DevDive

In conversation with Shayna Vayser, Low Income Program Manager at the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), where she leads the investment of millions of dollars in energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing across the District of Columbia. Her work at the intersection of emerging technology, equity, and sustainability includes serving as a Web3 Advisory Board Member at Salesforce, as well as the Senior Policy Advisor on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA).  In her role at UNA-NCA, Shayna leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Global Goals at Home program, which localizes the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in order to establish a proxy framework for data collection and analysis on sustainable development across DC, MD, and VA. Shayna earned her MA in International Relations from American University.

In this episode of DevDive, we delve into SDG 7 through Shayna's journey in the energy sector. We talk about the targets and challenges of the goal, the need to balance localisation with global targets, and the importance of collecting and using data effectively. We also discuss the relationship between energy and climate change.

In conversation with Julia Bauer on the 6th Sustainable Development Goal i.e. Clean Water and Sanitation. Julia started out as a hydrogeologist and modelled groundwater quality under an open dumping site. She went on to study Integrated Water Management and WASH with the International Water Centre in Brisbane, Australia. She continued her career in the international development sector working with the GIZ etc. and then moved to local, small NGOs, helping them in their efforts to get financial support for their locally adapted approaches. She has worked in South-East Asia, Nepal - Namibia and Tanzania. She worked on various projects with engineers without borders and small business schemes to empower local efforts, safeguard culturally unique approaches and protect local markets. She is currently working for TAUW, an Environmental Engineering Consultancy, on groundwater protection and climate change adaptation.

In this episode of DevDive, we discuss Julia's experiences in various countries and contexts, balancing localisation with this global goal, difference in approach taken by international organisations and local NGOs, the urgent need for groundwater protection, and what each of us can do to that effect. 

In conversation with Aanya Wig, Co-Founder of Girl Up Rise (now Her Haq). Aanya is a recent graduate from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi and a SUSI scholar, being one of the four girls nominated to represent India for a women's leadership fellowship with the US Department of State. She is the Co-Founder of Girl Up Rise, a youth-led collective working towards creating a world where no woman has to fight to make her voice heard. Aanya is also Programme Associate at Circle In, working on empowering women economically. She is also on the Young People’s Action team for UNICEF working towards empowering young people.

In this episode we talk about Aanya's early experiences that led her to work towards gender equality, her work on women's agency and their empowerment, and how she defines women's leadership. We also delve into the gendered impact of the pandemic and the way forward towards a more inclusive, equal world.  

In conversation with Oroma Kenneth, CEO and Co-Founder of EduBall- a community-based organization that uses the power of football to improve academic outcomes for children in underprivileged societies. He also leads Literacy Beyond Boundaries, a team of young writers that writes age, content and reading level appropriate books for children much older than the classes in which they are and are struggling with reading. Kenneth also co-leads the Teach For All community in Uganda which brings together teachers providing access to quality education in emergency settings.

In this episode of DevDive, the fourth of our series on the Sustainable Development Goals, we speak to Oroma about his growing up days in an Internally Displaced Camp and later attaining a higher education because his teachers believed in his abilities even in such situations. We also listen to his inspiring journey that led him to find his purpose in Education an his time at a rural primary school for two years under the Teach For Uganda fellowship program where he contributed to the reduction in school dropout levels from 16 in 33 children to 3 in 33 children and was awarded the distinguished fellow award for achieving high community and school impact. We speak about the potentially powerful role sports can play in bringing children to school and enhancing their learning. 

In conversation with Dr. Preeti Shakya, Founder and CEO of Maatri Nepal- a non-profit organization aiming to end maternal mortality by preventing maternal deaths owing to postpartum haemorrhage in Nepal. She is a physician, writer and social impact entrepreneur. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from Janaki Medical College, Tribhuvan University. She also founded Project In Her Hands— a volunteer initiative to combat menstrual stigma and promote menstrual equity in Nepal. Dr. Shakya is the recipient of the D-Prize Award. She was also awarded the Students Projects for Health Award for ‘Project In Her Hands’ in 2018. Project In Her Hands has also been recently recognized by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health to become a member of the AYSRH Global Program of Action Youth Coalition. A documentary film she directed titled ‘The Gods will be Angry’ was placed first runner up in the Global Impact Category at Connect Her Girls Impact the World Film Festival 2018.

In this episode of DevDive, she speaks to us about her early experiences that led her to work in the healthcare sector, her initiative for ensuring menstrual health and awareness, and her recent venture to prevent maternal deaths. She shares her insights on the impact of the pandemic on maternal health and mortality, and the need for all stakeholders to come together and address the problem. We conclude by asking Dr. Preeti to share her D-Dream with us. 

In conversation with Onome Ako, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Action Against Hunger Canada, an international humanitarian organization that fights hunger and its root causes worldwide. She has led initiatives in more than 20 countries with organizations including Amref Health Africa, World Vision Canada, AfricaRecruit (a program of the Commonwealth) and UNESCO-Regional Bureau for Education. She has an M.Sc. in Management of NGOs and Social Policy from the London School of Economics.She was named to the 2020 Canadian Women in Global Health list. She was also recognized as one of 2021 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, which spans the private, public and not-for-profit sectors and recognizes outstanding women across Canada.

In this episode, the second of our series on the SDGs, we speak to Onome about her work in addressing hunger and food insecurity. She shares her parents' efforts in helping the community around them get access to clean and safe drinking water, her journey in the development space, and her vision for Action Against Hunger. We also discuss the impact of covid-19 on global hunger, and what can be done by governments, organisations, communities, and individuals. 

In this episode, we- Anushna and Mehrin- are in a freewheeling conversation with each other about our development journeys, seasons 1 and 2 of DevDive, feminism, and our D-Dreams. 

In conversation with Simon Jeffrey, Policy Officer at Centre for Cities, UK. While overseeing the broader policy agenda, Simon is the policy lead on devolution and transport. He focuses on the introduction and development of metro mayors and how cities can improve urban mobility to support more jobs, more housing and higher wages. Simon joined Centre for Cities in 2013, originally working on the Centre’s events programme. He previously worked at the think tank Progress and has a degree in Politics at the University of York.

In this episode, he speaks to us about his interest in politics and processes, moving from the events to the policy team of his organisation and future plans. We also discuss the impact of covid-19 on urban transport and mobility and its long-term impact on the sector. 

In conversation with Kruti Munot, Project Manager at GIZ where she works with local governments in Africa on issues of climate change and urban development. She is a postgraduate in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Environmental Science. Based in Brussels, her interests lie in urban development, circular economy, and the role of financial institutions in driving sustainable development.

In this episode, she speaks to us about her interest in urban development, cities, and sustainability, her work in India, Europe, and Africa, and her plans to find and highlight interlinkages among sectors. 

In conversation with Masachs Boungou, a fourth-year doctoral student in Global Studies Program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he is developing his dissertation around a model of business entrepreneurial action that takes its point of departure in the entrepreneur’ personal disturbing experience and the role of the sensemaking associated to that personal disturbing experience. Prior to that, he majored in a dual masters’ degree in Sustainable International Development and Conflict Studies at Brandeis University, where he held a Fulbright Fellowship and founded the Brandeis University Fulbright Chapter. After his Fulbright Fellowship, he founded a Nunga Program, a social nonprofit organization for youth empowerment in Brazzaville, Congo. Masachs is recipient of the Award Grant for Social Change, the Pollination Project, 2020 and the New Leaders Group Award by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in 2018.

In this episode, he speaks to us about his growing up years, Fulbright experience, the process of applying for a PhD, and his future goals. About why the doctoral degree holds value both at a personal and family level, and words from his grandfather that inspire him. 

In conversation with Abhilash Puljal, a trained social scientist, a trade strategy and private sector development specialist and a certified management consultant. He has close to two decades of experience advising public and private sectors, multilaterals and industry associations in conceptualising and implementing sustainable ventures, developing business strategies, interpreting and advising on policy and regulatory matters across agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare and education verticals. He is passionate about developmental issues affecting the Global South. 

In this episode, he speaks to us about his growing up years, interest in numismatics and history, and his academic and professional experiences. About studying in the US, Australia, Russia, and the UK, and the takeaways during in the course of this journey. Also about how working in the development sector enables interactions with diverse peoples and communities, and the one skill that comes handy. 

In the first episode of the new year and our new series on careers in development, we are in conversation with Nauraiz Rana. Nauraiz is a development economist who works with the World Bank Group. He currently works on gender and economic inclusion for under-served groups in emerging markets. In addition to the world bank he has also worked for the United Nations Development Program, for the Government of Punjab (Pakistan) and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development undertaking development-oriented roles. His focus areas include private sector development, gender mainstreaming, and financial inclusion. Nauraiz holds a dual Master’s degree in Economic Development and Policy for the London School of Economics and Political Science and Columbia University. 

In this episode, he speaks to us about his intent to work in the development space early on, how he made the most of the opportunities of studying in two of the world's best educational institutions, and how he carved a niche in the wide world that development is. He speaks about the importance of field exposure and having an understanding of ground realities, and how evidence-based policies are the need of the hour. He also shares his views on gender inclusion and equality and why it is critical to all development goals. 

In conversation with Mr. Hashmatullah Hayat, Assistant Director at Aschiana based in Afghanistan. Aschiana (“nest” in Dari Farsi) was founded in 1995 to help war affected children and children working on the streets in Kabul, Afghanistan. Mr. Hayat has worked in the sector for more than 13 years. Since the outbreak of covid-19, he has been responsible for distribution of ration, food and sanitisation materials and masks which has benefited more than 15,000 families.

In this episode, he speaks to us about his organisation’s initial response to covid, how they started relief work, the trajectory of the pandemic and their response mechanism, and why social distancing would be more prudent than complete lockdown.

In conversation with Rogier Jansen, a private equity investment analyst based in London. His organisation focuses on care quality and care outcomes to service users. Rogier holds a Masters degree in Health Economics from The London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelors degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Amsterdam.

In this episode, he speaks to us about his journey in the healthcare sector, what private equity in healthcare means, and how the healthcare market interact with health policies, and how the public and private sectors partner to provide healthcare services. He also shared some insights on the impact of the pandemic on opportunities of PPPs in healthcare.

In conversation with Deidre Sully, a Public Health Advocate and Director of NYC Smoke-Free at Public Health Solutions, leading the program's mission to end the devastating tobacco epidemic and protect the health of all New Yorkers by expanding smoke-free protections for New York City. She also woks with Red Wrap, a community service initiative providing feminine hygiene supplies to homeless women, and liaises with NYC area shelters to host events to distribute donations. She aims to continue to work towards ensuring that people have equal and equitable opportunities in health and wellness. 

In this episode, she speaks to us about NYC Smoke-Free, how they convince stakeholders to contribute to the cause, bringing in regulatory changes, and the impact it has had on the residents and the city. She also speaks about her work in the menstrual health and hygiene space.  She shares the effect of the pandemic on her work as a public health advocate, how the ways of interacting and educating have changed, and how she aims to keep working for the cause of public health. 

In conversation with Giulia Elizabeth Presti, a mental health frontline worker. She studied Sociology & Psychology at University of Bangor in Wales- worked with Syrian refugees. She holds an MSc in Social & Cultural Psychology from The London School of Economics and Political Science. She has volunteered for mental health helplines for students and now works as a mental health support worker with people with one or several mental health conditions or drug/alcohol dependencies. She also works as a part-time horticultural therapy assistant, helping people with mental health conditions through gardening. 

In this episode, she speaks to us about her personal journey that drew her to work in the mental health space, her insights on how individual mental health is located in a social and economic context, and her work with various groups- migrants, refugees, women, and students. She shares her ideas about how institutions should support student wellbeing and why connectedness with nature can aid therapy.

In conversation with Farheen Rashid, Founder of With Love, We Care- an organisation working towards raising awareness about mental health and creating safe spaces for conversations on the subject. Farheen is a mental health social worker trained at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. Her aim is to create positive changes in the area of mental health and well-being. The vision of her organisation is to build a stigma-free society, where each individual is loved, accepted and valued. In this episode, she speaks to us about the idea behind With Love, We Care, the activities she conducts, and how she plans to help build a stigma free society. 

In conversation with Jaskiran Gill, Founder of Listening Inn, an initiative looking to create a sustainable model to cultivate listening skills in people, create the biggest network of active listeners and educate people on mental health. She speaks to us about what led to Listening Inn, the critical role of listening, and the importance of creating non-judgmental, safe spaces. 

In conversation with Prashant Lingam, a Social Entrepreneur from Hyderabad, India, and co-founder of Bamboo House India. His social venture works in sustainable bamboo-based livelihoods with an aim of utilizing bamboo as an economic driver for providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural and tribal communities at the base of the economic pyramid and use bamboo as an eco-friendly substitute to wood, steel, iron & plastic. He is credited with building the world's first Recycled Plastic House. Prashant's innovative social business models have been globally studied with universities including Harvard and Cornell researching his work. In this episode, he speaks about his journey from looking for a furniture for his new home to building bamboo houses, initial challenges, why bamboo is a sustainable alternative to wood, and how plastic is a resource that can be used to build homes. 

In conversation with Fozia Parveen, a postdoctoral fellow and an adjunct faculty at the Centre for Water Informatics and Technology (WIT) at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. She holds a PhD in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford. Her thesis was titled, Development of Lab-scale Forward Osmosis Membrane Bioreactor (FO-MBR) with Draw Solute Regeneration for Wastewater Treatment. She completed her bachelors and masters in Environmental Sciences from Fatima Jinnah Women University and National University of Science and Technology, Pakistan. She has also started a discussion and awareness forum called ‘Meer-e-Karwan’ where she emphasises on environmental problems and women rights, amongst other issues. In this episode, she speaks to us about her early days growing up close to nature, her observations and experiences of how the environment is often not taken care of in urban areas, and the the Rs we often hear in conversations around sustainability- reduce, reuse, and recycle, and how these are evolving. She also shares some potential solutions that individuals, organisations and governments can consider to do their bit in keeping the environment healthy and safe. 

In conversation with Katie Bernhard, an environment and development economist with substantial research experience in conservation and human rights. She currently works as a Statistician and Spatial Data Analyst with an international organisation, and has experience of working in Rwanda, Uganda, and Morocco. Katie holds a Masters degree in Environment and Development from The London School of Economics and Political Science. In this episode, she speaks to us about her personal, academic and professional journey into the field of sustainability, the relationship between sustainable development and human rights, the conceptualisation of sustainability, and the impact of colonial histories on development projects. 

Disclaimer by the Guest- All views are my own and do not represent those of my present or past employers. 

In conversation with Hayat Mirshad, a feminist activist, journalist, trainer and communications and advocacy. She holds a diploma in Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance (GDHA) from the Lebanese American University, Beirut and a Bachelor's in English literature from the Lebanese University. Hayat is an advocate for women and girls’ rights, coordinating and leading various projects and campaigns in Lebanon. She is a co-founder and co-director at FE-MALE, a non-profit feminist collective, and Head of communications and campaigning at the Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering- RDFL, a women’s rights organization working for gender equality in Lebanon. In this episode, she speaks to us about manifestations of gender inequality, the role of communities and leaders, and feminism as a lifestyle. 

In conversation with Kosar Bano, a Gender and Adaptation Specialist based in Nepal. She holds a Masters in Gender and Development studies from Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex with the Chevening scholarship. She speaks to us about her experience of being an educator to working with women in traditional communities, the need to look beyond stereotypes and generalisations, the diversity within genders, the role of women and communities in development projects, and how anti-sexual harassment policies work in the unorganised sector. 

In conversation with Tashnuva Anan, a trans activist, performer and writer based in Bangladesh. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from National University of Bangladesh and is currently working as a Case Management Officer at Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program, a community based migrants organisation. In this episode of DevDive, she speaks to us about her decision to join the development sector, issues and challenges trans communities face, how they have been aggravated by the current pandemic, the importance of the #MeToo movement for trans communities, and her efforts to create a community of committed citizens working towards an inclusive and sustainable model of development. 

In conversation with Ms. Divya Dutt, an early childhood educator based in India. She speaks to us about her journey into the ECE space, experiences of working in the public and private sectors, the role of parent partnerships, and the importance of acknowledging linguistic and cultural backgrounds of children. 

In this first episode of DevDive, we talk about how and why we started this podcast. We share our respective journeys into the field of development, our collaborations, and our plans for DevDive. 

We hope to make this a space where we engage with each other and explore development in all its hues and expanse, and would love to hear from you- comments, suggestions, ideas for our future episodes and, most of all, your experiences! Thank you for listening in!