Program & Curriculum Development: Participatory Design for Real-World Impact
I specialize in creating custom, evidence-based programs that truly resonate with young people, particularly adolescent girls. My approach is not to deliver a standard curriculum, but to co-design solutions rooted in deep knowledge of the population. This participatory process leverages girl psychology and best practices, often involving the girls themselves—guaranteeing relevance, ownership, and lasting impact.
Program Advantages:
- Deep Population Insight: Programs are always tailored to meet specific cognitive, social, and emotional needs.
- Global Adaptation: Proven success in diverse contexts, from U.S. public and private schools to international humanitarian and development agencies working in places like Ethiopia, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Custom Content Creation: Content is bespoke, addressing specific needs such as leadership, emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and safety.
Research Mentorship: Action Research for Social Change
I provide specialized mentorship for researchers committed to action, impact, and social change. My focus is on assets-based research—methodologies that empower communities, prioritize existing strengths, and translate findings directly into tangible impact. Whether you are a student, an independent researcher, or a professional, I can help you design, implement, and share research that drives meaningful outcomes.
Research Focus and Results:
- Innovative Methodology: Guidance in Participatory and Assets-Based Research to shift focus from deficits to community strengths. Positive Deviance is my most beloved approach for discovering community-led solutions.
- Advanced Academic Guidance: Extensive experience mentoring PhD students, serving on dissertation committees, and leading independent graduate level studies, as well as classroom teaching.
- Complex Project Leadership: Proven background conducting and mentoring research for world-class organizations, including the Population Council and UNHCR, and advising researchers on complex global projects.
Fundraising and Development: Connecting Values, Creating Impact
In a competitive and often cold fundraising environment, successful development requires meaningful engagement. I specialize in values-based fundraising, an approach that goes beyond transactional asks to forge deep, authentic partnerships. By focusing on shared values, we connect organizations, funders, and individuals for meaningful, and therefore sustainable, partnerships.
The Values-Based Approach:
- Authentic Storytelling: After a decade with Girls’ Globe, a feminist media platform, I craft compelling narratives that illustrate the real-world impact of your work, inspiring connection.
- Strategic Partnership Creation: I identify and cultivate relationships with aligned foundations, corporations, and individuals, leading to more sustainable and meaningful funding.
- Mission Alignment Consulting: I help you articulate why your work matters, ensuring every ask is rooted in a clear connection between the donor’s interests and your organization’s needs.
While my passion lies in securing funding for girl-focused initiatives, I have successfully applied this approach to diverse causes—including the environment, arts, and literacy—collectively raising tens of millions for diverse organizations.