Our team

José is a globally recognised leader in disability rights and inclusive development, with more than 25 years' experience shaping policy, strengthening movements, and advancing disability-inclusive development worldwide.

As Executive Director of the International Disability Alliance, he leads a global network representing over 5,500 organisations of persons with disabilities across 182 countries, ensuring that the leadership and priorities of persons with disabilities inform global development agendas. He represents persons with disabilities at the United Nations as Permanent Representative of the UN Stakeholder Group for the Sustainable Development Goals. He co-chairs the Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network.

Previously, José served as CEO of the World Blind Union, where he played a key role in advancing the global implementation of the WIPO Marrakesh Treaty.

Grounded in his lived experience as a person with a disability, his leadership is driven by a commitment to turning global commitments into tangible change.

Magdalena Kecojevic provides executive, administrative, and operational support to the executive director, contributing to the effective coordination of strategic priorities, international engagements, and organisational operations.

She brings over 12 years of international experience with Qatar Airways, where she served as Cabin Services Director, leading onboard operations, managing multicultural teams, and delivering exceptional service in a dynamic global environment. Her professional background also includes hospitality management and customer experience. Magdalena holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a specialisation in Marketing and Communication and is based in Belgrade, Serbia.

Jarrod provides strategic direction for IDA's advocacy work, develops partnerships, covers risk management, manages legal affairs, and leads the substantive work of the organisation.

He has a legal and diplomacy background and worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 15 years, with postings to Tokyo, Geneva, and New York. He is currently based in Brussels.

Ana Manuela oversees financial management, enhancing organisational effectiveness and strategic support.

She brings a diverse expertise encompassing financial management, human resources, logistics, IT, and administration. She holds a Master's degree in Management and has a significant background in audit, and consulting engagements as well as worked in multiple sectors including government and public.

Carolina has overseen IDA's communications since October 2025, leading the implementation of communication strategies to strengthen the organisation's reputation and global visibility. She oversees branding and the creation of content across platforms. Carolina brings experience across international organisations, civil society and the private sector, including previous work with the World Health Organization. She holds degrees in linguistics, human rights and digital marketing. She is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Chris has worked for 20 years in NGO/non-profit operations management and data management, including 12 years directly managing emergency-based field operations, 6 years as a regional director and 9 years managing MEAL teams and activities. As a senior manager and director, he has led and supported activities in over 30 countries in both humanitarian and development contexts, including in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Chris holds an MBA and an MA in International and Comparative Law from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. He is an Australian national, based in Europe, though he was adopted by Italy through his wife.

Mirriam leads the Global Influence and Research Center. In this role, she coordinates IDA’s global policy, advocacy, research and knowledge work, ensuring that disability inclusion is reflected across global frameworks, political commitments and accountability mechanisms.

She has over 15 years of experience in human rights advocacy and multilateral processes, leading and supporting engagement at national, regional and global levels. Prior to joining IDA, Mirriam worked at the Center for Reproductive Rights as Advocacy Adviser, advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other AU mechanisms. She also worked with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights as a Human Rights Officer responsible for disability mainstreaming, and with the former UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mirriam holds an LLM in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy. Her areas of interest include health, education, legal capacity, independent monitoring mechanisms as well as meaningful and effective participation of organisations of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. 

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Matthew has led IDA's human rights and disability-inclusive development advocacy in New York since April 2025, engaging and building partnerships with the UN System, Member States, and civil society. He advocates for CRPD implementation across UN bodies and entities, including by representing IDA in the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC.

Matthew possesses extensive expertise in multilateral policy. He previously worked as an Adviser at the Australian Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he led on disability equity and rights. Matthew holds a Master of Science in Comparative Social Policy from the University of Oxford.

Juan Ignacio Pérez Bello leads IDA's advocacy towards UN Treaty Bodies, engaging with key stakeholders such as UNTBs members, UNTBs Secretariats and other NGOs, notably representing IDA within the TB-Net. He represents IDA in technical meetings, drafts IDA's submissions to UNTBs on human rights issues, and engages in UNTBs' strengthening process' advocacy. For years, Juan has provided technical support to IDA members and national OPDs to engage with the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other UNTBs, having developed resources and implemented projects.

Juan holds a law degree from the University of Buenos Aires and a LLM degree from the American University, Washington College of Law. He has national and international level advocacy experience on social and disability rights. Juan has worked for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on thematic reports to the Human Rights Council and in the Bridging the Gap I project, developing CRPD human rights indicators and policy guidelines for SDGs-CRPD implementation.

Esther holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Ghana and has experience working with organisations of persons with disabilities at national and regional levels. Esther has contributed to youth leadership and disability-inclusive programmes, supported advocacy and coordination processes linked to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals, and engaged in intersectional initiatives promoting the rights of young women and other underrepresented groups. Her areas of expertise include youth participation, gender and disability inclusion, intersectionality, and disability-inclusive advocacy and capacity building.

Gordon leads IDA's global advocacy on inclusive humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and climate justice, ensuring disability-inclusive approaches are embedded across humanitarian coordination and climate policy.

He brings extensive experience from his work at the European Disability Forum and CBM, where he focused on disability-inclusive humanitarian action, DRR, and climate policy, building OPD capacity and advancing inclusive solutions.

Gayatri supports IDA members in developing their knowledge products, leading the creation of e-learning courses in collaboration with IDA members, and facilitating technical assistance requests through the IDA-SSI Helpdesk.

She brings over 13 years of experience with public health research, building curricular products for learners of various ages, alongside communication and community building for non-profits. Gayatri has previously worked with the Centers for Disease Control, Population Services International, and other private sector actors in learning, research, and documentation. Gayatri holds a Master of Science in Biology. Gayatri is based out of Chennai, India.

Jelena Jezdovic Jevtic joined IDA in 2022. Her role is communication, coordination, and logistical support of the GLAD Network and DRG secretariats, enhancing the effectiveness of their work and collaborative efforts.

Jelena has more than 15 years' experience in communications, coordination, and project and event management across government, private, and NGO sectors. She has organised over 100 projects and events, from inception to execution, including project development, fundraising, and coordination. She holds a Master's degree in Arts and Culture Management from Rome Business School. Jelena is based in Belgrade, Serbia, dedicated to human rights, inclusion, and arts, and is the mother of a seven-year-old boy.

Greta provides strategic leadership to the GDS Secretariat, overseeing the full Summit cycle from planning to post-Summit follow-up. She coordinates multi-stakeholder partnerships across governments, OPDs, donors and private sector actors, leads advocacy and engagement strategies, and ensures effective delivery of key workstreams, including financing for disability inclusion, private sector engagement, and monitoring of commitments. Greta manages the Secretariat operations, consultants, budgets, and donor reporting, while contributing to proposal development and resource mobilisation.

Greta is based in Spain, and she holds a Master's degree in Law from LUISS Guido Carli University.

Arshia supports the Global Disability Summit by coordinating workstreams, managing knowledge and documentation, and engaging stakeholders.

Originally from Pakistan and now based in Helsinki, Finland, she brings extensive experience in disability inclusion-focused startups and NGOs, with expertise in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation.

María Eugenia (Euge) has more than 20 years of experience supporting women's rights organisations and movements in Argentina, Latin America and the Caribbean, and globally. Her expertise spans sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, organisational development, and resource justice. Before joining IDA, she held several leadership roles at Prospera – International Network of Women's and Feminist Funds, where she led programme coordination, member engagement, and collaborative initiatives across regions. She previously worked at FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund, strengthening her commitment to feminist, movement-led philanthropy and solidarity.

Maroua covers grant management and support for OPDs in organisational strengthening, enabling OPDs to build sustainable structures and advocacy capacity. She fosters cross-project learning and consolidates tools and practices to enhance the effectiveness of sub-granting.

Maroua has worked with UNFPA, Doctors of the World, and Humanity & Inclusion, focusing on empowering marginalised groups and strengthening local organisations.

Innocentia is a human rights lawyer with over 15 years of experience advancing disability rights across Africa and globally. She holds an LLM in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Her expertise includes partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and strengthening organisations of persons with disabilities through intersectional approaches. Before joining IDA, she led the Disability Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, coordinating regional programmes, supporting engagement with UN and African Union mechanisms, and fostering collaboration across civil society, academia, and disability rights networks.

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Lucía works with organisations of persons with disabilities around the world to strengthen their organisational capacity, governance, and sustainability. Her work focuses on understanding IDA members’ needs and providing practical, tailored support through coordination, capacity building, strategic planning, tools and resources, and connections with relevant partners.

Former Executive Director of the World Federation of the Deafblind, Lucia brings extensive experience working with underrepresented and marginalised groups, with a particular focus on intersectionality. She is based in the Canary Islands, Spain.

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Ana Manuela oversees financial management, enhancing organisational effectiveness and strategic support.

She brings a diverse expertise encompassing financial management, human resources, logistics, IT, and administration. She holds a Master's degree in Management and has a significant background in audit, and consulting engagements as well as worked in multiple sectors including government and public.

Rosa Mazzone joined IDA in 2026. She brings over 15 years of experience in humanitarian action and organisational management across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, working in complex and conflict-affected contexts. At IDA, she leads human resources strategy and operations, overseeing recruitment, performance management, staff well-being, and compliance with organisational policies. Rosa holds a Master's degree in Peace Studies from the University of Pisa and a Master's in Disaster Risk Management. Her background includes senior HR and finance roles, accountability mechanisms, and coordination within large-scale international humanitarian operations.

Kashif manages fiscal sponsorship activities, budgets, financial reports, and ensures compliance with grant requirements.

He has 17 years of experience in both corporate and non-governmental sectors, covering financial management, accounts, human resources, logistics, and administration. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (Finance). He is based in Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan.

Fida supports the accountant and financial controller.

He has 14 years of experience in different local NGOs and INGOs, managing accounts and budgets for donor-funded projects such as OXFAM, MISEREOR-Germany, and USAID, as well as preparing documents for external audits of various local organisations. He has a degree in law and holds an MBA in Finance. Fida is based in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan.

Asghar Ali supports IDA's finance team in processing payments, managing accounts payable, and ensuring compliance with donor and organisational requirements. He brings over 12 years of international experience in finance and operations across nonprofits, healthcare, development, and real estate sectors, with strong expertise in multi-currency financial management and audits for donor-funded projects, including USAID, UNDP, and MSF.

Minja joined IDA in 2021 and provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of IDA's procurement, contracting, and due diligence functions. She holds a Master of Science in Management from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from the American College of Thessaloniki. She is based in Belgrade, Serbia.

Dorcas brings solid experience in contract management, procurement processes, and administrative coordination, with a strong focus on ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency across operational workflows. Throughout her career, she has supported the preparation, review, and management of contracts, working closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure smooth and timely processes. Dorcas is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Therese manages financial records, ensures compliance with Swiss regulations, and supports audit processes. She has a Master's degree in Economics and Law. Therese is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

Ehsan is responsible for processing all reimbursement requests, invoices sent by vendors, and coordinating with the finance manager to ensure expenditures are reflected/deducted from the GDS Grant budget.

He has over 15 years of extensive experience as both an accountant and an administrator. He is based in Thatta, Pakistan.

Chipo is a Certified Internal Auditor with extensive international experience in governance, internal audit, and risk management within complex international NGO environments. She brings over eight years of experience strengthening organisational accountability, internal controls, and donor compliance across multinational operations and high-risk contexts.

Throughout her career, she has led financial, operational, governance, and compliance audits across multi-country programmes, ensuring alignment with donor regulations and international financial reporting standards. She has also conducted fraud investigations, supported internal quality assurance reviews, and delivered risk management and ethics training to staff and partners.

Prior to joining IDA, Chipo served as Global Internal Audit Advisor at Population Services International (PSI), where she led audits across global operations and supported the development of stronger governance and risk management frameworks.

Jelena Nikolic supports the International Disability Alliance in planning and delivering accessible and inclusive events, coordinating travel, accommodation, accessibility arrangements, procurement, and on-site logistics for international meetings and conferences. She brings over 20 years of professional experience across tourism, hospitality, aviation, administration, and event logistics.

Before joining IDA, she held management positions in the hotel and tourism sectors, including Revenue Manager, Front Office & Reservations Manager, and Key Account Manager in aviation. Her diverse background has developed strong organisational, communication, problem-solving, and coordination skills, which she applies to ensuring that events and travel arrangements are well planned, accessible, and responsive to participants’ needs. Jelena is based in Belgrade, Serbia.

Chris has worked for 20 years in NGO/non-profit operations management and data management, including 12 years directly managing emergency-based field operations, 6 years as a regional director and 9 years managing MEAL teams and activities. As a senior manager and director, he has led and supported activities in over 30 countries in both humanitarian and development contexts, including in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Chris holds an MBA and an MA in International and Comparative Law from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. He is an Australian national, based in Europe, though he was adopted by Italy through his wife.

Carolina has overseen IDA's communications since October 2025, leading the implementation of communication strategies to strengthen the organisation's reputation and global visibility. She oversees branding and the creation of content across platforms. Carolina brings experience across international organisations, civil society and the private sector, including previous work with the World Health Organization. She holds degrees in linguistics, human rights and digital marketing. She is based in Geneva, Switzerland.