Contact Us — Kuwait Cultural Office

Cultural Division leadership

Meet Our Cultural Counselor

Dr. S. Yousef AlRefaei, Ph.D.

Counselor

Dr. S. Yousef Alrefaei is the Cultural Counselor and Director of the Kuwait Cultural Office in Washington, DC and Ottawa. As a scholar and academic leader, he has built a career spanning public health, parasitology, biomedical sciences, and higher education administration.

Dr. Alrefaei began his academic journey at the College of Health Sciences under the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) in Kuwait, where he joined the Medical Laboratory Department in 1998. Throughout his tenure, he served in several leadership roles, including Head of the Medical Laboratory Department and Chair of multiple academic and administrative committees.

He earned his Master of Science in Public Health and Tropical Medicine (MPH & TM) from Tulane University in 2002, followed by a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in Microbiology and Tropical Medicine from The George Washington University in 2011. His doctoral research focused on the molecular biology and genetic manipulation of Schistosoma mansoni, contributing to advancements in neglected tropical disease research.

Since 2012, Dr. Alrefaei has served as an Assistant Professor and staff member at the Medical Laboratory Department at PAAET, teaching courses in parasitology, microbiology, and medical laboratory science. His research interests include schistosome genetics, transgenesis, diagnostic tool development, infectious diseases, public health awareness, and health education. He has presented his work at major international conferences and published in several peer-reviewed scientific journals.

From 2022 to 2025, Dr. Alrefaei served as the Cultural Attaché at the Kuwait Cultural Office in Washington, DC. In 2025, he was appointed Cultural Counselor and Director of the Washington, DC and Ottawa offices, where he continues to lead Kuwait's educational mission, fostering academic excellence, student support, and international collaboration.

Office directory

Departments

Cultural Counselor's Office Office of the Cultural Counselor View Staff

The Counselor's Office serves as the central leadership and administrative authority of the Kuwaiti Cultural Office in Washington, DC. Led by the Counselor, the office oversees the overall operations of the organization, ensuring that all departments function efficiently and in accordance with the office's mission, policies, and regulations.
The Counselor is responsible for reviewing and approving official matters, supervising the flow of administrative and operational activities, and providing strategic direction for the office. The office also oversees services and support for Kuwaiti students studying in the United States, ensuring their academic, administrative, and cultural needs are addressed effectively. Through strong leadership, sound decision-making, and a commitment to excellence, the Counselor's Office works to promote the success and well-being of Kuwaiti students while advancing the mission of the Kuwaiti Cultural Office.

Dr. S. Yousef AlRefaei, Ph.D.

Counselor

(202) 364-2112 Email

Jocelyn Sharon Ong

Secretary

(202) 364-2112 Email

Charina McDermott

Secretary

(202) 364-2128 Email

Authentication Degree verification, university placement View Staff

The Authentication and Placement Department validates and certifies academic documents for Kuwaiti students on the East Coast of the United States.
The department handles several kinds of authentication: report cards, high school transcripts, and diplomas; admission letters for newly scholarshipped, self-funded, or sponsorship-seeking students; transfer credits, transcripts, and degrees; and residency or fellowship certificates for individuals preparing to return to work in Kuwait. The department also oversees the database for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
Students authenticating elementary or high school records should register through the K-12 Parent Portal. Students authenticating an admission letter should register through the Student Portal, and must also create a personal account on the Ministry of Higher Education's Dayrah Academic Online System before their admission can be approved. For certification of university degrees, residency or fellowship certificates, and enrollment verification, contact Afaf El Leithy.

Katrina Montemayor

Assistant Director

Afaf El Leithy

Secretary

Alexa Abdelrazek

Academic Advisor

Irina Dela Riarte

Academic Advisor

Nisan Ahmado

Academic Advisor

Youssra Khalil

Academic Advisor

Academic Department 3 departments View Staff

Inter-Departmental Development Cross-department coordination View Staff

Maria Assumpta Lorraine Ledesma

Senior Director

Graduate Graduate scholars View Staff

The Graduate Department is committed to supporting Kuwaiti students pursuing advanced degrees, including master's, doctoral, and other postgraduate programs, at accredited institutions in the United States. Through dedicated Academic Advisors, the department provides comprehensive guidance and support throughout each stage of the student's graduate education.
The department assists students with academic planning, monitors their progress toward degree completion, provides guidance on scholarship requirements and institutional policies, and coordinates with universities on academic matters. Advisors work closely with students to address challenges, support research and dissertation milestones, and help ensure timely progress toward graduation. Committed to academic excellence, the Graduate Department empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals while representing the State of Kuwait with distinction.

Ashley Fisher

Assistant Director

Katia Ghaoui

Administrative Assistant

Allison Brown

Academic Advisor

Austin Angelopulos

Academic Advisor

Farah Arke

Academic Advisor

Ghulam Nabi Reshad Safi

Academic Advisor

Niacka Carty

Academic Advisor

Nun S. Othman Yousif

Academic Advisor

Sidney Kayla Skervin

Academic Advisor

Undergraduate Undergraduate scholars View Staff

The Undergraduate Department is dedicated to supporting Kuwaiti students throughout every stage of their undergraduate academic journey in the United States. Guided by experienced Academic Advisors, the department provides comprehensive assistance from the initial stages of university selection and admission through enrollment, academic progress, and graduation.
The department offers personalized academic advising, monitors students' academic performance, provides guidance on institutional policies and scholarship requirements, and assists with university communications and academic planning. Working closely with students and educational institutions, the Undergraduate Department is committed to helping each student achieve their academic goals while ensuring a successful and rewarding educational experience. Through continuous guidance and support from beginning to end, the department plays a vital role in the success of Kuwaiti students pursuing higher education.

Maria Angelica Barros

Director

Shoghig Sahakyan

Director

Ihab El Amine

Assistant Director

Shiela Ruth Baldoz

Assistant Director

Jacquelyn Castillo

Coordinator

Anita Balajadia

Secretary

Kayla Sapp

Secretary

Pety Alsenawy

Secretary

Alaa Said

Academic Advisor

Amber Campbell

Academic Advisor

Brittany Whitby

Academic Advisor

Catherine Anne Martir

Academic Advisor

Charifa Badrane

Academic Advisor

Cintya Galarza

Academic Advisor

Denise Joy Lim

Academic Advisor

Eileen Trina LaFortune

Academic Advisor

Elizabeth Jabarin

Academic Advisor

Faiza Aabeddin

Academic Advisor

Fouzia Lafai

Academic Advisor

Hannah-Abigail Mosier

Academic Advisor

Kathleen Tioco

Academic Advisor

Kristine Clarisse Cheng

Academic Advisor

Ma. Jelica Villaviza

Academic Advisor

Rabea White

Academic Advisor

Sherlande Edouard

Academic Advisor

Ta’Shara Bully

Academic Advisor

Theresa Claire Comoda

Academic Advisor

Zeina Iskandar

Academic Advisor

Support Services Department 3 departments View Staff

Administration General administration View Staff

The Administration / Human Resources Department is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the Kuwaiti Cultural Office by managing administrative services and human resource functions. The department oversees employee recruitment, onboarding, personnel records, leave administration, performance support, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
In addition to human resources responsibilities, the department coordinates office operations, manages administrative documentation and correspondence, oversees procurement and office resources, and provides logistical support to ensure the efficient functioning of all departments. Committed to professionalism, integrity, and excellent service, the Administration / Human Resources Department fosters a productive work environment while supporting both employees and the overall mission of the Kuwaiti Cultural Office in Washington, DC.

Mohammad Jaffry

Director

Maria Feliza Domingo

Administration Secretary

Gianelle Angela Tianco

Administration Secretary

Information Technology Systems and student portal support View Staff

Our Information Technology (IT) Department is committed to delivering reliable, secure, and innovative technology solutions that support the organization's goals and day-to-day operations. We manage and maintain the company's IT infrastructure, provide technical support, safeguard data and systems, and implement modern technologies that enhance productivity and efficiency.
Our team focuses on delivering exceptional service while driving digital transformation through continuous improvement, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, network management, software support, and technology innovation. By aligning technology with business objectives, we enable employees to work efficiently and help the organization adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Whether supporting users, optimizing systems, or implementing strategic IT initiatives, our department is dedicated to ensuring technology remains a trusted foundation for business success.

Hassan Ghods

Director

Adel Ben Boubaker

Application Developer

Ayyah Abdelrahman

Application Developer

George Sy

Application Developer

Accounting Stipends and disbursements View Staff

The Accounting Department plays a vital role in ensuring the organization's financial stability through accurate recordkeeping, transparent reporting, and effective financial management. The department is responsible for managing school invoices, processing student-related financial transactions, preparing and disbursing employee payroll, and administering salaries in a timely and accurate manner.
In addition to these core responsibilities, the Accounting Department oversees budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, reconciliation of accounts, compliance with financial policies and regulations, and other accounting and administrative functions. Committed to accuracy, accountability, and excellent service, the department supports the organization's mission by maintaining sound financial practices and providing reliable financial information for informed decision-making.

Nicole Meruh Velas

Secretary