to contribute positively to the world and foster a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

New York

Sarah Clarke

Director & Quaker UN Representative

Sarah serves as Director of 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 work of the UN system. Sarah holds a master’s degree in international political economy from the London School of Economics and has worked in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation for over 20 years. Previously, she served as Quaker Representative at QUNO from 2002 – 2014, before undertaking work with a variety of 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 policy makers. Sarah is originally from Canada and is a member of Ottawa Monthly Meeting. While working in New York, she resides with her family in Philadelphia.

Daulton Beck

Office Coordinator

Daulton serves as the Office Coordinator with QUNO. Prior to joining QUNO, Daulton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Politics and Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Throughout his studies, he conducted research on international conflicts, with a particular focus on the Middle East, which ignited his interest in working with multilateral institutions like the UN. Additionally, during his undergraduate career, Daulton held leadership positions, including serving as the Vice President of Communications for Pi Lambda Phi, a social club, and Director of Activities for the Pennsylvania United Nations Conference, which allowed him to refine his leadership and organizational skills.

In his free time, Daulton cultivates his interests in floristry and cooking. He frequents local farmers' markets in search of new ingredients to experiment with or new plants to add to his collection.

Bo Mendez

Communications Coordinator

Bo serves as the Communications Coordinator for QUNO New York. 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. He has also shared the history of immigration to the United States at the Tenement Museum, interpreted carceral history through an abolitionist lens at Eastern State Penitentiary Historical Site, and helped to launch the Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library. Bo is committed to leveraging the human desire to learn into a catalyst to take action.

Bo attained his MA in Museum Studies and BA in Anthropology from New York University. He is also a heavy metal musician, a New York Marathon finisher, and a last-place contestant on Jeopardy!

Jessica Walker-Keleher

Quaker UN Representative

Jessica serves as a Quaker UN Representative with QUNO. As a mediator and attorney, she joins the office 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 tribal 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. 
 

Ailih Weeldreyer

Programme Assistant

Ailih holds a Master's degree in Theological Studies with a concentration in Religion, Ethics, and Politics from Harvard Divinity School. While at HDS, she also completed the Certificate in Religion and Public Life, through which she studied the role of people of faith in peacebuilding and international relations. For the Certificate in Religion and Public Life, she conducted a Capstone Project on the role of religious peacebuilders in efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Prior to divinity school, Ailih studied Political Science and French at Kalamazoo College, where she discovered her love for international relations and began to dream about working at the United Nations.

Throughout her career, Ailih hopes to bring a nuanced perspective on religion to the field of international relations which often views it in black and white terms. She is passionate about finding new ways of conducting foreign policy that centers the needs and flourishing of people above all else, and is honored to be doing that work with QUNO.

Outside of work, Ailih is a dancer and avid reader. She enjoys painting, baking, visiting art museums, k-pop, coffee, and sharing all of these things with her friends and loved ones

Chelsea Comas

Programme Assistant

Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University where she double majored in political science and communications. In 2023, she worked as an intern of the Immigrant Rights Program at American Friends Service Committe’s Newark office. This opportunity introduced Chelsea to the principles that guide Quaker work and further her interest in human rights and international issues. This experience directly inspired her desire to contribute to QUNO’s work as a programme assistant.

During her undergraduate studies, Chelsea was an active member of the Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA), which helped develop her skills in people center design thinking which focused on solving complex societal problems. She hopes to utilize these skills when contributing to QUNO’s efforts of promoting people centered sustainable peace. Beyond this, she has a deep interest in the law and how it is used in practice to ensure the protection of unrepresented communities, in both a domestic and international stage. 

In her free time, Chelsea can be found exercising, as she enjoys lifting weights and running. She also loves traveling, reading fiction novels, and taking advantage of the city’s museums

Kavita Desai

Quaker UN Representative

Kavita serves as a Quaker UN Representative with QUNO. 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.