Noora ElkoussyNoora Elkoussy is a first-generation American of Egyptian heritage, and a graduate of Occidental College's Diplomacy and World Affairs program. Her academic specialty is the Middle East and Peace and Conflict Resolution. She has spent most of her post graduate years in the non-profit world, working in international disaster relief and international relations, and later dabbling in business. Noora is one of Levantine Cultural Center's original members, having rolled up her sleeves as a volunteer back in the days when several of the cofounders were active with Open Tent Middle East Coalition—this was in the Spring of 2001, shortly before the center was officially announced. Noora has helped to define the center's mission, and implement its public programs. Noora spent several years as the director of international programs at HOBY, a national organization which provides leadership seminars, workshops and other services to students and recent graduates. She has organized numerous international conferences. She is now based in Cairo with the International Medical Corps helping Libyan refugees.