Lena Hendry
Human Rights Activist
Summary
Dedicated to advancing human rights and social justice, I bring extensive experience in community organizing, program management and strategic planning. Over the past 15 years, my focus has been on implementing programs that protect marginalized communities, promote equality, and drive systemic change based on human rights principles. Passionate about fostering inclusive growth, committed to delivering sustainable outcomes through effective leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Country Director
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE (NDI)
03.2019 - Current
- he head of Malaysia field office to strengthen democratic institutions such as civil society and government agencies by building the capacity of the former to engage the latter in greater dialogue and improved coordination on democracy and human rights issues
- Key responsibilities include country program development and management, program evaluation, human resource, federal grants management, maintaining donor and partner relations and providing expertise in advocacy and human rights
Executive Director
WATAN
02.2017 - 09.2017
- Lead a campaign to raise awareness on elections and voting for young people between the ages of 21 and 35 and successfully ran a voter registration drive in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Pahang, Malacca and Johor to encourage young people to register and vote. Facilitated the registration of approximately 60 thousand people during this time.
Festival Manager
FREEDOMFILMFEST (FFF)
03.2015 - 12.2016
- Managing a human rights film festival in Malaysia and advocating for freedom of information and expression
- During this time, was involved in running the ASEAN Freedom Film Festival in conjunction with the ASEAN People’s Forum in Myanmar, Timor Leste and Malaysia
Program Coordinator
Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)
08.2009 - 09.2014
- Managing and implementing programs around issues of non-discrimination, indigenous rights, housing rights, free and fair election, and detention without trial
- Also provided support for FreedomFilmFest as a facilitator
Education
MA - Applied Human Rights
University of York
09.2017 - 09.2018
BA - Psychology
HELP University College
10.2006 - 10.2009
Skills
Human Rights Advocacy
Community Organizing
Program Development
Program Management and Strategic Planning
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement
Grant Management and Reporting
Regional International Experience
- Post election assessment and program development, NDI representative, 2024
- Films4Transparency, International Anti-Corruption Conference, Co-Curator, 2020
- Films4Transparency, International Anti-Corruption Conference, Copenhagen, Co-Curator, 2018
- 7th Asian Regional Human Rights Defenders Forum, Participant, Session Moderator, 2016
- Films4Transparency, International Anti-Corruption Conference, Panama, Project Coordinator, 2016
- 9th Regional Consultation on ASEAN and Human Rights, Participant and Session Moderator, 2016
- AICHR-SOMTC Consultation on Human Rights Based Approach, Participant, 2016
- Election Observer, Sarawak, Team Leader, 2016
- ASEAN People’s Forum, Timor Leste, Participant, organizer of ASEAN FreedomFilmFest, 2016
- Cross Culture Internship Program, Germany (Nuremberg Human Rights Centre), Intern, 2014 - 2015
- ASEAN People’s Forum, Malaysia, Participant, organizer of ASEAN FreedomFilmFest, 2015
- Freedom of Expression and Right to Information Symposium, Bangkok, Participant and Facilitator, 2014
- ASEAN People’s Forum, Burma, Participant and Facilitator, co-organizer of ASEAN FreedomFilmFest, 2014
- Young Professional Fellow Program under American Council of Young Political Leaders, Fellow, 2014
- Exchange Program on Learning best practices and lessons on online & offline action for citizen participation in elections in Cambodia, Resource Person, 2013
- Post-Election Forum, Jakarta, Participant, Speaker, 2013
- Beyond Monitoring: Mitigating Electoral Violence Workshop, Bangkok, Panel Speaker/Participant, 2013
- CA Election, Nepal, Election Observer for ANFREL, 2013
Timeline
Country Director
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE (NDI)
03.2019 - Current
MA - Applied Human Rights
University of York
09.2017 - 09.2018
Executive Director
WATAN
02.2017 - 09.2017
Festival Manager
FREEDOMFILMFEST (FFF)
03.2015 - 12.2016
Program Coordinator
Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)
08.2009 - 09.2014
BA - Psychology
HELP University College
10.2006 - 10.2009
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