10 year anniversary
Start Network Change Makers
As part of Start Network’s 10-year anniversary, we celebrated change makers who have made or are making a considerable impact within their community, country, region, organisation or wider system – individuals, teams or organisations that are driving positive change within the humanitarian sector.
Start Network Change Makers
Driving the type of systemic change that we are aiming for is a hard, long process, with challenges and even attempts that fail along the way.
We are celebrating those individuals, teams and organisations that are grappling with the challenges of systemic change in the humanitarian sector, those who are driving lasting change within their community, country, region, organisation or the wider system.
In addition to the overall Changer Makers, a number of people have received ‘Special Mentions’ for their contribution to the sector.
Sean Lowrie announces the Start Network Change Makers
Change makers
Change Maker: Faster and Early Action
Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, University of the Philippines Resilience Institute/NOAH Center / Philippines (Manila)
Change Maker: Localisation
Union for Promotion Protection, Human Rights Defense and the Environment UPDDHE GL
Change Maker: Collective Innovation
Ben Ramalingam, Overseas Development Institute
Change Maker: Impactful leader
Bouba Aeisatu / Cameroon (Yaoundé)
Change Maker: Lasting Systemic Change
Rice Watch Action Network, HAZEL TANCHULING / PHILLIPPINES (MANILA)
Change Maker: Inclusive
Heba Abu Jarbou, Islamic Relief "People belonging to marginalized groups, including girls and women as well as with persons with disability can only be welcomed and included in a project and organisation if we really believe in their capabilities."
Change Maker: Puts People First
Andrea Coché Mendoza, MAIA / Guatemala (Sololá)
Change Maker: Operates Collectively
Feminist Humanitarian Network. "When we are responding to disasters, when we are on the front line responding. We want to see our efforts recognised."
Change Maker: Brave
Mercy Corps / Syria "My decision to return to Syria was very difficult. Everyone was against this decision, my friends and family. But in the end, I decided I wanted to return to Syria and help my country. It was a tough decision, but I don't regret it."
Change Maker: Open
Jahin Shams, Uttaran / Bangladesh (Satkhira)
Meet the Change Makers
The final Change Makers have participated in interviews see snippets of these interviews here. These interviews will be released over the next few months as podcasts.
Change Maker: Brave
Jessica Dewhurst, Justice Desk / South Africa "Every single person deserves to lead their own change and live an empowered life where their human rights are respected."
Special Mentions
Special Mention: Faster & early action
Nishant Das, Somali Response Innovation Lab World Vision (SomRIL) / Somali Response Innovation Lab
Special Mention: Localisation
Emeline Siale Ilolahia, PIANGO
Special Mention: Collective innovation
Fanny Bessem Etong, Favour Lowcost Healthcare Foundation (FALCOH) / COVID 19 Community Emergency Response and Preparedness Program
Special Mention: Impactful leader
Dr Keerthi Bollineni, Vasavya Mahila Mandali / Mahila Mitra
Special Mention: Lasting Systemic Change
Special Mention: Operates Collectively
Mike Smith, Oxfam International (UK) / Frontline Humanitarian Logistics Initiative
Special Mention: Open
De-Joseph Kakisingi, Sante et Developpement "SAD"
Special Mention: Brave
Aisha Jumaan, Yemen Relief and Construction Foundation
The categories
1. Faster and early action
2. Localisation
3. Collective innovation
4. Lasting systemic change
5. Impactful leader
6. Puts people first
7. Brave
8. Operates collectively
9. Inclusive
10. Open
How the process worked
Change Makers were found via nominations from across the network and have been chosen based on their work around 10 categories. Final Change Makers were selected by a panel of volunteers including:
- Amadou Diallo, Start Network (Hosted by CRS, Senegal)
- Andrew Kavala, MANEPO
- Emma Akinlusi, Partnership Development, Peace Partners UK
- Erika Glanz, CADENA
- Imelda Phadtare, Global Sustainability Institute
- Lizz Harrison, arche noVa - Initiative for People in Need
- Max Baiden, SCUK
- Mihir Joshi, SEEDS
- Ricardo Fal-Dutra Santos, Oxfam International
- Rya Ducasin, CARE Philippines
- Sajid Raihan, Start Fund Bangladesh
- Sarah Bernolet, ALIMA
- Seheno Andrianiaina, Start Network (Hosted by CRS, Madagascar)
- Shaikh Maaz, HANDS
- Veronika Bertram, KFW