Goli Ameri

Goli Ameri is the co-founder of a mobile technology platform, StartitUp, which provides a range of resources including assessment, training, mentorship and a social network to aspiring entrepreneurs. Previously she was the Under Secretary for Humanitarian Diplomacy at the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies, the world’s largest humanitarian organization responsible for global diplomatic efforts.  Ms. Ameri served as the US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries around the world.  Ms. Ameri’s previous positions include service as a presidentially-nominated Representative to the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Before her UN assignment in New York, she served as a Public Delegate to the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.  Prior to her government service Ms. Ameri had extensive business and corporate experience, founding eTinium, a boutique consulting and market research firm specializing in the telecom industry, and as a Director at US Leasing responsible for technology assessments.

Ms. Ameri was born in Tehran, Iran, and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and French Literature and her Master's degree in Communications at Stanford University. She also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She is fluent in French and Persian and is conversant in Spanish. 

Ms. Ameri serves on the board of Freedom House, the Advisory Boards of the Rand Center for Middle East Public Policy as well as America Abroad Media and the World Affairs Council of Oregon. She is also the Vice Chair for the Global Diplomacy Network at the Young Presidents Organization, the world’s largest group of Chief Executives whose economic output would rank it as the 7th largest economy in the world. In May 2008, the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations presented her with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is awarded to U.S. citizens who exemplify American ideals and leadership.