Team

Luke Moon Executive Director Luke Moon is the Executive Director of The Philos Project. Prior to that, Luke served as business manager for the Institute of Religion and Democracy, and, before that, as a missionary with Youth with a Mission for 12 years. Luke has lived, worked, and taught in over 45 countries, and has advocated on a number of human rights issues along the way. He holds a BA in Biblical Studies from the University of the Nations and an MA in Global Politics from Regent University. Luke is also an ordained Southern Baptist minister.
Kelly Griffin Deputy Director Kelly Griffin is Deputy Director of The Philos Project. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and completed her graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati. She has been working in the nonprofit space since 2014 with a focus on the Near East and hopes to bring her years of experience to this new role. Outside of the office, Kelly regularly enjoys travel and spending time with family and friends.
Andrew Doran Director of Strategic Development Andrew Doran served on the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State from 2018-21. He previously served as Deputy Director of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO at the State Department.

He is a co-founder of In Defense of Christians.

He has published extensively on U.S. foreign policy and human rights in the Middle East.

He is an Army veteran and attorney.
Ann Marie Chapman Executive Assistant Ann Marie Chapman is the Executive Assistant at The Philos Project. She graduated from The King's College with a B.A. in Media, Culture, and the Arts and a minor in Theology and first encountered the Near East on a Passages trip to Israel. It was this trip paired with her collegiate ancient Near Eastern-focused classes that spurred her love for the region and drove her to pursue continued involvement through education and experiences. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys exploring New York, photography, and learning to find joy in all the nooks and crannies of life.
Phillip Dolitsky Strategic Advisor Phillip Dolitsky is a Strategic Advisor at The Philos Project. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from Yeshiva University and his Master’s in International Relations from American University. Prior to joining Philos, Phillip worked at a national law firm doing research and analysis for several high-profile counterterrorism cases. In addition to his work at The Philos Project, Phillip has published extensively on military strategy, military ethics and national security, with his writings appearing in Chesterfield Strategy, Parameters, Military Strategy Magazine and more. When he's not reading or writing about military history and strategy, Phillip can be found playing chess, at the orchestra or indulging his interest in watches.
Jesse Rojo Director of Philos Latino Jesse Rojo is the Director of Philos Latino at The Philos Project, an organization dedicated to promoting positive engagement in the Near East. With a profound journey that took him from being a former member of the Latin Kings to becoming a prominent advocate for Jewish-Christian relations, Jesse brings a unique perspective to his work. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Hebraic Studies at Yeshiva University, where he focuses on deepening his understanding of Jewish history, culture, and theology.

Jesse is passionate about bridging cultural divides and has pioneered bilingual programs to educate and engage the Hispanic Christian community on Israel-related issues. His dedication to storytelling and advocacy is showcased through his work on two internationally recognized short films, "Israel a Cappella: The Sound of Truth" and "Cosechas de Lluvia" (Rain Harvesters). These films highlight his commitment to promoting friendship, understanding, and inspiring change on a global scale. Through his leadership at Philos Latino, Jesse continues to make a significant impact, fostering dialogue and collaboration between Latino and Jewish communities in the US and Latin America.

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Rebeca Cruz Operations Manager of Philos Latino Rebeca “Becky” Cruz is the Operations Manager of Philos Latino. Rebeca was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States when she was seven years old. She attended Valley Forge Christian College, studying social work. In 2010 she Graduated from the Latin American Bible Theological Institute (ITLA), Assemblies of God in Wayne NJ, studying pastoral ministries. Prior to working at The Philos Project, Rebeca served as the Promotion Director Assistant in a Spanish-speaking Christian Radio Station. She is a pastor's daughter and the youngest of four children. Due to her upbringing, Rebeca has forged a passion and love for serving in the ministry and serving in the community. She now resides in New Jersey with her two daughters Annalyn and Elizabeth.
Matthew Garces Associate Director of Philos Latino Matthew Garces is the Associate Director of Philos Latino. Matthew graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in International Affairs and Political Science and a minor in French. In 2018, Matthew participated in the Philos Leadership Institute and had the opportunity to travel to Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank while engaging with topics such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Jewish-Christian relations, and the persecuted Church in the Near East.

Prior to working at the Philos Project, Matthew worked with a nonprofit where he mentored dozens of college students as well as spoke in front of hundreds of people at college campuses and conferences on issues relating to Israel and antisemitism.

In his free time, you can find Matthew spending time with his wife, traveling, playing video games, or cracking the occasional dad joke.
Simone Rizkallah Director of Philos Catholic Simone Rizkallah is the Director of Philos Catholic at The Philos Project. As a first-generation American of Egyptian-Armenian descent, Simone has a particular interest in matters of religious freedom, culture, and the Eastern roots of the Faith. Her graduate degree is in Theological Studies from Christendom College. Her undergraduate studies and professional background include marketing communications, media, radio, and theatre. She is a frequent guest on Catholic Answers Live and a faculty member of the Avila Institute.

You can find her talks, publications, and podcast episodes on her website www.culturalgypsy.com.
James O’Reilly Associate Director of Philos Catholic James is the Associate Director of Philos Catholic. He graduated from Christendom College with a BA in Philosophy where he explored the relationship between language and morality. In 2022, he founded The Broken Binnacle, a platform of Catholic writers seeking to revitalize American Catholic culture through writing, art, and the humanities, and to promote and share the Catholic faith. James is an alumnus of the Philos Leadership Institute.

Hailing originally from the beautiful hills of the Shenandoah Valley, VA, James now serves The Philos Project in the DC area. Outside of The Philos Project, you can find James playing guitar or soccer, pretending to train for a half marathon, writing essays and poetry, or reading history, philosophy, or a good novel.
Krystal Bracy Director of Philos Black Krystal Bracy is the Director of Philos Black. She is also a board member for the National Center for Black Jewish Relations at Dillard University. A native of Oakland, CA, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley and the Master of Divinity degree from Duke University with concentrations in Homiletics, Black Church Studies and African and African American Studies.

In April 2023, she was presented with the esteemed "Light for Israel" award by the Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern Region, acknowledging her significant contributions to fostering positive relations between the United States and the State of Israel. She is an alumna of the Philos Leadership Institute and a certified religious leader.
Wendell Shelby-Wallace Philos Black Associate Director Wendell Shelby-Wallace is a native of Houma, Louisiana and a proud Morehouse Man. Prior to joining the Philos team, Wendell served as the Director of External Affairs, Strategic Partnerships, and Initiatives at the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States. He is also experienced as a special advisor with the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, advising the Atlanta consulate and other missions on partnerships with the African American community. His versatile skill set also includes experience as a teacher in Massachusetts and Louisiana, organizing director of coordinated campaigns in North Carolina, Louisiana, and Virginia, as well as a disaster recovery specialist with the Louisiana Governor's Division of Administration.

In 2023, he was honored with the distinguished NAACP Beloved Community Award in Terrebonne Parish, recognizing his outstanding work in revitalizing Black-Jewish relations, expanding global education opportunities for minority students, and promoting interfaith social justice initiatives.

Apart from work, Wendell enjoys cooking Louisiana cajun-creole cuisine and spending time with family. He also is also a leader with the Morehouse-Israel Covenant Program and the newly relaunched National Center for Black-Jewish Relations at Dillard University.
Isaac Woodward Director of the Philos Leadership Institute Isaac Woodward is the Director of the Philos Leadership Institute. Prior to his role at Philos, he worked as a philanthropy consultant for political and civil society initiatives across North America. From 2017 through mid-2019, Isaac served as a Public Interest Fellow. During the fellowship, he worked as a research analyst for a network of donors specializing in public policy and political campaigns. During the 2018 election cycle, he conducted research for a political affairs firm. In the wake of the atrocities committed against Christians, Yazidis, and Muslims during the rule of ISIS, Isaac worked as a human rights advocate for an international NGO focusing on humanitarian aid and religious liberty cultivation. During the 114th Congress, Isaac worked in the House of Representatives on a wide range of policy areas while managing constituent correspondence. In 2015, he worked as a program and research assistant for the Education Department at the American Enterprise Institute. In 2014, he served as a Charles Koch Fellow at the American Legislative Exchange Council and as a residential fellow at the John Jay Institute.

Isaac graduated from Rutgers University, where he majored in philosophy and political science and minored in classics. He is originally from rural Georgia and now lives in Washington, D.C.
Dominique Hoffman Associate Director of the Philos Leadership Institute Dominique Hoffman is the Associate Director of the Philos Leadership Institute. Before joining Philos, Dominique spent many years in academia, from her six-year tenure at Florida State University to teaching high school in Madrid, Spain. During her college career, she lobbied and actively worked to combat anti-Semitism on FSU’s campus. After graduating with her M.S. in International Affairs with a concentration in human rights, she joined Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck as an international policy fellow working with embassies in the Middle East. In her current role at Philos, she continues her lifelong quest for a deeper understanding of the Near East and the unique civilizational identities that comprise the region’s rich history and current events. When Dominique isn’t listening to podcasts or reading, she is most likely traveling or planning her next trip.
Liza Ashley Director of the Charles Malik Institute Liza Ashley is the Director of the Charles Malik Institute. She holds a B.A. in Humanities from The King’s College.

Before joining the Charles Malik Institute, she worked as a reporter covering topics in religion, ethics, and politics in a wide variety of publications including Newsweek, Religion News Service, and Religion Unplugged. During her tenure, she was awarded the Chandler Award from the Religion News Association, an EPPY Award from Editor & Publisher, as well as awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Associated Church Press, and others. She is an alumna of the Humanities at Hertog and the Philos Leadership Institute.
Josefa Gonzalez Director of Communications Josefa Gonzalez is the Director of Communications at the Philos Project. She holds a BA in Communication Arts and Multimedia from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Josefa loves the outdoors and has traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe - including Alaska four times. Josefa’s work experience includes three years of strategy consulting in Washington, DC where she helped federal agencies optimize their communications with clarity, simplicity, and efficiency. Josefa has a passion for learning and loves to read books on theology and articles on Near East politics. In her spare time, you can find Josefa taking photos - she is a photographer with a passion for telling stories and creating meaningful images.
Susanna Hoffman Interim Director of Communications Susanna Hoffman is the Interim Director of Communications at the Philos Project. She graduated with a BA in Journalism from Patrick Henry College and worked as a journalist covering politics, culture, and human rights before her tenure with Philos. She was a security fellow with the Hertog Foundation and is currently a security and strategy fellow with the Alexander Hamilton Society and The Public Interest Interest Fellowship. As a lover of history and culture, she has traveled throughout Europe and been to Israel three times. With a passion for national security and promoting positive Western engagement in the Near East, Susanna's writings have been published in the Jerusalem Post, the Times of Israel, Real Clear Religion, The Federalist, and others.
Hailey Hancock Graphic Designer Hailey Hancock is the Graphic Designer at The Philos Project. She holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Hailey is passionate about supporting religious freedom and enjoys learning about different religions and how they shape culture. She has a particular interest in user-centered design and developing unique yet seamless digital experiences.

Although Hailey considers the countryside of northern California her home, she currently resides near Portland, Oregon. She loves hiking, weight training, and spending time with friends in her free time. She also enjoys tackling various DIY projects and taking photos of scenic places she visits.
Janey Olohan Social Media Coordinator Janey Olohan is the Social Media Coordinator at The Philos Project. A recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame where she studied Political Science, Digital Marketing, and French Studies before graduating in May of 2024, Janey worked previously in management and marketing roles throughout her undergraduate, as well as in the DC area in various communications roles. She is a native of Virginia with a passion for marketing and journalism, and enjoys spending time outdoors or exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. Janey is very excited to be newly joining the team at the Philos Project.
Alex Giobbi Development Associate Alex Giobbi is one of the Development Associates at the Philos Project. A 2016 graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Professional Writing, Alex has worked almost exclusively in nonprofit development, serving in organizations dedicated to disability employment and advocacy, inner city community revitalization, as well as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre. With the Philos Project, Alex's fundraising responsibilities include general funding, as well as the Charles Malik Institute, Pathfinder, and PLI. Alex enjoys building relationships, a skill he developed while serving as treasurer and sports editor for his college’s newspaper and as the Director of Player Personnel for the Danbury Westerners, a summer college baseball team.
Margaret Fernandez Development Associate Margaret Fernandez is a Development Associate at the Philos Project. A native Brooklynite, she graduated from St. Francis College with a BA in Communications concentrating in Digital Media, with a minor in Spanish Studies. Margaret is passionate about her Catholic faith and enjoys pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness in God’s creation. Prior to working with the Philos Project she was blessed to work in development and mission in advocating for the dignity of women and families in the NYC region. In her free time Margaret enjoys writing, poetry, travel, baking, and loves living the aunt life to her nine nieces and nephews.
Hannah Garces Associate Director of Generation Zion Hannah Garces is the Associate Director of Generation Zion. Born, raised, and based in New Jersey, Hannah holds a BA in History and Jewish Studies from Rutgers University as well as an MA in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Since her first trip to Israel in college, a piece of her heart remains in the land. It’s that passion that drives her in standing up for Israel and against antisemitism. Prior to joining the team at the Philos Project, Hannah worked in the Israel advocacy space with StandWithUs for six years. She also has a background in event planning in the nonprofit space and weddings. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, going on runs, and cuddling up with a good book.

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