Student Profiles

I worked with the American Red Cross (ARC) as an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Coordinator. I was deployed with them both times for Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and Hurricane Michael in Florida. I worked with volunteers to ensure the delivery of food and snacks to victims. As an ERV coordinator, I helped map affected populations, determine logistics for supplies and volunteers, and assign ERV teams to those locations. 

My time working with the ARC has been very beneficial to my learning. I was able to apply the skills and knowledge I learned from the program to create an efficient response. I would encourage those in the CIDP program to engage themselves in volunteer work. It helps to understand all the tools we are learning in school and to be able to apply it in real life situations. 

Why I Chose CIDP:

The CIDP program provides a broad understanding of humanitarian aid and development. It allows for various opportunities at different levels of service. Whether it be working with refugees, at risk youth, vulnerable populations, politics, or environmental conservation, the CIDP prepares individuals for service to those in need. 

FEMA provides help and support to people in the midst of an emergency situation and those dealing with the aftermath. Reservists are brought to the site to assist in federally declared disaster operations. PA specialists will conduct site inspections of claimed disaster-related damage, public infrastructure.

I enjoy what I am doing because I play small part in the recovery effort after a disaster or major humanitarian crisis where as the community has lost everything. As a site Inspector my job is to assess what was lost so the applicant can get reimbursed for such lost or damaged items. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to help people and through God " Get them to the new normal again"

Word of encouragement:

On the road of academia we tend to get weighted down with readings, writings and researching midway through grad school. Many of you chose this program because you want to make a lasting impact on education, health, policymaking, emergency management, or other significant area, in some shape or form and apply them into development being it international or in your own community. A professor once told me “always remember your first love”.

As students we sometimes loose site of what made us seek out this program. I truly believe that our path in this life is ordained, and things don’t just happen. Wheel have been set in motion since were placed here, and you, choosing this program and being accepted into it have bookmarked an important chapter in a book of challenges, setbacks, achievements and professional success; at your at AU, there will be many of those to share with your peers, professors and family members. Hold on tight to that “First Love” Stay focus on your goals no matter how long it will take you to accomplish your dream!

What I love About My Job:

I have a unique opportunity that allows my voice to be heard in key decision-making processes. Many times, the element of stress is present, but that means that people are counting on me to get the job done. I like that because it means that I bring value to my company. I’m happy that I do not work for a nonprofit, but for a social business, here’s why:

• I can make a bigger income.
• I think it’s important to show people that you don’t have to settle for less when you do the right thing. In a utopian world, the companies that did the most good for society, would be the ones generating the most revenue. That’s something I’m striving for.
• We are able to have a sustainable business model and are able to attract top flight talent.
• The more of a social impact we make, the more profit we generate. Conversely; the more profit we generate, the greater our social impact becomes. It’s a symbiotic relationship.

Why I Chose CIDP:

I chose CIDP because when I was pursuing my Bachelors in Psychology, I saw a video of North Korean refugees escaping to China only to be sold into sex slavery. Though they were eventually rescued, I wondered if there were any resources to help them cope with the massive trauma they experienced. I am from Dominica as well, and I have seen sexual assault issues slip through the cracks of the law. This fuelled my passion to learn more about how development works and if there is anything that could be done to alleviate this.

Experience:

Before this degree, I had zero experience, but being in CIDP opened doors to new opportunities such as the Madagascar Study Tour and the Puerto Rico Mental Health Mission Trip. I also got a chance to intern at ASAP Ministries, who helps the persecuted and vulnerable in Southeast Asia.

Career Goals:

I would like to further my education so I can offer psychosocial care to women and children, and ultimately influence policy changes to reduce rates of gender-based violence and protect women and children, in my home country and the world.

What I love About My Job:

I have been working with The Asia Foundation for 4 years and have enjoyed every moment of it.

Working with individuals that are considered leading experts on issues of governance, economic development, environment, gender and social issues has prompted me to continue my personal development and enlarged my personal and professional curiosity.

I love being in a position to engage global and regional experts in new and exciting ways of doing development such as utilization of technology and involvement of the private sector to address long-standing development issues.

Finally, even though as a student I envisioned myself working in the Middle East, being located in the South East Asia for the last 7 years and witnessing the transformation a number of the countries are going through has been a remarkable experience and I am truly excited to see what the future will bring to this amazing part of the world and how development work can adapt to it and reinvent its unique role in the ever changing world we live in.

Tips for Success:

Use your time wisely.

You might be starting the program or be half-way through it, but it will be over in a split of a second. Try to get the most from your teachers, engage in community work, read about development challenges and solutions others are working on, stay informed, do not be afraid to “go out” and meet others – network, and finally maximize your school breaks to get some practical experience through internships and voluntary work as this will be your way into development world once you graduate.