Our Team

We must always remember that positive change is a marathon, not a sprint, and to keep working to bend the arc of history toward justice.
- Helen Zia
Isra Pananon Weeks headshot

Isra Pananon Weeks

Consultant

Isra Pananon Weeks (she/her) is a second-generation Thai American and Chief of Staff at the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), an organization dedicated to building power with AAPI women and girls. Isra arrived at NAPAWF after a decade of working in the environment and conservation field.

As a “Citizen Soldier,” Isra served in many roles throughout her career in government, non-profits, and the military. She’s managed executive teams, led DEIB initiatives, implemented strategic planning processes, and facilitated organizational change projects. As a social worker, Isra is skilled at leading and facilitating virtual meetings and creating systems that help teams thrive and succeed.

Isra was a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of the Interior from 2012-2015 and has served in the United States Army Reserve since 2010. She earned masters degrees from the University of Baltimore School of Public and International Affairs and the NYU Silver School of Social Work. Isra is fully committed to cultivating leaders at all levels of organizations and to building inclusive environments that foster a strong sense of belonging.