At the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF), our team is composed of dedicated professionals, cultural advocates, and development experts committed to fostering global understanding and sustainable progress through cultural diplomacy. With diverse backgrounds in international relations, cultural heritage, and community engagement, our staff brings a wealth of experience to advancing CDDF’s mission.
Our leadership includes visionaries in diplomacy, the arts, and nonprofit management who guide our strategic initiatives. Our program coordinators and project managers work diligently to implement impactful cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and community programs. Additionally, our network of scholars, artists, and advisors provides invaluable expertise to shape our initiatives and strengthen our global partnerships.
Together, we are committed to bridging cultures, empowering communities, and creating meaningful connections that promote peace and development worldwide.
Leyla Mammadli
Co-founder and CEO of the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF)
Leyla Mammadli is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF) and a Peace Ambassador with UN Women in Azerbaijan. She holds a distinguished degree in International Relations and International Law from Baku State University and a Master’s from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University.
Leyla has over 10 years of experience in international relations, peacebuilding, and nonprofit leadership. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Baku State University and Khazer University for more than a decade, focusing on international relations and diplomacy. Leyla’s work emphasizes intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and conflict resolution.
Her expertise extends to organizing events, fundraising, and establishing international partnerships for cultural affairs. Leyla is fluent in Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Russian and is currently learning Italian.
She is based in Washington, D.C., where she continues to advocate for cultural diplomacy and global cooperation for better future
Alexander Cromwell
Research Director and Board member
Alexander Cromwell is an Assistant Professor in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Utah Tech University, where he teaches interdisciplinary research and conflict resolution-focused courses. He has conducted research on peace education and peacebuilding in contexts such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Cyprus, and the US. His work has been published in International Studies Perspectives, Action Research, the International Journal of Educational Development, Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, Journal of Peace Education, and in edited volumes. He previously taught at George Washington University, American University, and George Mason University, where he received his PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He is also a peacebuilding facilitator and has been working for over 15 years on conflict resolution and leadership programs with youth from the Middle East, South and Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the US.
Gulnur Aghakisiyeva
Secretary and the Youth Ambassador
Gulnur Aghakisiyeva is pursuing a B.A. in International Affairs concentrating in Security Policy, at George Washington University. Her interests include cultural diplomacy, political philosophy, conflict resolution, and the politics of the Middle East.
Her work includes providing youth engagement with contemporary affairs of cultural diplomacy, planning, initiating, and fostering collaborations with external organizations, along with partial event planning, management, and interpersonal communication.
Aidin Eminov
Researcher
Aidin is a dynamic professional with over five years of experience in project coordination and leadership across various sectors. Currently pursuing a master’s in international affairs with a focus on global governance from American University, he has developed strong analytical and research skills, having contributed to impactful projects such as evaluating citizen education programs in Northern Ireland. As a Program Fellow at Civica, Aidin supports initiatives in civic education, policy advocacy, and leadership development, contributing to research, communication materials, and event coordination. He played a key role in InterAction’s congressional fellowship and helped develop an ethnic leadership voter education toolkit for the Common Ground for America initiative. His expertise centers on the Caucasus and Central Asia, where he conducts in-depth research on the region’s economic, political, security, and energy dynamics. He is also a frequent commentator on international news networks, providing analysis on key regional developments. As the founder of the Azerbaijani Student Association and head delegate for Florida International University’s Model United Nations program, Aidin has demonstrated leadership in fostering cultural exchange and organizing large-scale events. Fluent in Turkish and Azerbaijani, he excels in high-pressure environments, ensuring efficient project execution and meaningful outcomes.
Anvar Mustafazade
Program Officer
Anvar Mustafazade is a data-driven business strategist with expertise in management, leadership and finance. He is pursuing his master’s degree in Management and has built a strong record in both private companies and government ministries. Anvar has started and managed two businesses, one in e-commerce and one in wholesale retail, achieving measurable growth in both. He has also led several projects that connect people from different cultures and support their personal and professional development. In addition, Anvar organizes cultural events in the DMV area to build community connections. With strong analytical skills and a business mindset, he works to find strategic solutions for today’s biggest challenges.