Leslie Schweitzer
Chair, Friends of the American, University of Afghanistan

Schweitzer is the Chairman and President of Friends of American University of Afghanistan, a 501c3 based in Washington, D.C., and a member of the American University of Afghanistan’s (AUAF) Board of Trustees. AUAF is the first not-for-profit, co-ed, private university in the history of Afghanistan. Leslie was instrumental in receiving two grants from the Department of Defense to construct the International Center for Afghan Women’s Economic Development built on the International Campus of AUAF in Kabul, and the AUAF Business Innovation Hub housed inside the center and in Herat.

Schweitzer’s career in international business and development spans over four decades. She pioneered American business in China in the 70’s and her experience includes working in Russia, Central Asia, Europe, South and Central America.  She is currently the CEO of The Osage Group, focused on business in developing countries.

Leslie Schweitzer serves on the Advisory Board for International Programs at the University of Kansas, the D.C.-Virginia District Export Council, Ayenda Foundation, Amar Foundation (Iraq), the U.S. Afghan Women’s Council, USIP International Advisory Council and the Executive Committee of the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce.   In May 2013, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from American University of Afghanistan.