Finding Your Path to Purpose with Sowmya Ayyar Take a listen to Episode 7, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Sowmya Ayyar, founder of the Praful Urja Charitable Foundation and Senior Research Scholar at the Malaviya Center for Peace Research. In this episode, Sowmya shares her inspiring journey of building a purpose-driven career, empowering communities with yoga, and exploring the role of spiritual women's communities in peacebuilding and diplomacy. Why Take a...

In this episode Parminder Vir, OBE, shares her incredible journey from growing up in a small village in Punjab to becoming an internationally recognized leader in media, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. From producing groundbreaking films to leading initiatives that have supported over 10,000 African entrepreneurs, Parminder brings invaluable lessons for anyone looking to build a career centered on purpose and impact. With over 160 episodes, the Social Change Career Podcast is your go-to...

Episode 5, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast: From Conflict Zones to Global Impact Careers with Victor Ochen This episode features Victor Ochen, a remarkable peace advocate and founder of the African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET), sharing his journey from growing up amid conflict in Uganda to becoming a global force for peace and youth empowerment. Victor, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Justice, speaks to the...

Episode 4, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast features, Mara Tissera Luna, a leading expert in child protection, forced migration, and gender-based violence, discusses how decolonization is reshaping social change careers. With over 15 years of experience, Mara shares practical insights into building a meaningful career in international development, advocating for more equitable and inclusive approaches. Why Take a Listen: Learn how decolonization can transform your approach to...

Episode 3 of Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast features Rachel Fry, a dynamic leader in positive psychology and leadership coaching.  Rachel is a leading expert in mental performance, leadership development, and career growth. With over 16 years of experience, she has helped leaders, impact focused professionals, and athletes build resilience, confidence, and mental well-being to excel in their careers. Rachel shares essential insights on breaking barriers in leadership,...

Episode 2 of Season 13 on the Social Change Career Podcast features Dominic Kiraly, Director of Online and In-person Training at the United States Institute of Peace. He shares his journey from initial job search challenges to becoming a leading expert in education, training, and instructional design, highlighting the transformative power of unique skill sets and continuous learning. Why Take a Listen:    - Navigating Career Transitions with Tech and Training Expertise: Discover how Dominic...

We open Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast with —John Marks, one of the world’s most insightful changemakers and the founder of Search for Common Ground. In this episode, John shares hard-earned lessons from his extraordinary career, offering practical advice on building a career that connects social impact and peace. We’re also thrilled to preview his upcoming book, “From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship,” set to be published in early...

In Episode 19 of Season 12, Maria Antonia Perez shares her inspiring story of leveraging art for social impact. From her beginnings as a graphic designer in Medellin, Colombia, to her role as a global peace-building advocate, Maria's journey highlights how creativity can transform communities. Why Take a Listen: Art's Impact in Conflict Zones: - Understand how growing up in Medellin, a city shaped by Colombia’s conflict, influenced Maria's belief in the power of art to drive social change...

In this episode, Andrea Longton, a distinguished author and seasoned social justice investor, shares her wealth of knowledge from years of experience at the crossroads of finance and impact. She discusses her work on renewable energy projects in Africa and her strategic shift to community development finance in the U.S. Why Take a Listen: 1. International Development Financing    - Andrea's Career Journey: Explore Andrea's diverse career, from international project development to domestic...

Ready to see how behavioral science can drive social change? Check out Episode 17 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Andres Casas. He combines neuroscience with policy, music, and activism to make a real impact. From redesigning infrastructure to changing narratives in conflict zones, Andres' story shows how diverse perspectives can build a better world. Be inspired, embrace new ideas, and see how science and society can work together for positive change. Why Take a Listen ...

Episode 16 of Season 12 explores the very pertinent question on issues related to global peace and security with our distinguished guest, Nanako Tamaru, a licensed attorney and dedicated peace and security practitioner. She opens up about her journey from considering a career in medicine to being steered by her passion for addressing racial injustice and inequity towards a path in peace and security. Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore: - **Navigating Careers in Peace and...

Episode 15 of Season 12 dives into the exciting realm of youth career development with Evelyn Van Til, a strategic partnership manager at American Student Assistance. Evelyn sheds light on her diverse journey in higher education and workforce development, emphasizing the transformative role of platforms like evolve.me in shaping promising career paths for Gen Z. All of us - from birth to earth - are navigating a dynamic and changing world. Empowering and engaging our kids with teens' digital...

Episode 14 of Season 12 immerses us in the transformative world of art, communication, and peacebuilding with multifaceted social entrepreneur, Maria Luisa Pinto Garcia , whose career spans across the realms of artistry and activism. Her unique journey reveals the symbiosis between creative expression and social change in Colombia's landscape affected by conflict. Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore: The Art of Peace: Learn about the captivating story of Maria Lisa's transition...

Dive into Nicholas Manderfield's journey from managing one of the world’s largest Cheesecake Factory locations, to leading Reincorporated NFP, showcasing how retail can be a powerful lever for social change. Why You Should Join: Transition Insights: Discover Nicholas's path from the restaurant industry to a leadership role in a nonprofit that harnesses retail for global impact. Upskilling for Impact: Uncover the skills essential for driving change through social entrepreneurship, as...

We dive into this when our host Dr. Craig Zelizer, explores this and much more with our guest leading tech innovator, impact investor, artists and amazing human being Vanessa Ferliano. The conversation centered in the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and social impact. Vanessa’s rich experience in med-tech startups, impact investing, organizing and creativity, her deep experience integrating well-being practices with a purpose-driven career as well as key tips for upskilling for...

Have you had your coffee yet? How about your Masters in Coffee Agriculture? Join us as for an amazing episode with with Elisa Criscione, Founder and CEO of Digital Coffee Future.  Exploring her work at the intersection of technology and coffee agriculture, Elisa is leading sustainable development in this critical industry. Her journey from Colombia to the forefront of the coffee industry's digital transformation exemplifies how passion, expertise, and innovation can drive change. Why...

Episode 10 of Season 11 features Sushma Raman President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation. She is one of the leading innovators in the sector, bringing over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and leading social justice and philanthropic programs and collaboratives. You should listen to this episode to: Gain insights into building a meaningful career at the intersection of philanthropy and social impact. Get practical advice on upskilling and navigating the evolving...

In episode 9 of Season 11, Dr. Craig Zelizer sat down with Purva Gupta, a leading human rights  practitioner with extensive experience in child protection, labor exploitation, and international development through program leadership, advocacy, and partnerships. Purva's extensive experience in over 30 countries has been focused on programmatic responses to child labor, education challenges, and human trafficking, among other pressing global issues.  Her current focus on decolonizing aid...

In Episode 8 of Season 12, explore Ruby Hembrom's journey as the founder and director of adivaani, an archiving and publishing outfit of and by Adivasis (the indigenous peoples of India). Ruby is an Adivasi cultural practitioner, documentarian, writer, and publisher based in Kolkata. Her documentation initiative grew out of a need to claim Adivasi stake in historical and contemporary social, cultural, and literary spaces. Ruby holds a law degree from Calcutta University and an MSc in...

With over a decade dedicated to social impact, Akiera has extensive experience in areas like systems change, wellbeing, and social entrepreneurship. She's worked with pioneering organizations like code.org and Echoing Green before taking on leadership of Project HEAL. Tune in to hear Akiera's inspiring journey and insights on: Transitioning from Medicine to Leading in Mental Healthcare Sparking a Passion for Intersectional, Community-Based Care Leading with Heart and Inclusion Blazing...

With the state of current events, a career in peacebuilding is ever more urgent.  In Epsiode 6 of Season 12 host Craig Zelizer sits down with conflict resolution expert Zachary Metz to talk about his amazing career building peace.    Dr. Metz  is Partner and Director of Peacebuilding at Consensus. He is  a seasoned innovator in peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the U.S. and around the globe with over two decades of experience working with companies, communities, INGOs, donors helping...

The road to social innovation is NOT linear. And it shouldn't be. Sahil Patni went from finance to rural development, to founder and now impact investing. And he is doing just fine and making great impact at Unreasonable. Why You Should Tune In Sahil Patil's transition from finance consulting to supporting impactful entrepreneurship at Unreasonable Group as Portfolio Manager for the Americas encapsulates a deep commitment to leveraging business for social good. His work involves guiding...

Take a Listen to this episode where we explore the heart of where finance and food intersect, all aimed at making a real difference. Our guest is Sofia Condes , Director of Investor Relations at the FAIRR Initiative is a leading expert in sustainable finance, development and innovation Why you'll want to tune in: Navigating the Food-Finance Nexus: Sofia discussed the complex relationship between agriculture, climate challenges, and human impacts. We dived deep into the transformative power...

Wondering about DEI in International Development? Check out Episode 3, Season 12 of the Podcast with innovator, development practitioner and DEI expert,  Angela Bruce-Raeburn. Her insights challenge the status quo and highlight the necessity of reimagining how development initiatives are conceived and implemented, with a strong emphasis on power dynamics, community leadership, and the urgent need for upskilling to navigate the field's complexities. Critical Reflections: Questioning...