MARRAKECH - This year’s throne day was a milestone moment for the people of Morocco who celebrated 25 years of the reign of King Mohammed the Sixth. This quarter of a century has brought Morocco to new geopolitical heights despite formidable challenges. As the people of Morocco celebrated this milestone, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) welcomed Elisabeth Vanness as the new Chief Operating Officer. “I remember my first visit to Morocco nearly twenty-five years ago, as an exchange student, just after the young king ascended to the throne. Today I celebrate the exceptional growth of this country under his vision.”

Elisabeth’s career has brought her to North Africa and the Middle East for opportunities in business association strengthening, private sector trade, political party strengthening, women's leadership programming, and initiatives to amplify the voices of marginalized and vulnerable communities. Most recently in Rabat, she led almost five years of programming expanding awareness on the reforms of the 2011 Moroccan constitution and partnering with USAID, the US Department of State and the National Endowment for Democracy to expand political participation to all Moroccan citizens. Elisabeth is also an ambassadorial appointee to the board of directors of the Moroccan-American Commission for Cultural and Educational Exchange.

Elisabeth learned about the High Atlas Foundation shortly after her return to Morocco but grew to admire it after the September 8, 2023, earthquake when HAF used its relationships of trust to quickly and effectively help vulnerable populations in Al Haouz and surrounding regions. HAF continues to support national efforts to empower communities to imagine, define and design rebuilding in their own way. “Through solidarity and cohesion, Morocco has weathered radical changes and has emerged as a modern and powerful nation. The new challenge will be using solidarity and cohesion to ensure that all Moroccans feel called to participate in the development and prosperity of their country from the most rural douars to the most populous cities.”

When asked what she is most excited to work on at HAF, she said climate change mitigation. Elisabeth says “in my time here, I have seen injustice in how climate change has impacted the population. I know the consumption of resources in Morocco has not been a significant contributor to climate change in the world, however, Moroccans disproportionately bear the burden of climate change: the disruption in weather systems, the decrease in traditional water resources, and the soaring temperatures.” Such conditions, she says, detract from Morocco’s efforts to chart its own path of development. Elisabeth believes the HAF participatory approach to community led development, that includes climate mitigation approaches, is the best chance for Moroccans to sustainably participate in their own future.

Since arriving, Elisabeth has thrived in the bustling work culture at HAF. Her move here was abrupt – she arrived on Sunday and was in the office by Monday. “Coming into the office, I was greeted by the same warmth and hospitality that I had found at HAF during previous visits and I jumped right in.” On her first day she was already reviewing proposals, planning with staff, participating in partner meetings, and developing project deliverables.

Elisabeth’s enthusiasm for locally led development has led her through many experiences in Morocco and this enthusiasm will help her be a valuable contributor to HAF’s support of its local partners. “I feel that my professional experience in the MENA region has prepared me for my new position but it is my admiration and love for the Moroccan people that inspired me to take on this new challenge. This is a historic moment in Morocco’s story and I am proud to be here as a witness, a supporter, and a fan.” To her, Throne Day is a day of reflection, but this year it is also a day of anticipation and we relish her excitement in starting at HAF.

Welcome to HAF, Elisabeth!

Aidan Iacobucci, HAF intern visiting from Princeton University, sits down with Elisabeth Vanness to learn about her path from the United States to Morocco and her plans for the future.