Aili Makela is a Country Manager for the Indo-Pacific Region at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). In this role, she is responsible for business development, project preparation, management and supervision of USTDA activities in the region, with a focus on rail, intelligent transportation systems, and smart grids.

Prior to joining USTDA, Ms. Makela worked as a contractor providing research and analytical support to USTDA’s Indo-Pacific team. She also worked as a Project Lead at the Pardee Institute for International Futures, where she led efforts focused on data collection and coding of historical diplomatic representation around the world. Her other previous professional experience includes work in U.S. government, private sector, think tank, and non-profit settings.

Ms. Makela holds a Master of Arts degree in U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security from the American University School of International Service and Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Studies and Political Science from the University of Denver.