Maureen Greenwood

Maureen Greenwood-Basken’s commitment to human rights advocacy was solidified early in her career when she served as the U.S. representative for the Union of Councils’ Russian-American Bureau on Human Rights in Moscow from 1993 to 1995. In this pivotal role, she conducted extensive research, published articles, and cultivated collaborations with Russian parliamentarians and NGOs, engaging directly with human rights defenders, victims, and religious leaders. Building on this foundation, Greenwood-Basken then served as Director for Research and Advocacy for the Union of Councils from 1996 to 1997, where she researched and edited the comprehensive 250-page report, ‘Anti-Semitism in the Former Soviet Union, 1995-1997.’ Greenwood-Basken’s leadership in global human rights continued at Amnesty International USA, where she held several significant roles.

She initially served as Advocacy Director for Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East from 1998 to 2000, before becoming Advocacy Director for Europe, Central Asia, and selected global issues from 2001 to 2008. During this period, she was instrumental in policy discussions, drafted legislation including proposals concerning U.S. exports of crime control equipment and U.S. assistance to Central Asia, and advised government administrations.

More recently, Greenwood-Basken has focused on global children’s rights. She joined the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund as a Senior Program Officer prior to September 2019, transitioning to Program Director, Global Children’s Rights, in September 2019, a position she holds currently. In addition to her role at Wellspring, she actively contributes to the field by serving on the Steering Committee for the Elevate Children Funders Group and as a member of the Executive Committee for the Global Partnership to End Violence.