Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) reposted this
Executive Director & CEO, USA for UNHCR. Growing support for refugees, and fighting for everyone’s right to have a home where they find safety and belonging.
In my 2nd year at USA for UNHCR, I'm using my LinkedIn presence to spotlight women leaders who are focused on the crisis of forced #displacement; on the growing number of #refugees and #stateless people; and/or on the #humanitarian sector more broadly. Wendy Young and I met early in my tenure at U4U, and I marveled then (as I marvel now) at her depth of experience, her incredible networks and her unwavering support for children through the work of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). Read on for her beautiful reflections and sound advice. Next up... Charlie Grosso! 🟢 Name: Wendy Young 🟢 Role and organization: President, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) 🟢 Where do you call home? Falls Church, #VA 🟢 How did the experiences of people who have been forcibly displaced first become important to you? When I was in college, I served as an intern with UNRWA. While there, I shared an office with a Palestinian staff member. One day, she received news that she had lost several members of her family during a bomb strike on the #refugee camp where they lived. Seeing her grief at the loss of her family gave me my first insight into how precarious the lives of refugees are—and how fortunate I was having never experienced displacement myself. 🟢 My professional journey: When young people ask me how I reached the place that I am now in my career, my response is simple: don’t plan. Listen to your heart and your gut. I pursued opportunities that were meaningful to me, and I listened and learned from leaders in the field, often my bosses, who inspired me. If you do this, everything else will surely follow. 🟢 What's your superpower, either real or desired? To be able to fly, both because I would always have a bird’s eye perspective both literally and metaphorically, and because I could avoid airports! 🟢 Tell us your fantasy dinner party guests! Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr. In this era of anger, violence and divisiveness, I would love to learn from their power to bring people together to make change for the better.
Hayley Avery
3mo
Some amazing humans to add to your spotlight in future: Najeeba Wazefadost, Shaza Alrihawi, Anila Noor
What an inspiring journey Wendy Young has had, and her dedication to children through KIND is truly commendable. It's always powerful to hear such impactful personal stories. Looking forward to Charlie Grosso's insights next!
So thankful for posts like this that introduces me to inspiring women working in the same field that I do. #resettlement and #humanitarian Also love the spotlight on Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). If anyone is looking, they're hiring for various positions and locations!
Wendy Young is my inspiration for pursuing my specific career path. She is a phenomenal advocate, inspiring the next generation of leaders, and an all-around wonderful person. Thank you for highlighting how she magnifies her light for good!
MUTEBI Grace
3mo
You're literally amazing Suzanne Ehlers, you have a big space in most people's hearts in this world 💕 Thank you
I love this post Suzanne! Women supporting women. Don't forget to include Amila Merdzanovic (her story is as incredible as her work), Diya Nijhowne who has LONG been in this fight and of course Ritu Shroff who has been elevating her work around the world and the challenge of working with refugees. All three of these ladies are incredible!
Kellie C. Leeson
3mo
Suzanne Ehlers thank you for continuing to "introduce" me to incredible women in the field.
Perfect
Uzma Ajmal
3mo
Good approach
Executive Director & CEO, USA for UNHCR. Growing support for refugees, and fighting for everyone’s right to have a home where they find safety and belonging.
3moAnd I forgot my wonderful photo of Wendy Young-- but editing the post won't allow me to add a photo, and I don't want to lose this early and supportive engagement from all of you. So with apologies to Wendy, here she is! (Talk about pulling back the curtain on my LinkedIn learnings! 🙄)