Ray Vincent

Background

About Ray Vincent

OBJECTIVE In order for our country to address major trade and security issues, and to cultivate effective and mutually beneficial relationships with key players in The Middle East, we as Americans need to deeply understand the Arab psyche and listen closely to the needs and aspirations of the people. As an Arab American intimately familiar with both cultures and languages, I am uniquely placed to advise, inform, and work alongside major public and private players to establish a flourishing relationship between the U.S. and the Arab world – something which I fundamentally believe to be both possible and critical. BACKGROUND I have over 15 years of professional experience in the United States and an additional 10 years overseas working closely with partners in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq. My time was spent negotiating and then completing major design and construction projects as well as translating the guidelines, codes, rules, and regulations from Arabic to English to enable the firms I was engaged with to respond effectively to various “Request for Proposal” invitations – work which was facilitated by my technical expertise, fluency in many languages, and aptitude working within Eastern and Western cultures. I have authored numerous technical publications and manuscripts in both Arabic and English. I am an American citizen and deeply value both my Arab heritage and American ideals. Born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, I lived in the neighborhood of Karrada and attended Baghdad College – an American Jesuit high school. My interest and expertise in Middle Eastern culture has allowed me to participate in many educational and social service projects in the U.S. which in turn have helped to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of Arab culture.