Mimi Akong

The best piece of advice I've received from a mentor has definitely been the aspect of just do it. If you think about it, if it makes sense to you, then it makes sense to somebody else. Research your opinion, research your thought. And if it makes sense, then it makes sense.

Your voice is definitely needed, just do it. Your voice is needed, specifically being a woman that is in the West. There is so much nuance, and there's so much culture that we do not necessarily understand, so hearing from other women, just being a part of change - sometimes we think that we cannot create change, but just being a part of it is definitely meaningful.

It's definitely one of those fields where you can absolutely create your own opportunities. There's so much nuance and niches within the development space, so whether it's working directly with NGOs, government agencies, or just working directly with ground-based communities, there is so much intersectionality. Whether it's working directly in policy creation, or wanting to work directly with recipients, there is so much nuance and niche within development. As for challenges, positionality is a major one - being an Anglophone American, an English-speaking American, plays a major role in how I am able to interact with the women I am trying to create policies to protect. Sometimes I am not being seen as an ally.