Jenna Zabarah brings nearly a decade of experience in program management, academia, and international development to her role as Program Manager at National Hydropower Association. Specifically, Jenna is working on NHA’s initiative focused on early-career professionals and assisting Kelly Rogers in managing the Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW) program. Jenna is also acting as Program Manager for the Hydropower Foundation.
Before joining NHA, Jenna managed USAID-funded projects at Chemonics International, supporting teams across the Middle East and East Africa to strengthen operations, compliance, and budget management. She has also worked in higher education as Assistant Director at Georgetown University’s Mortara Center, where she oversaw programs, helped secure grants, and organized events that sparked dialogue on global and social issues.
Jenna’s commitment to empowering young people began during her time as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Georgia, where she was an English language educator and led a USAID “Let Girls Learn” initiative to create opportunities for girls in rural regions to play basketball. She later served as a Fulbright Fellow in Bahrain, designing curriculum and training students in professional and academic skills.
Jenna holds a Master’s degree in Arab Studies from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s in Criminology, Law, and Society from George Mason University. She’s fluent in Arabic and passionate about creating opportunities that help young people and professionals reach their full potential. In her free time, Jenna enjoys crossword puzzles, playing and watching basketball (go Mystics), and getting lost in new cities.
