Luisa Handem Piette comes from a background in non-profit management, broadcast journalism, human rights law and a strong track record as a corporate communications executive for Information Technology firms. She is also known for her philanthropic work and love of the arts.  

Luisa briefly served as Director of UPI Next, United Press International’s former media development division, after nearly two years of overseas work as a Knight International Journalism Fellow with the International Center for Journalists. She began her career with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service, in London. Luisa later joined Radio France International (RFI) in Paris before being recruited as an international radio broadcaster for the Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, D.C. She has minimal experience acting, but she enjoyed appearances in school performances while growing up in Portugal, and in radio performances dramatizing Mia Couto’s books live on air through the Portuguese programs of the BBC World Service in London.  Luisa holds a Master’s degree (LLM) in International Law, and a BA in French & Government from Essex University