Diaspora in Development

Today's guest is Svetlana Chigozie Onye, a British-Nigerian climate journalist, writer, and advocate whose work bridges environmental justice, mental health, and storytelling across the Global South. She leads The Eco-Anxiety Africa Project(TEAP), an initiative that explores the psychological toll of climate change on African communities through intergenerational dialogues, climate cafés, andyouth-led training programs in Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. Svetlana's efforts have garnered international recognition, including her participation as a delegate at the Skoll World Forum and COP29, where she emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health into climate policy discussions. With a background in creative writing and human rights, Svetlana employs storytelling as a powerful tool to humanize climate narratives,. Her journalism delves into systemic environmental challenges, such as the impact of foreignindustrial activities on local ecosystems and the gendered dimensions of climate degradation. Through her multifaceted work, Svetlana advocates for accessible climate education and the amplification of underrepresented voices in environmental discourse. In the podcast episode, Svetlana shares her perspective on the intersection of climate change, education, and policy, particularly in African contexts. Explains the concept of Eco-Anxiety and talks about the need for localized climate education and advocates.

In this episode we speak to Marina Kobveza, is the Director of Programmes and Partnerships at MapAction. She is a humanitarian leader with 20 years of experience, here on the show to discuss everything from the impact of George Floyd's murder to the need for data to be evidenced with empathetic narratives.Marina introduces you to her own career in humanitarian aid through her lived experience. As a child in Azerbaijan, that first encounter with humanitarian aid, inspired her to put her energies into one of her first career choices, The Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She has seen first-hand, how large international agencies have failed to support those most in-need with ineffective leadership and bloated internal structures.On the show, she gets to the heart of decolonising narratives in aid and supporting narratives that use data, to inform and persuade, keeping human experience at the centre of aid. Some of the areas we'll cover on the episode are:·      The challenges in humanitarian aid and its ethical considerations·      The decolonisation process in humanitarian aid·      The impact of identity and keeping immigrant influences at the centre of her work·      What solutions we have when aid budgets are cut in traditional supporting countries·      How the humanitarian system needs to become leaner to benefit from diaspora funding·      How there has been a growing recognition for mental health support among aid workers As the international humanitarian aid sector is rocked by shockwaves from the US and across the western world, what solutions are there? How do you lead with empathy? Continue to humanize communities? Lead with dignity that promotes sustained support? Marina tackles this and more on Diaspora in Development. The opinions shared on this forum are the opinions of the individuals and are not the opinions of the organizations and institutes that they work for

In this episode of Diaspora in Development, we sit down with Andhira Yousef, an independent researcher dedicated to elevating refugee-led research in East Africa. With collaborations spanning Oxford University's Refugee Hub, Columbia University, and ODI, Andhira has worked extensively on documenting grassroots refugee-led organizations and improving energy access in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. She shares insights on how community-driven research shapes impactful policies and programs, emphasizing the need for genuine participation over tokenization Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how the power of meaningful engagement can transform the refugee experience.

In this episode we speak to Themrise Khan, an independent analyst, writer and researcher. Her insight challenges much of the conventional wisdom surrounding foreign aid. Does it have the impact that we'd like or is it perpetuating and supporting existing infrastructure issues? From post-World War II reconstruction efforts to the significant financial aid given to Pakistan after 9/11, we unravel the complex relationship between development aid and foreign policy. Themrise looks at some of the critical differences between development and humanitarian aid, drawing forth her own and many other women's experiences of working i n international development-based roles. From the political to the personal, through our reflections, we uncover some of the highs and lows of working international development. From the inspiring legacy of humanitarians like Molana Abdul Sattar Edhi to the frustrations of stalled progress. This interview takes a hard look at migration, a constant feature of our headlines, and dissects the economic motivations of aid and the often hostile reception migrants face in host countries. For the diaspora, the episode emphasize responsible engagement and the importance of supporting their homelands thoughtfully. The opinions shared on this forum are the opinions of the individuals and are not the opinions of the organizations and institutes that they work for. You can find Themrise Khan Youtube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/@themrisetalks  

We speak to Dr. Bashair Ahmed about her career and Humanitarian Organization Shabaka. We delve into the role of diaspora engagement in development and humanitarian response. Dr. Ahmed has an illustrious career having worked with United Nations agencies and international organizations focused on fragile and conflict-affected countries. Dr. Ahmed has consulted on a wide range of migration and diaspora initiatives, including protecting irregular migrants; the development of e-trainings on humanitarian principles for diaspora organizations; and guiding diaspora engagement in development and humanitarian response. Bashair holds a doctorate in Migration Studies from the University of Sussex, where she is also currently a Research Associate, Find more about Shabaka here: https://shabaka.org/

In honor of Caribbean Heritage, we speak to trailblazer Dr. Adelle Thomas Adaptation Lead at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Vice Chair of Working Group II for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Adelle made history by becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean scientist and the First Female Caribbean Scientist to be elected to the panel.  Adelle took a pragmatic approach to her studies, which led her to be a leading voice on the climate challenges facing the Caribbean. We apologize this episode has some sound issues that could not be addressed in editing.

In honor of Haitian Heritage Month and Haitian Flag Day, Diaspora in Development brings you something different! We speak to singer-songwriter Sherlee Skai about the role artists can play in shedding light on injustices at home or to their communities worldwide. Born and raised in Haiti, Sherlee Skai's journey into the world of music began at a young age. Surrounded by the rich tapestry of Haitian culture and folklore, she was captivated by the rhythmic beats of traditional music and the soul-stirring melodies of jazz and soul. Drawing inspiration from her cultural heritage, Sherlee embarked on a musical odyssey that would shape her identity as an artist, activist, and educator. Fuelled by a passion for social justice and equality, Sherlee Skai emerged as a powerful voice for change within her community and beyond. Drawing upon her own experiences as a Haitian woman navigating the complexities of identity and belonging, she used her platform as an artist to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the marginalized. Through her music and activism, Sherlee Skai became a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, challenging societal norms and advocating for greater inclusivity, representation, and empowerment. You can listen to Sherlee's music on her YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUVbOBK7lPqrV7_I748ToYw and on Spotify

My guest today is  Dr. Claudine Kuradusenge-McLeod. Claudine is a Professiorial Lecturer  and the Director  of Graduate Studies at American University in the School of International Service. She lectures on Human Rights and Cultural Relations.  Claudine specializes in genocide studies and the intersection of Diaspora consciousness and social mobilization. She is the  2023 Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Distinguished Scholar for "Erasing Refugees: How Camps Became Killing Fields in the First Congo War," a joint project with Dr. Chris Davey.  You can find out more about Claudine's work here: https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/kuraduse.cfm The opinions shared on this forum are the opinions of the individuals and are not the opinions of the organizations and institutes that they work for.

Happy Black History Month - We talk with Adria Armbrister about her illustrious career in Global Health. It's a candid conversation about race and global equity and whether international development can work. She is currently a Foundation Representative at the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), a small U.S. Government agency that provides grants to community-based organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Armbrister also maintains a consulting practice under which she has provided expertise for the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, UN Women, UNICEF Ethiopia, the Global Health Council, and Chemonics, among others. Since 2018, Dr. Armbrister has also been an instructor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University in the City of New York.  Previously, she worked for nearly a decade as a Social Development Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), most of which she was stationed in Colombia and Peru. Dr. Armbrister holds a BA in history-sociology from Columbia College, Columbia University; a master's degree in International Relations and Economics from SAIS Johns Hopkins University; and a PhD from the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University.

On the first episode of 2024, we talk about climate change with Blessing Ewe and Sequoia Riley. We caught Blessing on her return from COP 28. We discuss how climate change disproportionately affects people of color, climate change research and what we can do to combat climate change. Dr. Sequoia Riley is a Research Associate at HARC, focusing on the Water-Climate-Energy nexus. Her research specializations and interests include urban environmental planning and management, green infrastructure, flood disaster risk management, adaptive governance, and environmental justice efforts in the context of urban and rural flood sustainability and resilience. She earned a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa where she worked as a graduate research associate and later as a post-doc fellow at the National Preparedness Disaster Training Center (NDPTC). Dr. Riley received her M.Sc. in Marine Resource Management from Texas A&M University-Galveston and a B.Sc. in Marine Science (with a minor in applied mathematics) from Coastal Carolina University.  You can find out more about HARC here.   Blessing Ewa is a passionate advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, a youth and community engagement expert, and an active contributor to the global effort to combat climate change. In her role as the West Africa Coordinator for Net Zero As Soon As Possible (NZASAP), she works towards promoting climate action within workplaces across Africa, where she strives to make a significant impact on the way businesses approach sustainability and environmental responsibility towards the 2060 agenda for achieving Net Zero. She is also the founder of Young Advocates for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future (YASIF) Nigeria, YASIF Nigeria, under her leadership, has trained over 500 youths and 1000 women on climate change adaptation and mitigation with an emphasis on waste management as a means to combat climate change, which has successfully evacuated over 5000 kilograms of plastics.   You can find more about Blessing Ewe here You can find more about YASIF here The opinions shared on this forum are the opinions of the individuals and are not the opinions of the organizations and institutes that they work for.

This month I speak to France Francois a social impact leader who is currently the Director of Global Community management at TikTok and the Founder and former Executive Director of In Cultured Company, an organization committed to racial equality and transforming legacies of conflict between Black and Latinx leaders and communities. We talk about France's transition from International Development to the Private Sector, and if International Development works. It's a great conversation enjoy! You can find out more about France at https://francefrancois.com/ The opinions shared on this forum are the opinions of the individuals and are not the opinions of the organizations and institutes that they work for.

In our third episode will be speaking to Christa Michaud from Partners in Health. Christa is a Senior Development Officer on the Major and Principal Gifts team at Partners In Health, a social justice nonprofit that provides high quality health care to those who need it most. In addition to helping generate the funding needed to support PIH's mission, Christa also contributes to several of the organizations Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector 13 years ago, Christa spent more than a decade working at marketing communications firms across the Midwest, developing and managing multi-million-dollar advertising, public relations, and global brand campaigns.   A native of St. Louis, MO, Christa has been a Miami Beach resident for seven years. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Christa is a member of the Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and 100+ Women Who Care Miami Beach. You can find out more about Partners in Health here: https://www.pih.org/

In this Episode we speak to Dave Fils- Aime Founder and Executive Director of Basketball to Uplift the Youth (BAL) a non-profit organization that uses basketball as a tool to educate and mentor Haitian youth.  Dave left a promising career in International Development to concentrate on BAL. He will talk about his career trajectory and how he keeps BAL running during exceptionally difficult times in Haiti. The opinions shared on this forum are the opinions of the individuals and are not the opinions of the organizations and institutes that they work for.

My first guest is Anick Silencieux, founder and executive director of Support Black Charities.  Support Black Charities is an online directory that connects Black-led, Black focus or Black-serving organizations to supporters and allies in the community.  Anick and I will talk about her organization and what led her to create Support Black Charities. For more about Support Black Charities, check out their website: https://supportblackcharities.org/ Host: Soraya Senosier - Music and editing: Rukayato-fiverr The opinions shared on this podcast are the opinions of the individuals and are not the opinions of the organizations and institutes that they work for.