E5S13 From Conflict Zones to Global Impact: Building a Career for Peace and Justice
The Social Change Career Podcast
Release Date: 11/08/2024
E12 S14 Redefining Purpose: Building a Global Career in Urban Action
The Social Change Career Podcast
Season 14, Episode 12 of the Social Change Career Podcast spotlights Natalia Uribe—architect, artist, and founder of Urban World Matters. From her creative roots in Medellín to delivering transformative urban projects on four continents, Natalia’s career is a story of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering local communities and youth in the built environment. Why take a listen? Natalia shares honest reflections, practical tools, and visionary thinking for anyone passionate about cities and social change. If you care about creating better urban spaces, influencing local action...
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E11 S14 Building a Career at the Intersection of Justice and Healing
The Social Change Career Podcast
This episode features , an executive leader, innovator, coach, and Cambodian genocide survivor, sharing her extraordinary journey of building a career at the intersection of justice and healing. Drawing from over 20 years in labor rights, public health, civil rights, and organizational transformation, Hun opens up about personal resilience, the power of humanizing conflict, and practical strategies for meaningful impact in turbulent times. Why Take a Listen Hun’s story as a Cambodian genocide survivor and refugee—and how her lived experiences instilled a lifelong dedication...
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E10 S14 Building a Purpose Driven Career in Philanthropy
The Social Change Career Podcast
This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a thoughtful and practical conversation between Craig Zelizer and , founder of and the Philanthropy Network. Brad’s entry into fundraising was unplanned—driven by financial necessity—but evolved into a decades-long career advising institutions like , the Portland Museum of Art, Suffolk University, and the . In this episode, Brad shares hard-earned lessons on how to build a meaningful and sustainable career in philanthropy, even amid burnout, changing donor landscapes, and rising ethical questions. What the episode covers: • How...
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Ep9 S14 Innovative Finance and Impact: How to Build an Unconventional Career
The Social Change Career Podcast
This episode of The Social Change Career Podcast features , a global finance expert with over 15 years of experience across sovereign debt, venture capital, and impact investing. Her career has taken her from rural Missouri to leading projects across Latin America and Asia—working in English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese. Bethany’s path challenges conventional ideas of what a finance career looks like and shows how language, agility, and purpose can shape meaningful work. Why Take a Listen Learn how a career can evolve through unexpected roles and geographic pivots—and how to...
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E8 S14 Protect What You Love: Building Movements from the Heart
The Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode, Craig Zelizer talks with , a Dutch social entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of multiple global movements including Dance for Life, , and . From organizing some of the largest public festivals in the Netherlands to driving emotional, community-rooted innovation for ocean protection, Ilco shares what it takes to build movements that not only spark change but sustain it. This conversation explores personal and planetary transformation, how movements scale, and why love—and not fear—is often the most powerful catalyst for action. Whether you're leading a social...
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Ep7 S14 Women Shaping Industrial Policy and Transformation in the Global South
The Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Craig Zelizer speaks with , a leader in industrial policy, gender equity, and international cooperation. From serving as Colombia’s Vice Minister of Business Development to designing the country’s first industrial policy in two decades, Soraya brings a rich, cross-sectoral perspective on how to build more inclusive and sustainable economies in the Global South. Based in Bogotá, with academic roots in Colombia, Italy, and India, Soraya shares how her experiences in government, academia, and diplomacy have shaped her career—and her deep commitment to bringing...
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E6 S14: Navigate Your Impact Career Amidst Sector Disruption Breathe, Plan & Act
The Social Change Career Podcast
Navigating a career in the ever-changing world of social impact work can be a wild ride, especially now. In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, we talk about how to manage with the crisis caused by the devastating and cruel cuts to USAID and other orgs. This session features four leading impact sector experts Caroline Ouwerkerk, Spencer Campbell, Julia Firestone and Craig Zelizer. Whether you're figuring out your next steps or trying to make the most of your current situation, this episode offers insights to help you breathe, plan, and act. Why listen to this...
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E5 S14 Building a Career at the Intersection of Art, Activism, and Collective Liberation
The Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, Dr. Craig Zelizer sits down with the inspiring . As a visionary leader and founder of impactful organizations like . and and serving as an , Yura shares their compelling journey of weaving together art, activism, and collective liberation to create lasting social impact. Why You Should Listen: Art as Activism: Discover how Yura's work with Liberate Inc. uses the arts to advance racial, social, and climate justice. Learn about their groundbreaking initiatives that empower BIPOC creatives through grants, education, and organizing efforts. ...
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E4 S14 Building a Career at the Intersection of Water, Peace, and Sustainability
The Social Change Career Podcast
Join us for Season 14, Episode 4 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring , a global leader working at the intersection of environmental policy, peacebuilding, and youth leadership. Natalia shares her multifaceted career at the intersection of water, peace, and sustainability. She highlights the importance of a long-term vision, nurturing relationships, and pursuing further education, such as her involvement in the . Whether you're just starting your career or looking to pivot into a field focused on making a difference, particulary in sustainability and impact, this is a...
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E3 S14 Boardy, the AI Superconnector: How AI Can Support Your Career in Challenging (and Non-Challenging) Times
The Social Change Career Podcast
Take a listen to Season 14, Episode 3 of the Social Change Career Podcast featuring an AI super connector designed to help people navigate their careers, build meaningful connections, and find opportunities in impact sectors. Why Listen? Learn how AI can support impact professionals in challenging times. Explore the role of AI-driven career networking in fostering real human connections. Gain insights into how Boardy facilitates double opt-in networking to help professionals find aligned collaborations. Hear about the rise of AI in impact careers and how professionals can adapt. ...
info_outlineEpisode 5, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast: From Conflict Zones to Global Impact Careers with Victor Ochen
This episode features Victor Ochen, a remarkable peace advocate and founder of the African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET), sharing his journey from growing up amid conflict in Uganda to becoming a global force for peace and youth empowerment. Victor, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Justice, speaks to the power of resilience, healing, and community in driving meaningful change.
Why Take a Listen:
- Learn from Victor’s Journey: He turned personal tragedy into a movement for healing, justice, and peace.
- Key Lessons on Practice: Hear how Victor empowers youth in war-affected communities and provides reconstructive care to thousands impacted by violence
- Explore Local Peacebuilding: Victor shares a powerful perspective on balancing local and international approaches, emphasizing community-driven solutions over traditional aid.
- Impact Career Insights: Victor shares tons of actionable tips for people around the globe to advance a career of impact in terms of skills, networks, funding and more.
Resources to Dive Deeper:
- Connect with Victor Ochen on LinkedIn
- African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET): Learn more about AYINET's transformative work in post-conflict recovery, youth empowerment, and justice advocacy.
- Collaborative Development Associates: CDA Collaborative Learning Projects improves the effectiveness and accountability of peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian action wherever communities experience conflict. - Victor’s Inspiration Sources: Organizations like International Crisis Group (https://www.crisisgroup.org/) and Search for Common Ground (https://www.sfcg.org/) provide excellent insights into peace efforts around the world.
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About Victor:
Victor Ochen is the Founder and Executive Director of AYINET, an organization providing essential reconstructive care, advocacy, and youth empowerment to communities affected by war in Uganda. Raised in a refugee camp amidst the violent conflict of northern Uganda, Victor’s career journey began at age 13, when he formed a Peace Club to stand against child soldier recruitment. Today, his work has transformed the lives of over 21,000 victims of war and empowered countless young people to take leadership in peace and justice. Victor is the youngest African ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Justice, and a global advocate for sustainable peace and SDG Goal 16. Victor is a Global Advisor to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as part of the Advisory Group on Gender, Forced Displacement and Protection
Episode Highlights:
- 0:00 - Victor’s Early Life and Path to Peacebuilding
- 5:10 - Founding the African Youth Initiative Network
- 12:30 - Healing and Justice in Conflict Recovery
- 25:45 - Navigating International Aid Dynamics
- 40:15 - Recommendations for Aspiring Peacebuilders
- 55:20 - Practical Challenges in Peace Work