Executive Project Manager

Defne Aslan is Executive Project Manager and a member of the Administrative Team for the Climate and Water Initiative. She recently completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California (USC), pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a double-minor in Environmental Studies and Cinematic Arts. Her interdisciplinary education path reflects her interest in international diplomacy’s relationship with climate and water sustainability and using film and documentary as mediums to drive social change.

Defne previously served as Research Assistant for Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud at the Middle East Institute’s Climate and Water Program. In summer 2024, she interned with the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Environmental Entrepreneurs team, supporting policy initiatives that advance the clean energy transition in the U.S. and globally. Through climate messaging and advocacy, she helped demonstrate to communities that environmentally sustainable policies also drive economic growth and job creation.

During her senior year at USC, Defne worked as a legislative intern for Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove’s District Office, representing California’s 37th District. She also has experience working as a senior producer for USC Impact, an international and local documentary series broadcast weekly on Spectrum 1 News Network.

Defne speaks Turkish, French, and English, and has professional working proficiency in Spanish.

Areas of Expertise:

• Global Food and Water Security

• Climate Diplomacy

• International Energy Transition