Naheed Vadsaria

Naheed Vadsaria is a Cyber Security Specialist for Peraton Inc., where she consults for the U.S. government.  She is also a freelance writer for the Diplomatic Courier, and published articles on socio-cultural, economic and security issues in Brazil, Afghanistan, The Gambia, Iran and India.  Prior to working with Peraton, Naheed worked as a social scientist for the U.S. Army’s Human Terrain Systems in Afghanistan, where she conducted ethnographic research and analysis on socio-cultural issues affecting the military.  She was awarded the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal, Superior Civilian Service Award, and French Brigade Ministry of Defense and Veterans Commander Commendation Award for her service.   Upon returning to the U.S., she published a book, Tajik Hope: Reflections of Engaging Women In Kapisa Province.   The book offers a series of case studies that provide insight into the role of Afghan Women.  Naheed is working on her MBA at Johns Hopkins University and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.   She holds a Masters in International Policy Studies from Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, and a B.S. from Northeastern University.   She speaks Urdu and French, and previously served as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in The Gambia. (This bio is current to when the participant joined FDD’s National Security Network.)