Partner event at charleston library society <CLICK here TO REGISTER ON THEIR SITE>

The Middle East is undergoing one of its most significant strategic realignments in decades. From Iran and regional proxy networks to shifting alliances, emerging governments, and renewed great-power competition, the security landscape is changing rapidly.

Drawing on her experience across intelligence, humanitarian operations, and regional engagement, Bell-Ruiz will discuss how these dynamics are reshaping U.S. national security interests, why local partnerships matter more than ever, and where she sees the greatest opportunities—and challenges—for the region in the years ahead.

Mary Bell-Ruiz is Spirit of America's regional director for the Middle East and Central Asia. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across defense, diplomacy, and humanitarian sectors, she leads the organization’s partnerships and programs across one of the world's most complex and strategically important regions. 

A retired U.S. Navy senior intelligence leader and Arabic linguist, Bell-Ruiz' career has spanned war zones and diplomatic engagements alike—from leading intelligence operations and managing multimillion-dollar government programs, to coordinating crisis response efforts in Iraq, Jordan, Afghanistan, and across the broader Middle East. 

Before joining Spirit of America, she founded and led Team Themis, a humanitarian nonprofit that provided emergency relocation, security, and support services to at-risk Afghan women and children. Under her leadership, the organization grew from concept to $2.5 million in operational funding within two years, directly supporting U.S. diplomatic and humanitarian objectives. 

Bell-Ruiz earned her bachelor's degree in international studies from Old Dominion University and is currently completing a master’s degree in international security at George Mason University.