"I am truly blessed not only in terms of family and health, but in the places I have seen and the people I have met. Living in rural Cabo Verde was an experience which opened my eyes to the world around me and taught me the power of relationships, community and collective action. In Brazil I was inspired by indigenous groups striving to defend their people and cultural history whilst fighting to secure land and human rights. I have worked alongside influential researchers and economists at the International Rescue Committee and the World Bank, and now have the opportunity to study at a leading school in International Development. Moreover, I have the support of a family that stands by me no matter where my next adventure takes me or how crazy my idealistic visions may seem.

 

With a global population exceeding 7 billion people, I could have been born into any family, in any country, under any set of circumstances. In a world of great inequality, I drew the lucky card. I was born into a position that allowed me to discover myself and that granted me the freedom to pursue my passion. I refuse to take these gifts for granted and have taken personal responsibility to use the knowledge, experience and talents life has given me for a cause greater than myself. Now studying International Development and Public Policy at the University of Manchester, I hope to find a way in which policy can reinforce sustainable development where the most vulnerable members of society have voice and opportunity."

 

Cecilia Kern of Herndon, Virginia graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Business Management. Following graduation she spent 2 years serving in the U.S. Peace Corps as a small business development volunteer in Cabo Verde, off the west coast of Africa. This experience ignited her passion for international development leading to future assignments with indigenous groups in the Brazilian Amazon, working with the International Rescue Committee, and more recently with the World Bank. Cecilia is pursuing her MSc International Development: Public Policy and Management at the University of Manchester  as a Rotary Scholar from Fairfax, Virginia District 7610, and is the current Assistant Project Manager at the Manchester Central Food Bank.

 

Check out more of what I have done by visiting my LinkdIn page: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-kern-1959a9a