Launching the Next Generation of Diverse Humanitarian Sector Leaders
Highlights
PHI's Generation Next Humanitarian Fellowship builds a pathway for recent graduates of Minority-Serving Institutions through firsthand placement at global humanitarian organizations, ultimately helping new leaders gain critical skills while increasing the diversity of professionals in the humanitarian sector.
6 GenNext Fellows participated in the 2023 inaugural program
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Focus Areas
Capacity Building & Leadership, Global Health, Healthy Communities -
Issues
Workforce Development -
Expertise
Leadership Development
PHI’s Generation Next Fellowship launched in 2023 to build the next generation of diverse leaders in the humanitarian sector, creating career pathways and supports for seniors and recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Pacific Islander Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities—ultimately helping to contribute to a humanitarian workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the U.S. population and is equipped to equitably and effectively respond to humanitarian needs around the world.
The advice I would give to a rising college senior who's interested in the program is to apply! Especially if you don't see a lot of representation within your identity in the field, that's where we need you the most, and your perspective is priceless. To give that perspective to an organization so that they're able to improve their programming is so impactful and empowering. We need you!Syaffia Sahl
2023 GenNext Fellow
If I could describe the Fellowship in one word, I would say my overall experience has been phenomenal. I've been given the opportunity to explore and conquer new challenges.Daniel Ryan
2023 GenNext Fellow
Fellows participate in a two-year paid placement at world-renowned humanitarian organizations working in communities around the globe, providing them an immersive experience in the workplace including opportunities for overseas travel. Along the way, they also receive one-on-one mentorship, support and training in technical and professional skills to help develop their capacity for careers in the humanitarian sector.
As part of their journey, 2023 fellows engaged in multiple hands-on and transformative experiences across the globe, including:
- Nairobi, Kenya: Under their host organization, Save the Children, and as part of the Humanitarian Public Health team focusing on Maternal and Newborn Health and Sexual Violence and Center Humanitarian Education team, some of the fellows had an opportunity to attend a global health education in-person meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. At the global meeting, they participated in week-long sessions where they learned about effective ways of working and the team’s structure, localization, capacity building, integration, program planning, strategic priorities and best practices for 2024. Learn more
- Bangkok, Thailand: Under their host organization, Save the Children, some of the GenNext fellows participated in the inaugural Save the Children Sexual and Gender-Based Violence workshop in Bangkok, Thailand at the end of 2023. There, the fellows engaged in cross-collaboration and brainstorming sessions on topics such as sexual and gender-based violence, gender norms policy, climate change, maternal and reproductive health, and more. Fellows were also given the opportunity to workshop a theory of change for the organization—one of the many experiences that has challenged fellows and provided them with opportunities to grow. Learn more
- Cambridge, MA: In April 2024, PHI’s GenNext Learning Team presented fellows with the opportunity to attend the Harvard Response Intensive Course in Cambridge, MA. This two-week, on-site intensive course provided fellows with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experiences to gain familiarity with the primary frameworks in the humanitarian field, including human rights, livelihoods, sphere standards and international humanitarian law. The course concluded with a field simulation exercise where fellows spent two nights in the forest and participated in a disaster and conflict scenario while working in their assigned teams. Learn more
Meet the inaugural 2023 Generation Next Fellows:
Angelina Conforti, Save the Children
Angelina Conforti has extensive research experience with a strong focus on women’s rights, health equity, legislative trends, and Latinx identity in relation to political behavior. Her expertise extends to leading volunteer-based initiatives in climate justice and social advocacy, which strengthened her interest in grassroots campaigning. In her previous roles, she primarily focused on project development, research administration, technical assistance, and outreach. She is also deeply passionate about nonprofit management, global development, gender equity, and reproductive rights. Angelina received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Central Florida, Orlando.
Daniel Ryan, Save the Children
Daniel Patrick Ryan is from Augusta, Georgia and recently received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Tuskegee University. He has a strong passion for media, communication, advocacy, and social change. He is an individual who is ambitious, hardworking, exudes integrity, and has the ability to be adaptable and develop creative, innovative, and imaginative ideas. Some of his past experiences and accomplishments include, serving as the Student Government Association Vice President at Tuskegee University, Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar, a former member of the Tuskegee Presidential Scholars Program, intern in various departments at ABC News, Caravan For Democracy Mission to Israel Scholar and a Spring 2023 White House intern. His overall ambition is to be the voice for the voiceless and a catalyst for change so that others can walk the path behind him. He looks forward to developing key skills to use during and after the fellowship.
Elizabeth Bolarinwa, Save the Children
Elizabeth Bolarinwa is a recent graduate of Howard University from Moorestown, New Jersey by way of Ibadan, Nigeria. At Howard, she studied Clinical Laboratory Sciences and outside of classes was involved in organizations on and off campus dedicated to community service and improving public and global health and health education. So far she has worked on book chapters, manuscripts, and community engagement events focused on Black maternal health, equity, and community-based health care. She is deeply passionate about global health equity and ensuring everyone can be healthy, educated and safe.
Kasi Carter, Project Hope
Kasi Carter was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She graduated from the University of Baltimore in Policy, Politics, and International Affairs. She is continuing her education and is enrolled in the Global Affairs and Human Security Master’s program at the University of Baltimore. For the past year, she has been an immigration paralegal, primarily working with family-based cases. She plans on taking the Foreign Service Officer Test in October and hopes to work in an embassy abroad one day. Some of her interests include baking/cooking, crafts, and Latin Dancing.
Kristina Edwards, CARE
Kristina Edwards is a St. Louis, Missouri native who studied Human Nutrition and Food at Prairie View A&M University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a USDA National Scholar. In university, she gained skills in data and statistical analysis while working with USDA Economic Research Service. After attaining her Bachelor’s degree, she completed a dietetic internship program, which certified her to take the Registered Dietician exam. This program had an emphasis on community nutrition where she did rigorous coursework and gained over 1200 clinical practice hours. In the future she sees herself being a leader in global nutrition.
Syaffia Sahl, Global Communities
Syaffia Amna Sahl is a recent graduate from the University of Arizona where she majored in Global Studies and minored in Global Education. During her undergraduate years, she conducted research with the Humanitarian Assistance Technical Support (HATS) that explored the experiences of women, gender minority, and people with disabilities during disasters. She also worked at the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center where she partnered with tribal communities to execute outreach events to engage community members in environmental health programs and discussions. Syaffia is passionate in creating dynamic educational experiences, conducting impactful research, and fostering meaningful connections with communities. She hopes to continue building equitable and inclusive partnerships with communities to help create sustainable solutions.
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