Portfolio RationaleWe live in a global society, in an ever more wired and connected world. It changes so fast that even the most technically savvy among us have a hard time keeping up. It is my belief that in this global society, it is the least advantaged who are the most left out, women and young children from very poor families and disadvantaged groups. Often these women and children are deprived of basic essential services such as access to food and water, sanitation or adequate shelter; many are also malnourished or undernourished. Others are in conflict-affected areas or afflicted by natural disasters. In the wake of such disparity, education is often neglected or greatly compromised. Yet research shows, that investing in education produces healthier mothers and children who are better able grow and lead productive lives.
I have been very fortunate in my professional development to work in programs that address these issues both in the United States and abroad. This e-portfolio aims to document and showcase some of my expertise working with and for these groups, in different contexts around the world. I have organized this portfolio using the four development pillars I have most closely worked in: Maternal Child Health and Nutrition, Education, Food Security, and Emergency Response. Each section has items or artifacts that showcase my expertise in this area, as well as reflective commentary. Additionally, I have included sections containing my philosophy on learning and development, a short bio and my resume. Much like my career, I view this portfolio as a work in progress. Although I seek to showcase some accomplishments, I also seek to experiment with new skills that I believe can help me to make even more of difference in the lives of disadvantaged groups in the future. I welcome your comments and invite you to share experiences that you feel would be beneficial for colleagues and practitioners in the field. |