Alumni Profiles

“Monitoring and evaluation brings about social justice, in my point of view. It does this through making projects, programs, processes and policies transparent and data-driven. So then, programs and policymakers are accountable . . .  Through Heller, I learned that injustice is embedded in every aspect of modern society, the historical contexts of these issues, the consequences that we face today and what is at stake for future generations. I also learned development best practices to work in the field.” 

Learn more about Jigme’s work. 

“My interest in international development really stemmed from a deep rooted desire to make a meaningful impact on issues like poverty and economic inequality. I was already working in the banking sector in Nigeria before Heller, but over the years, I realized that I’d yet to combine my expertise to drive positive change . . . What set Heller apart was its commitment to social justice and ethical approaches to development work.”

Learn more about Adebanjo’s work. 

“I knew that I wanted to be in this field where I was with other people who were searching for solutions, or trying to find ways to innovate and connect on these human rights issues . . . Heller is a place that pushes beyond what we see in front of us to imagine things in a different way . . . At the end of the day, SID is for practitioners.”

Learn more about Madeline's work.

Public Policy and Coexistence Fellowship Recipient

Sheikhsaraf grew up in Iran during the Iraq-Iran war in the 1980s, which raged throughout her childhood. “The trauma is still with me. But that was motivation for me to work on humanitarian activities and conflict prevention and post-conflict healing, for the betterment of people’s lives.”

"I'm currently based in San Salvador, El Salvador serving as T4D Manager for Central America. In order to do my job I need a very unique mix of experiences that only a program like the SID program at Heller can provide. Youth development theory and practice, information and communication technologies for development, planning and implementation, education and conflict, and much more. My Heller cohort continues to be my extended family and professional network. I frequently reach out to individuals or groups to inquire about specific topics and I'm always amazed by the overwhelming support."

Read more about Rodrigo's work. 

“The practicum option was attractive because international development is something that’s so dependent on experience. The opportunity to spend the second year traveling and working and getting exposure was really valuable.”

Read more about Noah's work. 

"The pressing environmental, economic and social issues of today are all interconnected and will become more so in the coming decades. Approaching them holistically will be key. Both the SID and MBA programs mix the theoretical with the practical. Together, these programs—along with the Heller staff and faculty— built upon my previous professional and educational experiences and positioned me well to get to where I am today."

"Heller's curriculum, faculty, staff, and students prepared me well to work directly with senior-level financial and strategic decision makers. From the Team Consulting Project to the focus on social justice and equity, Heller bolstered my technical capacities as well as refined the interpersonal skills needed to help mission-driven organizations achieve their outcomes. The transition to my current role was smooth, as I was able to hit the ground running and contribute immediately to team efforts. I benefited greatly from internship and extracurricular activities on and off campus both in the United States and abroad."