RCUSA Welcomes Meredith Owen Edwards as Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy

Washington, DC – Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Meredith Owen Edwards as its first-ever Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. Meredith begins working with RCUSA today, November 18, 2024.

Meredith comes to RCUSA from the US Department of State where she worked as the Germany Domestic Coordinator within the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE). Prior to that, Meredith served for many years as Director of Policy and Advocacy for Church World Service, where she advocated to strengthen immigrant and refugee rights in the United States and overseas. She also served for several years as co-chair of RCUSA’s Advocacy Committee. 

Meredith’s career includes work with the Alliance to End Slavery & Trafficking (ATEST) and Human Rights USA. She received her law degree from American University’s Washington College of Law with a dual MA in International Affairs from the School of International Service and is a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia bars.

“We are thrilled to welcome Meredith to the RCUSA team as Senior Director. Her extensive experience in policy and advocacy will be an invaluable asset to the coalition,” said Executive Director John Slocum. “As we navigate this critical moment of defending and strengthening our country’s humanitarian protection systems, Meredith’s expertise, creativity, and collaborative spirit will be essential in ensuring that RCUSA can meet the challenges ahead.”

Learn more about Meredith and RCUSA’s staff here.

RCUSA is a diverse coalition advocating for just and humane laws and policies, and the promotion of dialogue and communication among government, civil society, and those who need protection and welcome. Individual RCUSA members do not all address all refugee-related issues, nor do all individual members approach common refugee-related issues identically.

Media Contact: Mariam Sayeed, msayeed@rcusa.org