The Social Change Career Podcast

In this episode, Craig Zelizer talks with Ilco van der Linde, a Dutch social entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of multiple global movements including Dance for Life, MasterPeace, and Ocean Love. From organizing some of the largest public festivals in the Netherlands to driving emotional, community-rooted innovation for ocean protection, Ilco shares what it takes to build movements that not only spark change but sustain it. This conversation explores personal and planetary transformation, how movements scale, and why love—and not fear—is often the most powerful catalyst for action. Whether you're leading a social enterprise, working in climate, or figuring out how to live with purpose, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom, strategy, and inspiration. Why take a listen Ocean Love Innovation Awards: What it means to build the most inclusive global initiative to spark solutions for our oceans—open to individuals and teams from any background, anywhere in the world Turning pain into purpose: How Ilco's experience as a diver witnessing coral bleaching and plastic-filled oceans led him to launch a new global platform Sustainable change requires systems thinking: From individual behavior to corporate accountability and government policy, what levers really shift the needle Practical optimism: How to lead without burning out, stay grounded in values, and work in ways that regenerate both the planet and yourself Building social movements with soul: Reflections on 40 years of activism and organizing—from HIV prevention to global peacebuilding to climate Advice for impact careers: Ilco shares tips for launching bold projects, building teams, attracting funding, and learning to live with financial and emotional uncertainty Resources from the podcast Ocean Love Innovation Award Open to applicants worldwide until September 30, 2025. Seeking creative, actionable ideas that protect oceans, rivers, biodiversity, or marine life. More info and to apply: https://oceanlove.news Ocean Love on Instagram For visual stories, campaign updates, and community calls: https://www.instagram.com/oceanlovenews Mandela House, Amsterdam A hub for social change, community, and cultural programming built on the values of Ubuntu. Visitors welcome. Website: https://mandelahuisje.nl Dance for Life Global youth movement using music and dance to promote sexual and reproductive health. https://www.dance4life.com MasterPeace Creative peacebuilding movement in over 50 countries connecting young people through music, art, and dialogue. https://masterpeace.org WaterBear Network Free streaming platform focused on environmental films and documentaries. https://waterbear.com Sea Shepherd Mentioned during the episode as a partner in ocean protection and direct action. https://seashepherd.org Project Drawdown Cited as a source for climate solution frameworks. https://drawdown.org Carbon Collective Example of climate-aligned investing referenced in the conversation. https://www.carboncollective.co Global Alliance for Banking on Values For those interested in ethical banking and investment. https://www.gabv.org More from PCDN Subscribe to the PCDN Career Digest Daily or weekly, human-curated global opportunities—jobs, fellowships, events, funding, and more for social impact professionals. https://pcdn.global/subscribe Listen to the Social Change Career Podcast Over 180 episodes with social entrepreneurs, changemakers, and innovators from 30+ countries. https://pcdn.global/listen Subscribe to the AI for Impact Newsletter Explore ethical AI tools, impact jobs, funding, and stories at the intersection of tech and purpose. https://impactai.beehiiv.com BIO Ilco van der Linde is a Dutch social entrepreneur, storyteller, and movement builder. He is the founder of the Bevrijdingsfestivals (Liberation Day Festivals), which attract over 1 million annual visitors in the Netherlands. He co-founded dance4life, active in 30 countries, and MasterPeace, a global peacebuilding initiative in 50 countries He also founded the Mandela House in Amsterdam, a hub for community and social impact; authored Be a Nelson (Lemniscaat); and writes for The Optimist magazine and National Geographic Travel. His latest initiative, OceanLove, along with the OceanLove Innovation Award, is a global platform mobilizing emotional connection and action to protect the ocean. The work is rooted in one core belief: people protect what they love—and lasting change starts from the heart.

In this episode, Dr. Craig Zelizer speaks with Dr. Soraya Caro Vargas, a leader in industrial policy, gender equity, and international cooperation. From serving as Colombia's Vice Minister of Business Development to designing the country's first industrial policy in two decades, Soraya brings a rich, cross-sectoral perspective on how to build more inclusive and sustainable economies in the Global South. Based in Bogotá, with academic roots in Colombia, Italy, and India, Soraya shares how her experiences in government, academia, and diplomacy have shaped her career—and her deep commitment to bringing policy closer to people and territory. Why Listen Industrial policy in practice: What it takes to design and implement a national policy aligned with energy transition, health, defense, and bioeconomy goals Leadership as a woman in male-dominated fields: How Soraya navigates power, gender dynamics, and systemic barriers while staying grounded in ethics The unexpected PhD journey: Doing a doctorate at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as a diplomat's spouse—and why it's not just about the title, but about building knowledge Why territory matters in policy: "You cannot govern from the desk in Bogotá" — how she helped shift Colombia's national policy toward more localized and inclusive processes Skills for impact: Communication, negotiation, working across sectors, and how to learn them through practice, not just theory Featured in the Episode UNAD - Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia: Colombia's National Open University, leading virtual and hybrid education for over 300,000 learners Colombia's Reindustrialization Policy: A national strategy centered on energy transition, health innovation, bioeconomy, and defense ACOPI - Asociación Colombiana de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas: Represents Colombia's small and medium-sized businesses and played a key role during the FTA negotiations Latin American Women Leaders Network (private initiative): A high-level network of 600+ women shaping policy, enterprise, and academia OECD Work on Informality: Referenced in Soraya's experience with informality in policy contexts ProColombia: Colombia's national trade, tourism, and investment promotion agency More from PCDN Make your inbox amazing with our new Career Digest subscription option—for less than the cost of a cup of coffee per month. 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 180 episodes featuring changemakers worldwide. https://pcdn.global/listen AI for Impact Newsletter: Sign up to get jobs, funding, consultancies, tools, tips, and ethical insights around AI + impact. https://impactai.beehiiv.com/ PCDN Free Weekly Impact Newsletter: Explore global social impact jobs, funding, and opportunities. https://pcdn.global/subscribe

Navigating a career in the ever-changing world of social impact work can be a wild ride, especially now. In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, we talk about how to manage with the crisis caused by the devastating and cruel cuts to USAID and other orgs. This session features four leading impact sector experts Caroline Ouwerkerk, Spencer Campbell, Julia Firestone and Craig Zelizer. Whether you're figuring out your next steps or trying to make the most of your current situation, this episode offers insights to help you breathe, plan, and act. Why listen to this episode? Strategic Pivoting: Get down-to-earth advice from dealing with this brutal period, tips for pivoting and finding your next role. Networking as a Tool: Why Purpose driven networking is key. Mindful Resilience: Pick up simple, practical tips for staying sane in this challenging time. Practical Resources: Tons of resources for upskilling , including how to showcase what makes you unique in the job market. And Much more Meet the Speakers: Caroline Ouwerkerk: Caroline's passion is helping folks find roles that truly matter through actionable insights and support. LinkedIn Website Spencer Campbell: Spencer's all about connecting job seekers with opportunities that matter even when the job market seems tough. LinkedIn Website Julia Firestone: Julia offers her expertise to help you find a career that fuels your passion and makes a difference in the world. LinkedIn Website Craig Zelizer: Founder of PCDN.Global, three decades tri-sectoral experience in al things impact careers. LinkedIn Website Resources and Links: PCDN.global: Your go-to place for all things social change careers. PCDN Job Board: Browse jobs that are making a difference globally. PCDN Career Digest & Career Campus: Sign up for daily updates and join a community passionate about impact. Impact Coach: 30 + Amazing Impact Career Coaches. Make Any Job a Social Impact Job - Caroline's Workshop: Insights into making your work meaningful no matter the role. Transferable Skills Don't Exist: Find the Core - Spencer's Post: Discover how to leverage your unique skills in new ways. 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 PCDN Resources Social Change Career Podcast: Access over 180 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 at PCDN.global and become part of our Career Campus. It's the perfect place to get exclusive resources, connect with like-minded pros, and get expert career advice designed just for impact professionals.

In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, Dr. Craig Zelizer sits down with the inspiring Yuna Sapi. As a visionary leader and founder of impactful organizations like Liberate Inc. and Protectores de la Tierra and serving as an Echoing Green Fellow, Yura shares their compelling journey of weaving together art, activism, and collective liberation to create lasting social impact. Why You Should Listen: Art as Activism: Discover how Yura's work with Liberate Inc. uses the arts to advance racial, social, and climate justice. Learn about their groundbreaking initiatives that empower BIPOC creatives through grants, education, and organizing efforts. Cultivating Community Resilience: Explore Yura's transformative work with Protectores de la Tierra, a food sovereignty initiative in Colombia that blends ancestral Afro-Indigenous practices to empower local communities and promote environmental sustainability. From Vision to Reality: Gain insights into Yura's career shift from traditional employment to founding her own successful organizations. Fellowship Wisdom: Dive into the role of fellowships in Yura's journey, including the prestigious Echoing Green Fellowship, and understand how these opportunities can support and accelerate a changemaker's impact. Strategic Planning for Impact: Learn about innovative strategies and courses available for visionary leaders looking to make a significant impact, including offerings from Yura's Liberate organization such Strategic Planning for Visionary Leaders: An 8-Week Accelerator for Arts and Culture Changemakers Empowering the Arts: Expand your perception of art and who defines it, as Yura breaks conventions and champions the powerful role of art in social change. Resources from the Episode: LiberArte Inc.: An organization focused on arts and social justice, supporting grassroots initiatives and nurturing creativity. Protectores de la Tierra: An AfroIndigenous Food Access Project in Nuquí, Chocó, Colombia, supported by LiberArte Inc. Echoing Green Fellowship: Supporting emerging social entrepreneurs and innovators globally. Institute for Creative Disruptors: Offering strategic planning courses for visionary leaders. Strategic Planning for Visionary Leaders: An 8-Week Accelerator: A course designed for arts and culture leaders of the global majority. Tambacum: A traditional music group from Nuquí, Chocó, Colombia, known for blending rhythms like Tamborito and Cumbancha. They are celebrated for their community-driven performances and cultural heritage preservation. Bio: Yura Sapi (they/them) is a visionary leader, healing artist, and Earth steward committed to cultivating a globally just future. As the co-founder of Protectores de la Tierra, Yura Sapi nurtures a transformative food sovereignty initiative in Nuquí, Chocó, Colombia. Rooted in ancestral Afro-Indigenous farming practices and guided by the wisdom of nature, the project empowers local communities by addressing food insecurity, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering environmental sustainability. Through this work, Yura also bridges global Black and Indigenous solidarity, inspired by the abundance found in tending to the Earth. Food Sovereignty & Community Building Protectores de la Tierra focuses on regenerating forest farms using sustainable agricultural methods that blend traditional practices with modern strategies. The initiative educates future generations of farmers to secure local food sources and reverse migration trends, ensuring thriving, self-sufficient communities with access to nutritious food. Yura's work in Nuquí directly addresses reliance on external food sources, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and national strikes, by rebuilding local food production. Arts & Activism Leadership Yura is also the founder and CEO of LiberArte Inc., a nonprofit advancing racial, social, and climate justice through the arts. Their initiatives include the Building Our Own Tables podcast, which amplifies BIPOC creatives and leaders building autonomous, justice-driven programs. LiberArte supports artists globally through grants, educational programming, and grassroots organizing, emphasizing anti-racism and decolonization. LiberArte's work spans continents, blending creative activism, healing practices, and grassroots organizing to promote collective liberation. Cultural Resilience & Global Solidarity With roots in their Indigenous Kichwa heritage and citizenships in Ecuador, Colombia, and the United States, Yura's journey reflects a dedication to healing, equity, and cultural resilience beyond borders. Their studies in meditation, anti-oppressive facilitation, and arts management enrich their approach to social change, guided by gratitude for ancestors, mentors, and the Earth itself. Yura envisions a future grounded in justice and abundance, where creativity and community transform the world. 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 4 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Natalija Vojno, a global leader working at the intersection of environmental policy, peacebuilding, and youth leadership. Natalia shares her multifaceted career at the intersection of water, peace, and sustainability. She highlights the importance of a long-term vision, nurturing relationships, and pursuing further education, such as her involvement in the Rotary Peace Fellowship. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to pivot into a field focused on making a difference, particulary in sustainability and impact, this is a must listen epsiode. Why take a listen: Inspiring Career Path: Discover Natalia's journey from undergraduate studies to a specialist in water diplomacy, enriched by her personal experiences in conflict-impacted regions. Key Organizations and Initiatives: Learn about influential organizations like the Water Youth Network and Natalia's contributions to nonprofits. Education and Skill Development: Understand the significance of building relationships and further education opportunities, such as the Rotary Peace Fellowship, to advance your career. Global Water Issues: Gain insights into the complexities of water as a source of cooperation and conflict, emphasizing the necessity for sustainable water governance. Innovative Solutions: Explore the burgeoning world of startups and technologies aimed at improving water management, offering inspiration for pursuing a career in sustainability and innovation. Resources from the Podcast PCDN Global Rotary Peace Fellowship International Water Association Josh's Water Jobs Canadian Water Network Canadian Water Resources Association Council for the Great Lakes Region Lost Rivers Art of Loving by Eric Fromm Bio: Natalija is a peace innovator and environmental mediator with a decade of experience in water governance and youth engagement. She has spoken at the UN High-Level Political Forum on youth leadership in transboundary water governance and co-founded the Water Youth Network, designing collaborative spaces for youth in water diplomacy. As an advisor to UNEP's Faith for Earth Youth Council, she supports interfaith youth advocacy for environmental protection. Through her organization Our Future First, she has led peacebuilding initiatives like the Balkan Youth Environmental Assembly and watershed projects in the Humber River. Trained in mediation by Clingendael Institute, MBBI, and Soliya, she holds degrees from the University of Toronto (BA), UNESCO-IHE (MSc), and International Christian University (MA, as a Rotary Peace Fellow). She has also served as a speechwriter for Ontario's Minister of the Environment, led campaigns on Great Lakes pollution, and co-hosted innovation labs like UNLEASH Hacks Japan 2021 and Water Innovation Lab Danube+. Explore her work further via RainGrid or her LinkedIn profile. 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

Take a listen to Season 14, Episode 3 of the Social Change Career Podcast featuring Boardy, an AI super connector designed to help people navigate their careers, build meaningful connections, and find opportunities in impact sectors. Why Listen? Learn how AI can support impact professionals in challenging times. Explore the role of AI-driven career networking in fostering real human connections. Gain insights into how Boardy facilitates double opt-in networking to help professionals find aligned collaborations. Hear about the rise of AI in impact careers and how professionals can adapt. About Boardy Boardy was launched in 2024 by entrepreneur Andrew D'Souza and a dedicated team aiming to revolutionize professional networking. Unlike traditional AI tools, Boardy is designed with a strong focus on ethics, transparency, and mission alignment, helping impact professionals connect meaningfully in an increasingly complex job market. Boardy offers: AI-powered networking with an emphasis on mission-driven connections. Always double opt-in introductions to ensure aligned collaborations. 24/7 career support via voice and chat. Insights into global impact trends, including sustainability, humanitarian work, and AI for good. Upskilling & Impact Resources from the Podcast 🌱 PCDN Career Digest – Get human-curated impact jobs, funding, and career resources, delivered daily. Subscribe here: https://pcdn.global/digest 🎙️ Social Change Career Podcast – Explore 170+ episodes with changemakers worldwide: https://pcdn.global/listen 📚 AI for Impact Newsletter – Stay updated on AI-driven social impact innovations, jobs, and tools. 💡 Boardy.AI – Try it out for AI-driven career networking: https://boardy.ai

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.