Doris Duke Foundation Appoints Zaki Barzinji as Director of the Building Bridges Program, Ushering in a New Era of Storytelling

New York, NY - January 5, 2026 - At a moment when polarization and misinformation are widening divisions across the United States, philanthropic leader, the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) has appointed Zaki Barzinji as program director of its Building Bridges Program. His leadership and commitment to storytelling come at a time when investing in authentic and overlooked narratives is essential to fostering empathy and creating mutual understanding among diverse communities.

The Doris Duke Foundation’s Building Bridges Program supports artists, cultural leaders and storytellers whose work deepens public understanding of Muslim communities in America. By elevating narratives that reflect the full complexity and humanity of U.S. Muslim experiences, beyond stereotypes or single stories, the program advances a future rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity. The Building Bridges Program team also plays a key role in the foundation’s efforts to create new platforms for diverse voices, working closely with DDF’s team at Shangri La, a global center for culture and ideas that houses Doris Duke’s unparalleled personal collection of 4,500 artworks, cultural resources and architectural designs from around the world.

Barzinji’s appointment reflects the foundation’s continued commitment to narrative equity and cultural bridge building at a moment when these efforts are urgently needed. As AI and emerging technologies rapidly reshape the storytelling ecosystem, Zaki brings a deep understanding of their impact and a unique ability to help communities preserve, interpret and share their stories with integrity. With more than a decade of experience in public affairs, narrative strategy and community-centered leadership, he has devoted his career to uplifting underrepresented voices and expanding who gets to be seen and heard.

"Doris Duke understood that diversity is a source of strength, beauty and vitality in any society. Today, that conviction is under profound attack. There is no one better suited to put Duke's insight to work than Zaki. His breadth of experience, his energy and his creativity will supercharge our efforts to connect people to powerful stories and ideas about the power of difference." said Sam Gill, president and CEO of the Doris Duke Foundation.

"Zaki’s expertise positions us at the Doris Duke Foundation to build on our existing work and extend it in meaningful new ways," said Maurine Knighton, chief program officer of the Doris Duke Foundation. "DDF remains committed to media and entertainment as the heart of our strategy to foster social cohesion. As the industry evolves, exciting opportunities are emerging for new platforms to reach audiences where they are, especially on digital channels. At the same time, we will continue centering the voices and craft of individual artists. We look forward to Zaki’s leadership shaping our work in the years ahead and will continue advancing our mission with that focus."

Prior to joining the Doris Duke Foundation, Barzinji served as Senior Director for Empowered Communities at the Aspen Institute, where he oversaw a range of projects at the intersection of tech, policy, equity and justice for systemically marginalized communities. In the Obama Administration, he served as Senior Associate Director of Public Engagement and President Obama’s liaison to Muslims, Arabs, Sikhs and other minority faiths, working to ensure that perspectives rarely represented in national decision making were included at the highest levels.

His career also includes serving as Senior Policy Advisor to Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, leading state and local government affairs for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and consulting for community-based organizations such as the Muslim Public Affairs Council, a long-time partner and collaborator of the Doris Duke Foundation, and the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.

Beyond his public service, Barzinji is a writer and storyteller whose creative work has been recognized by the Disney/ABC “First 10” TV Comedy Lab and the NYC Midnight Screenwriting Challenge. His writing and commentary appear in Politico, The Atlantic, BuzzFeed, The Washington Post, CNN, and other national outlets.

To learn more about the the Doris Duke Foundation’s Building Bridges Program please visit: https://www.dorisduke.org/programs/building-bridges.