Women in Science: From IVLP to Opportunities in STEM

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To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are highlighting Sotheavy At, Strategic Communications Specialist at DAI Global/USAID Digital Asia Accelerator and alumna of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).   How has participating in international exchange for STEM issues transformed your life, career, or education? Did any new opportunities arise from this experience? Before the visit, I thought that only women and girls in developing countries like Cambodia faced barriers to pursue STEM-education and STEM-related work. From my visit, I quickly learned that most women and girls share the same journey...

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IVLP Fosters Collaboration as part of 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative

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The 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative was originally conceived during President Obama’s administration with the stated goal “to underscore the critical relationship between broader educational opportunity and greater regional prosperity.” The initiative’s central objective is to increase study abroad opportunities between the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Over the years, Meridian has worked on multiple projects aimed at building stronger cooperation through this initiative. Most recently, an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project focused on Expanding Sustainable Education Partnerships engaged eight higher education leaders from four Latin American countries exploring future linkages with U.S. educational institutions....

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Pakistani Young Influencer reflects on her IVLP and Pride

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In the Fall of 2019, Ms. Aradhiya Khan participated in an IVLP project with a group from Pakistan focused on Young Influencers. At the time, she worked with the Akhuwat Foundation promoting the social and economic inclusion of the transgender community. In addition, Ms. Khan has actively pursued legislation on a transgender protection bill in the Sindh Provincial Assembly. Below, she reflects on her IVLP experience and Pride.  What is an accomplishment you would like to highlight from your IVLP experience?   As part of the 2019 Young Influencers IVLP project, I attended various interesting meetings, discussions, and field visits during the three-week program. After...

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Australian IVLP Alum Reflects on Marriage, Equality, and Pride

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In June 2015, Anna Brown participated in an IVLP project on Preventing and Responding to Bias-Motivated Violence Against the LGBTI Community. At the time, Anna was the Director of Advocacy & Strategic Litigation for the Human Rights Law Centre. She currently serves as the CEO for Equality Australia. She offered the following reflections on her exchange experience and the impact of Pride Month. What have you been doing since your IVLP experience? I have a vivid memory of the plane ride home from the U.S. after my IVLP trip because when I landed on Australian soil I found out...

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Israeli IVLP Alum reflects on Pride and LGBTQ+ Solidarity

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In March 2019, Israeli national Ms. Liana Ester Meirom Asif traveled to the U.S. for an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on “Human and Civil Rights for Marginalized Communities.” At the time, Ms. Meirom Asif was the International Funds and Resource Development Coordinator for IGY, Israel LGBTQ+ Youth. She has since taken on the role of Vice President, Resource Development and External Relations for IGY. Below, she reflects on her IVLP experience and what Pride means to her. What have you been doing since your IVLP experience? I have started new projects both at IGY, Israel’s LGBTQ+ youth organization,...

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