A proud first-generation immigrant, Omer Rafiq was born and raised in Saudi Arabia to parents of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent. A strong commitment to preserving the values that shaped Omer’s identity since arriving to the States led him to join the Marines. Commissioned as an infantry officer, Omer has deployed across the globe to Europe, Asia, Middle East, and East Africa. He has also served as a Legislative Fellow at the United States Senate where he managed a broad portfolio related to defense, foreign policy, and immigration.

Following his military service, Omer joined an early-stage technology startup that developed advanced software to support strategic planning and decision-making for senior military leaders. He later served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. Omer is a fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, where his work explores how technology is reshaping the global order and influencing the rise of emerging powers.

Omer holds a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he was a Center for Public Leadership Fellow, Pat Tillman Scholar, and recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Public Service. He also earned a Master of Science in International Relations from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science from Worcester State University.