President and Executive Director
Sherri Kraham Talabany
With over 25 years shaping foreign policy in conflict zones—including leading U.S. Government assistance programs worldwide (1998–2012)—Sherri Kraham Talabany is a human rights lawyer focused on humanitarian response, peacekeeping, and international development. Having served on multiple nonprofit boards, she feels passionately that sustainable impact is only possible when leadership is inclusive, and lived experience guides strategy. Her commitment to survivor-centered justice emerged after witnessing that legal protections alone cannot heal communities without sustained investment in dignity and agency. At SEED, she brings global expertise and a deep understanding of Kurdistan society together to build systems that support and prioritize women's safety, economic inclusion, and strong, healthy families across the region.
Vice President and Co-Founder
Tanya Gilly Khailany
With over 20 years in humanitarian programming, conflict resolution, and women's representation—including service on Iraq's first democratically elected Council of Representatives—Tanya is a civil and human rights activist passionate about building a future where everyone can thrive. Having championed landmark legislation including the Kurdistan Region’s TIP Law 6 of 2018 and the Iraqi Yazidi Survivors Law 8 of 2021, she believes meaningful progress requires both immediate aid and legislative advocacy to ensure regulations serve all people equally. During her time as an MP, she lobbied for a women's quota in the Iraqi Constitution and secured its inclusion across provincial councils. At SEED, Tanya brings her firsthand political experience and deep, personal roots in Kurdistan society together to build systems that provide critical protection services while strengthening legal frameworks for women's safety and equal citizenship.
Director of Operations
Dr. Neven Wali
Holding a PhD in International Relations, Dr. Neven Wali blends seven years of academic expertise in governance and strategic leadership with hands-on organizational management across complex humanitarian initiatives. Prior to joining SEED, she spent seven years at the University of Kurdistan-Hewlêr teaching Business Management to young professionals, mentoring entrepreneurs, and serving in institutional leadership roles. She believes lasting change happens when strong operational systems are matched with genuine care for staff and clients. Her commitment to building strong, resilient institutions emerged after observing how robust governance enables frontline staff to respond more effectively. Neven’s commitment to human-centered management helps to strengthen SEED’s operational delivery, enhanced accountability, and strategic partnerships.
Director of Advocacy and Capacity Strengthening
Kalina McCaul
With extensive experience leading humanitarian and development programming across complex crisis contexts, including serving as head of mission in Sudan, South Sudan, and Mozambique, Kalina McCaul brings international expertise in bridging protection work in emergency settings with sustainable long-term recovery strategies. Having worked alongside governments, civil society, and parties to conflict, Kalina has supported efforts to put protection commitments into practice - from strengthening adherence to obligations under peace agreements, to building women-led civil society networks, to integrating child protection prevention and response into government systems. At SEED, Kalina leads efforts to translate policy into meaningful protection by strengthening institutions, systems, and workforce capacity across the Kurdistan Region. Beyond SEED, Kalina is passionate about art and culture, a curiosity shaped by her life as a Canadian who has lived and worked across 11 countries.
Who We Are