Laina Combest-Friedman, MLM, is a project associate for the National Center for State Courts providing project management, administrative, and program support. Prior to working with NCSC, Ms. Combest-Friedman worked for several international organizations and agencies, including the US Embassy, where her projects were focused on service to community, equity, and social justice. While working in Cambodia, Ms. Combest-Friedman supported the development of a gender strategy, where she contributed to the analysis of the current situation in Cambodia and provided recommendations for how to best achieve gender equity. Ms. Combest Friedman graduated from Thunderbird School of Global Management with a Master’s in Applied Leadership and Global Management and received a BS in Justice Studies from Arizona State University.