About

My interests lie primarily at the intersection of international affairs, economic development and foreign policy, with a particular focus on African issues and post-conflict reconstruction. I graduated from Tufts University in 2005 with a BA in International Relations and Political Science. I then moved back to Paris, France, where I was born and raised, and in 2007 earned a Masters in International Affairs from Sciences Po.

Currently based in Toronto, I am working as the Director of Communications & Fundraising at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Prior to that, I was working for the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative, a project of the Clinton Foundation. In 2007, I founded The Niapele Project, a small grassroots organization focused on supporting community-based development in West Africa.

I have held a variety of positions in vastly different non-profit organizations – large and small, nationally and internationally focused. I’ve worked at headquarters, decentralized offices and in the field. All of these experiences have taught me a lot about the aid and the non-profit industry.

I am a dreamer but also a do-er. I believe in the adage: “All I know is that I know nothing”, and that life is essentially one, very long, learning process. I listen to Charles Mingus and The Roots; I read David Foster Wallace and Joseph Stiglitz.

I am interested in probably way too many things, ranging from surrealist art to food to yoga. I have an eclectic personality and this site is meant to be a platform for me to share my thoughts as well as information about my work and news about my current projects – all organized in this one tidy little patch of the Internet.

Please don’t hesitate to leave comments, suggestions or feedback – you can also email me at penelope@theniapeleproject.org

December 2011