What do you currently do?

I am the Program Development and Reporting Manager for the VenEsperanza Humanitarian Cash Consortium, based in Mercy Corps’ Bogotá, Colombia office. Our program brings together four of the world’s leading humanitarian agencies to deliver emergency cash assistance to Venezuelans and Colombians experiencing forced migration and poverty.

My role is to oversee the day-to-day implementation of the program, to ensure coordination amongst consortium partners, and to find new ways for VenEsperanza to advocate within Latin America and beyond for the rights and needs of displaced Venezuelan communities.

How do you see the connection between the time you spent as a IR major and what you’ve been able to do since?

From day one, Ursinus challenged me to think big - not only to prepare for my own future, but to imagine how I could pursue a life and career that could have a positive impact on the lives of others.

The Politics and IR departments made sure I had the knowledge, hands-on learning, and extracurricular experiences to make that vision a reality. The departments’ liberal arts philosophy and faculty really shaped me as a person, and prepared me for a career in humanitarian aid and development.

What advice do you have for students currently majoring in, or considering to major in IR?

The world is changing so much every day, and the challenges our global community face require passionate people who are adaptable and eager to be problem-solvers in a sea of unknowns.

My advice would be to prepare yourself to thrive in any environment by exposing yourself to thinkers, perspectives, and experiences that are different than your own - and never get too comfortable in your intellectual journey. I’ve found that learning from others, constantly challenging your assumptions, and remaining humble in what you don’t know will prepare you for whatever the world throws your way!