Sasha Benke

Sasha Benke is the Development and Operations Associate at the Institute for Global Affairs (IGA), where she supports organizational growth, strategic partnerships, and the implementation of innovative programs at the intersection of geopolitics, emerging technology, and democracy. In her role, she helps shape IGA’s development strategy, manages institutional operations, and contributes to programmatic initiatives.

Prior to joining IGA, Sasha worked at Albright Stonebridge Group in Washington, DC, supporting the firm’s National Security, Defense, and Aerospace practice. She was also a Fulbright Scholar in Fergana, Uzbekistan, where she focused on cross-cultural engagement and educational development. Her background includes experience in communications, business development, and international policy research across both nonprofit and private sectors.

Sasha holds a degree in international relations with an emphasis on economics and law & public policy from the University of Southern California. She is also a NextGen member of Foreign Policy for America.

In her free time, Sasha loves to read, play tennis, and travel with her family.