My passion for international humanitarian work was ignited through what can only be described as an utter upheaval.Raised in western Missouri, Korea and Japan, the trajectory of my life pivoted 180 degrees when I enrolled in an Introduction to Women’s Studies course at Kansas State University. It was a reckoning, and in the next 15 years I would live and work in more than 30 countries—from volunteering in Guatemala with women weavers struggling to make ends meet, to managing humanitarian programs in Latin America implemented by grassroots organizations, to teaching university courses on gender equity and international development, to coordinating strategic partnerships for peace. While strongly identifying with my midwestern roots, I consider myself a global citizen and have dedicated my career to ensuring the lived realities of communities are represented and heard, grassroots organizations have access to resources, and philanthropies provide this support in a respectful and impactful way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that international development must have a business case. Practically, this means I focus on: • Forging strategic relationships among businesses, NGOs, funders, and civil society organizations;• Creating structures and processes that facilitate information sharing, progress tracking, and networking;• Building the capacity of clients to evaluate program effectiveness, understand relevant business and social contexts, attract new funding sources or grow market share, and support local economic development; and• Presenting at conferences in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.Currently based in Mexico City, I’m always open to talking about opportunities to advance community and economic development, support gender equity, facilitate partnerships, and build peace around the world. Reach me at 785-236-8533 or summer@truerootsinternational.org.
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