Bridging policy and people to create lasting peace
We Lead Peace Initiative is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable peace through education, policy engagement, and trauma-informed leadership development.
Our work is grounded in a simple but critical understanding: lasting peace cannot be achieved through policy alone. While institutional frameworks are essential, meaningful and enduring change requires approaches that center the lived experiences of individuals and communities affected by conflict. We Lead Peace Initiative exists to bridge this gap—connecting policy, practice, and people.
Through innovative programming, we equip youth, emerging leaders, and community stakeholders with the tools to lead in complex and evolving environments. Our flagship program, the We Lead Peace Lab, integrates conflict resolution, human rights, and trauma-informed practices with real-world application. Participants engage in hands-on learning, policy development, and scenario-based simulations designed to prepare them for leadership in peacebuilding, humanitarian, and governance contexts.
We Lead Peace Initiative operates at the intersection of global frameworks and local impact. Our work aligns with international priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. At the same time, we emphasize community-centered approaches that ensure solutions are inclusive, culturally relevant, and sustainable.
Collaboration is central to our mission. We partner with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and global stakeholders to expand access to training, strengthen leadership capacity, and foster networks of individuals committed to advancing peace.
We envision a world where leaders at every level are equipped not only with the technical knowledge to design policy, but with the awareness, empathy, and practical skills to implement solutions that create lasting impact.
Our Team
Tiffany Pedersen
Tiffany Pedersen is the Founder of WeLead Peace Initiative and an international leader in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and ethical leadership development. Her work centers on equipping emerging leaders, students, and communities with the practical skills necessary to navigate complex conflict, foster inclusive dialogue, and lead with integrity in an increasingly interconnected world. Through her leadership, she advocates for approaches to peacebuilding that are not only policy-driven, but deeply rooted in human dignity, community resilience, and long-term social sustainability.
With an interdisciplinary background in international policy, humanitarian initiatives, and conflict management, Tiffany’s work integrates principles of trauma-informed leadership, human rights, and people-centered governance into leadership education and peacebuilding practice. She is particularly committed to bridging the gap between theory and lived experience, creating programs that prepare individuals to engage thoughtfully and ethically with the social, political, and humanitarian challenges facing communities both locally and globally.
Founder, Executive Director
Cameron Rice
Cameron Rice is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and conflict management professional specializing in student success, higher education development, and curriculum internationalization. His work has centered on developing resilient and adaptable leaders for the professional sphere, with a special focus on youth education in international affairs. With a background that focuses on fostering cross-cultural communication and advancing educational initiatives, Cameron is passionate about promoting global engagement through youth success. In his free time, Cameron enjoys learning other languages, and traveling the world
Co-Founder, Director of Executive Operations
Derya Aydin is the Co-Founder and Director of Programs at We Lead Peace Initiative, where she designs and steers educational and leadership programs focusing on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and global engagement. With a background in international affairs and international law, her work centers on developing initiatives that equip emerging leaders with practical skills in diplomacy, cross-cultural communication, and collaborative problem solving. Derya is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that empower young people to foster dialogue, strengthen communities, and advance sustainable peace.
Co-Founder, Director of ProgramsDerya Aydin
Caroline Pedersen is the Co-Founder and Communications Director of We Lead Peace Initiative, where she oversees the organization’s strategic communications, public engagement, and digital outreach initiatives. With an academic background in psychology, her work is grounded in a deep commitment to advancing mental health awareness, gender equity, and equitable access to quality education for women and youth. Drawing from her experience in the performing arts, Caroline brings a creative and human-centered approach to communication, storytelling, and relationship development. Her interdisciplinary perspective informs the organization’s efforts to cultivate meaningful dialogue, foster inclusive engagement, and build authentic connections across diverse communities.
Co-Founder, Communications DirectorCaroline Pedersen
Lily serves as the Administrative Director of We Lead Peace Initiative, where she oversees the organization’s administrative operations, internal coordination, and human resources development. She plays a central role in establishing the structural and operational foundations of the organization, helping to create systems that support both organizational growth and mission-driven impact. With a professional background in office management, executive support, and healthcare administration, including experience serving as an assistant to executive leadership within medical organizations, Lily brings a strong combination of organizational strategy, operational efficiency, and people-centered administration to her work.
Administrative DirectorLily Pedersen
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