Ilham Shahbari brings extensive experience in public policy, government and social development. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of research, decision-making and implementation, leading complex national initiatives and cross-sector partnerships that expand opportunities for children, families and communities.
Before joining the Van Leer Foundation, she held policy and leadership roles across the Israeli public sector, including at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry for Social Equality and the Ministry of Economy. Her work has centred on bringing together government ministries, local authorities, academia and civil society around shared priorities, navigating multifaceted challenges and translating strategy into practical solutions at scale.
She holds a PhD in Peace Studies from the University of Bradford, as well as a master’s degree in Educational Management and an executive master’s degree in Public Policy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is committed to bringing people, evidence and institutions together to advance greater equity and enduring outcomes.
