Mina Malik is a Lecturer on Law and Senior Advisor to Harvard's Fair Punishment Project. Chang hired a succession of public relations consultants to help craft a convincing picture for her non-governmental organization, Linking the World, even though there was not much to go on. Mina Chang resigned Monday, six days after an NBC News report about her resume inflation and hours after NBC asked her about newly discovered false claims. Chang's trips to conflict areas in Afghanistan and Iraq were paid for by the defense contractor AMS. The organization then chose to cease development of the effort.. Charlotte Greco grew up in the Boston area and joined the Harvard Law School community in 2022 as the Program Manager for the Program on Biblical Law and Christian Legal Studies. ", In the Trump administration, rapid turnover and uneven vetting instead creates opportunities for people who might not otherwise be considered, said Pfiffner. This is the world we so desperately need to counteract. Have a tip we should know? Dailey said the organization did submit its tax forms but that the IRS could not locate them. Laura Strickler is a senior investigative producer and reporter for NBC News. She took the material down when requested. After publication of this article, Linking the World removed the "Donate" button and the video with the TIME cover from its website. But there's no record backing up her claim and a source with knowledge of the matter said she was not part of the "panel," which was a single public roundtable. She didnt give up singing entirely. The allegations against Chang, 35, first appeared in an NBC News report on November 12. [11] The nomination was withdrawn on September 9, 2019. Career officials at the State Department and across the federal government take vetting seriously "because they care about maintaining a high standard for the civil service and the foreign service," Thomas-Greenfield said. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Mina Chang defended herself and criticized the "toxic environment" at the State Department. He founded Nuru International. She stands 5 feet 8 Inch tall and weighs around 64KG. Akin Gump is consistently ranked as one of the top government relations practices in Washington, D.C.both by publications and peersthe public law and policy practice draws on the considerable governmental and bipartisan political experience of their lawyers and advocacy professionals, including former Members of Congress, congressional staff and other lawyers with considerable experience in government service, many of whom also engage in outside political activities. Mina Chang, the 35-year-old deputy assistant secretary in the State Department's Bureau of Conflict and Stability Operations, allegedly falsely claimed she was a Harvard Business School graduate . Those included a former intern and a former senior development adviser for Linking the World, Michael Baker. Susan Posnick and other people who came into contact with Chang over the years said they had lingering suspicions about how she promoted and presented herself, and wondered when things would catch up with her. She has correctly stated that she is an alumnus of the school, and that is an absolute right conferred from the Advanced Management Program she attended, that is categorically proven by the Harvard Business School here: (https://www.exed.hbs.edu/advanced-management-program/). Her biography on the State Department website says she is a "graduate" of a program at the Army War College. Mina Chang, 35, the deputy assistant . According to the university, Chang attended a seven-week course in 2016, and does not hold a degree from the institution. Mina did not invent a role on a U.N. panel. The interviewer says Chang brought the Time cover to the interview as an example of her work. Discussion with Assistant", "Who Is Mina Chang? Chang lists just $12,000 in income before she took the State Department job and listed no salary from her charity. The Dallas residents LinkedIn mentions that she studied Development/Aid Practices at the University of the Nations, Executive Nonprofit Leadership at Southern Methodist University, Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School, and National and International Security at the Harvard Kennedy School. Lecturers. But it's unclear precisely what contributions her organization made to relief efforts. In public remarks in 2015 she said her group worked in 40 countries: "We have in-house K9 search and rescue teams, we have testified in front of hearing committees on Capitol Hill, we've done things like lectured at West Point, brief chiefs of staff at the Pentagon.". Mina obtained her position at the State Department on her own merit, at no time was Brian Bulatao part of her nomination / recruitment / review process. Accordingly, Ms. Chang absolutely addressed convention attendees. She has boasted about her work in multiple talks and speeches, which are shared on the website. It reflects, and has always reflected, that Linking the World operates an in-country volunteer and donation model, that requires minimal U.S. staff and no local offices or employees. Several key claims in Changs official government biography were refuted. In a 2014 video she described her charity to a room full of Texas college students. Peter Chang #245846 License Status: Active Address: 8251 La Palma Ave, # 414, Buena Park, CA 90620-3205 Phone: Not Available | Fax: Not . Chang also failed to mention that her non-profit had its status revoked. Chang seems to have followed in the footsteps of President Trump and fabricated a Time magazine cover of herself, which she showed off as a testimony to her work. Mina Khalil Visiting Fellow. Chang attended a seven-week course at the college in 2016 but . In this politicized climate, if this is what we have become, then we have much work to do. We take real scenarios based on concrete data to address the root drivers of instability and to effectuate action. #FakeNews pic.twitter.com/LpEbwxH0xA, Rob Richardson (@RobforOHIO) November 12, 2019, She presents an image of a globetrotting humanitarian with extensive experience in international security and foreign aid. The research efforts we employ consist of utilizing a resiliency index in combination with big data to identify vulnerable communities at risk for violent extremism. Today, Chang's colleague Ian Dailey says the Dallas charity was spawned from a Korean international relief organization that worked in 40 countries and started in 1998. Also, though she claims to be a graduate of the Army War College, its representatives say she only attended a four-day seminar there. Chang received no compensation from the nonprofit, according to the group's tax filings. The event will featured leaders from government, military, journalism, academia, and the private sector exploring questions of international security and defense, bringing together interdisciplinary experts working to develop new paradigms for understanding and addressing the changing nature of armed conflict and systematic violence.====================================New America is dedicated to the renewal of American politics, prosperity, and purpose in the digital age through big ideas, technological innovation, next generation politics, and creative engagement with broad audiences. Pfiffner said. Briefings on the Hill are not verifiable. The interviewer in the video told NBC News that Chang brought the fake cover to the interview to illustrate the significance of her work. Since this news broke, the Donate button on the site has been turned off and any sign of the fake cover has been taken down. Like all admired leaders, she anticipates that problems in the world will never cease, they will only change; and its how you respond to them that will determine your fate. For those of you who are not familiar with me, I am not Mina. State Dept. For those who know us, for those who have overwhelmed us with your love and support, we thank you. Ian Dailey, former chief of staff of Linking the World, defended how the organization has presented itself publicly. After crafting a public image as a humanitarian "thought leader" with help from paid media and public relations consultants, she ingratiated herself with prominent Republicans in Dallas and former military officers, former colleagues said. Anyone who reads her online articles would know that she has both supported and been critical of the current administration. The committee staff "has been forced to dedicate a significant amount of time and resources on vetting this administration's nominees because of the White House's negligence or incompetence," Menendez said. However, I am not so constrained, and when I communicated with the reporter, I raised this issue with him, and asked him to expand the questions being directed towards me. One House staffer who met her in Washington found the Time cover when Googling Chang's name and assumed it was real, "That made me think she was legit," the former staffer said. But wait, theres more: Chang was originally being considered for an even more senior government post in which she would have overseen the U.S. Agency for International Developments work in Asia. Update your Profile ; Education & Credentials. Tell me about this cover and how it came to be?" Our belief is that these factors cause nations to weaken all the way down to the community level, which subsequently increases their likelihood of conflict and security challenges. "While Congressman McCaul offered a recommendation letter based on her previous work and advocacy on issues like global fragility and countering violent extremism, it is clear now she was not entirely forthcoming with the State Department and others," said Kaylin Minton, spokesperson for McCaul. https://www.linkingtheworld.org/hill-briefings, Episode On 33voices, Inc. with Moe Abdou, Like all admired leaders, she anticipates that problems in the world will never cease, they will only change; and its how you respond to them that will determine your fate. SHARON BURKE Senior Advisor and Director, Resource Security Program, New AmericaMINA CHANG CEO, Linking the World, International Security Fellow, New AmericaJAKE HARRIMAN Founder and CEO, Nuru InternationalREBECCA J. WOLFE Director of Peace and Conflict, Mercy CorpsThe Future of War Conference 2017 commenced on March 21 in Washington, D.C. In August, Trump withdrew a nominee for director of national intelligence, Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, less than a week after lawmakers raised questions about his qualifications and the accuracy of his rsum. Her Instagram account shows international food donations featuring Linking the World logos. For 2015, the organization listed spending just $44,645 on salaries but more than $60,000 on "advertising and promotion" and $50,298 on travel. Biography. But before her humanitarian and government career, she was a singer. Linking the World tax filings. Chang also paid to be a member of Ellevate, a women's networking group, which helped Chang place articles promoting herself and her charity in Forbes and the Huffington Post, according to its marketing coordinator, Nazli Tamer. When asked about her comments, her former chief of staff, Ian Dailey, said the charity had one dog "onboarded" but the dog was "diagnosed with seizures" and "retired." So, for clarity, Mina is very happily engaged to the ever so wonderful Jake Harriman. Chang's appointment is the latest administration hire to come under scrutiny since President Donald Trump entered office. Brian Bulatao, a top figure in the State Department and longtime friend of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, attended a fundraiser for her nonprofit in Dallas and once donated $5,500 to her charity, according to a former colleague of Chang's. . Upon notification, donations were not able to be submitted through any of our channels. Farayi Chipungu, Scott Westfahl. Dont Miss:Britainy Beshear Wiki,New Kentucky Governor Andy Beshears Wife. However, her LinkedIn profile provides details of her inflated career history. Rest assured, we will not stop our work, whether that be at the State Department, Linking the World, or as individuals. [15][16], On November 12, 2019, NBC News reported that Chang had "embellished her rsum with misleading claims about her professional background" prior to joining the United States Department of State. An international K-pop singer! Chang was previously married. NBC reported last week that Chang had misleadingly claimed in her official bio that she was an "alumna" of Harvard Business School when in fact she only attended a seven-week course there. Mina has never claimed to have a degree from Harvard. "With the way Trump has fired high-level people by tweet, it's not an encouraging thing to work for the government. I was only made aware of a potential issue with our tax filings by the IRS on October 16, 2019 and that was only because of a proactive outreach that I made. Brad Johansen Leaving NBC4 Columbus: Where Is the Anchor Going? So apparently if you want a job with the Trump administration you make Fake News literally. We did file, and copies of those filings have been resent to the IRS. We must continue to work together, sharing information and acting as leading voices to elevate diplomacy and development alongside defense to build a stronger, better, and safer world for all. The next installment in the series will feature Cherie Blair, the former First Lady of the United Kingdom. She didnt stop she faked her education and career status. Dallas' independent source of For Chang's current job, her most relevant experience would appear to be her time as CEO of a nonprofit called Linking the World. The State Department vetting is supposed to examine tax returns, any unexplained wealth, social media accounts, the status of domestic staff, any inappropriate or worrisome track record in the workplace and any potential questions about integrity, said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, former director general of the foreign service and director of personnel at the State Department. Harriman is a graduate of the U.S. Chang has touted her small nonprofit online and in speeches as operating in dozens of countries, building schools and "impacting" thousands of people. View Mina Chang's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Charlotte Greco, Program/Office Manager. In past administrations, White House staff carefully checked a potential appointee's education and work bona fides, as well as any court cases or criminal records that could be damaging, said Pfiffner of George Mason. The program permits people who have finished the program to call themselves alumni, and creates an opportunity for them to tap into the Harvard alumni network. Mina Chang, who served as the deputy assistant secretary in the State Department 's Bureau of Conflict and Stability Operations, came under scrutiny last week after NBC News reported that she had misrepresented her academic credentials and created a fake Time magazine cover with her face on it. In a 2015 speech, Chang said, "we have in-house canine search and rescue teams." Why only to 2015? This discovery raises questions about her qualifications to work in the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. Chang represented the cover as genuine and replied: "We started using drone technology in disaster response, and so that was when the whole talk of how is technology being used to save lives in disaster response scenarios and I suppose I brought some attention to that". When Mina was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year, it was a horrifying tragedy, but one thats destined to magnify the impact shes having Linking The World. Chang says in her official biography that she is as an "alumna" of Harvard Business School. Chang did not respond to a request for comment. Chang claimed that she is "an alumna of the Harvard Business School" who has "addressed . She says she "addressed" both the Democratic and Republican national conventions in 2016, but videos and documents show she instead spoke at separate events held in Philadelphia and Cleveland during the same time periods. Mina Chang and Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, on June 6, 2018. Linking the World CEO, Mina Chang, was invited as the keynote speaker for the Women's Leadership Series at the Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theatre. Chang, the State Department and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. Chang's biography says she was part of a panel on drones in humanitarian relief efforts convened by the U.N. I am not the radiant light, the forever hopeful and passionate fighter of those who cant defend themselves. However, no official record of this exists. Mina did participate at both the RNC/DNC conventions through an event called Global Oval, one of many events that are side bars to the main convention. At no time has Mina claimed to have a degree from SMU. Her charity's website featured pictures of Chang in war-torn places with unnamed children. Chang further claimed to have addressed presidential national conventions in 2016, but that was also found to be false. We do not just provide rhetoric and philosophical thought; in fact, we go light on the philosophy. Shame on you NBC for not requiring your reporters to do basic research. The fake cover seems to highlight that side of her, with the main headline reading: We Change the World: Modern Humanitarian in the Digital Age., The cover was displayed in a video posted on the Linking the World website, featuring an interview of her talking about the organizations work and being featured on Time. FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs, Chasten Glezman Wiki,Facts About Pete Buttigiegs Husband, Ashley Biden Wiki,Facts About Joe Bidens Daughter, Douglas Emhoff Wiki, Facts To Know About Kamala Harris Husband, Britainy Beshear Wiki,New Kentucky Governor Andy Beshears Wife, Melissa Cohen Wiki, Facts to Know About Hunter Bidens New Wife, Meet Brooklyn Nets Center Nic Claxtons Girlfriend, Mariah Castro, Meet Boston Bruins LW Tyler Bertuzzis Girlfriend, Ashley Greasley, Meet Michigan Wolverines QB J.J. McCarthys Girlfriend, Katya Kuropas, Meet Sophia Giangiordano, the Girlfriend of Buckeyes QB Kyle McCord, Meet Tampa Bay Lightning LW Tanner Jeannots Wife, Keely Jeannot, Meet Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Gavin Luxs Girlfriend, Molly OBoyle, U. S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, U.S. State Department's Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. I give out a name to the press, and they vet for me. In May 2013, Chang was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent chemotherapy for a year. A deputy assistant secretary usually has a top secret security clearance. Simply, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has been rather busy with other activities and all nominees were subject to extensive delays. So, shame on you Mr. De Luce. I have personally attended that program and can confirm that graduation is how we were advised to describe completion of the program. However, a spokesperson for Time confirmed to NBC News that the cover is not authentic.. Dan De Luceis a reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit. She apparently is also a civilian graduate of the United States Army War College. "They could be partnering with another organization, but then they should say that and not claim those accomplishments as their own.". https://www.linkingtheworld.org/ltw-brief-history-2001-2015. She also established contacts with the U.S. military. When Chang was nominated for an even more senior job at the U.S. Agency for International Development, congressional staffers reviewing her background caught wind of the West Point episode. Minas resume, profiles, and statements have been reviewed by 4 separate bodies, including the FBI and State Department Investigators. that she made up a [U.N.] panel, wasnt entitled to call herself an alumna of HBS, or actively brought a picture to an interview, then, perhaps, Ill consider participating in a fair process.". Marocco, who served in the Marine Corps, is now at the Pentagon as senior official overseeing Africa affairs. Details about Chang's nonprofit and how it operated remain unclear partly because at least three former contacts told NBC News they could not speak due to nondisclosure agreements they were required to sign. Ambassador to the Philippines? She would have been responsible for a budget of more than $1 billion. Dan De Luceis a reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit. IE 11 is not supported. That issue related to receipt of our 2016 and 2017 returns. . In a 2017 video posted on her nonprofit's website, Chang can be heard describing her work while a Time magazine cover with her face on it scrolls past. After obtaining our data and analyzing it, we go a step further than a traditional think tank by actively engaging and working with partners on the ground to effectuate long lasting change. At first glance, Chang's body of work appears impressive. [21][22] In response to the interviewer's question: "Here you are on Time magazine, congratulations! Mina Chang proved anyone can come to the U.S. and create an "American" identity by simply putting a bunch of shit on social media that's sent to a new generation of reporters and government officials who think shit on social media people create about themselves is real. Before she resigned last week and took it down, her Facebook account had 77,000 followers. State Department staffer got job with embellished resume, fake Time magazine cover. This . Lax vetting, Mina has undergone 4 independent agency reviews, including the FBI, and ultimately garnered both Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances. Chang has a daughter named Trinity from her previous marriage.[24]. He said he has resubmitted the forms and expects the "administrative issue" to be resolved soon. Laura Strickler is a senior investigative producer and reporter for NBC News. A lot of people are guilty of embellishing a detail or two on their rsum, but a top Trump administration official reportedly took it to a whole other level. Our 2015, 990-tax filing indicated $10,000 of overseas spending. His bio states that he left the Marines and enrolled at Stanford. Chang was originally being considered for an even more senior government post in which she would have overseen the U.S. Agency for International Development's work in Asia. The IRS revoked the organization's tax exempt status in May this year for failing to file its annual filings for the past three years, according to the agency's website. ". U.S. State Department official and former Dallas media darling Mina Chang had a bad day Monday. I will no longer participate in this grievous misrepresentation, where the truth is discarded for spin. There was one for the event production company she started at age 24, another site for her recording career. Our goal with research is simple: if we can identify those who are most at risk, we can share this expert knowledge and employ development and advocacy efforts to help win the hearts and minds of these communities before radical groups are formed.