Human rights begin in small places, close to home...

Worked with the Human Rights Liaison Unit of the Division of International Protection to design strategies  to operationalize human rights engagement into UNHCR's existing practices in field operations. Conducted interviews with staff in missions around the world, focus groups and desk research. Provided core recommendations (including suggested pilot projects) to help UNHCR operations enhance the protection of persons of concern under UNHCR’s mandate by using human rights engagement. 

Worked with executive director of a technical assistance and grant-making organization for progressive movement leaders to think through organizational transformation, restructuring, growth plans, business operations and board relations. Resulted in organizational repositioning, staff restructuring and ambitious (and achievable) growth goals. 

Transformed SPLC by growing funding base, hiring expert staff and creating systems and structures to modernize and institutionalize 48-year old organization. Introduced and integrated strategies to support rights-based legal shifts which drove culture/operational shift from reactive posture to proactive action. Led values-driven development of SPLC's new adaptive strategic plan and oversaw its implementation. Created policies and procedures to manifest JEDI principles including developing an equity-focused compensation policy.

Led the strategic growth of the Center by creating anchor grant-funded programs and research, conducting more than 50 public events each year focused on innovative and interesting intersections of human rights law. Programs opened new discussions in then-emerging areas focused on Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (focusing on building capacity of lawyers working on disability as human rights issues and CRPD), Anti-Torture Initiative (supporting the mandate of UN Special Rapporteur Juan Mendez), Business and Human Rights, Human Rights in Legal Services Agencies in the United States, Human Rights Education in Law Schools, and Expanding the Teaching of International Humanitarian Law in US Law Schools. Evaluated programs for impact and adjusted (and sometimes eliminated) programs based on results.

Worked with high level focal points from various line ministries to understand government obligations,  compile information, draft and submit State Party reports to UN CERD and UN CEDAW Committees.  As part of the process, trained government line ministries and civil society organizations in their overlapping roles and responsibilities in human rights treaty implementation, setting up systems and processes for future collaboration.