The mission of the IDIA Board of Directors is “to provide innovative educational opportunities to students of all ages so that they may better understand their role in global and domestic civic society.” It’s a mission we take very seriously.
The Board is an all-volunteer group of individuals who provide the necessary oversight to ensure that IDIA is compliant with all state and federal requirements, and to ensure that all of our programming meets our renowned standards for educational value.
Though our short and midterm project areas may evolve over time, we always seek to ensure that every student participating in any IDIA program at any level is educated, empowered and engaged.
Read more about our current board members below. You can contact the board directly by emailing idiabodemail@idia.net.
MICHAEL MAHRER, CHAIRMAN
Michael Mahrer is an English teacher and college-access counselor at Bronx Design and Construction Academy. He has been a member of the IDIA Board of Directors since 2010. Born and raised in New York, NY, Michael lives in Manhattan with his wife and two young adult sons. He was first exposed to Model UN in 2002 and has been hooked ever since, as a conference advisor, Lead Teacher for the United Nations Association's education programs over ten years, and more recently, as a Board-member with IDIA. Michael is deeply committed to the mission of our organization and looks forward to promoting and expanding our existing programs and fostering new ones in the years to come.
REBECCA DOYLE
Rebecca Doyle is a Rutgers SAS alum who boasts experience with multiple nonprofits in the healthcare and education spaces in roles ranging from fundraising to outreach to serving on the board of directors. She has nearly a decade of experience in the healthcare and regulatory compliance industries. On the board, Becca contributes expertise in organizational management and academic relations, as well as corporate procedures and good governance practices.
ALEX LEWIS
Alex Lewis is a digital campaign consultant with over 6 years of experience managing the technological needs of political and corporate campaigns. He currently works at Kivvit in NYC as Principal for Digital Strategy. Since joining Kivvit in 2012, Alex has led strategic efforts on multiple statewide ballot initiatives, regulatory reform efforts, and grassroots advocacy campaigns. He is also an IDIA alumni, veteran staffer of 9 conferences, and served Executive Director of Rutgers Model Congress 2012. On the board, Alex contributes expertise in external affairs, online strategy, branding, and organizational governance.
EILEEN MURPHY
Eileen Murphy, Ph.D. is both an accomplished scientist and development professional. She currently serves as the Senior Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations for all 14 schools and units comprising Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences. Previously, Eileen has held other senior positions at the Rutgers Foundation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. On the board, Eileen provides experts on matters of academic relations and fundraising.
GWEN PROWSE
SHEILA ZEIDMAN