Mario Crifo

Mario Crifo is the Spokesperson for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. An expert in Middle East policy, Mario has served at postings in Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain, and Jordan. His work promotes the protection of civilians in conflict and security sector and governance reforms that improve human rights and political inclusion. In his current role, he guides global strategic messaging on democracy and human rights issues. His public speaking on University campuses, at World Affairs Councils, and conferences focuses on the role of human rights in U.S. foreign policy, strategic communications, and careers in foreign affairs. Before joining the State Department in 2004, Mario managed political campaigns and was a Teach for America volunteer in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where he taught high school economics and social studies. He holds a B.A. in from Wesleyan University in Connecticut and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Mario speaks Arabic and Spanish.