Ivan Odiit-Onapito ’23
Doctoral Student, University of Pittsburgh
Studying the M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership (HDL) program solidified my commitment to serve others and reinforced my dedication to social justice and community empowerment. It provided a renewed sense of purpose, which has become integral to my ongoing PhD in International Affairs. The HDL program offered valuable insights that have enriched my research, particularly in areas such as policy effectiveness, community resilience, and transformational development in post-crisis environments.
One pivotal experience during the program was my volunteer work with World Relief as part of the Refugee and Forced Migration course. I taught English to refugee children and participated with them in various activities. This direct engagement with individuals who had faced profound adversity was transformative. Witnessing the impact of providing hope and support to these children and connecting with their families deepened my understanding of what it means to be a Christian humanitarian. This experience emphasized the values of love, service, and humility, highlighting the power of faith-driven support in times of adversity.
A significant strength of the HDL program is the supportive community it fosters. Despite our cohort being spread across the globe, we maintain strong connections. Professors Kent and Jamie Goodwin were instrumental in my journey; both reviewed my PhD applications, and Jamie wrote a compelling recommendation that significantly strengthened my application.
My professional network also expanded through the HDL community, leading directly to my role at Watts of Love. I first met Connor Economou, an HDL alumnus, when he came to speak in the NGO class and later during Field Operations. He later hired me as the Programs Manager at Watts of Love, where we accomplished meaningful work together before I transitioned to my PhD.
Following my time in the HDL program, I secured an impactful internship with Samaritan’s Purse at their headquarters in Boone, North Carolina, working under a fellow Wheaton alumnus who was the Director of International Programs. There, I evaluated humanitarian relief efforts in Africa and the Middle East. The skills I gained from my NGO and Monitoring & Evaluation classes were invaluable, and as Programs Manager at Watts of Love, I applied these skills to develop effective systems and collaborate with partners in Africa.
The program's emphasis on evidence-based practice inspired me to pursue a PhD at the University of Pittsburgh, where I intend to advance my research in international development.