Rene Celaya
About Rene Celaya
Rene Celaya serves as the Vice President for Humanitarian Programs and Managing Director of Ahlan Simsim at Sesame Workshop, where he focuses on early childhood development for children affected by the Syrian crisis. He has extensive experience in international humanitarian work, having held various leadership roles at CARE International and other organizations.
Current Role at Sesame Workshop
Rene Celaya serves as the Vice President for Humanitarian Programs and Managing Director of Ahlan Simsim at Sesame Workshop. He has held this position since 2018 in New York, New York. In this role, he leads initiatives aimed at early childhood development, particularly for children affected by the Syrian crisis. Under his leadership, the Ahlan Simsim program collaborates with the International Rescue Committee to deliver educational content and services to children and families in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria.
Previous Experience at CARE International
Rene Celaya has extensive experience with CARE International, where he held multiple roles over a span of 12 years. He served as Deputy Regional Director for Latin America & Caribbean from 2002 to 2008, and as Country Director in Palestine from 2014 to 2018. His earlier positions included Assistant Country Director for Programs in both the Caucasus and Mozambique, as well as Monitoring & Evaluation Officer in the Caucasus. His work focused on program development and evaluation in various humanitarian contexts.
Educational Background
Rene Celaya has a strong academic background, having studied at Harvard University, where he earned an AB in Russian & Soviet Studies from 1988 to 1992. He also obtained a Master's of International Affairs from Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs, focusing on Development Economics and International Development from 1994 to 1996. Additionally, he completed the International Baccalaureate at UWC-USA from 1986 to 1988.
International Experience and Influence
Rene Celaya's upbringing in both Mexico and the United States has shaped his commitment to equality and social justice. His diverse background informs his approach to international humanitarian work, particularly in regions affected by conflict and crisis. His experience includes working as a Field Coordinator for WorldTeach in Russia and various roles within CARE International that emphasize program management and humanitarian response.