Janessa Gans Wilder

Janessa Gans Wilder is a former CIA officer focused on the Middle East turned peacebuilder, social entrepreneur, and nonprofit executive. For over a decade, Janessa provided the vision and leadership to grow Euphrates Institute into a global network of changemakers and peacebuilders in 40 countries. She leads transformative Travel Study programs to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan, focused on listening to the ‘Other’. Previously, Janessa taught political science at Principia College, and was a consultant to the State Department. Janessa is a frequent speaker in interfaith, community, government, international, and educational settings. She has written dozens of articles and been interviewed by major news outlets, including CBS, CNN, Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, Democracy Now, and many more.