Join Atlanta History Center as we welcome two people, Dilafruz Khonikboyeva and Mark Haidar, painted in the exhibition Out of Many, One by former President George W. Bush. We’ll discuss their personal immigration stories, the contributions of immigrants to the United States, and ongoing conversations around policies and practices. The discussion will be moderated by Eric Tanenblatt.
Free registration is requested. Tickets can be reserved under the "public programs" header. Doors open at 6:30pm, discussion starts at 7pm.
Moderator
Eric Tanenblatt
Eric Tanenblatt is the Global Chair of Public Policy and Regulation at Dentons, the world's largest law firm, leveraging his three decades of experience at the highest levels of federal and state government. Mr. Tanenblatt, a renowned lecturer and political counselor who's widely regarded as one of the nation's preeminent public policy thought leaders, has served in the administrations of three US presidents and as a senior advisor to a US senator and governor, and held a US Senate-confirmable post governing a federal agency.
Mr. Tanenblatt served as chief of staff to Governor Sonny Perdue, Georgia's first Republican governor in 130 years, and later helped coordinate the 2004 G-8 Economic Summit, hosted by President George W. Bush at Sea Island, Georgia. He served in 2012 as a political advisor and National Finance Co-chairman for the presidential campaign of Governor Mitt Romney and was a longtime senior advisor to the late US Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA). Mr. Tanenblatt is a prominent advocate for civic engagement and service. He began his career in government in the administration of President George H. W. Bush at the Department of Health and Human Services as a special assistant to Secretary Louis Sullivan and later as director of intergovernmental affairs at the Peace Corps. Mr. Tanenblatt was nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the US Senate to serve on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, serving from 2008 until 2013 and in 2019 joined the Board of Directors of Points of Light.
Panelists
Dilafruz Khonikboyeva
As a policy, public affairs and communications expert who has worked globally, Dilafruz Khonikboyeva is well-versed in high-risk, high-publicity contexts that require fast-paced planning and partnership building to impact public policy and opinion. She is a skilled public speaker, spokesperson, and leader.
Ms. Khonikboyeva is currently a part of the Biden-Harris Administration. Previously, she spent five years at the Aga Khan Development Network, most recently in global leadership leveraging the for-profit businesses for sustainable international development across four continents through the Aga Khan Foundation. She was formerly with the US government for eight years, where she worked on public affairs, partnerships, and policy in response to conflict and climate crises.
Ms. Khonikboyeva is also a conflict practitioner and certified mediator focused on change management, climate and sustainability, and indigenous rights and DEIA. She was selected by the presidential centers and libraries of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson as a 2019 Presidential Leadership Scholar. Ms. Khonikboyeva is Co-Chair for the Climate Change Working Group for Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS).
Dilafruz is originally from Khorog, Tajikistan and is indigenous Pamiri Tajik.
Mark Haidar
Mark discovered technology at a young age thanks to a couple of computers donated to his school by the United Nations. Born and raised in Lebanon, Mark founded his first tech company by the age of 17, and built award-winning technology systems before his 21st birthday. After moving to the U.S. to study at the University of Detroit Mercy, Mark led the development of a connected car project for the US Army. With aspirations to create a better world through technology, Mark co-founded Dialexa, a Technology, Research and Creation firm where he helped build more than 42 products. It’s internal incubator, Dialexa Labs, has spun out four companies including Vinli, the world’s leading connected car platform, Robin, the world's first robotic mowing service, and Rosy Wellness, the first-of-its-kind platform offering women a holistic approach to sexual health and wellness.
Today, Mark is the Chief Executive Officer of Vinli, and sits on the board of Vinli, Dialexa, Robin Technologies, Rosy, Aim7, and UNICEF USA (Great Plains Region). He is also a Presidential Leadership Scholar (PLS), a commercial rated jet pilot, and a member of YPO. When he’s not in Dallas, Mark is sharing his story on the global stage, and advocating for children and refugee rights.