March 4, 2025 (Des Moines, IA) — The World Food Prize Foundation announced today that Sydney Maras has joined its staff as a Senior Manager I, Communications.
“We are pleased to welcome Sydney to the World Food Prize where she will bring a wealth of experience to the communication team,” said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. “Her array of communications experience and passion for global hunger solutions directly aligns with the Foundation and our mission to end world hunger.”
As Senior Manager I, Communications, Ms. Maras plays a key role in supporting both the communications team and the CEO. She collaborates with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications and the broader communications department to develop social media content, press releases, and other essential materials that amplify the Foundation’s mission. In addition, she provides critical support to the CEO, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of key initiatives.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Maras worked at the Iowa Medical Society as Communications Manager where she launched and produced a monthly podcast, coordinated various branded campaigns and designed all digital and print materials for the organization. In 2018, she interned at the Foundation as a George Washington Carver Intern. Her prior experience with the Foundation and diverse communications experience will make her a valuable addition.
“I am very excited to join the World Food Prize Foundation in a full-time capacity,” Maras said. “It was through my experience as a George Washington Carver Intern that I first gained an acute awareness and respect for the responsibility that communicators have in creating helpful materials and resources for public education. It is truly a privilege to return to the team and I look forward to contributing to their noble mission of increasing the quality, quantity and availability of food for all.”
Ms. Maras graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor of arts degree in graphic design in 2019. She obtained her master’s degree in strategic communication from the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2024.
About the World Food Prize
The World Food Prize is an international award that honors individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food worldwide. The Prize was founded by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, for his work that contributed to increases in agricultural outputs which was termed the Green Revolution. Since then, the Prize has been awarded to 55 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. The Dialogue, also known as the Borlaug Dialogue, is a week of events dedicated to an issue surrounding food insecurity or hunger each year.
