Our People
The Bureau members are elected volunteers and do the day to day running of the organization. They are supported by the Office, who are employed by IFLRY, and by a team of Programme Managers and teams that are appointed on a voluntary basis by the Bureau.
The President, Secretary General and Treasurer are elected every two years. The Vice Presidents are elected every year.
Bureau
Hania Knio
President
Hania Knio is a facilitator and trainer specialising in youth political leadership, participatory facilitation, and liberal democratic values in complex and polarised contexts. She serves as President of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), where she supports and leads capacity-building programmes for youth-led organisations across five continents. Hania has designed and delivered trainings on advocacy, political strategy, civic engagement, and inclusive organising, with a strong focus on pluralism, gender equality, and democratic resilience. Her training approach bridges political practice with psychosocial awareness to strengthen ethical, effective, and values-driven leadership.
Tirza Drent
Secretary-General
Tirza Drent is the Secretary-General of IFLRY and an experienced trainer in youth leadership, political campaigning, and organisational development. With a background in public affairs and international liberal politics, she focuses on building inclusive movements and empowering young voices in decision-making spaces. Tirza has led workshops across Europe, Africa, MENA and Asia, with a strong emphasis on gender equality, green policy, and human rights.
Kai Pischke
Treasurer
From the United Kingdom, representing Young Liberals. Kai is a DPhil student in Computer Science at the University of Oxford and former president of Oxford University Liberal Democrats.
Julie Ruby
VP IFLRY Community
From Denmark, representing Radikal Ungdom (the youth wing of the Danish Social Liberal Party). Julie is pursuing a Master's in Political Science and Government at the University of Southern Denmark and previously served on the national board of her organisation.
Lina Braun
VP Online Media
I'm Lina, a curious and enthusiastic liberal, and as IFLRY Vice President responsible for Social Media. I am also very interested into the intersection of tech, politics and ethics.
Amparito Sanders
VP Education and Knowledge
From the Netherlands, representing JOVD (VVD). Amparito has a Dutch-Mexican multicultural background, has held numerous positions within JOVD, and serves as bureau buddy for IFLRY's Latin America programme.
Marie Anézi Djie
VP Council Affairs, Policy & Advocacy
Marie Anézi Djié is a passionate advocate for female and youth leadership, committed to building inclusive communities and advancing political participation. With over five years of experience leading projects and organizations across Africa, she has empowered women and young people to take up space in decision-making processes. Her background in women's studies, facilitation, advocacy, and non-formal education enables her to create meaningful spaces for learning, connection, and growth. Marie Anézi’s work bridges grassroots engagement and global policy, grounded in equity, collaboration, and sustainable change.
Regional Representatives
Idriss Ouattara
Martina Barrés Sabartés
Juan Manuel Redolfi
I am a young economist and professor with a deep passion for creating communities and fostering growth. For four years, I had the privilege of leading the largest NGO youth group in Argentina, gaining invaluable leadership experience. With a strong background in facilitation and non-formal education, I thrive in empowering others through knowledge and collaboration. My interests lie in understanding how free markets function and generate value, driving meaningful societal impact and how to create strong communities.
Michelle Wu
Office
Neha
Project Manager
Ombudsperson
Arne Nelson
Ombudsperson
I have worked for reproductive rights, candidate campaigns, and for the trade union movement. I served as an international officer for YDA and on the IFLRY Bureau. We have so much to learn from each other and I look forward to facilitating this for people around the world. I carry on the legacy of three generations of activism and aspire to do good in the world.
Advisory Council
