About the Author

Ilir Zherka is a civil and human rights activist. As the executive director of four organizations over the past 20 years, Ilir organized coalitions promoting mutual understanding between countries, national service, and democracy in the nation's capital. He also gained political experience working in the Clinton Administration and on Capitol Hill. Ilir has taught emerging leaders at Georgetown University and as an associate with the Human Systems Dynamics Institute. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he has served as an advisor to the last four Democratic presidential campaigns. Ilir is a recognized community leader. He was selected to join Leadership Greater Washington and has received numerous awards, including the Meyer Foundation Exponent Award, the National Urban League's Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Award, and the United Nations Association Human Rights Community Award. The Washingtonian magazine featured Ilir in an in-depth profile, describing him as a "chief strategist" and a "cool tactician." Ilir graduated with distinction from Cornell University and received his law degree from the University of Virginia. He enjoys politics, writing, and traveling with his wife, Linda, and children, Alek and Hana.