Ilona Drozdov is an expert in maritime security andinternational affairs, with over 12 years of experience leading strategic initiatives that connect innovative technology, public policy, and global cooperation. She has held leading strategic roles in both the public and private sectors, including Project Manager Officer at Ashdod Port and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at a homeland security and defense firm.

As Strategic Advisor to the Israeli Tax Authority and Ministry of Finance in Brussels, and later as Head of Section in the International Affairs Department of the Customs Directorate, Ilona led diplomatic, security, and economic collaborations with governmental bodies and international bodies including the European Union, WTO, and INTERPOL. She managed bilateral agreements and represented Israel at the World Customs Organization and in official forums across Europe.

Ilona serves as a reservist at Israel’s National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and as a team commander in an urban rescue unit, contributing to national emergency planning and crisis response. She chairs the International Committee of Forum Dvorah: Women in Foreign Policy and National Security, advancing global partnerships and visibility for Israeli women in international affairs and security.

She is a published contributor and speaker on maritime cybersecurity, defense innovation, and international cooperation, and leads strategic initiatives across Europe, South America, and Asia. Ilona holds a BA in International Relations, Homeland Security, and Counter-Terrorism, and an MA in Diplomacy and Conflict Studies from Reichman University, as well as an MA in Maritime Security and Strategy from the University of Haifa. She is fluent in Hebrew, English, Ukrainian, and Russian.