Originally from California, I studied Government and International Relations at Harvard University before joining ODID. With a lifelong interest in international affairs and social justice, I knew from a young age that I hoped to work in this space. My early professional and international experiences, which involved working with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and advancing food security initiatives, affirmed my deep passion and dedication to the humanitarian field.

Since leaving ODID, I've been working in the international humanitarian sector across the UN system and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). My work centers around advancing humanitarian programs and policy, with a focus on food security and humanitarian access. 

I've worked in over ten countries and complex emergencies with OCHA, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Recently, I’ve worked across humanitarian teams responding to complex emergencies in Afghanistan, Libya, the South Caucasus, South Sudan, Sudan, and more.

OCHA is the central UN agency responsible for coordinating international humanitarian responses during crises, including armed conflicts, climate disasters, and other emergencies. In my current role as a Humanitarian Affairs Officer, I focus on supporting OCHA’s initiatives to enhance and expand humanitarian access, facilitating the secure delivery of humanitarian assistance and services to crisis-affected populations. OCHA facilitates principled humanitarian access by negotiating with relevant authorities, monitoring access conditions, and advocating for the adherence to international law and humanitarian principles.

ODID's depth of expertise across disciplines and regions makes it the ideal base to study critical, emerging issues in international development, human rights, and humanitarian response.

The course’s academic rigor, multi-disciplinary approach, and flexibility to pursue original lines of research provided me with a strong foundation for my career in humanitarian policy and practice.

I value the vibrant and diverse intellectual community that I found – my cohort, colleagues, professors, friends, and members of the larger Oxford community. 

During my time at Oxford, I was able to dive into many personal interests and pursuits, including photography, running, and volunteering in the community. 

For students studying international development or humanitarian response, my advice is to prioritize gaining international experience and spending as much time as possible on the ground. Engage with and learn from scholars, practitioners, colleagues, and affected communities in your countries of focus. Progress in international development and humanitarian response lies with the expertise and lived experiences of those in affected countries, making gaining international experience critical for a meaningful contribution to the field.