| Nathan Olah Work Experience in Iraq |
| In May and June of 2009, I worked in Baghdad, Iraq for Management Systems International (MSI), a private development company based in Washington DC. As a Project Manager for MSI, I provided short-term technical assistance to the USAID-funded Iraq Tatweer (“development” in Arabic) National Capacity Development Project. Since its inception in 2006, this project has trained thousands of Government of Iraq employees from 10 central ministries and several key executive offices. During my seven weeks in Iraq, I lived and worked on a compound located in the so-called “red zone”. While I was there, I assisted in the preparation of several reports to the US government, trained field accounting staff, facilitated the design of websites and logos for the Iraqi Government, and advised the project staff on GIS-related activities. |
| Overall, my experience in Iraq was very rewarding and I feel that my work there has contributed to positive change and a better future for the nation. Traveling around the country, I felt safe despite having to follow safety and security protocol including wearing a helmet and bullet-proof vest. The best part of my trip was working directly with the citizens of Iraq. I felt privileged to be able to work with individuals whose bravery and resourcefulness allows them to accomplish great things under difficult circumstances. Since my return to the US, I have continued to work for MSI as a Project Manager on the USAID-funded Iraq Tatweer National Capacity Development Project. I currently handle the IT needs of the project, manage the procurement of goods and services, and continue to advise on GIS-related activities. |  |
Michael Black (Latin American Studies, ‘94) is the Director of Marketing and Fundraising for Latin America for World Vision in Australia. He is responsible for all marketing and fundraising efforts of World Vision in 14 countries throughout Latin America. World Vision is the largest Development NGO in the world, focused on Child Development. Michael’s past experiences have included working for FIFA in Switzerland and directing the marketing communications for the Central America and Caribbean Division of Coca Cola.
Ariana Rabindranath (Southeast Asian Studies, ’96) is the Associate Director of Programs and Administration at the Asia Society in Washington, D.C. The Asia Society is a global and pan-Asian organization working to strengthen relationships and promote understanding among the people, leaders, and institutions of the United States and Asia.
Troy Johnson (International Development Studies, ’06) is working as a project manager at the Asian Cultural History Program at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Maureen Magee (Communication and Development, ’07) is the head of the Beni field office for the Norwegian Refugee Council, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Norwegian Refugee Council is an independent, humanitarian, non-governmental organization which provides assistance, protection and durable solutions to refuges and internally displaced persons worldwide.
Brian Straight (Latin American Studies, ’05) is working for the United States Department of Defense as a political-military analyst. He is based at the US Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.
Alexandra Hunter (International Development Studies, ‘08) is the Volunteer and Training Manager at Horizons for Homeless Children in the Boston, Massachusetts. Horizons for Homeless Children provides homeless children in Massachusetts with opportunities for early education.
Amanda Reinig (Latin American Studies, ‘05) works for the Department of Academic affairs at Penn State University as the Education Abroad Advisor. Mandy works with students in deciding where they want to study abroad and aids them through the application process and with finding financial aid. She also works with faculty members at Penn State Altoona to create short-term and summer study abroad programs. In addition to her work at Penn State Altoona she is also a graduate student in the MA in Teaching English as a Second Language Program at Penn State Main Campus.
Laura Martinez (Communications and Development, ‘03) is working as the National Outreach Manager for Common Sense Media in San Francisco, California. Common Sense Media is a national organization led by concerned parents and individuals with experience in child advocacy, public policy, education, media and entertainment.
Michael Corlett (Latin American Studies, ’99) is a Country Officer for the World Bank in the Latin America and Caribbean Region. He is currently based out of Washington, D.C.
Giovanna Monteverde (Communication and Development, ’06) is the Latin America Research Manager at InterMedia in Washington, D.C. InterMedia is a leading international research and consulting organization specializing in media and communications with clients such as the World Bank, BBC and the US Department of State.
Federico Alfredo Veiravé (Latin American Studies ‘97) is working at the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste Argentina in Chaco, Argentina. He is a professor of the economic history of Argentina. He also serves as the director of the university’s Cultural Center.
Joseph Ogada (Communication and Development, ’01) is working as a Program Officer for Southern Africa for the Social Networks for Social Justice in Cape Town, South Africa.
Diana Francisco (International Development Studies, ’90) is the County Director in Timor-Leste for CARE International. CARE International is a humanitarian organization that fights global poverty.
Edward Chow (Southeast Asian Studies, ’72) is working for the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He is a senior fellow in the Energy and National Security Program. He is an international energy expert with 30 years of oil industry experience and has worked in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Europe, and the former Soviet Union.
Bryan Morris (International Development Studies, ’06) is involved with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Geneva, Switzerland.
Boramey Hun (Southeast Asian Studies, ‘05) is a resource mobilization coordinator for ActionAid in
Cambodia. ActionAid is an international anti-poverty agency whose aim is to fight poverty worldwide.
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