Sarah Zaaimi

Communications Manager, Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

Sarah Zaaimi is an award-winning journalist, strategic communications leader, and international affairs specialist with more than two decades of experience spanning journalism, public policy, human rights, and international development. She currently serves as Communications Manager for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) North America, where she leads communications strategy, advocacy campaigns, and media engagement.

She is also a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council. Her research focuses on the MENA region, transnational identities, diaspora communities, regional minorities, and media freedom. Throughout her career, Sarah has advised governments, international organizations, and civil society leaders while developing communications strategies on democracy, humanitarian affairs, and regional security. She has managed projects and partnerships for organizations including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the European Union’s Anna Lindh Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

Before transitioning into strategic communications, Sarah worked as a reporter, producer, and editor in U.S., European, and Middle Eastern newsrooms, including BBC Arabic, Asharq Al-Awsat, Alhurra, and Al Araby TV. She holds an MSc in Communications and International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), an MA in Communication Management from École Polytechnique, and a BA in Journalism and Media. Sarah is also a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council, an FDD Berish Center for Media Integrity Fellow, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter. Her research focuses on transnational Arab media, diaspora communities, regional minorities, and media freedom.