As a member of the Individual Philanthropy team, Araba Samassekou manages the Direct Mail, Face-to-Face, and Telemarketing programs. She is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of all three areas to maximize fundraising efforts.
With over eight years of fundraising experience, Araba joined WFP USA in April 2022 after serving as the Annual Giving Manager at the University of Maryland, College Park. In that position, she managed a portfolio of schools and colleges and coordinated an extensive multi-channel Annual Giving program, which included Direct Mail, Email, Phonathon, Texting, and Crowdfunding. Araba earned her B.A. in International Affairs from Florida State University and holds an M.S. in Law–Homeland Security and Crisis Management from the University of Maryland.
Araba resides in Monrovia, Maryland with her husband and two children. She enjoys shopping, debating, and spending time with her family.