Mel is a senior program specialist, coach and trainer with over twenty years of experience in global development, organizational performance, leadership development, and results-based management. She has led international capacity-strengthening and volunteer cooperation programs in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, supporting program implementation, evaluation, and strategies for social impact. Currently, Mel works with the World University Service of Canada, designing and delivering volunteer cooperation programs focused on women’s employment and entrepreneurship in multiple countries. Mel holds a Master’s in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Western University and certifications in leadership, management, and project management. Her diverse background includes work in youth entrepreneurship, HIV and AIDS education, and governance and organizational strengthening for NGOs and government agencies worldwide. Mel will be speaking on Day 3 of the IVCO programme, in the session on Taking Action, Measurement and Takeaways and will share lessons learned from a journaling tool pilot in five locations and evaluating soft diplomacy and civic engagement in Canada’s Volunteer Cooperation Program.
