The Social Change Career Podcast

Take a listen to Season 14, Episode 2 of the Social Change Career Podcast featuring Allwell Akhigbe, a leading nonprofit fundraising consultant with extensive experience mobilizing resources for African NGOs, international organizations, and social enterprises. Why Tune In? Learn practical strategies for resource mobilization and financial sustainability for African NGOs. Explore how local nonprofits can strengthen fundraising capacity to access global funding and thrive. Gain insights into donor cycles, grant writing, and business development tailored for the Global South. Learn the skills needed to build a career connected to resource development Bio Allwell Akhigbe is a nonprofit fundraising consultant with more than eight years of experience leading resource mobilization for various international development organizations, including local African nonprofits, international NGOs at their African country offices, and U.S.-based organizations. He has secured millions of dollars in funding from major government donors in the US, UK, and European Union, as well as from UN agencies and American foundations. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Travaille Ensemble, an African-led social enterprise that supports African nonprofits and social enterprises through grant writing, fundraising strategic planning, business development training, and donor research. His weekly LinkedIn series, #FundraiseWithAllwell, has reached more than 30,000 nonprofit beneficiaries over the last 35 weeks, democratizing access to actionable fundraising strategies for Global South organizations. He holds an MBA from Nexford University (Washington D.C.) and a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies (University of Ibadan, Nigeria). He specializes in: Capture management and donor cycle strategy Business development and grant writing Fundraising strategy execution Upskilling & Impact Resources from the Podcast ProFellow Academic & professional fellowships Humanitarian Leadership Academy Free humanitarian training Acumen Academy Social enterprise courses Philanthropy University Nonprofit capacity building SID-Washington International development network DevEx Global development careers & news Alliance Magazine Philanthropy & social impact GIIN Scaling impact investing Grant Writing & Funding Grants & nonprofit growth Grant Writing Simplified Podcast Coursera Online courses in various fields LinkedIn Learning Upskilling courses across sectors edX Courses from top institutions Maven Cohort-based courses in a wide variety of sectors and skills. CIVICUS Civil society & activism Perplexity.AI AI-powered search TrustAfrica Africa-focused philanthropy PCDN Resources Make your inbox amazing with our new Career Digest subscription option for less than the cost a cup of coffee per month. Like our Weekly Free Newsletter, but with even more value. Delivered 5–6 days a week, you’ll get over 200 human curated opportunities every month—including jobs, fellowships, funding options, impact news, socent opps trainings, remote roles and more. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance, this digest provides the world’s best human-curated impact opportunities to fuel your career. Interested in subscribing for a group or organization. Get in contact. Other Terrific PCDN Resources. Social Change Career Podcast: Access over 170 episodes featuring changemakers worldwide. Available at https://pcdn.global/listen or any major podcast platform. Sign up for our Free AI for Impact Newsletter - Get amazing AI for Impact jobs, funding, consultancies, tools, tips and ethical insights. PCDN Free Weekly Impact Newsletter: Explore global social impact jobs, funding, and opportunities. Sign up here

Join us for Season 14, Episode 1 of the Social Change Career Podcast which features Pravin Rodrigues, an accomplished impact investor and business leader, who shares insights on creating purpose-driven ventures that tackle global challenges while delivering financial returns. Whether you're an aspiring changemaker or a seasoned professional looking to align your career with your values, this conversation offers practical advice and fresh perspectives. Why Take a Listen? Discover strategies for navigating and growing in the evolving field of impact careers. Learn practical advice on aligning your values with professional goals. Gain insights into scaling businesses that drive social and environmental change. Understand how impact investing creates both measurable results and financial returns. Bio: Pravin Rodrigues is a multidisciplinary business leader and impact investor with extensive experience in creating positive organizational change and building sustainable business value. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Espera Ventures, he leads investments in early-growth enterprises that contribute to sustainable development while pursuing strong financial returns. With expertise spanning financial services, clean technology, healthcare, and retail, Pravin has spent decades advising and scaling purpose-driven organizations. He is also the Founder and Principal of Mentis Management Solutions, which provides strategy and advisory services for large-scale transformations. Additionally, through his work at Path & Purpose, he helps young people discover their purpose and build impactful career paths. Resources mentioned in the podcast BioPlaster Research (Mexico): Transforming sargassum algae into biodegradable materials to combat pollution. Refurbi (Colombia): A marketplace offering refurbished electronics, promoting sustainability and affordability. SmartBeemo (USA/Miami): Empowering Latin American entrepreneurs with e-commerce education and solutions. PCDN.global – Professional network and resources for impact careers. Espera Ventures – Impact investment firm focused on Latin America. Path and Purpose – Program helping young people discover purpose-driven careers. Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA) – Youth leadership development organization. University of Cambridge – Offers a Sustainability Master's Program. Global Alliance for Banking on Values – Network promoting sustainable banking. Amalgamated Bank – B Corp-certified bank focused on social responsibility. Triodos Bank – Sustainable banking institution. Blue Dot – Organization offering AI courses and upskilling opps. The Fourth Turning – Book recommendation. PCDN Resources Make your inbox amazing with our new Career Digest subscription option for less than the cost a cup of coffee per month. Like our Weekly Free Newsletter, but with even more value. Delivered 5–6 days a week, you’ll get over 200 human curated opportunities every month—including jobs, fellowships, funding options, impact news, socent opps trainings, remote roles and more. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance, this digest provides the world’s best human-curated impact opportunities to fuel your career. Interested in subscribing for a group or organization. Get in contact. Sign up for our Free AI for Impact Newsletter - Get amazing AI for Impact jobs, funding, consultancies, tools, tips and ethical insights. PCDN Free Weekly Impact Newsletter: Explore global social impact jobs, funding, and opportunities. Sign up here Social Change Career Podcast: Access over 170 episodes featuring changemakers worldwide. Available at https://pcdn.global/listen or any major podcast platform.    

This  episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a powerful conversation with Mike Brand, a leader in atrocity prevention and human rights advocacy. As the final episode of 2024, this discussion dives deep into careers at the intersection of peacebuilding, advocacy, and strategic change-making. Mike  brings years of expertise, having worked across the U.S., Rwanda, South Sudan, and other conflict zones. He has supported civil society organizations with strategic planning, program development, and policy advocacy. Currently, Mike teaches mass atrocity prevention at Georgetown University and the University of Connecticut. Why Listen to This Episode? Career Advice for Changemakers Mike offers practical tips for navigating careers in advocacy, human rights, and peacebuilding. Whether you're just starting or looking to pivot, his insights can help you identify the right path and build meaningful connections. From Medical Aspirations to Advocacy Leadership Learn how Mike transitioned from aspiring to join Doctors Without Borders to becoming a leader in atrocity prevention, fueled by personal experiences and a deep sense of purpose. Insights into Advocacy Discover the many layers of advocacy work, from grassroots organizing to influencing policymakers in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Navigating Complex Challenges Hear Mike's perspective on working with civil society in high-risk zones and addressing ethical dilemmas in funding and program implementation. Optimism Amid Darkness Despite the challenges of atrocity prevention, Mike shares how hope and idealism remain central to driving positive change. Bio: Mike Brand is a human rights, atrocities prevention, and peacebuilding professional with experience in policy, advocacy, organizing, and education. Throughout his career, Mike has worked for various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the United States, Rwanda, and South Sudan, and has done fieldwork in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Mike supports civil society organizations and diaspora networks in strategic planning, program development, and achieving their advocacy and organizing objectives. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, national and international publications, and has been quoted in international news outlets as an expert in his field. Mike is also an Adjunct Professor of mass atrocities prevention and human rights at Georgetown University and the University of Connecticut. He holds a Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, with a concentration in human rights and atrocities prevention, and Bachelors of Arts in History and Political Science with a minor in human rights from the University of Connecticut. Resources  Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA): A non-profit organization of Sudanese-American medical professionals providing humanitarian aid and healthcare services in Sudan. Visit SAPA Rotary Peace Fellowship: Offers fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders to study at Rotary Peace Centers, focusing on peace and development issues. Learn more about Rotary Peace Fellowship Scoville Peace Fellowship: Provides recent college and graduate school alumni with the opportunity to work with organizations in Washington, D.C., on international peace and security issues. Discover the Scoville Fellowship International Crisis Group: An independent organization working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world. Explore the International Crisis Group Global Dispatches Podcast: Hosted by Mark Leon Goldberg, this podcast offers insights into foreign policy, geopolitics, sustainable development, and the United Nations. Listen to Global Dispatches PCDN Resources PCDN Free Weekly Impact Newsletter: Explore global social impact jobs, funding, and opportunities. Sign up here Social Change Career Podcast: Access over 170 episodes featuring changemakers worldwide. Available at https://pcdn.global/listen or any major podcast platform.  

This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast dives into the world of climate and sustainability careers with Evan Hynes, co-founder and CEO of ClimateBase. ClimateBase is a global platform connecting people to impactful jobs, resources, and a community of climate professionals. Evan shares his journey from entrepreneur to climate advocate, offers practical advice for breaking into the sector, and discusses how ClimateBase empowers individuals to build purpose-driven careers. Note, Climatebase ran a small sponsored post in PCDN's Newsletter and Linkedin Channels to help recruit for their cohort seven of the ClimateBase Fellowship in Dec 2024. But we would host this episode regardless as the platform is one of the world's top resources for changemakers.  Why Take a Listen? Diverse Opportunities: Climate careers aren’t just for scientists. Roles span fields like marketing, engineering, policy, sales, and more. Leverage What You Know: Transition into climate work by applying existing skills, with minimal need for reskilling. Avoid Greenwashing: Identify organizations making real impact and avoid those with misleading sustainability claims. Inside ClimateBase: Learn how this platform connects people to over 55,000 vetted climate jobs, professional development, and a supportive community. Networking and Literacy: Gain tips for building climate knowledge and professional connections to succeed in this rapidly growing sector. This episode offers practical insights for anyone passionate about contributing to the fight against climate change. 🌱 About Evan Hynes Evan Hynes is the co-founder and CEO of ClimateBase, a platform connecting professionals to climate and sustainability jobs. He also organizes San Francisco Climate Week, one of the largest global events for climate innovation. With a background in art, entrepreneurship, and education, Evan is dedicated to helping individuals build impactful careers that address the climate crisis. Resources from This Episode ClimateBase: Discover 55,000+ vetted climate jobs and career resources ClimateBase Fellowship: A career accelerator for professionals transitioning to or advancing in climate work: climatebase.org/fellowship. San Francisco Climate Week: Happening April 19–27, 2025. Learn more: sfclimateweek.org. Project Drawdown: Explore actionable solutions to reduce emissions and greate resource on climate careers.  776 Fellowship - A Two year Program for young people who want to build a better future.  Fellows receive a $100,000 grant and support from the Seven Seven Six network. RippleWorks: Mission is to provide practical support to entrepreneurs and their teams need to scale faster and improve more lives.    PCDN Resources PCDN Free Weekly Impact Newsletter: Get the latest social impact jobs, funding, and opportunities delivered to your inbox. Sign up here Sign up for our new Free AI for Impact Weekly Free Newsletter.  Social Change Career Podcast: Explore over 170+ episodes featuring global changemakers. Available on PCDN.Global or any major podcasting platform.  

Take a listen to this engaging episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Kat James, a leading development and tech innovator, certified drone pilot and founder of Four Hundred Feet, a Nairobi-based consultancy dedicated to advancing impactful uses of drone technology. Kat shares her unique journey into the drone industry and offers insights into how drones are transforming sectors such as public health, environmental conservation, and precision agriculture. Why Tune In? Careers in Drone Technology: Explore how to enter the fast-growing field of drones for social impact, from mapping and medical deliveries to policy and program design. Diverse Career Paths in the Drone Sector: Whether you’re a techie interested in engineering and coding or focused on project management, policy, or communications, Kat highlights how drones offer opportunities for a wide range of professionals. Transformative Applications: Learn about drones being used for landmine detection, targeted malaria intervention, and precision agriculture, illustrating the potential for technology to drive meaningful change. Breaking Barriers in Tech: Hear Kat's perspective on increasing diversity in the drone industry and her efforts to reduce barriers such as training and licensing costs. Ethical Considerations: Gain insights into the challenges of ensuring ethical and impactful uses of drones, and the importance of addressing the digital divide in this evolving field. About Kat James Kat James is the founder of Four Hundred Feet a drone consultancy based in Nairobi, Kenya, working to amplify the impact of NGOs, researchers, and social good organizations. She is a certified drone pilot with credentials from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the US FAA. With a dual master's degree in public health and information science, Kat is passionate about leveraging drone technology for social good and serves on the advisory boards of initiatives like the Commercial UAV Expo's Path to Leadership Program and DroneDeploy's Resilient Futures Grant Program. Key Resources from the Episode Four Hundred Feet: Learn more about Kat’s consultancy supporting impactful drone applications. Subscribe to Kat's Drones for Good Weekly Newsletter 150+ Drone Courses: Access Kat’s curated list of courses, from beginner tutorials to sector-specific training: Drone Course Resource. Drones Doing Good Alliance: Explore their work and read the insightful report, What's Ethics Got to Do With It?: Drones Doing Good Alliance. Flying Labs: We are a global network of independent local knowledge hubs convening local experts in professional drone, data and AI services for social good. WeRobotics: supports and connects local experts in drone, data and AI technologies.  PCDN Resources Sign up for the PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter: Get the world’s best jobs, funding, and opportunities in social impact. Subscribe here. Explore over 170+ episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast: Available on PCDN.Global or any major podcasting platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!  

Building a Future-Proof Career as a Changemaker with Mentor Dida Take a listen to this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Mentor Dida, a changemaker, educator, and futurist dedicated to empowering individuals to create lasting impact. Mentor shares his inspiring journey from Kosovo to becoming the Global Futurist in Residence at Arizona State University’s College of Global Futures, where he bridges changemakers with transformative opportunities. Why Take a Listen? Building a Future-Proof Career: Learn how to thrive in evolving fields like sustainability and innovation while making a meaningful impact. Changemaking and Collaboration: Discover the power of facilitation, collaboration, and resourcefulness in advancing impactful initiatives. Lessons in Resilience: Hear Mentor's deeply personal story of growing up in Kosovo, overcoming challenges, and turning adversity into a career in global changemaking. Navigating Career Challenges: Gain insights into balancing personal well-being, career growth, and the realities of working in social impact sectors. About Mentor Dida Mentor Dida is a changemaker, educator, and facilitator committed to creating spaces for transformative learning and action. Currently, he serves as the Global Futurist in Residence at Arizona State University’s College of Global Futures, where he connects students and partners with opportunities in fields like sustainability, innovation, and societal transformation. Previously, he scaled the Spiritual Changemakers Initiative globally at Ashoka, led Youth Venture, and co-founded Changemaker Allies, a platform focused on creating transformative learning spaces. His work draws from a deeply personal connection to the power of resilience, shaped by his experiences growing up in Kosovo. Key Resources from the Episode Changemaker Allies: Explore their workshops and resources for transformative facilitation: Changemaker Allies Website Arizona State University, College of Global Futures: Learn about their innovative degrees in sustainability and societal change: ASU Global Futures Priya Parker’s "The Art of Gathering": A must-read book on intentional and transformative group facilitation: The Art of Gathering Sacred Design Lab: Tools for creating meaningful and intentional spaces: Sacred Design Lab PCDN Resources Get more curated jobs, funding, and career insights in social impact by signing up for the free PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter. Sign up here. Explore over 170+ episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast on PCDN.Global or any major podcasting platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you find the episodes meaningful.

Finding Your Path to Purpose with Sowmya Ayyar Take a listen to Episode 7, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Sowmya Ayyar, founder of the Praful Urja Charitable Foundation and Senior Research Scholar at the Malaviya Center for Peace Research. In this episode, Sowmya shares her inspiring journey of building a purpose-driven career, empowering communities with yoga, and exploring the role of spiritual women's communities in peacebuilding and diplomacy. Why Take a Listen? Build a Purpose-Driven Career: Explore how to align your career with your values and passion for creating meaningful change. Wellbeing for Practitioners and Vulnerable Communities: Discover how yoga can support resilience and well-being in underserved populations. Explore Women's Role in Peacebuilding: Gain insights into Sowmya’s unique research on spiritual women's communities and their contributions to societal transformation. Navigate Career Crossroads: Hear practical advice on making career pivots and finding the right opportunities in social impact. Bio Sowmya Ayyar is a changemaker, founder of the Praful Urja Charitable Foundation, and Senior Research Scholar at the Malaviya Center for Peace Research at Banaras Hindu University. Her work focuses on empowering underserved communities through yoga and well-being practices, particularly addressing the needs of women, children, and trauma survivors. Sowmya’s research delves into the role of spiritual women's communities (yogini sanghas) in diplomacy and peacebuilding. She is also a poet, musician, and advocate for women's leadership and empowerment. Key Resources from the Episode Praful Urja Charitable Foundation: Learn more about their yoga-based empowerment programs: Praful Urja United Religions Initiative: A global platform for interfaith cooperation: URI Website Masala Podcast: A podcast exploring South Asian culture and women's stories: Masala Podcast Let’s Talk Yoga Podcast: A resourceful podcast on yoga practices and insights: Let’s Talk Yoga PCDN Resources Get more curated jobs, funding, and career insights in social impact by signing up for the free PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter. Sign up here   Explore over 160+ episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast on PCDN.Global or any major podcasting platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you find the episodes meaningful!

In this episode Parminder Vir, OBE, shares her incredible journey from growing up in a small village in Punjab to becoming an internationally recognized leader in media, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. From producing groundbreaking films to leading initiatives that have supported over 10,000 African entrepreneurs, Parminder brings invaluable lessons for anyone looking to build a career centered on purpose and impact. With over 160 episodes, the Social Change Career Podcast is your go-to resource for insights and inspiration from leaders driving global impact. Take a listen to this episode and more on PCDN.Global or any major podcasting platform. Why Take a Listen? Insights from a Global Leader: Parminder's career spans the arts, film production, entrepreneurship, and global development. Her work offers a unique perspective on creating change across diverse sectors. Harness the Power of Storytelling: Learn how storytelling can drive societal transformation, amplify underrepresented voices, and serve as a catalyst for impactful change. Practical Career Guidance: Parminder shares thoughtful advice on finding your purpose, taking risks, and building a career that aligns with your values while making a difference. Africa's Entrepreneurship Boom: Gain insights into the transformative role of entrepreneurship on the African continent, and Parminder’s role in shaping initiatives like the Tony Elumelu Foundation's groundbreaking programs. Guest Bio Bio: Parminder Vir OBE is a commercially focused executive with broad international experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and media. In a professional career spanning 40 years, she has dedicated her life to telling untold stories, particularly those of underserved communities, and resourcing the skills and imagination of these communities. In 2002, she was awarded an OBE for services to the Broadcasting and Film industry. Currently, she is writing a work memoir, weaving the diverse threads of a four-decade professional journey and offering a unique glimpse into the evolution of her career and the lessons learned along the way. This journey has fostered African Entrepreneurship, brought untold stories to the Film and Television screen, and fuelled creativity in the Arts and Culture. As CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, she masterminded and executed a comprehensive entrepreneurship programme that significantly impacted over 10,000 African entrepreneurs in 54 African nations from 2014 to 2021. She continues to advocate for entrepreneurship as the best path for the continent's social and economic development, changing the African narrative through entrepreneur stories and helping shape the agenda for the growth of African entrepreneurship. Parminder Vir lends her strategic insights as an Advisory Board Member of Mamamoni Limited and HelpMum, contributes as a Narrative Advisor at Mustard Venture Agency, and is a director at Zikora Media and Arts Cultural Heritage Initiative, an inspirational cultural institution for Africa. For over two decades, she enjoyed a distinguished career as a film and television producer with BBC, Carlton Television, and the CEO of her own production company, Formation Films. Parminder began her career in arts administration at the Greater London Council, funding a wide variety of ethnic minority artists and organizations, many of whom are internationally renowned today.  Sher her personal website here Key Resources from the Episode Parminder’s Website: Explore her work and ongoing projects: Parminder Vir OBE Tony Elumelu Foundation: Learn more about the program transforming entrepreneurship in Africa: TEF Website Vantage News: The platform offering a unique perspective on global news Parminder mentioned during the podcast: Vantage. PCDN Resources Get more curated jobs, funding, and career insights in social impact—sign up for the free PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter  Listen to this episode and the 160+ other Social Change Career Podcast episodes at PCDN.global or any major podcast platform. Subscribe, rate, and share if you find it meaningful!     Timestamps [00:00] Parminder’s early life in Punjab and her family’s migration to the UK. [00:10] Transition from education to the arts and championing ethnic minority arts in the UK. [00:25] Building a career in film and storytelling as tools for societal change. [00:40] Leading the Tony Elumelu Foundation and advocating for African entrepreneurs. [00:55] Practical advice for building purpose-driven careers. [01:05] Reflections on lifelong learning, upskilling, and finding your mission. Take a listen to this episode and more on PCDN.Global or any major podcasting platform!

Episode 5, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast: From Conflict Zones to Global Impact Careers with Victor Ochen This episode features Victor Ochen, a remarkable peace advocate and founder of the African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET), sharing his journey from growing up amid conflict in Uganda to becoming a global force for peace and youth empowerment. Victor, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Justice, speaks to the power of resilience, healing, and community in driving meaningful change. Why Take a Listen:  Learn from Victor’s Journey: He turned personal tragedy into a movement for healing, justice, and peace. Key Lessons on Practice: Hear how Victor empowers youth in war-affected communities and provides reconstructive care to thousands impacted by violence Explore Local Peacebuilding: Victor shares a powerful perspective on balancing local and international approaches, emphasizing community-driven solutions over traditional aid. Impact Career Insights: Victor shares tons of actionable tips for people around the globe to advance a career of impact in terms of skills, networks, funding and more.  Resources to Dive Deeper: Connect with Victor Ochen on LinkedIn  African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET): Learn more about AYINET's transformative work in post-conflict recovery, youth empowerment, and justice advocacy. - Collaborative Development Associates: CDA Collaborative Learning Projects improves the effectiveness and accountability of peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian action wherever communities experience conflict. Victor’s Inspiration Sources: Organizations like International Crisis Group (https://www.crisisgroup.org/) and Search for Common Ground (https://www.sfcg.org/) provide excellent insights into peace efforts around the world. Get more curated jobs, funding, and career insights in social impact—sign up for the free PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter  Listen to this episode and the 160+ other Social Change Career Podcast episodes at PCDN.global (http://pcdn.global) or any major podcast platform. Subscribe, rate, and share if you find it meaningful! About Victor: Victor Ochen is the Founder and Executive Director of AYINET, an organization providing essential reconstructive care, advocacy, and youth empowerment to communities affected by war in Uganda. Raised in a refugee camp amidst the violent conflict of northern Uganda, Victor’s career journey began at age 13, when he formed a Peace Club to stand against child soldier recruitment. Today, his work has transformed the lives of over 21,000 victims of war and empowered countless young people to take leadership in peace and justice. Victor is the youngest African ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Justice, and a global advocate for sustainable peace and SDG Goal 16. Victor is a Global Advisor to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as part of the Advisory Group on Gender, Forced Displacement and Protection Episode Highlights: - 0:00 - Victor’s Early Life and Path to Peacebuilding   - 5:10 - Founding the African Youth Initiative Network   - 12:30 - Healing and Justice in Conflict Recovery   - 25:45 - Navigating International Aid Dynamics   - 40:15 - Recommendations for Aspiring Peacebuilders   - 55:20 - Practical Challenges in Peace Work

Episode 4, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast features, Mara Tissera Luna, a leading expert in child protection, forced migration, and gender-based violence, discusses how decolonization is reshaping social change careers. With over 15 years of experience, Mara shares practical insights into building a meaningful career in international development, advocating for more equitable and inclusive approaches. Why Take a Listen: Learn how decolonization can transform your approach to social change and international cooperation. Gain insights from Mara’s global career journey, working across continents on child rights and forced migration. Discover valuable tips on starting and growing a consulting career, from setting consulting rates to managing international projects. Key Resources: Mara Tissera Luna on LinkedIn – Connect with Mara. Georgetown University’s Collaborative on Global Children's Issues – Learn more about her fellowship. Central European University (CEU) is a globally recognized institution known for its focus on social justice, human rights, policy and has over 50 academic programs, attracting students and scholars from around the world. Mara Tissera Luna’s Website – Discover more about Mara's work, upcoming courses and podcast as well as and publications. Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed – An essential resource for understanding decolonial thought and education. To stay updated with more career resources, stories, and opportunities in the social impact space, sign up for the free PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter, offering the world’s best curated jobs, funding, and learning opportunities. Listen to the episode on PCDN.global or any major podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you find it valuable! Bio: Mara Tissera Luna is an independent consultant and social anthropologist specializing in child protection, forced migration, and gender-based violence. She has worked with 16 universities, NGOs, and international agencies across 14 countries, using decolonial frameworks to advocate for social justice. Currently based in California, Mara is a fellow at Georgetown University’s Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues. She holds a Masters Degree from Central European University, a certificate in Afro-Latin American Studies from Harvard University and a BA from the University of Buenos Aires. Listen to the episode on PCDN.Global. or any major podcast platform. Don't forget to check out the 160+ other episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast for more insights from global changemakers! Timestamp of the Episode 0:00 - Introduction to Decolonization and Social Change Careers 1:30 - Understanding the Current Focus of Work 5:04 - Key Insights on Building a Career in Social Change 12:16 - The Importance of Specialized Knowledge 14:27 - Applying a Decolonial Lens to Research 17:10 - The Role of Historical Context in Social Change 25:05 - Navigating the Challenges of Consulting Careers 32:22 - Strategies for Effective Networking 57:55 - Embracing Different Viewpoints in International Cooperation 1:09:15 - Resources and Recommendations for Continuous Learning 1:12:02 - Engaging with the Audience and Opportunities for Connection 1:14:06 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions