Hashem Yaish was born and raised in Amman, Jordan. He earned his undergraduate degree in government with a minor in justice and peace studies from Georgetown University. Hashem regards dialogue and debate as essential tools for shaping policy and creating positive change. He is naturally curious, enjoys tackling tough questions, and has a knack for working through complex challenges—especially when they require creativity and collaboration with others.

His academic interests are influenced by issues that continue to affect his homeland and region, including political instability, state-building, refugees, water scarcity, climate change, and food insecurity. He is especially interested in conflict resolution and negotiation, and the role of open discussion in addressing difficult political problems. Middle East politics—and the influence of U.S. policy in the region—are his focus. Throughout his academic journey, Hashem has worked to apply what he learns, seeing negotiation, compromise, and community involvement as essential tools for much-needed change.

In his free time, he enjoys being with his family, exploring museums and monuments around D.C., and traveling. He believes that interaction across cultures and communities is essential to building lasting positive change.