Mireille is the deputy director and director of programs at FDCD. She holds an MA in simultaneous interpretation, has served as a university professor and a freelance interpreter in conflict zones mainly. She is currently pursuing her advanced studies in Mediation and conflict resolution. El Hamouche worked with the UN Interim forces in Southern Lebanon in the aftermath of the 2006 Israeli war on Lebanon; an opportunity during which she realized that her true calling was beyond interpretation: it truly lays in building bridges and fostering understanding among people on opposing sides of conflicts.

The outburst of the Syrian crisis with its horrific consequences deeply impacted Mireille and convinced her of her passion. Eager to mobilize communities on national and international levels, she immersed herself in diverse reconciliation and peacebuilding programs as an interpreter first and later as an active and direct contributor in these efforts. This is when she chose to join a masters’ program in Diplomacy and International Security and volunteered with FDCD as coordinator of the Syria Youth peacebuilding program. This was her first step on an unplanned journey where – driven by passion and sponsored by FDCD Danish, Swiss and local partners – she received intensive training in NGO management, mediation and conflict resolution before she was appointed the position she holds now. 

Mireille takes pride in being a mother of 3 (Maria, Joe and Laetitia) a role that reinforces her main goal and dedication: being an agent of change wherever opportunities arise to make the world a slightly better place.