Staff

Zo Tum Hmung

President and CEO

Zo Tum Hmung, President and CEO of the Burma Research Institute (formerly known as the Chin Association of Maryland, Inc.), previously co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Ethnic Nationalities Affairs Center-Union of Burma (ENAC), a research center that supports the peace process and development of democratic institutions in Burma. Mr. Hmung completed his master’s in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School focusing on foreign policy and negotiations and also finished his Master of Theological Studies with a concentration in Christian Faith and Public Policy from Eastern University’s Palmer Seminary. He also graduated with a bachelor’s in theological studies in Burma. He was born in Chin State, Burma, and currently lives with his family in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Dr. Jenny Siegel

Manager of Research

Dr. Siegel is Assistant Professor, BSW and MSW Practicum Director in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Esther Far Chin Par

Manager of Research and Advocacy

Esther Far Chin Par holds a BA in Biology with a Health Sciences concentration and an MPH specializing in Health Policy and Management. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Advocacy and Research at the Burma Research Institute, where she leads efforts to support and advocate for the Chin community.

Virginia Farris

Policy Advisor

Ms. Farris became Policy Advisor of the Burma Research Institute (formerly known as the Chin Association of Maryland) after retiring from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops where she covered Asia and human rights in their Office of International Justice and Peace. During her almost 17 years with USCCB, she accompanied U.S. bishops on solidarity visits to a number of Asian nations, including Burma/Myanmar. Prior to working with USCCB, Virginia served as a Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State with tours in six foreign countries as well as in Washington, DC. She has a Masters in National Security Studies from the National War College as well as degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.