Staff
Christoph Damalie
Christoph Damalie, the founder and Chief Executive Servant (CES) of Thirdway Human Rights and Development , holds an MA in International and European Law and a studies in Master of Laws degree (LLM) in International and European Human Rights Systems, both from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. In addition, he also holds a Diploma in Education from the University of Winneba Ghana and is a professionally certified Conflict Mediator and coach. He has also completed a certification program in project development and management in the NGO sector and has also taken courses in education at the University of Amsterdam.
Mr. Damalie’s belief in an INDIVISIBLE Human Rights Principle led him to establish Thirdway HRD Netherlands-international headquarters with departmental branches in America-human rights education centre project, France- microfinance development and Ghana-currently the project land. Drawing on his own experiences growing up in Ghana, Christoph has a unique perspective on human rights and development that is development should be seen in integrated and not on isolated cases and this has proven to be an invaluable asset to the success of the organization. In his role as CES, he is responsible for the overall growth and development of the organization. Among his multifarious responsibilities are project writing, Policy development, fundraising, and representing the organization at various conferences and forums. In addition, he is also responsible for the recruitment, training, and coaching of volunteers/staff for the organization. Additionally, he supervises the development of the human rights curriculum work being done by the human rights education department in America, which includes carrying out research in the fields of human rights education and the intersection between human rights and development, and drafting educational materials.
Prior to the development of Thirdway, he held various teaching posts from the Basic School level through to the Teacher Training College level in Ghana, teaching in the areas of agricultural science, the philosophy of education and curriculum development. He is also a Consultant and member of Nedworc Association, an organisation for experts working in development cooperation, international cooperation, and relief and rehabilitation. He also served on the international Committee of KinderPostzegels a Dutch development cooperation organization. While living in Ghana, he was also a Class One Football Referee and member of several organisations and associations such as Amnesty International, where his last position was that of National Board Member.His strong asset is setting up new organizations, mobilizing people in most difficult circumstances and strategic thinking on the future of development cooperation Organizations.
Mr. Damalie continues to work as a consultant in the field of human rights with focus on the rights of women, NGO management, good governance, and conflict management. Under his charge, Thirdway has successfully built a school and implemented pilot micro-credit projects in different regions of Ghana.
MARCELINA HOEK OKOEKHIAN
In the autumn of 2009, in the fourth year of her IBMS-study at the Haagse Hogeschool, Marcelina Hoek Okoekhian joined Thirdway as an intern. She holds a NCE in Education in Nigeria and did a MBO-level financial course in Holland, (Boekhouding and NT-2). As a part of her BA she did an exchange at the University of the Haagse Hogeschool at Den Haag, where she did an IBMS-Minor in Finance and Marketing. Before working for Thirdway, Marcelina had been involved in various projects for her local Amnesty International and Stichting Africa in Den Haag, The Netherlands. She also gained administrative experience working as the Coordinator and Supervisor of Temporary Employees for a organization/Government providing security staff for major events in Nigeria (Nigerian Elections 1994) and as a coordinator for teachers at the Primary school level. She has been a teacher for more than nine years.Her mother language is Eshian, and she speaks and write English fluently, and the Dutch language sufficiently. Marcelina will serve as the Manager of the Education Department and as the Assistant Manager of the PR and Communication Departments, in addition to serving as a member of the Financial Administration and Budgeting Department
MINH NGUYEN
In the winter of 2008, after graduating from the University of California, Irvine, Minh Nguyen joined Thirdway as the Senior Manager of the Human Rights Centre. His also a Director of THREAD America. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy, specializing in moral and political philosophy, and is currently researching issues in agency, responsibility and global justice. He studied philosophy as well as biochemistry as an undergraduate at the University of Washington.
Before working for Thirdway, Minh taught at John Jay College in NYC. There he taught courses in composition, introduction to philosophy and law and ethics. As a graduate student at the University of California, Irvine, Minh helped teach a wide range of courses, from history and literature to applied ethics and introduction to ethics.
He was eager to join Thirdway owing to its work on 3rd world economic development and human rights. His education and moral commitments urged him to lend his energy to developing the capacities of citizens in the 3rd world.
TEODORA VASILEVA
Teodora joined Thirdway in March 2009. She completed an internship with the organization and she is now the Senior Manager of the Marketing & Public Relations Department. She is also working with the Fundraising and Website Departments. She believes that the things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us. Therefore she will try to promote the ideas of Thirdway by working in the field of Communication and Marketing.
Teodora likes traveling and meeting people from all over the world. She thinks that it is better to travel 100 miles rather than to read 100 pages about a place.
Since 2008, Teodora has been working in the field of Online and Traditional Marketing and PR.She obtained a Bachelor degree in "International Communication Management" from the International University in Germany. For half an year,she studied at at the "Nanyang Technological University" (NTU) in Singapore. Attending the biggest european conference for students - European Week Eindhoven in the Netherlands, 2009 and the Baltic International Summer School,2008 further enriched her life experience and intercultural competency.
EMMANUEL AMETEPEH
Emmanuel Ametepeh comes from Ghana and is currently a PhD research assistant at the Institute for Social and Development Studies (IGP) at the Munich University of Philosophy, Germany. Prior to that, he received his Bachelor (2007) and Master’s (2010) Degrees from the University of Regensburg with the combination: Political Science /Philosophy. However, the early years of his university education (between 2000 and 2002), at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, were mainly devoted to reading Economics, Sociology and French.Between September 2009 and April 2010, Mr. Ametepeh did his internship with Thirdway at the Human Rights and Micro Finance Department. As part of the internship, he initiated a donation campaign in collaboration with a News paper agency ‘Mittebayarische Zeitung’ and a Restaurant ‘Restaurante Taormina’ in Regensburg, Germany to raise a significant amount of money to establish a micro credit union in Anyako, a small fishing town in the Volta Region of Ghana. Part of that money was also spent in renovating a school that belongs to the organization ‘The Klaas Haven School’, in Kasoa, Ghana.After his internship, Mr. Ametepeh continued to voluntarily contribute to the activities of Thirdway in various ways. He is currently the ‘External Coordinator Ghana’ of the Organization. He serves as a link person between internal and external volunteers in order to ensure a smooth coordination and supervision of the various activities of Thirdway both in Ghana and abroad.
MARIAM B. LAM
Mariam B. Lam is Associate Professor of Literature, Media & Cultural Studies and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Spanish, a Master of Arts degree in Comparative Literature, and a PhD in Comparative Literature with Certificates of Emphasis in Feminist Studies and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Irvine. She has also taught at UC Irvine and Loyola Marymount University before her appointment at UC Riverside.
Prior to volunteering as staff with Thirdway in 2009, she served as a Board Member and Officer with the Global Village Foundation and continues to serve as a Board Member and Officer of the Riverside Asian American Community Association, along with other numerous community based organizations.
She has travelled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and U.S., and is interested in turning more of her humanitarian attention to Africa and Latin America, while maintaining her investments in the former developmental spaces. Mariam would serve as board member of Thirdway Human Rights Education and development America.
GEORGE CHIORAN
George Chioran completed his BSc studies of Business Administration in 2008 in Bucharest, Romania majoring in economics. In 2010 he graduated his MSc program of International Business from the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands with a major in finance.
George has previously been an editor for the financial magazine of Maastricht University converting topics such as social entrepreneurship and business ethics among others. He has also worked as a teaching assistant for the finance department and as an assistant researcher for the Small and Medium Enterprise department of the University.
Due to his strong interest in using microfinance for poverty alleviation as well as socio-economic development, George joined Thirdway in September 2010 working mostly in the Finance and Budget in addition to Microfinance and fundraising departments. He is particularly interested in the use of financial knowledge to improve the living conditions of people that do not have access to credits. He believes that people can be helped by investing in them through financial capital together with the necessary trainings
KELLY JEONG
In the fall of 2009, Kelly Jeong joined Thirdway America as a volunteer in the Human Rights Department. She earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles.Before working for Thirdway, Kelly taught at John Jay College in NYC, and she currently holds a faculty position at the University of California, Riverside. Her specialty is Korean Literature and film.
She joined Thirdway owing to its work on economic development and human rights. She looks forward to contributing in any way she can to facilitate Thirdway’s ambitions. Kelly is contributing a lot to the set up and the training programme of the proposed Multi-purpose Human Rights Centre. In addition, she is serving as a senior research fellow and supervisor in the Human Rights Department. She is also working in several other departments like the Marketing, Fundraising, Editing and the Education department.
ROBBY MANYEPA
In 2008, shortly after graduating from Royal Ireland Business School, and having been working for many years somewhere close to the location of the studies/work place, Robby C Manyepa joined Thirdway as the Human Resources Manager. He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration, but has also studied Accounts, Purchasing, Business English diploma and a variety of languages. As part of his Masters degree he did an exchange year at University of Zambia where he currently resides.
Before working for Thirdway,Robby C Manyepa had been involved in various projects for his local Amnesty International group or any other organisation in Lusaka.He had also gained administrative experience from working as a volunteer country manager for Alison International Robby C Manyepa responsibilities include developing and implementing volunteer and intern programs, management of personnel, communicating with potential volunteers and interns, as well as recruiting and placing volunteers and interns within the organisation. In addition his business knowledge would be used immensely to enhance the development of the organization and its projects
ANJUM
On completion of a second Master’s Degree in Human Rights from Annamalai University in Chennai, India, Anjum Singh joined Thirdway as Assistant Manager/ Policy Advisor in Human Rights Department in December 2011. She completed her first Master’s degree in English from Annamalai University, Chennai, India. Her foundation has been with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Gargi College, Delhi University, Delhi, India. Apart from this she also holds PG Diploma in Psychological Counselling.
Before joining the Thirdway family, she was working as a freelance research writer for six years, with a UK based company called ProspectSolution.com. Prior to moving into the field of writing she was working with GE Capital International Services, Gurgaon, India (1999-2003) where she started in customer service operations; moved into training as a trainer and eventually moved into the Quality Control cell working with Six Sigma concept.
Her contribution to the social sector began when, after marriage (2003), she got actively involved in working towards education, health, awareness, vocational training etc. of women and children from rural India. Her written pieces pointing out the poor condition of women’s rights and status in India have been published in Social Welfare Journal, run by the Ministry of Woman & Child Development. Also while studying for Human Rights, she worked and aided in writing and releasing of annual report 2011 for an NGO which works with street and railway children in UP, India.
Worlali Senyo
Worlali is a graduate from the University of Manchester in the UK where he studied ICTs for Development. His interest is in the nexus between information, knowledge and technology in reducing poverty and contributing to sustainable development in developing countries. Worlali as four years experience in managing and supporting technology related projects and volunteers for both local and international NGOs.
His work with Third-way HRD as Head of IT, involves managing and coordinating the web presence of the organisation and providing technical/systems support. Worlali has also been instrumental in helping organise technology and social events such as TEDxAccra, BarcampGhana,TEDxYouthInspire, MarkerFaire Africa, Internet Governance Forum (Accra Remote Hub) among others.
Interns
PRISCILLA TAPIWA SIGAUKE
Priscilla Sigauke went to Mt Selinda High School which is in Zimbabwe and finished her high school in 2004. She chose to further her education by enrolling at the Belgium Campus ITversity in Pretoria, South Africa where she is studying towards a Diploma in Information Technology in the year 2012. As part of her studies, Priscilla has to undergo a one year of internship with an organisation that will give here the relevant experience.
Priscilla found out about Thirdway when she was looking for internship on the internet, and ascertained it was the right place to get exposure and experience. Priscilla is willing to share her knowledge with Thirdway and also learn new concepts and skills from the organisation. Priscilla is good at grasping new concepts and applying them as expected. Thirdway agreed to give Priscilla the experience she needs by taking her in as Intern in Information Technology and Entrepreneurship development. Priscilla is intensively involved in the ICT and the Microcredit departments of Thirdway.
Priscilla’s motivation for working in this area is the continuous advancement of technology as tool, and the need for the developing continent of Africa to catch up with the developed world. The motivation to be an intern at Thirdway stems from it being a commendable human rights organisation and being a habitant of a developing continent, the importance of such an organisation is immeasurable.
LANRE OWOLABI
Lanre Owolabi is forth year student at INholland University of applied Sciences Diemen/Amsterdam. Currently, doing his internship at Thirdway Human Rights and Development at the international Head office in Amersfoort Netherlands, Lanre’s motivation to work with Thirdway stems from is desire and passion to help alleviate plight of less privilege people in the society
Before now, Lanre did his previous Industrial work experience with Insider weekly magazine. A weekly news publishing company based in Lagos Nigeria. During the period, he reports for both Business and Political desks. Lanre joins Thirdway on the 5th of September 2011 for his five months internship program. During the internship period he works at the communication department of Thirdway international as Assistant manager.
According to him, applying for placement in communication department would enable him put into practices theories learned in school
He believes that acquiring practical experience in the field of communication would hive in enough exposure to complement theories learned in schools
MOHAMED SACKO
From the first day I received my first computer at the age of eleven until now, my passion for computer programming kept growing. Being raised in Mali (Western Africa), I did not have many friends that share the same passion. I decided to go to Morocco after High School to get a Bachelor in Computer Engineering in 2004. During and after my studies in Morocco, I was involved in various projects and internships to practice my skills. After two years of professional experience, I decided to come into United States about a year ago to specialize myself in Information Technology.As far as my experience is concerned, I have alternatively worked as a Software Designer and Web Designer and acquired a strong knowledge in these areas. As a software developer, especially at HyperObjects, I was familiar with Data Structures/Algorithms, UML, Java, C/C++. Also, I ran my own web designing business for two years and developed various websites using HTML, CSS, PHP/MySQL, JavaScript, and Perl.CSS, Perl.The very first time I heard about Thirdway was from my sister who volunteered for it some time ago. She put me in contact with Mr. Damalie who needed a volunteer to take care of the website and we did a little bit of work together. Unfortunately, I did not have internet connection at that time, so we lost contact. Thanks to LinkedIn the winter of 2010 we got in touch and he told me that the organization was looking for a Web Manager and that I should apply. I immediately decided to seize this opportunity and applied.Working for an NGO is, in my opinion, the most profitable job one can do. Not only do you acquire experience through human interaction, but also you participate in something that is worth you involvement.
Volunteers
SOUVIK KAR
In early 2009 shortly after changing clients, Souvik Kar joined Thirdway as the Senior Manager of the Website Department, the Online Fundraising Manager, and a member of the ICT Department. He holds a MBA in Information Technology and a Bachelor's degree in Production Engineering. After finishing his Bachelor's degree Souvik spent a year in Japan for training at his new employer's plant.
Souvik's first job was in the manufacturing domain where he was part of the core team which helped Bridgestone tires setup their first plant in India. Following that Souvik moved to the IT sector and managed multiple IT projects for Fortune 500 clients from locations in India, USA and Canada. Souvik also works with other non-profit organizations as an IT advisor/programmer helping them to communicate more effectively in the Web 2.0 world.
Apart from the broad work of developing and maintaining the website, he is developing a tiered system for online technical support to the staff of the organization and show users how to fix the problem, etc. Writing various simple tutorials for students/staff and updating all tutorials for intermediate/advanced users for example: how to use word, PowerPoint, excel and others. Setting up a remote PC repair system. Creating new and innovative means to acquire more technology for the educational departments and developing a fundraising program with the Fundraising Department.In early 2009 shortly after changing clients, Souvik Kar joined Thirdway as the Senior Manager of the Website Department, the Online Fundraising Manager, and a member of the ICT Department. He holds a MBA in Information Technology and a Bachelor's degree in Production Engineering. After finishing his Bachelor's degree Souvik spent a year in Japan for training at his new employer's plant.
Souvik's first job was in the manufacturing domain where he was part of the core team which helped Bridgestone tires setup their first plant in India. Following that Souvik moved to the IT sector and managed multiple IT projects for Fortune 500 clients from locations in India, USA and Canada. Souvik also works with other non-profit organizations as an IT advisor/programmer helping them to communicate more effectively in the Web 2.0 world.
Apart from the broad work of developing and maintaining the website, he is developing a tiered system for online technical support to the staff of the organization and show users how to fix the problem, etc. Writing various simple tutorials for students/staff and updating all tutorials for intermediate/advanced users for example: how to use word, PowerPoint, excel and others. Setting up a remote PC repair system. Creating new and innovative means to acquire more technology for the educational departments and developing a fundraising program with the Fundraising Department
BRANDON COPELAND
Brandon Copeland, 30, received his BA in Political Science and History from Western Kentucky University in 2003 and his MA in Public Policy from New England College in 2011. Copeland has more than 6 years of experience working with nonprofits on issues such as labour and human rights, the environment, feminism and LGBT affairs in capacities as wide ranging from human resources and recruitment to organizational setup. Copeland originally joined Thirdway in late 2009 and after a hiatus rejoined the team in January of 2011. He is currently the Manager for Human Resources. A passion for organizations and efforts generally that recognize and exalt our shared humanity compelled Copeland to join the Thirdway team.
SUSIE PHAMORNSUWANA
In the fall of 2010, Susie Phamornsuwana began volunteering with Thirdway in the Microfinance and Financial Administration & Budgeting departments. She holds a BA in economics with a focus on financial and managerial accounting from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. Upon graduation, Susie began her career as a financial analyst at Allstate Insurance Company providing financial analysis and consultation on sales initiatives. Currently she is a financial analyst for the largest direct to consumer distributor of media products in the United States and Canada. In this role Susie is responsible for providing financial support, data and analysis of financial results & budgets in support of achieving the company's business strategy. She also supports the formulation of the overall company budget and forecasts and assist with the monthly financial reporting.Prior to volunteering for Thirdway, Susie had been actively involved with the Make-a-Wish Foundation as a Wish Granter as well as serving on the board for the Medical Reach Committee. As a Wish Granter she met with the families of sick children to guide them through the wish granting process and arrange the necessary details to make their child’s wish come true.Susie has always had a strong curiosity of other cultures and has developed a deep interest in international development and human rights. Through her involvement with Thirdway she looks to have a positive impact on the global community and promote the welfare of others.Susie has joined the board of Thirdway America and she is acting as the Manager of the financial administration and budgeting department.
Natalia leal
Natália joined Thirdway as a vvolunteer member of staff in the autumn of 2011, shortly after graduating from her PhD in International Relations (IR) from the University of Kent. She also holds a Master in Sociology and a 4-year degree in IR both from the University of Coimbra. As part of her undergraduate degree, she did an exchange semester at the Haagse Hogeschool, in The Hague. She currently resides in Brussels.
Natalia was invited to help Thirdway, considering her experiences and knowledge on conflict and peace issues, which she gladly accepted with no regrets.She sees this collaboration as a very positive and enriching endeavour, her own contribution torwards the creation of a more peacefu; and fairful world
Before beginning her collaboration with Thirdway, Natália had been a junior lecturer of International Negotiation and an assistant teacher of several other IR subjects at the University of Coimbra. She had also been a guest lecturer at the Athens University of Economics and Business and at Universitá degli Studi di Nápoli l’Orientale, and a trainer on negotiation skills. In 2007 she worked for the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the area of civilian crisis management. She has done volunteer work since 2009 and is currently involved in the local team of Oxfam-Magasins du Monde from Etterbeek, in Brussels. She has coordinated teams and organized several academic, social and diplomatic events, including Model United Nations simulations.
Natalia’s responsibilities at Thirdway include advising on the design and delivery of courses on peace and conflict issues for the organization.
PENNINAH UMWIZA
In August 2009, Penninah Umwiza joined Thirdway as an intern. She is a student at The Hague University pursuing her degree in International Business Management, specializing in finance. Before attending The Hague University, she trained as an accountant for three years. During that academic period, she had the opportunity to do an internship at an organization called UCRIDP, operating in Rwanda in the eastern province. In her current position at Thirdway, she is the Assistant Manager (Coordinator) of the Financial Administration Department and the Manager of the Human Resources Department. She is also working as a volunteer in the Administration Department She applied for this position in order to put into practice what she learned at school, as well as helping the community. Her motivations for working with Thirdway are to offer valuable contributions to the organization by acting wholeheartedly in what she is responsible for doing, in order to deliver qualitative results to the community.
JORDAN LINDELL
In the summer of 2009, after completing her third year at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, Jordan joined Thirdway. She completed an intership as a Human Rights Educator and is now working as a volunteer in the Human Rights Centre and the Administration Department. Upon the completion of her course in 2010, Jordan will hold an MA in International Relations, but has also studied Sustainable Development, Social Anthropology, Arabic, German, Divinity, and Economics. Originally from Colorado in the United States, Jordan splits her time between the United States and Europe.
Before working for Thirdway, Jordan was a research intern at the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) in St Andrews, Scotland. Supervised by a former adviser to the United Nations on terrorism, Jordan has had the opportunity to research and write about the multifarious approaches to counter-terrorism and their effectiveness post-Cold War and post-9/11.
Jordan’s interest in Thirdway began while researching the subject of micro-finance schemes and their relation to women’s empowerment and the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals for a Sustainable Development course at university. Upon hearing about the opening pertaining to human rights, Jordan felt that the position at Thirdway would be a great way to apply her knowledge and interest of both human rights and sustainability. Through the internship, Jordan hopes to learn more about working in the NGO sector, and have the chance to reach out to communities that are desperately in need and have previously been denied basic human rights.
LALA STONE
Lala Stone has completed and obtained her juris doctorate degree in law at the Beasley University School of Law in Philadelphia, PA. She was moved to study the field of law after an internship at the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre in London. EHRAC is an organization that takes court cases from the Russian Federation before the European Court of Human Rights. While in London, Lala also did research for Dr. Margot Salomon at the London School of Economics and Political Science. During her J.D. study, she spent a semester abroad at Utrecht University and she studied in Rome during the summer of 2009. She was also a research assistant for a professor where she looked into the nature of the current bilateral agreement between Iraq and the United States, among other things.Lala grew up in a small town in southeast Missouri, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Currently, Lala supervises the day to day activities at a homeless shelter and assists homeless people one day a week in a free legal clinic.
While at working in the Human Rights Centre at Thirdway as a Senior Research Fellow and Board Member THREAD America, Lala will be researching the intersection between human rights and development, the effect of development aid on the dignity of the recipient and will also look at some of the social and cultural practices which tend to abuse the rights of women across the world. Additional responsibilities are supervising Interns and developing a teaching module on her research topics.
Marina Kudryavtseva
In 2005 Marina graduated from the University of Engineering and Economics in Saint - Petersburg, the faculty of International Management. Since 2007 she has been studying at the Lauder Business School in Vienna. She is doing her Master’s in the programme of Intercultural Management and Leadership. Currently she is completing an internship at the United Nations Office on Crime and Drugs. She is responsible for fundraising issues, takes part in market research and provides project assistance in the South Asia and Pacific Unit. Her previous work experience was mainly in the private sector, where she was involved in the activities of Customer Service and Process Excellence departments. Marina speaks English, Russian, some French and basic German. Before working for Thirdway she took part in international projects and would like to apply her theoretical and practical knowledge in the Thirdway organization. The fields of Human Rights, World Heritage and Cultural Diversity interest her in the professional and personal context. She likes to travel, discover new places, new cultures and new people. Marina is working as the Senior Manager in the Fundraising Department.
Ewa Sierzynska
I have joined Thirdway as a Senior Manager of Microfinance and Entrepreneurship Development Department in July 2009. I hold a MA degree in Banking and Finance and a BA in Economics, both from the University of Economics in Krakow. I am currently enrolled in a post-graduate Certificate in Community Based Microfinance at St.Francis Xavier University in Canada. I am a well-qualified and result-oriented microfinance professional with over six years of international experience working with multilateral development banks and other international organizations (including the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Commission). I have an extensive experience working and living in developing countries. The focus of my career, including nearly 2 years in the field (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) with the consulting company has been in the financial sector managing implementation of the Micro/SME lending project in a local financial institutions, as well as rural finance programmes for the World Bank clients. My to date professional experience in designing, managing & implementing micro and SME lending projects in developing countries as well as two years in the field gave me a solid background of microfinance around the world, deep insight into donors projects and activities as well as a good understanding of sustainable development approach in transition economies. My motivation is to completely utilize my accumulated experience and knowledge to the fullest extent possible, becoming a valuable asset for the Thirdway NGO and contribute to the poverty alleviation efforts in Ghana and around the world.
Eric Kana
In September- 2011 Kana Eric joined Thirdway HRD as an intern. He is a student at The Hague University following his degree in International Business and Management with specialization in International Finances. He also studied at University of Burundi in Statistics department.
Before starting with Thirdway, he worked as an accountant for three years full time. during the academic Kana E. had chance to work at a big Dutch aviation company called KLM at Amsterdam as a team leader assistant in non food department. He gained experience from working with people from different cultures and different continents.
His mission in Thirdway is to work to research on financial means/management and fundraising potentials available to NGOs such as Thirdway HRD with the overall goal of building upon the success of the organization in its approach to fight against poverty in African especially in Ghana. Indeed my Internship will focus on human right development and microcredit projects.
Felix
In the autumn of 2011, Shortly after graduating in Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge , Felix joined Thirdway and is currently working as a volunteer in Thirdway Human Rights and Development Organization . Felix holds a master’s degree in International Business Law, but has also studied Philosophy, History and Economics and holds a diploma on how to start up a business programme in Ashcroft International Business School. Originally from the North Western region of Cameroon, Felix is currently based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Before working for Thirdway, Felix has while in Cameroon, briefly worked in local NGO’s. He gained a very rich administrative experience while working as a company secretary and as an Assistant Litigation Officer. During his studies in Cambridge, Felix worked as Anglia Ruskin University student buddy, answering queries from prospective students and helping most especially new international students on how to get accustomed to studies and life in Cambridge.
Felix interest in Thirdway is as a result of his passion and zeal for Human rights issues, Having witnessed grouse Human Rights violation during his childhood in Cameroon, Felix believed that, an internationally reputable and esteemed Human Rights Organization like Thirdway will be a perfect place for him to build his career as a Human Rights activists. Through this volunteer scheme, Felix intends to have the opportunity to help people in the developing countries who are most prone to Human Rights abuses from their regimes.
Ayeon Kim
In February of 2010, Ayeon Kim joined Thirdway. She has graduated from both, the major in Economics and Diplomatic in SungKyunKwan University in Korea but has also studied various languages. She speaks English, Spanish and Koren fluently and has basic knowledge of Japanese and French. She did a research about what Hugo Chavez did in Venezuela for poor peolpe to improve the quality of life and human rights in her university. As a part of her BA, she did an exchange student for an year in Mexico where she currently has worked.In September of 2010, she started her Master's degree in The Graduate Institute of Peace Studies, Kyunghee University, majoring Peace and Global Governance.She hopes to build a solid academic backgrounds for her future career.
Before working for Thirdway, Ayeon Kim had been involved in various projects. In Korean Federation for Environmental Movement, her job was to contact with cooperate companies and other institutes for fund-raising as an intern. Then in Habitat for Humanity Mexico, she served as a non-paid staff in its national office by caring international donators. Moreover, she could have many opportunities to work directly with community workers in housing construction site by organizing and managing volunteer trips of national, international. she had also gained administrative experience by working for International Trading Company and Korean Embassy in Mexico.
She contributed to Editing & Translations department as the Assistant Manager for a year and from March of 2011, she serves as the Manager of same department. As a result of her passion to human rights of Africa, she decided that the position with Thirdway would be the best way to improve the professions by using her skills towards making a worthwhile contribution.
Elise Matras
In the fall of 2010 Elise Matras joined Thirdway having served as an intern earlier in Ghana.
She graduated from the International Business and Development School 3A in Lyon, France, with specialization in finance, audit, and two studies options: Africa and development.In 2006 she did her internship with Thirdway Ghana. She raised funds in France for micro-credit project, and then I went to Ghana for two months.There she taught French to the pupils in Klaas Haven School, created by in Kasoa, near the capital Accra.She undertook research and participated in other the micro-credit projects, visiting the beneficiaries and attending to meetings with Thirdway Ghana team.It was a very rewarding experience; it was also the first time she went to Africa.
She enjoyed the intercultural exchange, especially with the children.She later worked for other NGOs in France and also at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Paris.She lives in Haute-Savoie in France, and worked in Geneva in the financial sphere, in private banking.She has not forgotten or do not put aside her philanthropic inclination, the wish to contribute to make our world better.When duty calls she agreed become the secretary of Thirdway France and the Manger of the microcredit department. She hopes to develop the NGO in France and to fund projects in micro-credit and education.
Guy McCumber
In the spring of 2010, Guy McCumber began volunteering with Thirdway in the Microfinance and Fundraising departments. He holds a BS in economics and a BA in political science from Duke University, but he has also studied psychology, philosophy, law, and finance. During his studies, he interned in the foreign policy department of a think tank in Washington, DC, where he provided primary research for policy briefs and opinion editorials. Upon graduation, Guy began a career as a management consultant, providing analytical and strategic support to companies and institutions in the public and private sectors. In addition to Thirdway, Guy’s non-profit experience includes continuing involvement with Junior Achievement, where he regularly speaks with grade school children about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and the global economy. Guy’s passion for microfinance developed shortly after attending a lecture by Muhammad Yunus, at which point it became clear that access to capital was a prerequisite to economic development, political freedom, and human rights. But Guy understands that, by itself, access to capital through microloans is not enough, which is what first attracted him to Thirdway’s holistic approach to battling poverty, hunger, and human rights abuses. As Thirdway’s Microfinance and Fundraising departments, Guy focuses on identifying potential candidates to receive new microcredit loans, to raise and distribute funds and then supervises their progress.
Yukitaka Wanibe
Yukitaka Wanibe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Waseda University, Tokyo, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Hosei University, Tokyo. He joined a Japanese bank just after graduation from university, seeking opportunities to support international advancement of Japanese companies. He has developed his career mainly towards dealing with the business promotion of corporate finance. In the negotiation with customers, he usually takes care of the customer's standpoint while analyzing their information.
He recently joined a micro finance activity as a volunteer in Japan and he was willing to be involved in this industry more. That is the reason why he decided to join Thirdway as a volunteer. He will be working in the fundraising department as well as the Microfinance department, because he has no doubts that he can contribute substantially to Thirdway’s causes in this field.
Shrutha Sivakumar
Shrutha Sivakumar holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Commerce from the University of Madras, India and she is currently pursuing her Masters degree in International Studies and is expected to complete the same in 2011. She is fluent in English in addition to Indian languages viz. Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. She also has basic knowledge of Spanish. She was a member of the National Service Scheme and under the same did voluntary work in Government Hospital for a year. During her Under-graduate study, she also promoted environmental awareness by planting saplings bordering roadways. She has also interned with M/s Eureka Forbes Ltd (a leading marketing organization in India) in the area of Accounting, Finance and Marketing. Shrutha has joined Thirdway as an intern in 2010. She believes that in Thirdway, she can gain more exposure of varied spheres which will be a stepping stone for realizing her long term goal of working in the area of human rights. She hopes to integrate various aspects of studies with a service oriented career.
Ani Artinyan
While residing in London to complete a 6-month research internship as part of her studies in Psychology, Ani Artinyan started feeling that the urge to develop her own potential, skills and personality had now opened out into a drive to show more initiative and responsibility for other people, places, ideas, concepts. Her personal view of a better world and sustainability is linked to helping people, countries or organizations implement existing opportunities or assisting them in developing such opportunities, rather than directly financing them on single charitable occasions. In other words, in her opinion, a better way to aid is to create a stimulating climate and a stable environment, able to foster the development of regions, countries, towns, families, personalities. By chance, she notices a short, but informative article regarding the goals and activities of Thirdway on the web and, after a brief correspondence, joined the organization in October, 2009. Ani will have completed her Master’s degree in Psychology in September, 2010. During her studies at the University of Constance, Germany, she specialized in clinical and neuropsychology and health psychology, but has also studied cognitive and emotional neuroscience, research methods, work and organizational psychology. She speaks English, German and Bulgarian fluently and has basic knowledge of Italian and Spanish. Extreme sports and playing the drums are her most enduring hobbies. Working as a research assistant at the Department of General Psychology, Univ. of Constance and a research intern at the University of East London gave Ani the experience of working with people, observing deadlines and being scientifically objective above all. She is going to contribute to different departments at Thirdway, including Marketing, Education, in Human Resources in which she will serve as the Assistant Manager.
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