TEAM SPOTLIGHT: Shelbe, Projects & Partnerships Coordinator

Hi, I'm Shelbe!

I am currently pursuing a dual degree in International Affairs and Cultural Anthropology, along with a minor in Human Services at Northeastern University in Boston. Through a combination of Northeastern’s cooperative education (co-op) programs, international field studies, and study abroad opportunities, I have been more than happy to follow my studies around the world.

Last summer, I participated in a month-long Northeastern field study program in Lusaka, Zambia. Through direct service learning there I experienced some of the roles that grassroots organizations can play in international development, as well as how economic and political forces can affect organizational growth. When I was in Zambia for the first time in 2015, I was lucky enough to connect with modzi… and have been a part of the family ever since!

This past January, I returned to work in Zambia as a fulltime co-op with modzi’s on-the-ground team. While in country for several months, I focused on strengthening existing community partnerships and collaborating on new modzi projects. Though my co-op with modzi technically ended by May, I remained on the continent to study abroad at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. At UCT I took classes with focus on poverty, development, and community engagement – all of which I found to be extremely relevant to the work I do with modzi.

I have just recently returned to the USA from eight months of living abroad, and am eager to continue with my studies in Boston. This semester I am taking classes in strategic philanthropy, non-profit management, and international conflict and negotiation. While I miss being in Lusaka with our modzi students, I continue to advocate for their successes here in the United States. I am eager to learn how I can bring the knowledge and skills that I am gaining here at school, to modzi’s work in Zambia.

I am truly honored to be a part of the modzi family, and very much look forward to continuing my work while in Boston. Be sure to keep an eye out for some exciting updates coming your way, and to keep up with the #modzimovement by following us on social media!

- Shelbe 

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