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International Social Programs Strategist with strong background in business management, intercultural communication and qualitative research project initiatives. Currently seeking research and evaluation opportunities within human rights, livelihoods, social and economic development, policy, and gender empowerment sectors. Open to relocation. |
 Contact Michele Brown
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Area of Expertise: |
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Agriculture, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural
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Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
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Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
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Social, Education, Gender, Youth, Child
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Professional Experience: |
Human Development and Research Centre, Gujarat, INDIA
Graduate Research Associate, 2014
Researched human rights violations, stratified social frameworks, and economic positions applicable to women in patriarchal societies. Upon examining women as victims of multi-tiered discriminatory practices, I conducted a qualitative pilot study which identified the linkages between empowerment and dignified livelihood attainment for Valmiki women, the manual scavenging community within the Ahmedabad District. The tasks performed were as follows:
• Researched and evaluated primary and secondary data sources that focused on development implications, disenfranchisement, and human rights violations implied by India’s caste system.
• Obtained a heterogeneous sample populous to compare/contrast social positioning influence on individual behavior, self-esteem and goal-oriented activities.
• Designed in-depth, semi-structured interviewing approaches integrating questionnaires, voice recordings, field observation notes, and photographs. Created consent forms for key informants, sample population, and translator to ensure ethical protocols of the study.
• Consulted with field practitioners and Dalit activists familiar with the discrimination experienced by manual scavenging communities. Visited study participants in varied field locations, applying learned cultural sensitivity to adapt within regional gender and social traditions.
• Cross-analyzed data-sets and developed thematic coding to analyze relevant correlations. Identified patterns and wrote narrative summaries of findings, to support proposal for ongoing study.
ACE Group, Wilmington, DE Risk Information Consultant, 2011- 2013
• Managed over 40 corporate accounts.
• Collaborated with multiple departments to monitor billing limits as per client binder contracts and assist with account specific inquiries.
• Generated custom monthly financial reports to distribute to clients and internal personnel; provided customized financial quotes for both current and prospective clients.
• Researched, monitored, and synthesized data sources to cross-validate loss claims, financial reimbursement values, and payments. This entailed using query tools, understanding the relation between various systems used to provide information, and selecting the appropriate course of action to maintain/improve/correct data.
• Trained coworkers on financial and database systems to support consistent quality of service for clients.
• Conducted a multisystem capabilities presentation to internal personnel on features and usage of depository data sources utilized in my department.
• Performed year-ended third party financial audits and analyzed client binder contracts to ensure proper billing.
For additional information, please see resume.
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Education: |
SIT Graduate Institute Master's program uniquely integrates theory and practice, emphasizing experiential learning within multicultural team projects. Special projects include the following:
Special Projects:
• Foundations of Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management: Gained a thorough understanding of micro, meso, and macro level frameworks and applications involving multicultural communication group settings.
• International Organization Development: Designed intervention strategies for volunteer retention in context of low organization morale.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessed the impact of India’s manual scavenging/ rehabilitation policies on vulnerable communities. Created an evaluation guide to monitor the effectiveness of outreach and policy implementations.
• Policy and Advocacy: Co-assessed policies, strategies, context, and politics affecting the mission of The Person Center and provided recommendations. Designed consent form to ensure ethical approach to sensitive topics.
• Program Design Management: Co-created a pilot program proposal focusing on refugee resettlement and employment placement in Cameroon. Co-assessed the need and risks involved in program implementations.
• Practitioner Inquiry: Co-researched and co-evaluated the impact of Experiential Service Learning on at- risk youth.
Relevant Courses:
• Foundations in Leadership and Management- Governance and Civil Society ; Human Rights- Conflict and Transformation ; Issues in Sustainable Development- Capacity Building
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