Maureen Greenwood is a prominent American human rights activist whose extensive career has focused on advancing human rights and social justice. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Slavic Studies from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Chicago. Currently, she serves as the Director of Policy Initiatives for the Women and Population Program at the United Nations Foundation, where she champions policies that address critical global issues.

Prior to her role at the UN Foundation, Greenwood was the Advocacy Director for Europe and Eurasia at Amnesty International’s Washington office. In this capacity, she played a vital role in promoting human rights issues within U.S. foreign policy, testifying before Congress, drafting legislation, and advising government officials. Her media presence further amplified human rights concerns, as she organized grassroots campaigns to mobilize public awareness and influence policy.

Throughout her career, Greenwood has been a tireless advocate for human rights in the former Soviet Union, having traveled to the region since 1986. She served as the U.S. representative of the Union of Councils’ Russian-American Bureau on Human Rights from 1993 to 1995, where she engaged with local NGOs, parliamentarians, and human rights defenders. Notably, she authored a comprehensive report on anti-Semitism in the region, reflecting her commitment to uncovering and addressing systemic injustices.

A native of Chicago, Greenwood is married to journalist Paul Basken and has two children. In recognition of her significant contributions to human rights, she received the “Human Rights Award” from the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area in December 2002. Her work continues to inspire advocacy and promote awareness of critical human rights issues worldwide.